Dawn on the Blanco


I tagged along on a bird survey May 15 near the banks of the Blanco River. I like birds as much as the next guy, but I don’t know a whole lot about them. For me, songbirds always provided the background music for whatever more important thing I was focusing on. Their songs mingle with urban noises like passing cars and barking dogs—stuff to tune out rather than contemplate.

But this was different. The cool morning air was filled with the melodies of chirps, trills, hoots and caws, each corresponding to a different species. My “bird nerd” companions helpfully identified each song, pointing out yellow-billed cuckoos, canyon wrens and several others, including canyon towhees (they sound like gatling guns) and the sweet, high music of the painted bunting.

We stood quietly in mature juniper forests or on limestone ledges and grassy fields, and we relied almost solely on our sense of hearing to identify one species from the other. Sound was far more important than sight. Other senses — smell, taste and touch — fell by the wayside. As I narrowed and clarified my focus, the sounds of the forest began to fill up my consciousness. It felt surprisingly like meditation, and I could see myself becoming a bird nerd.

Here are a few iPhone photos from our morning.

Surveying the ranch

Overlooking the river

Halifax Falls

image

Limestone gravel

Limestone gravel

Horse crippler cactus

Horse Crippler

Halifax Canyon

Canyon


4,049 responses to “Dawn on the Blanco”

  1. Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favourite justification seemed to be at the internet the simplest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst folks consider worries that they just do not understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the whole thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you|

  2. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good blog!

  3. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However just imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its field. Wonderful blog!

  4. I would also like to add if you do not surely have an insurance policy or maybe you do not belong to any group insurance, you could possibly well really benefit from seeking aid from a health insurance professional. Self-employed or people who have medical conditions commonly seek the help of any health insurance brokerage. Thanks for your post.

  5. Wonderful paintings! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

  6. I don?t even understand how I stopped up here, but I assumed this submit used to be good. I do not recognise who you might be but certainly you are going to a famous blogger in the event you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  7. I am extremely inspired with your writing skills and also with the format for your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one today..

  8. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I?ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  9. I?m impressed, I need to say. Really rarely do I encounter a weblog that?s each educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the issue is something that not enough persons are talking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing regarding this.

  10. I am so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  11. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

  12. you’re really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a magnificent job on this topic!

  13. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant clear idea

  14. I simply couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person supply for your visitors? Is going to be back continuously in order to inspect new posts

  15. I should say also believe that mesothelioma is a uncommon form of cancer malignancy that is normally found in individuals previously subjected to asbestos. Cancerous cells form inside mesothelium, which is a safety lining which covers most of the body’s areas. These cells commonly form inside lining in the lungs, stomach, or the sac which actually encircles the heart. Thanks for expressing your ideas.

  16. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.|

  17. Thanks for the a new challenge you have discovered in your blog post. One thing I’d really like to reply to is that FSBO human relationships are built over time. By introducing yourself to owners the first weekend their FSBO can be announced, prior to the masses begin calling on Friday, you generate a good link. By giving them equipment, educational resources, free records, and forms, you become an ally. If you take a personal curiosity about them and also their predicament, you produce a solid connection that, most of the time, pays off if the owners opt with a representative they know as well as trust – preferably you.

  18. Hello there, just was aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I?m gonna be careful for brussels. I will appreciate for those who proceed this in future. Numerous other folks might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  19. After exploring a number of the blog posts on your site, I truly appreciate your way of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website too and let me know how you feel.|

  20. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

  21. What i do not understood is in truth how you are not really much more smartly-appreciated than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize thus significantly with regards to this matter, made me for my part believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men are not involved except it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times take care of it up!

  22. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired! Very useful information particularly the closing part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I used to be seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thanks and good luck.

  23. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  24. Holy cow! I’m in awe of the author’s writing skills and ability to convey complicated concepts in a clear and concise manner. This article is a true gem that deserves all the accolades it can get. Thank you so much, author, for offering your knowledge and offering us with such a valuable asset. I’m truly thankful!

  25. I used to be more than happy to find this web-site.I needed to thanks on your time for this wonderful read!! I positively enjoying each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.

  26. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing subject with ur rss . Don?t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  27. I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this particular issue plus it does provide me a lot of fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, because of what precisely I have observed, I just hope when the responses pile on that folks continue to be on issue and in no way get started upon a tirade regarding the news of the day. Anyway, thank you for this superb piece and even though I do not necessarily go along with it in totality, I respect the perspective.

  28. Hi, I think your blog may be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, excellent site!|

Leave a Reply to Valeriu Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *