tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151727907811176602024-03-18T04:48:43.067-05:00Dallas Trinity TrailsThis practical guide takes readers to the best trails found in the Great Trinity Forest, all within easy reach of Downtown Dallas. Destinations include less traveled, low-traffic areas for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the City of Dallas. Joppa Preserve, McCommas Bluff Preserve, Trinity River Wetlands, Texas Horse Park, Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail, Lower White Rock Creek, Sycamore Dixon, Texas Buckeye Trail, Dallas Whitewater Wave, Levee Trails, Rochester Park and more.DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-8801410982582218652015-08-20T14:21:00.003-05:002015-08-23T10:08:53.670-05:00Great Trinity Forest Wading Birds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds of the Great Trinity Forest hunting quarry near Joppa at dawn</td></tr>
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The Trinity River's flooding events bring an immense volume of water and aquatic life into over banked areas of the floodplain. The primal urge of many aquatic species is to migrate from the permanent river channel and into temporary ephemeral water bodies. This new landscape affords bountiful forage and prime breeding habitat especially during spring and summer months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGuXZZu08UY/Vbf6avUc41I/AAAAAAAAOck/H9hGhPanuA4/s1600/bill%2Brich%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGuXZZu08UY/Vbf6avUc41I/AAAAAAAAOck/H9hGhPanuA4/s640/bill%2Brich%2B2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Scouts Richard Grayson and Bill Holston talk to local Joppa fisherman Edward about his luck catching catfish</td></tr>
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Many Trinity River fish species successfully spawn and feed in shallow waters. The majority of the populations move back into the permanent river channel as the water recedes. Those that don't heed the warnings of falling waters face an uncertain future. The hot summer Texas sun eventually evaporates the water down to nothing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DTz2UPs6v8/Vbf5GPD7B1I/AAAAAAAAObs/cJTGs3scKFs/s1600/ibis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DTz2UPs6v8/Vbf5GPD7B1I/AAAAAAAAObs/cJTGs3scKFs/s640/ibis%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flock of White Ibis with a second year immature coming into land near Cell G Lower Chain of Wetlands</td></tr>
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There is a sweet spot for watching bird life during these ephemeral ponding events when the recipe of shallow water and concentrated aquatic species converge to create a feeding frenzy few people see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzyMwnoGMtc/Vbf8vyMWWyI/AAAAAAAAOeU/cay_oFzloLw/s1600/crawfish%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xzyMwnoGMtc/Vbf8vyMWWyI/AAAAAAAAOeU/cay_oFzloLw/s640/crawfish%2B3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dedicated fishermen of Joppa</td></tr>
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Game planning where the prey species of birds will be when the water recedes starts during the highest inundations of flood waters. Places that the local fishermen of Joppa call their "honey hole" hot spots. Places where the fish are numerous and come easy. The stories of catfish hauls that could fill a five gallon bucket in mere minutes permeate this area. Stories that have not been told since the last great over banking and flooding events of the early 1990s.<br />
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The hot fishing places during flooding turn into premier birding spots down the road once the sun works the ponds over for a few weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gutpvqL85lo/Vbf8y4pfYCI/AAAAAAAAOec/kbi-sTE4Yew/s1600/crawfish%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gutpvqL85lo/Vbf8y4pfYCI/AAAAAAAAOec/kbi-sTE4Yew/s640/crawfish%2B2a.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie with a crawfish he caught by hand using kite string and a chicken liver</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis with crawfish</td></tr>
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It's the Dallas no one really sees or knows about, if you are into the human experience of such places. For the residents, it is in their blood and courses through their DNA as who they are. It is their first time to fish many of these places on land that was once a private golf course turned flood protection lake system. The private country club always kept the local residents away. Behind high fences. Behind the barriers of admission fees. Behind the price of discrimination. Now the locals claim the wetland cells as their own. Their park. In their neighborhood. <br />
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<b> </b>When the rains from the heavens stop and the skies clear. When the flood waters began to fall, the wading bird action can begin.<br />
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<b>Hack Guide To Birding The Lower Chain of Wetlands</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2sR1Lg_AWQ/Vbf6DoykUwI/AAAAAAAAOcU/hdPYJssxJRA/s1600/bill%2Brich%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2sR1Lg_AWQ/Vbf6DoykUwI/AAAAAAAAOcU/hdPYJssxJRA/s640/bill%2Brich%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dried, silted and scoured lower chain of wetlands north of Loop 12 in Dallas. Master Naturalists Bill Holston and Richard Grayson begin the walk north from the old Sleepy Hollow Country Club lot.</td></tr>
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Early bird gets the worm when it comes to seeing wildlife during the summer months along the Trinity. Before the crack of dawn, getting down into the woods or high grasses before the birds stir is really the only chance to get up close and personal.<br />
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Like the world of real estate, location is everything. Timing and some keen observation skills fill the gaps on where to see birds.<br />
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The focus is Wetland Cell G and the recently flooded wooded and high grass areas to the immediate west of Cell G in an area known as Honey Springs by locals. At right, an area bounded loosely by about 75 acres inside the red circle, serves as a prescribed path beginning at the old Sleepy Hollow Country Club parking lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZI7O1YqfmE/Vbf5JuBo6GI/AAAAAAAAOb0/emC66vE7gdk/s1600/caracara%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZI7O1YqfmE/Vbf5JuBo6GI/AAAAAAAAOb0/emC66vE7gdk/s640/caracara%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Caracara hovering over the Lower Chain of Wetlands enjoying a rising thermal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4U8FHj7BTO8/Vbf5OPwNVkI/AAAAAAAAOb8/tiR5NNDNxH4/s1600/little%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4U8FHj7BTO8/Vbf5OPwNVkI/AAAAAAAAOb8/tiR5NNDNxH4/s400/little%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Blue Heron catching a crawfish</td></tr>
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Feeding is a wading bird’s most spontaneous activity and occurs
throughout the Great Trinity Forest's lakes, ponds, woodland pools,
swamps, rivers, sloughs, creeks, canals, and ditches. Breeding and
nesting most often occur near these carefully selected swamp or lake
habitats. Roosting sites employ the tallest canopy tree layers available
along rivers and streams as well as within and along the edges of
swamps and lakes.<br />
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As a group, the wading birds are primarily carnivorous and eat just about anything that does not eat them first. Prey items range from insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, including substantial amounts of shellfish, amphibians like frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, and skinks. Reptiles such as lizards and snakes, small bird species and nestling birds, and small mammals such as mice are in the wheel house of their diet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8a-gD6Xi4LQ/Vbf6WTUPqiI/AAAAAAAAOcc/-UQ7uSv3hb0/s1600/yellow%2Bcrown%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8a-gD6Xi4LQ/Vbf6WTUPqiI/AAAAAAAAOcc/-UQ7uSv3hb0/s640/yellow%2Bcrown%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Crowned Night Heron</td></tr>
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The herons and egrets (family Ardeidae) are true hunters, foraging via a combination of deliberate stalking interspersed by long periods of stillness, simply waiting for prey to reveal its location, at which time the prey is apprehended with lightning speed.<br />
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This is when their long, graceful, “S” shaped necks come into play. In a classic case of form following function, the cervical (neck) vertebrae of the ardeids have evolved into a long, snake-like coil configuration, allowing for an incredible store of coiled flex and extension.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0U7yAqOh1A/VaQNLhc35VI/AAAAAAAAOZE/qY3wr68rGFQ/s1600/egret%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0U7yAqOh1A/VaQNLhc35VI/AAAAAAAAOZE/qY3wr68rGFQ/s640/egret%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret snatching a shad from the surface of a pond adjacent to the Lower Chain of Wetlands Cell G</td></tr>
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About midway through the “S” of the neck, the esophagus of herons and egrets actually detours behind the vertebral column, allowing for a completely unhindered forward thrust of the neck, head, and bill when the moment of truth arrives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-FioJXR8GM/VaQNOQ3AXSI/AAAAAAAAOZg/clgQljjbK2k/s1600/little%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-FioJXR8GM/VaQNOQ3AXSI/AAAAAAAAOZg/clgQljjbK2k/s640/little%2Bblue%2B1.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Blue Heron with a Largemouth Bass at the Lower Chain of Wetlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tLkvwm4MHo/VdYROpE8D9I/AAAAAAAAOjA/Vh7rHs6Ek0k/s1600/reddish%2Begret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tLkvwm4MHo/VdYROpE8D9I/AAAAAAAAOjA/Vh7rHs6Ek0k/s320/reddish%2Begret.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reddish Egret, Great Trinity Forest, 2015</td></tr>
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Lastly, the business end of the ardeid foraging machine – the bill – is long, strong, and relatively heavy, allowing for greater leverage in grasping and holding all types of prey, from “jittering” crawfish to slick, wildly thrashing bass. Not all ardeids are so tightly bound to the stealthy foraging philosophy.<br />
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In fact, the Reddish Egret possesses one of the most aggressive foraging modes of any North American bird species. The Reddish Egret at left was in the Great Trinity Forest summer 2015. Listed as a threatened bird by the State of Texas, it represents a special sighting for Dallas County. As far as endangered birds go, only the Whooping Crane, Wood Stork, White Faced Ibis and Reddish Egret are on the list. The Whooping Crane is the only bird not documented in the Great Trinity Forest. Radio data and GPS tracking suggests a group of Louisiana Whooping Cranes briefly visited the forest in the summer of 2013.<br />
<a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/birds.phtml" target="_blank">https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/birds.phtml</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CceznAoNxUU/Vbf6y4ezA3I/AAAAAAAAOc8/KFAIFgmZSD8/s1600/egret%2Bibis%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CceznAoNxUU/Vbf6y4ezA3I/AAAAAAAAOc8/KFAIFgmZSD8/s640/egret%2Bibis%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egrets and Ibises in the early morning summer light</td></tr>
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Wading birds forage many different ways and have different adaptations that allow them to successfully find food. While the light-colored bodies of birds such as great and snowy egrets may stand out and make the birds very noticeable from a human perspective, their white bodies actually blend in with the sky when viewed from below, or from a prey perspective. This allows them to stand in the water without being noticed from below while waiting for prey to come near enough to be caught.<br />
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White Ibis <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--12WQXix5ik/Vbf7PITVhlI/AAAAAAAAOdU/TzxF0Y4t_kA/s1600/ibis%2Bjuvi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--12WQXix5ik/Vbf7PITVhlI/AAAAAAAAOdU/TzxF0Y4t_kA/s640/ibis%2Bjuvi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second year immature White Ibis in foreground with adult White Ibis in background</td></tr>
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The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus). Highly sociable in all seasons, the
White Ibis roost and feed in flocks. White Ibises are often seen flying in lines or
V-formations, with several quick flaps followed by a short glide. When
groups wade through shallows, probing with their long bills, other
wading birds such as egrets may follow them to catch prey stirred up by
the ibises.<br />
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Until recently the White Ibis was an uncommon sight here in Dallas. From
late May through September they are now easy to spot along the wetland
cells and in the shallow evaporating lakes that dot the Great Trinity
Forest.<br />
