05/24/2026
Last night we hosted one of our Night Ride programs and got some amazing views!
As the sun set and we entered the park we got a stunning view of the sunset over the canal, followed shortly by a Javelina crossing the road. By the time we got to Ebony Grove, light was quickly disappearing, but we could make out a "hummingbird moth" which get their name from the large body and hovering flight pattern similar to a hummingbird. We aren't sure of the species but it likely was a Titan Sphinx moth or similar.
We also were seeing a number of bats flying overhead, helping us out by making a meal of the many gnats and mosquitos that came out after the recent rains. Using a tool called a bat box which amplifies certain sounds, we could hear the clicking of their echolocation as they closed in on their meal.
Later, once it was fully dark, we stopped near the Rio Grande Trailhead where we got magical views of fireflies moving amongst the trees and the stars glowing above them. Jupiter and Venus sat bright in the Gemini constellation, a bright half-moon shone at the top of the sky, and we looked for common summer sights such the Big Dipper and the north star Polaris.
As we drove through the park, we heard the sounds of wildlife, including 3 types of owl, common pauraques, katydids, and toads. We saw tarantulas, 2 types of toads, a racoon in a tree and a surprise Great Horned Owl sitting on the ground. We also experienced the unique smell of a skunk that had recently traveled through the area.
Night programs like this are special. We typically are able to offer them once or twice a month and reservations fill up fast. If you are able to reserve your space and find that you aren't able to attend, please let us know we can give others an opportunity to have this incredible experience. Nighttime at the park is truly a different world.
