A Deep Breath of Fresh Country Air

Monday, December 17, 2012

Crescent Bend Nature Park

Today's photos:

The air was comfortably warm and the sky a bright winter blue this afternoon at Crescent Bend Nature Park. A distinctively sweet savanna aroma brought back memories of similar days in numerous other places from many decades ago. It is an aroma similar to fresh cut hay, but with an added woodland accent.

The winter hardy red admiral, American snout, orange sulphur and dainty sulphur butterflies flitted about. The red admirals and American snouts cooperated photographically. The sulphurs just wouldn't sit still long enough to get them into focus. There were also a wide variety of birds. I'll post their photos tomorrow.

As I pointed out in my post from August 1, 2011, Crescent Bend Nature Park is a section of land that is being returned from development to a natural savanna habitat. The ecosystem recovery and improvement in wildlife habitat over just the past sixteen months has been remarkable. Nature is quite resilient and can heal itself when given an adequate amount of protection. 

Autumn in South Texas

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Other than Lost Maples State Natural Area, South Texas isn't known for colorful fall foliage. However, some years in some locations the golden-yellow of the fall elm and the reds of the red oak and flaming sumac can be quite spectacular. The bright orange berries of yaupon and red berries of possumhaw provide an additional burst of color.

The Salado Creek Greenway North, Creekbed Trail* is one of the areas that is a color binge right now. These photos were taken on my walk yesterday. They include in the order I encountered them: red oak, flameleaf sumac and possumhaw. There was also some beautiful golden fall elm, but I couldn't find an angle to get good photos of them.

* A note of caution to anyone walking the natural surface trails of the creekways: insect repellent is highly recommended. The mosquitos are also quite abundant now and tend to be more a problem closer to the actual creek beds than to the paved greenway trails.

Literally At a Loss For Words

Monday, November 19, 2012

Leon Creek Greenway, Grissom Rd Trailhead downstream

Today's photos:

All I can say is this series of photos visually communicates what I mean by "wonder and awe and delight" far better than anything I can write. It is a very good beginning to Thanksgiving week.

When Flameleaf Sumac Begin to "Flame"

Monday, November 12, 2012

Leon Creek Greenway, Mainland Trailhead to Leon Vista Trailhead (and back)

Today's photos:

When the flameleaf sumac begin to "flame," it's autumn in South Texas. And today was an absolutely beautiful autumn day, perfect for an afternoon walk through the woods.