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At right, a White Ibis tackles an enormous crawfish in the Lower Chain of Wetlands, summer 2015. Many of the crawfish(crayfish) have grown to enormous size due to ideal habitat conditions. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWMo66jZVWs/Vbf6fRnN00I/AAAAAAAAOcs/F7egt3o3Fn8/s1600/bill%2Brich%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CWMo66jZVWs/Vbf6fRnN00I/AAAAAAAAOcs/F7egt3o3Fn8/s640/bill%2Brich%2B3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalists Bill Holston and Richard Grayson on a dirt road next to Cell G</td></tr>
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Moving away from the shallow drying pools and to the north, one is afforded more distant vistas of far treelines that form the mouth of White Rock Creek at the Trinity River. Some 3/4 of a mile distant in the photo above, it can often provide raptor sightings, the occasional coyote or bobcat sighting too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TZCUdnZkzE/VdYWbMmPlKI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/PSTqhOAg8c4/s1600/sleepy%2Bhollow%2Blot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3TZCUdnZkzE/VdYWbMmPlKI/AAAAAAAAOjQ/PSTqhOAg8c4/s640/sleepy%2Bhollow%2Blot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 wheeled dump trucks kick up dust along the Lower Chain of Wetlands August 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Lower Chain of Wetlands undergoes constant changes in landscape. From flooding to construction, there are few times of rest for the place. As soon as the silt became dry enough to drive upon, Cell G's quiet little dirt road was turned into an excavation route for soils headed towards a new golf course across the river. Often the logic of such activities cannot be comprehended and need remedy by the TCEQ and EPA for air quality violations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71UFEM81p1s/Vbf60-uGLiI/AAAAAAAAOdE/S2p9ewIqkBE/s1600/gbh%2Btricolor%2Bheron%2Blittle%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71UFEM81p1s/Vbf60-uGLiI/AAAAAAAAOdE/S2p9ewIqkBE/s640/gbh%2Btricolor%2Bheron%2Blittle%2Bblue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Herons intermixed with Great Egrets</td></tr>
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It is away from the construction dust where many of the larger wading birds find solace. Many of these birds, the Great Blue Herons especially, are juveniles. Young birds who recently fledged nests in a rookery in the Lower Chain of Wetlands. Their nesting grounds would have been degraded and uninhabitable this spring by clear cutting of forest along the river. Their success in fledging nests was only possible due to the Trinity River flooding that kept bulldozers away.<br />
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Great Blue Heron <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8hMOT6-W0E/VaQNLnoTfDI/AAAAAAAAOZA/I6f3qgt5wXs/s1600/gbh%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J8hMOT6-W0E/VaQNLnoTfDI/AAAAAAAAOZA/I6f3qgt5wXs/s640/gbh%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron in a pond at the Lower Chain of Wetlands near Honey Springs, summer 2015</td></tr>
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Great Blue Herons appear blue-gray from a distance, with a wide black stripe over the eye. In flight, the upper side of the wing is two-toned: pale on the forewing and darker on the flight feathers. Seen above, the Great Blue Heron is a multi-toned and colorful bird with shades of red, brown and orange. This stately heron with its subtle blue-gray plumage often stands motionless as it scans for prey or wades belly deep with long, deliberate steps. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a snake.<br />
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Night Herons<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VPhCi0rbRw/Vbf8kg8PtJI/AAAAAAAAOds/3bcOQHyE1Hg/s1600/night%2Bheron%2Bjuvi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VPhCi0rbRw/Vbf8kg8PtJI/AAAAAAAAOds/3bcOQHyE1Hg/s640/night%2Bheron%2Bjuvi.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron standing among a flock of feeding White Ibis</td></tr>
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There are two types of night-herons in North America. The Black-crowned Night-Heron is the most abundant and widespread and habitat covers most of the United States.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMnMbtyBcYk/Vbf8SqvCK7I/AAAAAAAAOdk/RBNoqxihL6Q/s1600/night%2Bherons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMnMbtyBcYk/Vbf8SqvCK7I/AAAAAAAAOdk/RBNoqxihL6Q/s640/night%2Bherons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Black crowned night herons in a dead willow next to the old Sleepy Hollow Country Club parking lot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mckucKS99nU/VaQNDlh7k9I/AAAAAAAAOYw/k5-39zqsCrQ/s1600/bcnh%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mckucKS99nU/VaQNDlh7k9I/AAAAAAAAOYw/k5-39zqsCrQ/s640/bcnh%2B1.jpg" width="425" /></a>The Black-Crowned Night Heron is a small, wading bird that reaches
lengths of about 2 feet with a wingspan of up to 4 feet. They have
black plumage on top of the head and back with grayish-blue wings. The
underside of the neck and belly usually a brilliant white. It also has a
thick black bill and short yellow legs.<br />
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The night herons have a shorter
neck than other herons assisting them in their stocky appearance when
compared to other wading birds.<br />
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Two long white slender plumes extend
from the back of the head while in breeding plumage. There unique
vocalization, “quock”, is often heard at or around dusk as they fly to
their feeding grounds<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0STK9pqWANg/VaQNGy42NSI/AAAAAAAAOY4/lY-aAuBr3zs/s1600/bcnh%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0STK9pqWANg/VaQNGy42NSI/AAAAAAAAOY4/lY-aAuBr3zs/s640/bcnh%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black crowned night heron coming in for a landing</td></tr>
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The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron has a smaller range which covers the eastern portions of the United States. These two species of night-herons feed mainly at night. In the daytime they can be found dozing in marshes or standing on logs or rocks. These birds will also fly up into trees to avoid predators or to sleep. Like most other night-herons, these birds give loud squawks when alarmed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUzzfH3JRYE/Vbf5cWeUxZI/AAAAAAAAOcM/TriAD5zf8bY/s1600/yellow%2Bcrown%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUzzfH3JRYE/Vbf5cWeUxZI/AAAAAAAAOcM/TriAD5zf8bY/s640/yellow%2Bcrown%2B3a.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow crowned night heron</td></tr>
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The Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is a migratory bird that resides here
along in the Dallas Texas area during the summer months. During the
winter, it can be found as far south as South America, but can be found
almost anywhere along the Gulf and Atlantic Coast year round. Unlike
other night heron species, the yellow-crowned forages both late in the
day and night. It forages much like other herons by wading through water
waiting for its prey to come within striking distance. Also, unlike the
great heron which many have seen standing motionless like a statue in
many Texas waters, the yellow-crowned will stir up its quarry by wading
briskly at the waters edge. With a quick dancing motion, the dagger like
bill stabs its prey. The prey of a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron normally
consists of fish, frogs, grasshoppers, and occasionally snakes, but its
primary diet is crustaceans (crayfish).<br />
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Snowy Egret<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4wMUBF1gwM/VaQNRnnt2YI/AAAAAAAAOZ0/X4FcrGMJSoM/s1600/snowy%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4wMUBF1gwM/VaQNRnnt2YI/AAAAAAAAOZ0/X4FcrGMJSoM/s640/snowy%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egrets stalking breakfast in the early morning sun, summer 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The snowy egret is a wading bird that feeds primarily in the early morning and late afternoon, has perfected a wide range of foraging behaviors. Stalking in the shallows, often in collusion with other snowy egrets, it may shuffle its yellow emblazed feet to flush out prey, which it then runs down as the meal attempts to flee.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9liPrZ7Fik/VaQNQ8cZznI/AAAAAAAAOZw/vYF1KMgAZB0/s1600/snowy%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9liPrZ7Fik/VaQNQ8cZznI/AAAAAAAAOZw/vYF1KMgAZB0/s640/snowy%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on water, a Snowy Egret nails a small shad right on the surface</td></tr>
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Alternatively it may lie in wait, perfectly still, then ambush victims that happen to swim or drift past. It may hunt by flying just above the water, its yellow feet almost skimming the surface, then dropping suddenly, like a demon from the sky, on unsuspecting prey.<br />
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As its name implies, the Snowy Egret is all white. It has a long thin black bill, grey to yellow at its base during the nonbreeding season. The lores and irises are yellow. The long, thin legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, sometimes with yellow green extending up the back of the lower legs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6wqck4NEQQ/VaQNPCnA6cI/AAAAAAAAOZo/jVNQ9TLrxnA/s1600/snowy%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6wqck4NEQQ/VaQNPCnA6cI/AAAAAAAAOZo/jVNQ9TLrxnA/s640/snowy%2B1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egret with a fish</td></tr>
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Like the meandering path of the river itself, the wayward motion of wading birds across the floodplain makes for an interesting study. The inevitable departure of flood waters adds another dimension to a fascinating slice of Dallas few will ever see. The connections between animals, water and the land are not studied with any scientific method by anyone here.<br />
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Many incorrectly see the land down here as a durable asset. When in fact it is fragile, rare and disappears as fast as the setting sun.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-37187287182843893702015-07-28T13:13:00.000-05:002015-07-28T13:13:36.945-05:00Dallas Great Trinity Forest Flood -- Kayaking across the flooded forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXyqM6V2az8/VYnUnBWAYPI/AAAAAAAAOVU/JLGgS2YHPo0/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXyqM6V2az8/VYnUnBWAYPI/AAAAAAAAOVU/JLGgS2YHPo0/s640/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking the tree canopy in the 20 foot deep water of Dallas Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3l7gp0KHPzQ/VVzvCCDE9ZI/AAAAAAAAOD8/vr1vDs0c0-I/s1600/downtown%2Bflood%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3l7gp0KHPzQ/VVzvCCDE9ZI/AAAAAAAAOD8/vr1vDs0c0-I/s640/downtown%2Bflood%2B2015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The easy to photograph shots of a flooded Trinity River made a splash on the
evening news or social media feeds where a 100 yard walk down the levee
from parking lots at Trinity Groves affords the hallmark postcard shots residents have not seen in years. For many, it is the first time they are discovering that Dallas is a city built upon the banks of a river. The Trinity.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7HWlV5Wli4/VVzzrReEe8I/AAAAAAAAOEY/Z34tOocYE64/s1600/downtown%2Bflood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7HWlV5Wli4/VVzzrReEe8I/AAAAAAAAOEY/Z34tOocYE64/s640/downtown%2Bflood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Usually seen as an economic divide, a barrier that separates the haves and the have nots, the river is often more of an untangible figment of human imagination. Few ever see it as a big river with plans of it's own.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8mKTslOK-w/VVz1T5PFx6I/AAAAAAAAOFA/ldTYPSVBL80/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8mKTslOK-w/VVz1T5PFx6I/AAAAAAAAOFA/ldTYPSVBL80/s640/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2Bdallas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time exposure of water coursing over the submerged Skyline Trail creating an interesting nocturnal effect on the water</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to4mGAK8TYk/VVzzyXwGV2I/AAAAAAAAOEg/thPteNwxxWQ/s1600/old%2Bred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-to4mGAK8TYk/VVzzyXwGV2I/AAAAAAAAOEg/thPteNwxxWQ/s400/old%2Bred.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dwarfed Old Red Courthouse standing among buildings 100 years junior </td></tr>
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So long has it been
since the Trinity flooded that Twittering was something only birds did
and instagram was something people would probably associate with a
Western Union wire transfer.<br />
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The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge designed by
Santiago Calatrava had yet to open. It was that long ago.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsTFnaVdJ9M/VVz2SkW2A4I/AAAAAAAAOFU/1FI-uvAjy88/s1600/mhh%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsTFnaVdJ9M/VVz2SkW2A4I/AAAAAAAAOFU/1FI-uvAjy88/s640/mhh%2Bbridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FEIojLY6tQ/VYnQ34bon6I/AAAAAAAAOT8/OmlxpJuqrPU/s1600/kayaking%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FEIojLY6tQ/VYnQ34bon6I/AAAAAAAAOT8/OmlxpJuqrPU/s400/kayaking%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2B1.jpg" width="265" /></a>It is beyond the neon lights of the city, down the river, past the channeled and bastardized levee protection where the river is turned loose and allowed to run wild. Down in the wilderness of the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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It is here, where few ever walk, much less paddle. A place so quiet that one can hear their own heartbeat and the fluttering feathers of a bird in flight. That quiet. Inside Loop 12. A flooded expanse of riverbottom that is completely submerged with no dry ground as far as the eye can see. An area so large that both Dallas bedroom communities of Highland Park and University Park would fit inside of it with room to spare.<br />
