Two weeks to go

As I’m nearing the end of my time here at Anahuac NWR, I find myself anxious to move on, as usual.  It’s time to explore new horizons.  :)  I had two pretty grueling (read boring) days in the VIS this weekend and ended up taking exactly zero pictures.  So, tonight’s pics are from the bird survey I did on Friday morning.

 

Last Wednesday’s more than 2.5” of rain meant that formerly dry fields were now moist soil units.

On the way to my second stop, I ran across the mother load of white ibises gleaning tasty morsels from wet fields.  There were several hundred in all.

And on the sidelines, two coyotes were out during the overcast morning looking for an easy target.  Their legs and bellies were pretty wet from running in the fields.

They’re pretty healthy looking specimens.  I have often found their paw prints along the transects that I walk.

This  stop was my destination.  I hope it will give you an idea of the vastness of the marshlands that I survey.  These marshlands are an estuary for fish and shrimp, help with stopping erosion, purify the water, and provide fantastic wintering grounds for North America’s ducks and geese. (and I might add that it is an enormous breeding ground for mosquitoes:))  These protected marshes are just teeming with life, and are so important in maintaining an ecological balance.  They don’t have the majesty of the mountains or the stark beauty of the desert, but, my goodness, they are so important and hold a treasured place in my heart.

 

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy