Leon Creek Greenway, Buddy Calk Trailhead, South

Today's photos:

Most of the paved Leon Creek Greenway trail from the Buddy Calk Trailhead on Babcock Rd south to Prue Rd is on higher ground above the east side of the creek. It is more or less at tree canopy height for the trees growing along the creek banks. There are dirt trails on the west side of the creek bed that are at or close to the creek bed level.

This morning, I walked south on the paved greenway trail and returned to the trailhead on the dirt trail. Almost all of the photos presented here are from the dirt trail. The weather was beautiful. It was only 91 degrees at 1 pm and there was a nice breeze blowing.

It is difficult to tell from these photos how desperate we are for rain. There are many large trees along the creek that are beginning to die from lack of water. These trees are usually the last to begin to show drought stress, because the ground water usually lasts longer along waterways, even intermittent ones. On the other hand, many of the late summer flowering plants seem to be doing okay in spite of the drought. Hopefully, rain will return soon.

I haven't posted a photo of a cardinal in a while in spite of the fact they are probably the most common bird I have encountered on my walks. The photo posted above is long overdue. Once again, I took more photos today that will be included in upcoming posts.