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<b>Paddling from Pleasant Grove to Joppa and back</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bQ2TMAO8Tk/VYnUdO0_snI/AAAAAAAAOVE/jtGYnH2nCVI/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bQ2TMAO8Tk/VYnUdO0_snI/AAAAAAAAOVE/jtGYnH2nCVI/s640/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A flooded fifteen acre wildflower field behind Big Spring under 12 feet of water. Looking north.</td></tr>
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The novelty of paddling from Pleasant Grove to Joppa has always been on a
bucket list of sorts. The ease of crossing flooded timber and venturing
into areas which are usually impassable swamp. The high water makes the
usually treacherous terrain of traversing the woods a breeze. If you know where to go. It is the river in the raw. The beautiful waterscape of flooding areas. Coupled with the redeeming quality of time that begins a healing process from sustained drought.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfKoXCD0q68/VYnQ2ZIKE3I/AAAAAAAAOT0/wTzF6xT7K2w/s1600/behind%2Bhorse%2Bpark%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfKoXCD0q68/VYnQ2ZIKE3I/AAAAAAAAOT0/wTzF6xT7K2w/s640/behind%2Bhorse%2Bpark%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling across the ONCOR right of way from Big Spring towards Joppa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0HSHAmd1tE/VYnQ5FTf-2I/AAAAAAAAOUE/zCmdqEM93EA/s1600/trinity%2Bflood%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0HSHAmd1tE/VYnQ5FTf-2I/AAAAAAAAOUE/zCmdqEM93EA/s400/trinity%2Bflood%2B1a.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating the flooded timber of the Great Trinity Forest with a brief opening in the treeline exposing Downtown Dallas some three miles distant</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdSFrKwwYrs/VYnb4LBA_dI/AAAAAAAAOWg/RNy46vNWwpM/s1600/joppa%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdSFrKwwYrs/VYnb4LBA_dI/AAAAAAAAOWg/RNy46vNWwpM/s640/joppa%2B4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Sean Fitzgerald and Dallas Police at Joppa during Tropical Storm Bill checking out the immense flooding</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX-AdSCvSu8/VYncdgah8dI/AAAAAAAAOXA/cYoXHauVN-0/s1600/dfr%2Brescue%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tX-AdSCvSu8/VYncdgah8dI/AAAAAAAAOXA/cYoXHauVN-0/s400/dfr%2Brescue%2B1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Task Force One recovering boats at Loop 12, Joppa Preserve</td></tr>
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It seemed necessary to wait till the water receded completely before posting such photos. The water looks placid and calm to a novice. The reality is a dangerous mix of currents, uneven flows and unknown obstructions. With the endless drumbeat of news stories featuring kayak deaths on the Trinity in 2015.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2isKB2uxB1M/VYndCje5WpI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/s87praGktMQ/s1600/dfr%2Brescue%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2isKB2uxB1M/VYndCje5WpI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/s87praGktMQ/s640/dfr%2Brescue%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Trinity even in normal flow conditions can bark and bite with a full set of teeth. During high flows those teeth turn into venom filled fangs that rival western drainage whitewater features. High water renders the Trinity Trail bridge over the river near the Audubon Center into a death trap. Any bridge, column or benign obstruction become a vortex of eddies and whirlpools.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFoQ4IHIU8U/VVz1dG2BDlI/AAAAAAAAOFM/CjZmFBfYxsQ/s1600/loop%2B12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TFoQ4IHIU8U/VVz1dG2BDlI/AAAAAAAAOFM/CjZmFBfYxsQ/s640/loop%2B12a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loop 12 Boat Ramp turns dangerous with currents that would kill the strongest of swimmers</td></tr>
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There are places in the Great Trinity Forest where no man has ever
walked or visited. Impossible to say such a thing inside Loop 12 but it
is true. Places where the water is just deep enough not to float a boat
but too deep to wade. A flood changes that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfWTScYJXQw/VVzzfHFke6I/AAAAAAAAOEI/Mn6uIzMRObY/s1600/bur%2Boak%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OfWTScYJXQw/VVzzfHFke6I/AAAAAAAAOEI/Mn6uIzMRObY/s400/bur%2Boak%2B1a.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The historic Bur Oak at Big Spring with a blanket of winecups in the foreground serves as launching point across to Joppa</td></tr>
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Launching from the 900 block of Pemberton Hill Road in Pleasant Grove off Lake June the transect across the Great Trinity Forest is a straightforward affair to Joppa. Unless one wants to wander into the unexplored.<br />
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<b>Bryan's Slough </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdU7ALluC-s/VYnUjL-FYhI/AAAAAAAAOVM/4tpHmd7XNGk/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XdU7ALluC-s/VYnUjL-FYhI/AAAAAAAAOVM/4tpHmd7XNGk/s640/trinity%2Briver%2Bflood%2B2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up Bryan's Slough...with a paddle</td></tr>
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One such unexplored and never photographed spot are the deep twists and bends of Bryan's Slough, also called Oak Creek. I suppose no one has ever quite decided where the name changes, perhaps US 175 is a good line of delineation. The slough is named for the John Neely Bryan family who once lived on the property. John Neely Bryan is regarded as the founder of Dallas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGc-5ipwsL4/VYnW-pe88JI/AAAAAAAAOVo/B7h-LShh0p8/s1600/hibiscus%2Bswamp%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGc-5ipwsL4/VYnW-pe88JI/AAAAAAAAOVo/B7h-LShh0p8/s640/hibiscus%2Bswamp%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan's Slough, flooded. Narrow snaking passageways through acres of native hibiscus</td></tr>
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In normal river conditions, access to the dense hibiscus groves on Bryan's Slough would be a hip deep slog through prime snake habitat. Conditions that make it impassable even to the most determined. During high water the paddle is still a tad difficult but affords a view or two that no one has ever seen. The sights here resemble that of mangrove swamp. Densely packed plants with narrowing channels and a labyrinth of plant built cul-de-sacs of dead ends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeAMRi0anwM/VVz0KCYtVnI/AAAAAAAAOEw/VZqwcGD7mD8/s1600/water%2Bmoc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeAMRi0anwM/VVz0KCYtVnI/AAAAAAAAOEw/VZqwcGD7mD8/s640/water%2Bmoc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Blue Heron with a water moccasin snake</td></tr>
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The water in some areas in this section are still shallow enough to support the long legged Great Blue Heron. Seen above, surprised after being spotted by an unexpected kayak rounding the bend. Had the camera not been in a dry bag, the whole spectacle of coup de gras on the snake would have been captured.<br />
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In coming weeks this area will bloom into early morning brilliance with saucer sized white flowers of the native Halberdleaf hibiscus. The water loving plants put on a show that no human ever sees. A place remarkable for stunning beauty that no person will ever see.<br />
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<b>Rochester Park </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qOFYDZrwI/VYnW7Z6lG5I/AAAAAAAAOVg/kGOiGeZNeQc/s1600/flooded%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2Bdallas%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qOFYDZrwI/VYnW7Z6lG5I/AAAAAAAAOVg/kGOiGeZNeQc/s640/flooded%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2Bdallas%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The endless Ash trees that are flooded as one approaches the river channel</td></tr>
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Ash is the dominant species of tree in Rochester Park, Lower White Rock Creek and in areas earmarked for mitigation in the Great Trinity Forest. The photo above is in a planted mitigation area under 6 or seven feet of water. Drowned under all that water are hundreds of planted seedlings of various species from trees to understory plants. Should be interesting to see if any survive inundation for such a prolonged period.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd276PNEZf8/VYnZbJn79CI/AAAAAAAAOWM/ydG_P7QnSxI/s1600/lower%2Bchain%2Bwetlands%2Bkayaking%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hd276PNEZf8/VYnZbJn79CI/AAAAAAAAOWM/ydG_P7QnSxI/s640/lower%2Bchain%2Bwetlands%2Bkayaking%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a wake paddling the Lower Chain of Wetlands across an epic tropical sky</td></tr>
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Cumulus clouds begin to build to the west and the south after crossing the river channel. Into the wetland cells where the trees have been cleared to allow for something the Corps of Engineers calls "conveyance". A popular term entering the vocabulary of many this year. The word takes on a sinister meaning for some, as a large piece of riverbottom is clearcut for a pedestrian bridge. Over a quarter mile's worth of trees.<b> </b><br />
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<b>The Flood At Joppa</b><br />
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It
is a few miles downstream of Downtown that one finds the small
community of Joppa. A place forgotten and cast aside by a hundred and a
half years of less than stellar support by the city that annexed the
Freedman's Community. The lack of infrastructure, lack of public
services make Joppa a place with a lot left to be desired. But they sit
on high ground and no home in the near sesquicentennial of the community
has ever seen flood water.<br />
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It is below Joppa, where the
city and Corps of Engineers funded the DFE Project known as the Lower
Chain of Wetlands. A place that will never carry the eponymous designation of the community next to it. A series of ponds pumped with treated sewage during
the dry weather is overbanked by the Trinity during times of flooding
rain. The swales or cells have concrete gate structures on the
downstream end that regulate flow and water height during dry spells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jz-fdXoV6pU/VYnZO9RHqjI/AAAAAAAAOV8/_BYd3fg-Jyw/s1600/joppa%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jz-fdXoV6pU/VYnZO9RHqjI/AAAAAAAAOV8/_BYd3fg-Jyw/s640/joppa%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rip rap road structure a top the earthen dam between Cell F and G and Joppa</td></tr>
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Dry land at last, some two miles across the Great Trinity Forest one finds first exposed land at the earthen dam bunkering Cell G in the Lower Chain of Wetlands. In the photo above, a thundershower cracks the evening sky over Fair Park and South Dallas. The thunderclaps in the humid air brings concussion with it. Loud reverberating across the near featureless submerged plain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIh3DE4TlDk/VYnYPM7QIXI/AAAAAAAAOV0/cqIHJcDCk7M/s1600/joppa%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIh3DE4TlDk/VYnYPM7QIXI/AAAAAAAAOV0/cqIHJcDCk7M/s640/joppa%2B3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Snowy Egret awaits wayward fish to spill across the dam between Cell F and G in the Great Trinity Forest </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEaCoEr3klc/VYnZZ8pyRqI/AAAAAAAAOWE/102hUHDv40k/s1600/joppa%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEaCoEr3klc/VYnZZ8pyRqI/AAAAAAAAOWE/102hUHDv40k/s320/joppa%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>It does not take astute powers of observation to understand the power of water at work. The once tidy and utilitarian weirs and concrete have been altered by a touch of nature in all the flooding. Billions of gallons of water on their way to the Gulf of Mexico pass over this spot carving and weaving man's work into something else.<br />
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The damage to such places is hard to know. Even as the flood waters recede and the silt begins to harden into a near cement the tally in what man has built in the floodplain will be a hard price tag to determine. The Trinity River to some took on a larger-than-life appearance for a month. One that some downplay. To others it is a wakeup call that the Trinity is capable of prowess that humans have little control over. Things such as this ponder the mind as one paddles back across the river from Joppa to Pleasant Grove. In the muting light float of a fading summer's night it makes even those who think they know the river change their opinion on the place.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-31659365845331922092015-06-15T16:09:00.002-05:002015-06-15T16:09:44.237-05:00Horseback Riding The Trinity River<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhA_J-ookMY/VVpmGMYcHCI/AAAAAAAAOCU/C3_IocAyBsg/s1600/horse%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhA_J-ookMY/VVpmGMYcHCI/AAAAAAAAOCU/C3_IocAyBsg/s640/horse%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Trinity River's Goat Island as seen from the saddle of a horse</td></tr>
