Like Lewis and Clark or Darwin on the Beagle, I too, being a natural science and biology aficionado have a research component to this trip. I have made careful observations on the flora and fauna along the way. Although my trip is far from over, here is a detailed report on my findings:
Flora:
A lot, except in central Texas. I love the huge magnolias, but my favorite are the humongous rhododendrons.
Fauna:
Armadilloes: Six, dead on the side of the road.
Birds: Many of the regular variety, plus of the falcon and vulture kind. A lot of egrets/herons in Louisiana of all sizes and colors, proving that you can never be too thin nor too cool.
Buffalos: none
Cats: a few strays around gas stations and hotels.
Cows: thousands
Deer: A bunch, the first one on the lawn of a house in Georgetown in Washington D.C.
Donkeys: unexpectedly, a lot.
Goats: Also surprisingly a lot, even of the rare Boer breed.
Fish: mostly dead and fried, on my plate.
Horses: hundreds
Lions: none, although I did see a sign for a drive through safari park in Texas. These, however, are not recommended when you are on a motorbike.
Sheep: Remarkably, none
Squirrels: Of course, although less than in New England
Skunks: half a dozen, (see armadilloes)
Zebra: No, wait, no (see Lions)
