Views of the Neighborhood – Status of Bird Sanctuaries

~ John W. Howell

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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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

51 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Status of Bird Sanctuaries”

  1. 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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    1. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  10. 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! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

      2. …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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  21. 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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    1. 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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