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Some of the first European American explorers to see the Three Forks of the Trinity River saw what we now call Dallas, on a horse. Accounts of bison, bear and plentiful deer were likely scribbled in journals from a saddle. The heavy brush thickets, triumph in the face of adversity and taming the wilderness of North Texas all offer the horse as the focal point of discussion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiPiKgXEaxg/VVpfU19fW8I/AAAAAAAAOAA/mrf_ePh8Lr8/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiPiKgXEaxg/VVpfU19fW8I/AAAAAAAAOAA/mrf_ePh8Lr8/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Few see the Trinity in the natural channel like this south of town</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvQ9VoxVzmQ/ThvLpcntMuI/AAAAAAAABug/2MSCVt0_sd0/s1600/Texasmap1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvQ9VoxVzmQ/ThvLpcntMuI/AAAAAAAABug/2MSCVt0_sd0/s400/Texasmap1840.jpg" width="325" /></a><br />
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Much has been written about man's exploration of the Trinity River by horse. The work to survey the land for settlement, the fierce battles to stave off Indian depredation, the eventual pioneer migration into Dallas County. The horse was a vital tool for traversing these bottoms.<br />
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The first settlers to this area were drawn by stories of the fertile lands, open range country and
plentiful wild game. They were told that the land could be farmed so easily, that in a whole days of plowing one would
not strike a stump, which were the constant enemy of
cultivating in the other states.<br />
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Modern man has for the most part lost the art of riding a horse and the joy that can come from working with a horse over varied terrain and conditions.<br />
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The tall grass and weeds of the river barely reach the heels of your feet through this countryside. A delightful journey through thickets, dark shadows and bright wide open prairie. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_MGmpjHXzQ/VVphT7uBGvI/AAAAAAAAOBA/3M7xOcMnVmQ/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_MGmpjHXzQ/VVphT7uBGvI/AAAAAAAAOBA/3M7xOcMnVmQ/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B13a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exYGvB_XXlU/VX8xe8lqzQI/AAAAAAAAOQc/z70PZZ4_1f8/s1600/scissortail%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exYGvB_XXlU/VX8xe8lqzQI/AAAAAAAAOQc/z70PZZ4_1f8/s400/scissortail%2Bdallas.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dueling Scissortails</td></tr>
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A horse with a fast lope and good company makes for a rewarding visit to Dallas County's Goat Island Nature Preserve. With a wetter than normal spring of rains and flooding, seeing Goat Island on the established levee and old farm access road is a great adventure.<br />
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Completely staying off and avoiding the fragile mountain bike trails and footpaths, sticking to the dirt roads is best for the flora and fauna here who face a detrimental impact from horses straying off into the heavier brush.<br />
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Goat Island Preserve is a great place to ride as the established roads are hard packed and established with over a century of use. The roads date back to the turn of the last century when this was part of a large working farm. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVPHlKgz6dU/VX8xspRkxRI/AAAAAAAAOQk/0-5pdZzZlxU/s1600/indigo%2Bbunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVPHlKgz6dU/VX8xspRkxRI/AAAAAAAAOQk/0-5pdZzZlxU/s640/indigo%2Bbunting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indigo Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11la12bPkok/VG5EhePY3VI/AAAAAAAANIc/inWKErX1bsk/s1600/Goat%2BIsland%2BPreserve%2BTrail%2BMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11la12bPkok/VG5EhePY3VI/AAAAAAAANIc/inWKErX1bsk/s640/Goat%2BIsland%2BPreserve%2BTrail%2BMap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goat Island Preserve in Dallas County Texas, blue line is low road, red line is road following old Clint Murchison levee</td></tr>
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<b>Address</b> 2800 Post Oak Road <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/ZjO4d" target="_blank">Trailhead at 2800 Post Oak Road Wilmer, Texas</a> <br />
From Dallas take I-45 south to the Fulghum Road exit, head east where it
eventually turns into Post Oak. Trailhead is easy to spot at one of the
90 degree bends in the road. New trailhead parking lot and sign note
the entrance. Parking spots are marked for passenger vehicles but not trucks with trailers. Since few ever visit Goat Island, parking crosswise along 4-5 spaces seems the best option.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_z-rWUdXmY/VX8zbnrsk8I/AAAAAAAAOQ4/9tLeT4rpwbE/s1600/horse%2Bback%2Briding%2Btexas%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_z-rWUdXmY/VX8zbnrsk8I/AAAAAAAAOQ4/9tLeT4rpwbE/s320/horse%2Bback%2Briding%2Btexas%2B1a.jpg" width="320" /></a>One or two parking spots exist at the Beltline Road bridge
but are not formal parking like the trailhead up the street on Post Oak. <br />
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The higher levee road(in red on the map) follows the top of an old levee road which runs the
length of the preserve south to Beltline Road. The lower road which runs
between borrow pits for the levee and the Trinity River is slightly to
the east and meets the upper levee road at Beltline. A high water table
in the area ensures that even during the driest of weather that the low
road stays wet and muddy in spots.<br />
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<b>Distance </b>Six miles out and back to Post Oak<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kz8PEQpgQnM/VVpizHqXySI/AAAAAAAAOB4/7SvJMYmcEIs/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B19a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kz8PEQpgQnM/VVpizHqXySI/AAAAAAAAOB4/7SvJMYmcEIs/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B19a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Lane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBYBzNbaXLc/VVpgQ-Wax3I/AAAAAAAAOAg/-zTUlbDMn-U/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBYBzNbaXLc/VVpgQ-Wax3I/AAAAAAAAOAg/-zTUlbDMn-U/s320/goat%2Bisland%2B9a.jpg" width="213" /></a>Jeff Lane and his family have been horseback riding in South Dallas for generations. For decades Jeff has been riding the river. A lifelong resident of the general Fruitdale area. Fruitdale was three miles south of downtown Dallas in central Dallas County. Some folks call it South Dallas or even South Oak Cliff. Fruitdale is the name.<br />
<br />
The annexed land is now bounded by Fordham Road on the north, the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas tracks to the east, Five Mile Creek on the south, and Sunnyvale Street to the west. It was in the original land grants of J. K. Sloan and G. L. Haas. In 1886 the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway was extended through Fruitdale. The settlement remained a quiet farming community into the twentieth century and annexed into Dallas October of 1964. <br />
<br />
Through the 1990s and early 2000s Jeff tells me he had a volunteer agreement with Dallas County to mow areas around what is now called Joppa Preserve (River Oaks Park) and Goat Island. This basic maintenance with a tractor towed mower allowed access to horseback riding in Southern Dallas County. In addition to riding all over the river on a horse, he can often be found riding a bicycle along the Trinity Trail system from Loop 12 to the Audubon Center in the evenings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsfUd0HXH3c/VVphzMf4FTI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/WfmwjsBiJkM/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B15a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsfUd0HXH3c/VVphzMf4FTI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/WfmwjsBiJkM/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B15a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed down the doubletrack from the parking lot on Post Oak Road. The area in the photo was once a formal farm and ranching area which sits up and out of the floodplain. The road splits around the bend with options for taking the high or low roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lone cowboy noted in western lore never really reached this part of Texas. The hardened cowhands and the free range of cattle bypassed this area as western migration moved those pursuits west rather quickly. What Dallas did develop was a rich horse tradition based upon families riding their 640 acres of land, known as a section, awarded for service in struggle for Texas Independence or later during Peter's Colony settlement. A square mile of land often separated neighbors. The horse is what closed that distance.<br />
<br />
<b>The Low Road</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOTD2_PjQk8/VVpiCiyIlsI/AAAAAAAAOBY/GkfMs_4yZ8w/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VOTD2_PjQk8/VVpiCiyIlsI/AAAAAAAAOBY/GkfMs_4yZ8w/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B16a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the low road, which is always wet. Always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPHDdEoUjYc/VX82VrZij7I/AAAAAAAAORU/Ub5D8JUhtz8/s1600/trinity%2Bdallas%2Bhorse%2Bback%2Briding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPHDdEoUjYc/VX82VrZij7I/AAAAAAAAORU/Ub5D8JUhtz8/s400/trinity%2Bdallas%2Bhorse%2Bback%2Briding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up on the terrace headed down into the bottoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Goat Island Preserve features two cutoff meanders that create islands in
the river channel when the water is high. On the west bank of the river
a large 1910-1920 era levee exists that runs from Post Oak to Beltline
Road. Borrow pits rest on either side and a lower
dirt road trail runs
between the levee and the river. Towering oaks and pecans are prominent
here among succession forest. Lock and Dam #2 sits on the Trinity River
just upstream of the Beltline Road bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seXmi2q_TTE/VVpixaTzljI/AAAAAAAAOBw/v6g1TxpCUMk/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seXmi2q_TTE/VVpixaTzljI/AAAAAAAAOBw/v6g1TxpCUMk/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The low road seen from the saddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Poison ivy runs ten feet tall on either side of the low road in spots. The only way to travel is to just ride through the water, about 6 inches deep. Clear enough with a visible bottom, the horses love it. Some places it is hard to keep the horse from taking a friendly roll into the puddles where they can play.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8tJ_bVWE_0/VVphkRgyI6I/AAAAAAAAOBI/KE5dCFRfdz4/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8tJ_bVWE_0/VVphkRgyI6I/AAAAAAAAOBI/KE5dCFRfdz4/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B14a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of playful splashing, horses love this kind of water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rough leaf dogwoods are in full bloom in late spring here, sitting 10 feet high on a horse allows one to get a great view of some low trees and shrubs that cannot be seen from the ground.<br />
<br />
The flooded road would make for a horrible hike and a terrible bike ride. Both those activities would be impossible. A horse can negotiate it all fairly well and other than the wicked swarms of mosquitoes it is very enjoyable.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xFEgS8hCPU/VVpi4HsfMcI/AAAAAAAAOCA/gqV0xGWK8Vw/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xFEgS8hCPU/VVpi4HsfMcI/AAAAAAAAOCA/gqV0xGWK8Vw/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeri D'aurelio and her horse along the Trinity River at Goat Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About two miles from Post Oak Road's parking lot, the low road opens up and follows the river down to Lock and Dam #2. Recent rains and flooding have severely eroded the bank in many areas, slowly encroaching on the old lower road. Trail Steward Joe Johnson said that vast stretches of river in this area are losing their banks and trees at an accelerated rate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doaY9Z2Fgn0/VVplpeWPVEI/AAAAAAAAOCM/LplVZJmd_UM/s1600/horse%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-doaY9Z2Fgn0/VVplpeWPVEI/AAAAAAAAOCM/LplVZJmd_UM/s640/horse%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the far distance, Lock and Dam # 2 appears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWqRIaaZvGA/TvIejO1rmkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3_faj36F3bA/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bnavigation%2Bcompany%2Bstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWqRIaaZvGA/TvIejO1rmkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3_faj36F3bA/s320/trinity%2Briver%2Bnavigation%2Bcompany%2Bstock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stock Certificate for Trinity River Navigation Company</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On quiet and windless mornings you can hear the roar of Lock and Dam #2 before you can see it. A folly in man's quest to change the river. A folly in idea and design to build something in the riverbottom that would never fit. Every generation takes their own design to the river and it never works.<br />
<br />
Trinity River Lock and Dam # 2 sits just upstream of Beltline Road.
