Spring bringing out life in Clovis

Local columnist

With the changing of the season I’ve taken to eating my lunch at Hillcrest Park. While the trees are beautiful and the animal sounds echoing out of the zoo provide a nice ambience to the routine, what I am really after is the sun.

It seems like the whole community has really blossomed since it warmed up. I can see it in the smiling people I pass in the local garden nursery, the plants that are blooming that I had no idea existed here, and the little creatures emerging from their winter hiding spots to galavant in the warm light.

I’ve always thought my spirit animal is some kind of reptile. I am one of those people who is constantly cold, and nothing brings me comfort and peace like draping over a hot rock or piece of pavement like a snake soaking up the heat.

I met a fellow sun-lover and new friend on my way to work Monday morning, a little dinosaur looking creature who was enjoying the sun so much he refused to move away from my front tires so I could pull out of the driveway.

When I was little we called them horny toads, but I haven’t seen one since I was too young to even consider that it’s not actually a toad, but a lizard. When I spotted him in front of my car I was mesmerized, and it wasn’t too long before I had my phone out taking pictures to #makehimfamous.

He looked up at me but didn’t move. I think we could both sense our common interest in getting some Vitamin D. While sitting next to him, chilling in the glorious morning light, I decided to do a little research to find out more about my spiky friend.

I’m going to make an educated guess that this little creature is a species of horny toad called a Texas horned lizard, which is only significant in that it’s one of the species of horny toads that can squirt an aimed stream of blood from the corner of its eyes and its mouth up to five feet.

After learning that charming fact I eye-balled him precariously and scooted a little further away.

But I was pleased to find out that horny toads eat ants and supplement their diet with grasshoppers, which are a known nuisance around here.

I’m pleased to share my land with him, but he wasn’t the only local treasure I’ve discovered in sunny eastern New Mexico lately.

Within the last week, I’ve spotted an array of wildlife I had no idea existed in Clovis since I moved here last fall. I’ve had hummingbirds do flyovers through my patio, I met a sunning turtle friend in my pasture, and I slammed on my brakes with joy and surprise when I noticed the playful prairie dogs that were scampering about the field in front of Clovis Community College.

I am uplifted and energized by the life that is making itself known in Clovis right now. The long, cold winter we endured is quickly becoming a distant memory, and the warm ground is calling us to lay down and reconnect with the amazing place we call home.

Aubry Buzek is a reporter for Clovis Media Inc. Contact her at: [email protected]