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. 

A Child's World, A Sunday Special Edition

Sunday, December 15, 2012

A Child's World

"A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us, that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantment of later years, [against] the alienation from the sources of our strength."  -  Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

The red-tailed hawk that perches near the top of the smokestack at the historic CPS power plant beside the San Antonio River has returned. One of the primary goals of the San Antonio River Improvements Project is to enhance the habitat for wildlife such as this truly awe-inspiring bird.

I was fortunate to have grown up in a family that nurtured my sense of wonder in nature. This was one of the most precious gifts I have been given in my life.

The San Antonio River Authority, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, Cibolo Nature Center and numerous other organizations in and around San Antonio have programs involving school age children (and adults) in activities that can reinforce "a sense of wonder so indestructible that it [will] last throughout life."

I encourage parents to get your children involved in these programs. It may well be, beyond your love and the gift of life itself, the greatest gift you ever give them.

This set of photos was taken on my walk along the San Antonio River Friday (December 14).

A Reminder of Life's Preciousness

Friday, December 14, 2012

San Antonio River, Mission Reach, Roosevelt Park Trailhead trail loop

Today's photos:

With the incredible tragedy of the mass shooting at the elementary school in Newtown, CT today, my mind and soul are too dazed, too numb to publish a full set of photos from today's walk. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families in Newtown. I offer these four photographs as a small memorial to all who were killed today, especially the children.

A Butterfly on Firewheel Extravaganza

Thursday, December 13, 2012

This past Friday when I walked along the San Antonio River, there were quite a few firewheel in bloom. This flower, Gaillardia pulchella Foug., is also commonly known as Indian blanket. The butterflies were having a feast on the flowers' nectar:

Keep in mind, these photos were taken a couple days before the arctic cold front blew through late in the weekend, bringing a couple nights below freezing with it. I thought about titling this post "Summer's Last Stand," but here in South Texas, summer rarely completely gives way to winter. Summer may go into hiding for a few days or even a couple of weeks, but it is never far away.

In the Wake of an Arctic Cold Front

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

San Antonio River, Mission Reach, Concepcíon Park Trailhead
downstream around the loop trail

Today's photos:

Since the arctic cold front blew in Sunday night, we have had two nights below freezing and it will be close to freezing again tonight. This was the first freeze of the year and the coldest nights since December of last year.

The daytime temperatures are beginning to moderate. It was about 60º F when I walked along the river this afternoon. The sun was bright under a clear blue sky, without a single cloud all day.

It is worth noting that this is the first post on While on a Walk that includes a Black-crowned Night Heron. Also, it was nice to see an American Kestrel back along the river.