There are three locks on the Trinity River in Dallas County, #1 at
McCommas Bluff, #2 at Parson's Slough/Goat Island and #4 near the mouth
of Ten Mile Creek/ Riverbend Preserve.<b> </b>All were built between 1910 and 1916.<br />
<br />
The locks and dams in Dallas County never saw much river traffic. The
idea to harness the power of the Trinity into a navigable water way was
abandoned shortly after World War I in 1922.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP4T4vSfHDk/VVpgGXRaDRI/AAAAAAAAOAY/e-emSkW1rI8/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP4T4vSfHDk/VVpgGXRaDRI/AAAAAAAAOAY/e-emSkW1rI8/s400/goat%2Bisland%2B8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaps in technology with long haul trucks and improvements in road and
rail capacity sidelined the effort to move commerce via the river. Ideas
at rebirthing the locks and dams on the Trinity came in the 1930s, 50s,
60s and 70s. These ideas were fanciful pursuits for the most part,
grand visions with no science to support the effort.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5AXARdcBy4/VVpgw71L4EI/AAAAAAAAOAw/j-__S7Dr3Sg/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5AXARdcBy4/VVpgw71L4EI/AAAAAAAAOAw/j-__S7Dr3Sg/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B11a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Lane checking out the dozens of alligator gar in the foaming water below the dam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Today we are left with the concrete foundations of the locks, twisted
metal and fallen flood gates. Lock and Dam #2 is the most photogenic of
the locks in Dallas County. The water literally roars here with long
vista like approaches on either end. The other locks are constrained to
some extent in the river channel and don't have wide eroded pools on the
downstream side.<br />
<br />
<b>Video of Lock and Dam #2</b> <b>and Horseback Riding Goat Island</b><br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vaZdXUoebcs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vaZdXUoebcs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Each Boule Gate that was used in the lock was 24 feet high, 30 feet long
and weighed 60,000 pounds. One gate formed half of a door, 1 door on
the upstream end and 1 door on the downstream end completed the lock
which was designed to raise and lower boat traffic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L28GmCSFuho/VVphDi9TnkI/AAAAAAAAOA4/ji8PkUrU9Bo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L28GmCSFuho/VVphDi9TnkI/AAAAAAAAOA4/ji8PkUrU9Bo/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B12a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle Lane checking her horse in a grove of cedar elms at Lock and Dam #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The construction of Lock and Dam # 2 required the closing of a subchannel of the Trinity called Parson's Slough.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9gYGAS9fLY/T0HWLY4tD7I/AAAAAAAAMnw/Wq-6UbXn4nw/s1600/bois%2Bd%2Barc%2Bisland%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9gYGAS9fLY/T0HWLY4tD7I/AAAAAAAAMnw/Wq-6UbXn4nw/s400/bois%2Bd%2Barc%2Bisland%2Btexas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old map of Bois D'arc Island and Parson's Slough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The idea was to cutoff a 14 mile stretch of the traditional stream bed for a more
westerly course putting all water in one channel of the Trinity. The old riverbed became known as Parson's Slough and
the 22,000 acre area surrounded by the new and old river became Bois d'
Arc Island.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umyP6w96ZB4/VVpiiPVXO0I/AAAAAAAAOBo/O7j6r8dQhmc/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B18a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umyP6w96ZB4/VVpiiPVXO0I/AAAAAAAAOBo/O7j6r8dQhmc/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B18a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeri D'aurelio and Michelle Lane at Lock and Dam #2 at Goat Island Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmvAhT1WjoA/VVpf0rrd9RI/AAAAAAAAOAQ/xeVR8HJP3fo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmvAhT1WjoA/VVpf0rrd9RI/AAAAAAAAOAQ/xeVR8HJP3fo/s400/goat%2Bisland%2B7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees, some rather large are calving off into the river below the lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 1911, the slough was permanently cutoff from the Trinity River near
Goat Island Preserve. The same construction company that built Lock and
Dam Number 2, built a concrete dam at the head of Parson's Slough where
it meets the Trinity. Twenty feet high and two hundred feet wide, the
goal was to permanently send the river down the new channel rather than
risk a flood putting the river meander back in the old. Now buried under
dozens of feet of silt, it cannot be seen from the west bank.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_a0mCVz610/VX82EP2rpZI/AAAAAAAAORM/TuVfCgWLiHk/s1600/texas%2Bhorse%2Btrail%2Btrinity%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_a0mCVz610/VX82EP2rpZI/AAAAAAAAORM/TuVfCgWLiHk/s400/texas%2Bhorse%2Btrail%2Btrinity%2B1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mounting up and heading further towards Beltline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It sits near the outflow channel near the Southeast Wastewater Treatment
Plant. Buried. Only during times of the very highest water flows would
the dam become a spillway. <br />
<br />
Combined with some levee projects in the
1920s, this left Parson's Slough high and dry from the Trinity. The
flood prone area now known as Bois d' Arc Island now serves as some of
the very richest farmland in Dallas County. Much of which is owned by
Trinity Industries for future gravel mining.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIFb-r865qY/VX81t-zYqQI/AAAAAAAAORE/MfmToVmPbOc/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bhorse%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vIFb-r865qY/VX81t-zYqQI/AAAAAAAAORE/MfmToVmPbOc/s640/trinity%2Briver%2Bhorse%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through some young woods of Ash and Cedar elm, approaching a powerline right of way that connects the low and high roads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Upper Road</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQvRvRl0Kco/VVpggh67v7I/AAAAAAAAOAo/2IlbqghrFsc/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQvRvRl0Kco/VVpggh67v7I/AAAAAAAAOAo/2IlbqghrFsc/s640/goat%2Bisland%2B10a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5haSvLajjnk/VX8wTPiqdmI/AAAAAAAAOQU/FE3_BouDvzc/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5haSvLajjnk/VX8wTPiqdmI/AAAAAAAAOQU/FE3_BouDvzc/s400/goat%2Bisland%2B4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding just outside the edge of a Dallas County corn field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The higher levee road(in red on the map at beginning of post) follows the top of an old levee road which runs the
length of the preserve south to Beltline Road. Until recently, trees and
vegetation were allowed to grow on the levees. The clearing was to maintain the functional facility for higher flooding
events on
the west side of the Trinity. I would believe they offer marginal
protection since they have not seen earthmoving improvements in so long.<br />
<br />
The old levees today most likely still perform the job they were
originally designed to provide. Protection from all but the very worst
flooding that the Trinity River can dish out. These levees are about
half the height of the Downtown Dallas levees and hold back the seasonal
and annual floods of the Trinity. Beyond the levees millions of dollars in corn grows. A crop that would drown if flooded.<br />
<br />
The dirt road here is much more open than the lower road. Here two horses can ride beside one another and conversation is much easier. There are only a few surprises along the route of note. In a few spots there has some been bore sample drilling of the levee with grass covered holes left behind. Care needs to be taken in watching for the holes which are just off the road in the high grass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsUeaB55y68/VX8zEml8W8I/AAAAAAAAOQw/leaMPFwukRk/s1600/horseback%2Btrinity%2Briver%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsUeaB55y68/VX8zEml8W8I/AAAAAAAAOQw/leaMPFwukRk/s640/horseback%2Btrinity%2Briver%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to kick it up a notch and letting the horses run on the smooth section of levee about a half mile from the end of the ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The levee affords a great chance to loosen the reigns and pick up some good speed in a lope, or even faster. Lots of photos on the ride down the lower road, not many on the high road back. Lots of up tempo faster riding were the order of the day here where the horses were let loose to run. Hard to manage an SLR in one hand and ride a horse 20mph with the other.<br />
<br />
<b>Where to ride your horse in Dallas on the Trinity River</b><br />
Often people ask me where to ride their horse. Goat Island is the place. There are a scant few other spots like Dowdy Ferry @ I-20 at the Gateway Park there but the options will become much more restricted when the trails are paved over with concrete. <br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-41346028369134472582015-06-05T13:56:00.001-05:002015-06-05T14:01:43.347-05:00Canoeing The Elm Fork of the Trinity River<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YE4lESiycI/VVPQCQMu3uI/AAAAAAAAN3A/kVWaGioM-Aw/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YE4lESiycI/VVPQCQMu3uI/AAAAAAAAN3A/kVWaGioM-Aw/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B5a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Texas bird guide Victor Emanuel spots a Mississippi Kite with a flotilla of canoeists on the wilds of the Elm Fork in Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
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There are many areas in Dallas Great Trinity Forest that one can easily explore on foot. Vast wooded bottoms with surprises around every corner. There are other stretches where the wholesale experience of the river really needs to be seen by boat to appreciate. The Elm Fork of the Trinity River in Dallas is one such place.<br />
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Most Dallasites are not only unfamiliar with the Trinity River. The stretches outside the levees in the natural channels are completely unknown but to a few. These areas are obscure, beautiful and surrounded by the heart of the metroplex. Similar in many ways to the southern stretch of Great Trinity Forest below Downtown Dallas the northern section offers some of the best natural scenery in North Central Texas. Just ask Garrett Boone.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boIgt7Sg5Vw/VVPP5LRrk2I/AAAAAAAAN2s/EMq-dTmbnqo/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boIgt7Sg5Vw/VVPP5LRrk2I/AAAAAAAAN2s/EMq-dTmbnqo/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Boone at historic California Crossing points out areas of interest and the route we will be taking down the Elm Fork</td></tr>
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Garrett Boone must know more about the Elm Fork of the Trinity and the land that surrounds it better than anyone. His knowledge extends beyond that of what lies at every turn of the river. In about a ten minute executive summary of the river on maps one can tell he understands the hydrology, inflows of creeks, land use, industrial parks and ongoing infrastructure projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eWW1Hq905o/VVPUQK6fHYI/AAAAAAAAN8g/82ffK_bnszo/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B51a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eWW1Hq905o/VVPUQK6fHYI/AAAAAAAAN8g/82ffK_bnszo/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B51a.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Boone and Victor Emanuel pouring over a map</td></tr>
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The Trinity in this area is far more than a ditch, it is a complex set of old dam structures, naturally coursing river channel and connected lakes that create a deep expansive set of wetlands extending across a thousand acres.<br />
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The Elm Fork's headwaters lie north of Bowie, Texas up near the Texas/Oklahoma border. A prominent ridgeline known as the Devils Backbone forms the divide for the Trinity and Red River watersheds in this area.<br />
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As the water courses south it runs through two large man made impoundments at Ray Roberts and Lewisville. Below Lewisville, the river is often clear, cool and makes for exceptional paddling and recreation. The water comes from the base of Lewisville's dam and is a predictable flow except during times of flood.<br />
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Three small dams make up the Elm Fork known for great paddling:<br />
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1. Carrollton Dam at McInnish Park on Sandy Lake Road in the City of Carrollton<br />
2. California Crossing dam at California Crossing Road<br />
3. Frazier Dam just near Loop 12 and SH 183 straddling the city limits of Dallas and Irving.<br />
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All three dams require mandatory portaging around the structures.<br />
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On this trip we will explore a six mile stretch of river book ended by the dam at California Crossing on north end at the Frazier Dam on the south end. Between the two impoundments sit the natural channel of the river with an elevated water level. The result is a slower flowing river compared with other sections downstream of Dallas. 18 total riverbends and two small lakes off channel await us on this trip.<br />
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Map and location of California Crossing <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/MrOuH" target="_blank">California Crossing Park</a> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xy3MHRN0PX4/VVPR4GoQgUI/AAAAAAAAN5g/NT6csjOS-_o/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B26a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xy3MHRN0PX4/VVPR4GoQgUI/AAAAAAAAN5g/NT6csjOS-_o/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B26a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Allen, the Trinity River's best canoe guide, seen coming out from a hidden pond off the main channel on the Elm Fork</td></tr>
