The last time we checked on the status of the bird sanctuaries they were a bit of a mess from the Hurricane Harvey. I am happy to report they are making a comeback.
Here is a photo of Paradise Pond taken shortly after the Hurricane.
Here is what it looks like today.
This is what the actual pond looked like.
Now it is cleaned up.
With a return of birds.
Many birds
Although the tree cover is gone the pond itself is filled with wildfowl
Here is a shot taken at the birding center. Off in the distance are many pink Spoonbills and white egrets. I’m sorry the photo isn’t better, but the birds were out of range.
The birding center still has no access for close up shots. The photo of the Spoonbills and Egrets was taken to the left of this destroyed walkway (which I published two months ago). The important point is the birds have returned. I hope you enjoyed the walk today.
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It’s heartwarming to see the progress, John. Your before/after/now photos capture the best of human nature often hidden in the noise of the day. Thank you for the morning walk. 🙂
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You are welcome. It was a pleasure having you along. Thank you. 😀
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Clearly there are higher priorities, but is there any word about when the walkway might be repaired?
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The city is still working on clean up of residences (tear down etc) I would suspect they will get on it soon. The whooping crane festival is in February and that usually draws thousands. I don’t think the walkway will be done in time so everyone will have to bring their telephoto lenses. Where I was standing is as close as you can get to the wetlands.
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Great to hear they’re coming back. Did the sanctuary revive that species board? Curious to know if any new types showed up because the landscape changed.
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The board is still there but was washed clean by the recent rain so hard to tell. 🙂
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Hopefully it gets restarted. Guess rain is better than snow.
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There was evidence of writing. So I think people still record what they see.
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I’m glad to see the birds have returned. The walkway will take time, but the sights are there to see and the space can once again sustain life. This storm left you/us with a better perspective on what is truly important. Thanks for your patient way of showing it to us, John.
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Thank you, Dan. Sometimes it is difficult to see improvement, but using the camera definitely provides the evidence to lift the spirits. 😀
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How nice to see the birds have returned. I remember during the eclipse last year, all of the birds seemed to have disappeared for a while. It’s just not the same without our feathered friends. Happy Sunday, John.
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Thank you, Jill. The bird counts are still below last year, but all in all it is nice to have them back. Happy Sunday.
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It looks like the sanctuaries are slowly getting back to near normal, John. That’s just great. Good pictures. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne. They are coming back.
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I’m happy nature is recovering. 🙂
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Me too. Gives us hope.
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Recovery is a slow process from such vast devastation. Happy to see progress.
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Yes it is good progress.
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I, too, enjoyed the walk!
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Thank you , Billy Ray.
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♥♥♥
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Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
Ain’t it marvellous how nature recovers itself? Some update photography of a local bird sanctuary on Mustang Island in Texas, which, despite losing tree cover has former residents flocking back to the cleaned habitats post-Harvey! 😀
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Thank you, Jan.
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Lovely to see, John! Wishing you a peaceful Sunday. 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie
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Nature is pretty amazing. I hope the humans get time to help things along soon.
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I think they will.
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I love the walk! Thanks for sharing, John 🙂 I really love boardwalks. They are a wonderful way to get among natural things without trampling over them 😉
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So true. I can’t wait for the bird center boardwalk to be replaced. Thanks, Marie.
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Looks wonderful, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome!
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Wow…I’ve never seen so many spoonbills together like that. This is fantastic!
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I wish I could have gotten closer. Thanks, Susan
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Thrilled to hear Nature is beginning to return to normal now! Disasters have a way of making a “new normal” though, don’t they?
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So true. Thanks, Debbie.
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I truly enjoyed this walk, John, and am so glad the birds are back!
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Thank you, Lauren
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Progress is good when the wildlife returns!
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I think so too.
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I’m happy to see the progress in the bird sanctuary. To this day, even after seeing your photos, I cannot imagine the destruction.
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I enjoyed the walk, hearing how much the sanctuary has recovered, and seeing the birds. I’d love to see those Spoonbills in person though. WOW!
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I know right? They were lovely but so far away.
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Murphy’s Bloody Law rules when you have the
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😀
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…oops hit send somehow before finishing my comment. I find when I have my camera the birds seem to know it and are further than my range, but when I’m sans my camera they’re within arms reach!! It’s maddening! Still I’d really love to see a Spoonbill in the wild rather than a zoo or wildlife park even if they were out of range of my lens.
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I agree. They are a thrill. For some reason they decided to pay a visit.
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Now I know where all our spoonbills are — they’re in your backyard! It’s wonderful to see the progress that’s being made, and I’m glad the birds are returning. I didn’t realize the Whooping Crane Festival is coming up so soon. Will you be able to accomodate the number of people who’ll want to attend the event?
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Thank you for the visit, Linda. In answer to your question I’m not sure if the same number can be accommodated. Short term rental units are still way below pre hurricane. Between Rockport and Port A I think some folks will have to forgo staying. Day trips are possible for Texans. It is the out of state folks who will miss the fun. I found your blog to be fascinating and look forward to more.
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Ooo, waiting patiently for the Ibis to return to you, as well. Wonderful news!!
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Me too.
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