Brighten Your Day

Nashville Warbler
Photograph by Bill Ravenscroft

Fall and Confusion

One of the best aspects of birding is the interplay between fellow birders.  We are a collegial and amiable lot.  True.  Yet, we don’t always agree.  Hence, we engage in good natured discussion.  More often than not it is over the identification of a species of bird rather than habitat or venue.  Fall Warblers provide copious opportunity to both be so engaged and to hone our skills.

Photograph by Bill Ravenscroft

Case in point is the bird depicted in this photograph.  I suppose I could leave it unidentified and see what response I would get. I’ll tell you there has already been considerable discussion via email from friends from within the state and from coast to Middle America.  We have consensus, but I think I will let you all make comment for a while.  It will be interesting to see what kind of response this effort produces.

The floor is open for discussion.  Or you could click on the photograph and select properties and see how we've identified it.

Still Soaring

Still Soaring

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Remarkable September

 

The month of September will be an unforgettable one for us.  After several years of drought and over 100 days of triple digit days, what has become known as the worst and most devastating fire in Texas history struck Bastrop County.  34000 acres and 1600 homes were burned and destroyed.  The toll on livestock and wildlife is enormous.  The environment will not recover for some 40 years according to experts.  The Lost Pines are truly lost.

 

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to attend as faithfully and diligently as we can to the area.  Campaigns are beginning to formulate ecologically sound restoration of the area.  The burned area included Bastrop State Park.  95% of the park was damaged or destroyed.  The good news is that the CCC built buildings were saved.  Some 100 acres were kept free of fire.  Still efforts to replant are necessary, require thoughtful planning and execution, and must guard against harmful invasive species. 

Landowners in and around the area are also asking what might be done in good stewardship of their own property.  Many of us have much to learn in hopes that our children and our grandchildren will be able to enjoy the land and the environs once again.

Personally, I look to the future with hope.  To all, I say, “The Sun Also Rises”.