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Canoes, equipment and guide service were provided by Charles Allen. If I recall, Charles is celebrating 25 years on the river in 2015. His knowledge of the river, flora, fauna, geology and history is like a floating version of an encyclopedia. Top notch person and very competent guide. His website <a href="http://www.canoedallas.com/" target="_blank">http://www.canoedallas.com/</a> and his Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trinityriverexpeditions" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/trinityriverexpeditions</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVScewrIZ4A/VVPP45EASJI/AAAAAAAAN2o/t0ctCScWQwU/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVScewrIZ4A/VVPP45EASJI/AAAAAAAAN2o/t0ctCScWQwU/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone listening to one of the better run downs on the Trinity I have ever heard</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kw7NkoqdzcQ/VVPUKKDGT8I/AAAAAAAAN8Q/xwKpfDvMfKs/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B50a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kw7NkoqdzcQ/VVPUKKDGT8I/AAAAAAAAN8Q/xwKpfDvMfKs/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B50a.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
Garrett Boone has a wonderful vision for the Elm Fork. The natural building blocks of a slow snaking river with dozens of bends and turns make for a great setting for a future natural park area. Actually, it's all ready a park with some sections a Dallas County Nature Preserve. Wide greenbelt spaces abbreviated only by bridges and train trestles make it a near contiguous open public space.<br />
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Garrett has some great ideas on how to open the area up to low impact recreation along with education. He is a sponsor of Groundwork Dallas which is blueprinting a plan for the area. Their website has more information on their <a href="http://www.groundworkdallas.org/?page_id=350C" target="_blank">Groundwork Dallas Elm Fork Project</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB46UR5URHQ/VVPQ3CRxfOI/AAAAAAAAN4I/fYnGSi5V1dQ/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B13a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WB46UR5URHQ/VVPQ3CRxfOI/AAAAAAAAN4I/fYnGSi5V1dQ/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B13a.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canoe Launch at California Crossing</td></tr>
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California Crossing and the dam here were recently rebuilt and refurbished in 2012-2014. The dam features ingress and egress portage locations for canoes and a parking lot with easy trailer access.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR8qiS_o79E/VUkCB2zjbmI/AAAAAAAAN0k/WaDNc_0TKdY/s1600/california%2Bcrossing%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR8qiS_o79E/VUkCB2zjbmI/AAAAAAAAN0k/WaDNc_0TKdY/s640/california%2Bcrossing%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a hair over a hundred years ago, about 1910 that one of the first California Crossing dams went in at this spot. The spot is one that dips into the vast reaches of history and looks rather unchanged from that of 100 years ago. Some of the trees in the photos here still stand today. The sturdy grove of Post Oak, Bur Oak and Elm that have seen generations of Dallasites stand at the same spot we are at this morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33gXBOKvEkQ/VUkB_pRMyoI/AAAAAAAAN0c/Ak_c_hpD1NI/s1600/california%2Bcrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33gXBOKvEkQ/VUkB_pRMyoI/AAAAAAAAN0c/Ak_c_hpD1NI/s640/california%2Bcrossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Crossing circa 1912</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5elLojYYZJ0/VVPQNaGz4CI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/nwajlhTdyNg/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5elLojYYZJ0/VVPQNaGz4CI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/nwajlhTdyNg/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B6a.jpg" width="280" /></a>In the turn of the last century, Dallas dabbled with the idea of using
the Elm Fork to meet municipal water supply needs. Various dams,
diversion channels and holding basins were constructed on this stretch
of river. Used partially for flood control and water conservation, the dams still serve as water supply in some capacity. Highland Park uses Frazier Dam from what I'm told.<br />
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People often wonder how California Crossing was named. The answer lies in a faded Texas Historical Marker at the site which reads "Here thousands of 49'ers crossed Trinity River in heroic trek west--following California Gold discovery. Crossing was in shallow part of stream on Southern Transcontinental route to Pacific. Later used by stage lines, railroad; route passed through Dallas and Cedar Springs on to El Paso."<br />
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Texas history often associates things with events that happen on her soil. Missed in the mix are often stories of manifest destiny that migrated through Texas to somewhere else. Cattle drives, human exploration and in this case those in search of fortunes on the Pacific. Stories of trappers rendezvous and Kansas railhead cattle saloons passed on the lips of migrants across this spot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6Q8GU5neQA/VVPQ_DKSk6I/AAAAAAAAN4Y/RG2sNgVUWdc/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B14a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6Q8GU5neQA/VVPQ_DKSk6I/AAAAAAAAN4Y/RG2sNgVUWdc/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B14a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Emanuel at right with David Litman at left</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KcH-p6kru8/VVPT5sJHWXI/AAAAAAAAN8A/1P0gUjOfi0M/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B48a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KcH-p6kru8/VVPT5sJHWXI/AAAAAAAAN8A/1P0gUjOfi0M/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B48a.jpg" width="400" /></a>It's a different kind of migration we are looking for here on the Elm Fork today. One of the feathered kind. If there were ever anyone who knows more about migrating birds in Texas, it would the one and only Victor Emanuel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJO9oSMahOI/VVPR-h-edtI/AAAAAAAAN5o/zaHIU_BqK38/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B27a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iJO9oSMahOI/VVPR-h-edtI/AAAAAAAAN5o/zaHIU_BqK38/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B27a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Emanuel speaks to Brent Jackson(in white hat) of West Dallas Sylvan Thirty development as Design District based photographer Scot Miller shoots some video footage</td></tr>
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Texas Monthly calls Victor Emanuel "The Birdman of Texas", the absolute authority on all things ornithology. Read their 2011 story on his birding with heads of state, interesting folks and the depth of field he has for his craft <a href="http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/birdman-texas" target="_blank">Texas Monthly May 2011, The Birdman of Texas</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrHa6Y7wVpc/VVPSFPKSkWI/AAAAAAAAN5w/CAesQx0cKPg/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B28a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrHa6Y7wVpc/VVPSFPKSkWI/AAAAAAAAN5w/CAesQx0cKPg/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B28a.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Boone glassing a Western Kingbird</td></tr>
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In small talk before launching canoes, Victor was pointing out the common trees of the Elm Fork and pointing to each as he scanned the horizon at all points of the compass. Box elder, elm, pecan and slew of oaks. He pointed out a couple quick birds and then told a few of us about a similar bird in the plains of Africa that has the same behavior. Truly an authority wherever he goes. Based out of Austin his travel group called VENT <a href="http://www.ventbird.com/" target="_blank">http://www.ventbird.com/</a> goes to every continent on earth. <br />
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Today, Victor will put us on a kaleidoscope of birds from South America, Central America, the United States and Canada. All in Dallas. A treasure trove of bird life inside Loop 12.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9HV1hdGOk/VVPQV2J1raI/AAAAAAAAN3g/bjzZfFPy3Qc/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5U9HV1hdGOk/VVPQV2J1raI/AAAAAAAAN3g/bjzZfFPy3Qc/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B8a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk4uLWrZg78/VVPTEW7KBTI/AAAAAAAAN68/5bRxvcqeMH0/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B22a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk4uLWrZg78/VVPTEW7KBTI/AAAAAAAAN68/5bRxvcqeMH0/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B22a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Elk VP of ONCOR in yellow life jacket</td></tr>
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Along on the trip are an eclectic mix of folks from a variety of backgrounds. Corporate leaders, fund managers, entrepreneurs, long time conservationists and close friends. A great talent pool to see and experience the river as it can only be seen by floating it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S5hcD0pRDI/VVPQb1ULeEI/AAAAAAAAN3o/7gugflqEijk/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S5hcD0pRDI/VVPQb1ULeEI/AAAAAAAAN3o/7gugflqEijk/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B9a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Elm hangs over the river as the flotilla of canoeists pass by on the Elm Fork of the Trinity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq97fXHUYg4/VVPQqZ8DtDI/AAAAAAAAN34/mJ2ECTGMnXs/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq97fXHUYg4/VVPQqZ8DtDI/AAAAAAAAN34/mJ2ECTGMnXs/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B11a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach Wooldridge in the stern of foreground canoe</td></tr>
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The launch from California Crossing on this day is much like entering a lake. Very little current is felt in this stretch of river which is impounded about 6 river miles downstream by the Frazier Dam.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8HDB0ua_ec/VVPQmJKzeXI/AAAAAAAAN3w/xfpRrmtYBLs/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8HDB0ua_ec/VVPQmJKzeXI/AAAAAAAAN3w/xfpRrmtYBLs/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B10a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwP_nUFQgeQ/VVPQRVGk6XI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/AwzniLTUMA0/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CwP_nUFQgeQ/VVPQRVGk6XI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/AwzniLTUMA0/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B7a.jpg" width="320" /></a>As one leaves California Crossing, river left is the LB Houston Nature Preserve. The nature preserve is named for L.B. Houston who is known for transforming many public spaces in Dallas into world class park facilities in the 1930s. His tenure as Director of Dallas Parks and Recreation showed ambitious drive and pursuit to built out many structures and park amenities we still use today at places like White Rock Lake. Those 70 year old structures serve as a benchmark to future generations of designers and planners. Seems like anything designed or planned for the Trinity deserves that generational benchmark as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpkLg8VEjXg/VVPSqzc0gnI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/KFoMbzQT4UA/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B36a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpkLg8VEjXg/VVPSqzc0gnI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/KFoMbzQT4UA/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B36a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scot Miller of Sun to Moon Gallery shooting from the bow of a canoe</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPrIrwwv0q4/VVPSSev3ZEI/AAAAAAAAN6A/3jbNBMcfs-8/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B30a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPrIrwwv0q4/VVPSSev3ZEI/AAAAAAAAN6A/3jbNBMcfs-8/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B30a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
The name LB Houston, without the punctuation is now known commonly as one of the more built out mountain biking trails in North Texas maintained by the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association, DORBA. Information on the LB Houston Mountain Bike Trail can be found on the <a href="http://www.dorba.org/trail.php?t=17" target="_blank">DORBA LB Houston Trail website</a>.<br />
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To the river right are sections of the Campion Trail system in Irving/Las Colinas which someday will connect Dallas to Forth Worth. A planned 22 miles of concrete trail with a 6.5 mile stretch up the Elm Fork at the present time. More information can be found on <a href="http://cityofirving.org/1127/Trails" target="_blank">City of Irving Campion Trail website</a>.<br />
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Right off the bat, within 100 yards of California Crossing we are treated to a number of wading birds, pointed out one by one by Victor. <br />
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Every one of the eighteen turns is photogenic with a high water column and not much exposed bank. Lazy turn after lazy turn provides wildlife around every corner. Ducks, shorebirds, warblers, buntings brought a unique blend of birds into view during the paddle.<br />
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<b>Wood Duck</b> <i>Aix sponsa</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wY1UM9xr_OY/VVPP8zJaIKI/AAAAAAAAN24/87X_ECgFMm4/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wY1UM9xr_OY/VVPP8zJaIKI/AAAAAAAAN24/87X_ECgFMm4/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garrett Boone and his wife Cecilia watch a pair of Wood Ducks along the Elm Fork</td></tr>
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The Wood Duck is considered by many bird watchers to be North America's most colorful waterfowl species. Its scientific name, Aix sponsa, translates into “waterbird in bridal dress.” Today the wood duck is one of the most common waterfowl species breeding in the United States. However, this was not always the case. Writings from the early 19th century indicate that wood ducks were in abundant supply and very popular for their tasty meat and bright decorative feathers.<br />
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The Wood Duck population declined seriously during the late 19th century because of hunting and loss of nesting sites. Its recovery to healthy numbers was an early triumph of wildlife management.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXrY-v5uTYE/VVPToVFfY0I/AAAAAAAAN7o/3UkCP2aMH5I/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B45a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXrY-v5uTYE/VVPToVFfY0I/AAAAAAAAN7o/3UkCP2aMH5I/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B45a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patient Wood Ducks in far background as everyone pauses to get a good look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjRSAbt_NP0/VVPRGzBYRPI/AAAAAAAAN4g/DuAFcrNfjNI/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjRSAbt_NP0/VVPRGzBYRPI/AAAAAAAAN4g/DuAFcrNfjNI/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B16a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Railroad trestle approaching Cistercian</td></tr>
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Only a few turns of the river do you see the hand of man. Those are a brief few turns near Cistercian where the athletic fields of the school are built along the river at river right. At river left, LB Houston Nature Preserve dominates the landscape with large trees, late season bluebonnets and many bird species.<br />
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Most of the man made structures on this six miles of river cannot be seen until one rounds the next bend. Otherwise the scene is quite natural.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upWbiTMMmgQ/VVPRtFSyowI/AAAAAAAAN5Q/RTbyQK6wR8M/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B23a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upWbiTMMmgQ/VVPRtFSyowI/AAAAAAAAN5Q/RTbyQK6wR8M/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B23a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cistercian off to the left of photo with Las Colinas in the background</td></tr>
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<b>Canada Goose</b> <i>Branta canadensis</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3OGec5WJ5Y/VVPPz1n9TDI/AAAAAAAAN2g/GOhqvBqvr5U/s1600/canada%2Bgoose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3OGec5WJ5Y/VVPPz1n9TDI/AAAAAAAAN2g/GOhqvBqvr5U/s640/canada%2Bgoose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Goose flies directly over our canoes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Guide Victor Emanuel and Zach Wooldridge</td></tr>
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Awakened from the river on a small island and taking flight directly over our head flew a loud pair of Canada Geese.<br />
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A large and distinctive waterbird, the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) can easily be recognized by its long black neck, black head and conspicuous white cheek patches, which extend under the head and neck. Loud and honking, the Canada Goose let out a number of protest calls as we paddled by.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhc9BWPeglk/VVPRzkqZCsI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/83xy4seUvKs/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B24a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lhc9BWPeglk/VVPRzkqZCsI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/83xy4seUvKs/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B24a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDqahKJqos4/VVPT4vlpQfI/AAAAAAAAN74/sJQLCQajMWY/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B47a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDqahKJqos4/VVPT4vlpQfI/AAAAAAAAN74/sJQLCQajMWY/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B47a.jpg" width="320" /></a>Some of the Canada Geese population are now year round residents of North Texas, choosing to feed on the grasses of manicured lawns rather than migrate north for the summer. Such is most likely the case with these geese as they were slow to leave the river.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GI4oYLuvMf8/VXGiSgKyYwI/AAAAAAAAOOs/XSf6LoJG1Qg/s1600/charles%2Ballen%2Btrinity%2Briver%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GI4oYLuvMf8/VXGiSgKyYwI/AAAAAAAAOOs/XSf6LoJG1Qg/s640/charles%2Ballen%2Btrinity%2Briver%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Allen points out the Eagle Ford Shale formation outcrop on the Trinity River. This exact spot is the center of recent earthquake activity in the Dallas and Irving area.</td></tr>
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<b>Yellow Bellied Water Snake</b> <i>Nerodia erythrogaster</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwnQI-qQCo8/VVPUnJ1cUcI/AAAAAAAAN9A/eUYhU68N39Q/s1600/snake%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vwnQI-qQCo8/VVPUnJ1cUcI/AAAAAAAAN9A/eUYhU68N39Q/s640/snake%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Bellied Water Snake</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ1K7hStvLY/VVPRKFIgoYI/AAAAAAAAN4o/FloSSQy3OQs/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B17a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ1K7hStvLY/VVPRKFIgoYI/AAAAAAAAN4o/FloSSQy3OQs/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B17a.jpg" width="320" /></a>Not all wildlife seen on the float trip were high in trees or on feathered wing. Others were perched on logs sunning themselves in the strong morning light. One great example is that of a rather large and patient Yellow Bellied Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster. It favors the river swamps and the forested edges of streams, ponds, lakes, and bayous.<br />
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Very common snake and the most common snake species that I see in the Great Trinity Forest. They are non-venomous but will bite if provoked. While their bite does not carry venom, their fangs can hold bacteria that can infect humans if the human skin is broken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OA9AumA4QQ/VVPSyHVrhqI/AAAAAAAAN6g/EuDihKfsfWk/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B37a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3OA9AumA4QQ/VVPSyHVrhqI/AAAAAAAAN6g/EuDihKfsfWk/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B37a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slow paddle as a Great Egret stands perched in branches of a snag</td></tr>
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<b>Indigo Bunting</b> <i>Passerina cyanea</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgvpjDMWpWc/VVPUdKOxtPI/AAAAAAAAN8o/QUlEn0a5FA8/s1600/indigo%2Bbunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgvpjDMWpWc/VVPUdKOxtPI/AAAAAAAAN8o/QUlEn0a5FA8/s640/indigo%2Bbunting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Indigo Bunting in an Ash tree</td></tr>
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The Indigo Bunting, a member of the finch family, is a familiar summer
visitor to Eastern portions of Texas. This loud little songster prefers
brushy pastures and edge habitat where brushy fields meet the forest.
Its winter range extends through Central America and the West Indies.
Males vigorously defend their territory by singing and displaying from
the open top branches of trees or other visible perch.<br />
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On the Elm Fork we heard many Indigo Buntings, saw a few and managed to shoot a couple with a camera. Both the Indigo and Painted Buntings seem to be particularly camera shy and fly away at the first sign of a camera. <br />
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Indigo Buntings are actually black; the diffraction of light through
their feathers makes them look blue. This explains why males can appear
many shades from turquoise to black. An interesting fact is that they migrate at night, using the pattern of stars nearest the North Star to guide them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWgtovnZZPA/VVPSK_MiMDI/AAAAAAAAN54/Ejk_cefluy4/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B29a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BWgtovnZZPA/VVPSK_MiMDI/AAAAAAAAN54/Ejk_cefluy4/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B29a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading downstream with a huge grove of mature cedar elms and elms river right and native swamp privet river left</td></tr>
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Where the Indigo Bunting is classified as a bird with black feathers, there is another bird visiting from the tropics that everyone associates with black. The anhinga.<br />
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<b>Anhinga</b> <i>Anhinga anhinga</i><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTiYNsUQ06E/VVPPjSpgGhI/AAAAAAAAN2Y/TBmwQsIuV50/s1600/anhinga%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTiYNsUQ06E/VVPPjSpgGhI/AAAAAAAAN2Y/TBmwQsIuV50/s400/anhinga%2B2a.jpg" width="266" /></a> Spending most of the year in tropical rainforests and sub-tropical areas south of the border, <i>Anhinga anhinga</i> feel right at home in the oppressive heat of a coming Texas summer. It's one of the few birds that one can easily remember when it comes to the Latin species name.<br />
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The anhinga is a large bird with a long S-shaped neck and a long pointed bill. The male has grayish-black feathers with a greenish shine to them. They have large wings with silver-white feathers on the top side. Females have a light tan head, neck and chest and a black stomach. Both the male and the female have long fan- shaped tail feathers and sometimes the anhinga is known as the water turkey.<br />
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The anhinga has poorly developed oil glands and its feathers aren't as waterproof as other water birds are. It will perch in a tree to dry its feathers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9nATiu8VQ/VVPPbP3HrUI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/Z0bpzePvtxg/s1600/anhinga%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e9nATiu8VQ/VVPPbP3HrUI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/Z0bpzePvtxg/s400/anhinga%2B1a.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Observing Anhinga</td></tr>
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Anhinga are an uncommon bird in North Texas. Easy to spot at a far distance but not particularly here in large numbers.<br />
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A bird of the swamp, we find them on this trip in side channeled ponds with canoe access trails running from the main channel of the river. The ponds, running 3 to ten acres in size by my estimation are the fertile riparian habitat that so many aquatic birds crave.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk1qEe0k83w/VVPROI6bXKI/AAAAAAAAN4w/YWC_ZaYHu54/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B18a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xk1qEe0k83w/VVPROI6bXKI/AAAAAAAAN4w/YWC_ZaYHu54/s320/elm%2Bfork%2B18a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The access spots are not marked and it takes either a guide or careful observation to see them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Qjtu3PrOQ0/VVPS19JmoVI/AAAAAAAAN6o/9FC79emvbMo/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B38a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Qjtu3PrOQ0/VVPS19JmoVI/AAAAAAAAN6o/9FC79emvbMo/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B38a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the off channel lakes on the Elm Fork. I think the buildings in the background are the local office buildings for the FBI and ATF</td></tr>
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Some of the lakes are large enough to hold a battleship or aircraft carrier. Much different than the confined spaces of the Trinity River south of Downtown Dallas. Here there is a lot of open room to roam, wide vistas and distant buildings to provide a sense of scale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-d82AjpuAQ/VVPTDzq9anI/AAAAAAAAN64/bxpf-GzUfUY/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B40a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-d82AjpuAQ/VVPTDzq9anI/AAAAAAAAN64/bxpf-GzUfUY/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B40a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Allen at a water processing and trash filter system at Fishing Hole Lake</td></tr>
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Just past Storey Lane we pass a water intake facility which controls water flow at Fishing Hole Lake. Built out on a peninsula is the facility with a contraption that collects trash and other debris from the facility and places it into an industrial roll off dumpster.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRRK8iy8ovc/VVPTM83H1pI/AAAAAAAAN7I/ZJasl6d_tCw/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B41a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRRK8iy8ovc/VVPTM83H1pI/AAAAAAAAN7I/ZJasl6d_tCw/s640/elm%2Bfork%2B41a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elm Fork just upstream from Frazier Dam</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f58r3SqreB8/VVPTaUiupHI/AAAAAAAAN7Y/aIp9ffbM5sA/s1600/elm%2Bfork%2B42a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f58r3SqreB8/VVPTaUiupHI/AAAAAAAAN7Y/aIp9ffbM5sA/s400/elm%2Bfork%2B42a.jpg" width="277" /></a>It is in this stretch of river where the trees continue to rise in height and the channel widens. The Frazier Dam is visible on the far horizon some 400 yards distant. It is here where man has begun to change the river, channelize it, as it enters the Dallas Floodway and levees. It is also where we turn off the main channel and paddle the old remnant historic channel left behind. It will take us about 1/2 a mile through galleries of tall woods, off shoot swamps, before reaching our takeout along I-35 and Hines Place.<br />
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This stretch forms the heart of what would be a future Elm Fork natural area for education and concentration on conservation efforts with natural surface trails and possibly a nature center.<br />
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It is the hidden river that is a stone's throw from Love Field that is a total unexplored resource for Dallasites.<br />
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Large logs, snags and 40 foot high trees draped with vines give the impression of a rainforest. The birds call loudly, many more than anywhere else yet unseen due to all the vegetation. Really spectacular. There is a catch to navigating the side channel there. The legacy of trash.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGJz4uNAGZo/VXGntF_o0bI/AAAAAAAAOO8/SjtytwRj5XQ/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OGJz4uNAGZo/VXGntF_o0bI/AAAAAAAAOO8/SjtytwRj5XQ/s400/IMG_7009.JPG" width="400" /></a>It is rather remarkable seeing a raft of trash on a stretch of river where we encountered virtually none during a 4 hour, 6 mile float. I even commented how much cleaner this stretch of river was compared to the main channel of the river south of Downtown. Garrett Boone told me to hold that comment till we made it to the trash raft.<br />
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A product of hydrology with the help of some litterbugs this 50 yard section of river creates a imposing challenge to navigate.<br />
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Garrett told me the trash flows in and is trapped. A unique pocket of a Bermuda Triangle of trash. Coolers, styrofoam cups, water bottles. Many bear the name of gas stations and fast food joints just up the road. Other trash is labeled with places in suburbs upstream. Lewisville and Carrollton.<br />
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It makes for a tough view to stomach and a tough slog to paddle and push through. Coming up with a solution to this problem will require some out of the box thinking and an innovative fix. Garrett Boone has some novel ideas cooking about it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I-35 in the background as we approach the takeout spot for our trip</td></tr>
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A few more minutes of paddling and we transition from the deep channeled Elm Fork with vine covered trees and pop out into the bright noon sun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of the journey at southbound I-35 and Webb's Chapel Extension, Hines Park area</td></tr>
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It's a nondescript takeout for canoes. An old caliche fishing road blocked by a Trinity Watershed Management sign. The roar of traffic overhead makes for an interesting contrast to where we were just minutes before.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at California Crossing talking about what a great trip this was and the amazing sights and sounds. Smiles all around.</td></tr>
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For many on this trip, it was their first exposure to the Trinity River and canoeing in an urban wilderness. It is a joy to see people view a Wood Duck or Anhinga for the first time. Better yet explaining that the bird flew 2,000 miles just to nest in Dallas for the summer.<br />
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Even better than that is realizing Dallas citizens like Garrett Boone are out there. Sharing these experiences with a broad audience. Being an advocate. Donating valuable time and energy. Educating residents and schoolchildren. His conservation efforts and plans are first rate. When his plans come to fruition Northwest Dallas and Preston Hollow will have a really unique wilderness experience right in their backyard.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-32816153326615774802015-05-25T14:50:00.000-05:002015-05-25T18:20:30.755-05:00Exploring Dallas Great Trinity Forest At Flood Crest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yw8t43Ss7wE/VWM20mGJ07I/AAAAAAAAOIw/0JKmhqFzarQ/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yw8t43Ss7wE/VWM20mGJ07I/AAAAAAAAOIw/0JKmhqFzarQ/s640/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity River in Dallas, Texas flooding out the Great Trinity Forest under a spectacular sunset sky May 24, 2015</td></tr>
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It's the Flood of 1957. Carbon copy of a large scale drought buster that quenched thirsty North Texas and ended years of sustained drought. To the month, to the week of the month, to the day of the month and even the river height are near duplicates to the inch. It is often hard to convey relevance to many when it comes to this
place. Maybe there are not many around anymore who recall what the Flood of 1957 brought, the lessons learned and why you don't mess with the river.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYjjet0m64/VWM8cPwc6XI/AAAAAAAAOJ8/zt3cAsAYni0/s1600/wading%2Bbuckeye%2Bada%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SYjjet0m64/VWM8cPwc6XI/AAAAAAAAOJ8/zt3cAsAYni0/s640/wading%2Bbuckeye%2Bada%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wading deep into the Great Trinity Forest on May 24, 2015 off Bexar Street in an area known for Texas Buckeyes and wooded views</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-lined sphinx larva (Hyles lineata), commonly known as the hummingbird moth searches for high ground in the flood water </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySzRtcXXSAw/VWNuYhW7dRI/AAAAAAAAOL8/VFU5tw4cURU/s1600/snowy%2Begret%2Bfishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySzRtcXXSAw/VWNuYhW7dRI/AAAAAAAAOL8/VFU5tw4cURU/s400/snowy%2Begret%2Bfishing.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egret walking double yellow line down Carbondale</td></tr>
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In order to gain such appreciation to take a place for granted
one needs to talk about what is present in the landscape, what is absent
or what has been absented. No one told a man named Wallace Jenkins that. No one sat him down in the 50's drought when he decided to plant 500 acres in the bottoms near the mouth of White Rock Creek and the Trinity.<br />
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His ranch headquarters stood where the recent Texas Horse Park was constructed in 2013. Jenkins was so furious that his crops were ruined by changes in flooding that he ran for and won a seat on the county commissioner's court. The whole of his effort was directed at flood protection and mitigation from changes in riparian flooding in the rapidly urbanizing watershed upstream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfBYrqlWUmQ/VWNinm9TMYI/AAAAAAAAOLM/SGWjFO1z65s/s1600/trinity%2Bgolf%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfBYrqlWUmQ/VWNinm9TMYI/AAAAAAAAOLM/SGWjFO1z65s/s640/trinity%2Bgolf%2Bdallas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Riverlake Country Club entrance with the parking lot under 7 feet of water</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQFGcT20U2g/VWNxc9ifBqI/AAAAAAAAOMY/VkkVwr_CdjE/s1600/canada%2Bgeese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQFGcT20U2g/VWNxc9ifBqI/AAAAAAAAOMY/VkkVwr_CdjE/s400/canada%2Bgeese.jpg" width="400" /></a>It was the flood that led to the bankruptcy of Riverlake Country Club in what we contemporary Dallasites now call the Great Trinity Forest. Backed by big sports names like Mickey Mantle, funded by well connected Dallasites with braggart attitudes of controlling a piece of river bottom spilled across the pages of the Dallas Morning News of yesteryear in paid advertisements. The river smashed that idea to pieces. Over and over again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oeuML1kBi4/VWNvBXwD0nI/AAAAAAAAOME/pucRW6hJGVE/s1600/lower%2Bchain%2Bwetlands%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oeuML1kBi4/VWNvBXwD0nI/AAAAAAAAOME/pucRW6hJGVE/s640/lower%2Bchain%2Bwetlands%2B1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas Floodway Extension between Cell F and G near Fellows Lane at major flood stage 5/24/15</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joppa resident fishing before flooding rains in April 2015</td></tr>
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That old golf course was bought for flood control in the last decade. Gone are the sand bunkers, manicured greens and the clubhouse. The ghostly cart paths remain intact. Portions of a levee built, rebuilt, fortified and left behind still exist.<br />
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A confusing plan to demolish 1200 feet of it in 2015 has left everyone scratching their heads. Everyone I show the spot to all cuss under their breath about it. Some cuss loudly. The people in Joppa cry about their big trees lost. The ones their great grandparents told them about as children. The trees that they as great grandparents tell their great grandkids about.<br />
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Where the water goes once it leaves the confines of the Trinity Levees
in Downtown is a complete mystery to so many. It is cringe worthy
reading others thoughts on what happens to the water, impact on new
construction and the often untold stories of South Dallas residents who
live without flood protection. Large technological dreams of concrete
are stalking the river which will ever change the hydrology of not just
the Downtown area. The water flow will accelerate and scour the Great
Trinity Forest in ways no one has yet to imagine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIBmU6_Ngg/VWNd2J0s1GI/AAAAAAAAOKY/W3ShBkVKqKg/s1600/joppa%2Bflooding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIBmU6_Ngg/VWNd2J0s1GI/AAAAAAAAOKY/W3ShBkVKqKg/s640/joppa%2Bflooding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residents of Joppa trying to drain the flood waters from their property using gas powered pumps on May 24. 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MalS3s5jclw/VWM3N_AWSRI/AAAAAAAAOJA/fg52GbkxpiA/s1600/caracara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MalS3s5jclw/VWM3N_AWSRI/AAAAAAAAOJA/fg52GbkxpiA/s640/caracara.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Caracara the Mexican Eagle lands on a pile of clearcut tree trunks in the Lower Chain of Wetlands Dallas, TX May 24, 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBlcfrCrAnw/VWM3UosihAI/AAAAAAAAOJI/9anAfTLqbfE/s1600/caracara%2Begret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MBlcfrCrAnw/VWM3UosihAI/AAAAAAAAOJI/9anAfTLqbfE/s400/caracara%2Begret.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Caracara moves in for the kill on a Cattle Egret May 24, 2015</td></tr>
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A Mexican Eagle on May 24, 2015 is the only living thing seen across the horizon. Across an angry chain of river raged swale that was once golf course across from Joppa. Standing on a pile of clearcut tree trunks admiring the view of a bend in the river. A bend that the freed slaves who founded the community here referenced a similar bend in the Old Testament. A bend that Moses and his followers found when freed from bondage.<br />
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Many Dallasites have never seen an eagle outside of a zoo. Fewer have seen one in Dallas. Fewer still have seen one chasing down killing another bird in aerial combat as the photo sequence above shows at Cell G in the Lower Chain of Wetlands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYfhL3zL-gw/VWNfp4Ilg-I/AAAAAAAAOKs/VKtTmdA9sLs/s1600/black%2Bbellied%2Bwhistling%2Bducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYfhL3zL-gw/VWNfp4Ilg-I/AAAAAAAAOKs/VKtTmdA9sLs/s640/black%2Bbellied%2Bwhistling%2Bducks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bellied Whistling Ducks, a tropical duck rarely seen in North Texas</td></tr>
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The flood waters are not high enough to build an ark but in some places the animals are lining up in twos. At Joppa Preserve pairs of Black Bellied Whistling Ducks line up and feed among the flooded shallows of the ever rising Trinity whose channel is some 3/4's of a mile away. Black Bellied Whistling Ducks are an uncommon site in the Dallas area. Many experienced birders don't have them checked off their bucket lists for the county. Here, in South Dallas they can be seen with some regularity in the summer and early fall.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_AXyBhdwHs/VWNiewbW3BI/AAAAAAAAOLE/JaTqp-AJWXU/s1600/black%2Bbellied%2Bwhistling%2Bduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_AXyBhdwHs/VWNiewbW3BI/AAAAAAAAOLE/JaTqp-AJWXU/s640/black%2Bbellied%2Bwhistling%2Bduck.jpg" width="426" /></a>Birds like the Black Bellied Whistling Duck which hails traditionally from the corn belt of Mexico has been drawn in Aztec and Mayan art on their temples for centuries. The Mexican Eagle also known as the Crested Caracara has been depicted as an ancient symbol in sacrifice and even adorns the current flag of Mexico.<br />
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These birds exist here as summer residents yet rarely documented. The reason is that traversing this land, this river, this river bottom turns away all but a few. The long winded stories about personal safety have a ring of truth to it. Throw in high fast moving water and the number of people visiting such a place whittles down to about zero. Visit this place and you will have it to yourself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographer Sean Fitzgerald shooting wildflowers in floodwaters</td></tr>
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Getting into these spots is less than straightforward during dry spells. The adventure of making your way into the unknown and untouched masterpiece of nature here is one that people crave yet few know it exists in their own backyard.<br />
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The few who do know these places well are folks like Sean Fitzgerald a well known and popular professional photographer based out of Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. His website <a href="http://www.seanfitzgerald.com/" target="_blank">http://www.seanfitzgerald.com/</a> has photos from all over the world. Quite a few are from garden spots across Texas like Big Bend, Blackland Prairies and the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Fitzgerald wading the Great Trinity Forest in very deep water</td></tr>
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Making headway across water neck deep with delicate camera gear is a tough chore to accomplish in dry weather and very tough in high water. One false step and the camera gear can be ruined in an instant. The risk is worth the reward when the weather, light and wind cooperate to allow for sights so stunning that a camera cannot capture the intense color and beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0vXTfl3vRc/VWM7hD2uj9I/AAAAAAAAOJ0/CqVQws0Aw0o/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0vXTfl3vRc/VWM7hD2uj9I/AAAAAAAAOJ0/CqVQws0Aw0o/s640/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect light of a setting sun illuminates an island at Rochester Park in Dallas Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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This is the Great Trinity Forest. The wild open lands inside an urban metropolis of millions. A complete fluke of a gift left behind untouched by people for decades. To be here at this spot, at this time under sunset perfected light is something I wish all decision makers could see with their own eyes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BbceRInmPQ/VWNo0GxyorI/AAAAAAAAOLk/MzsGTR625mU/s1600/clasping%2Bconeflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8BbceRInmPQ/VWNo0GxyorI/AAAAAAAAOLk/MzsGTR625mU/s640/clasping%2Bconeflowers.jpg" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clasping Coneflowers submerged up to their flower heads in floodwaters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiders and insects of all kinds seek dry refuge </td></tr>
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Seeing such a place would change their perspective and prejudices of such a place. It will make anyone second guess their ideas of blight and trash in South Dallas. It is a beautiful place of water, wildflowers and wildlife that cannot be equaled upstream or downstream.<br />
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As the light begins to soften and the sun begins to set the real true colors of a Texas spring take shape. It is the magic hour for photography when the sky comes to life.<br />
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These sights are only temporary. As the river rises and crests it is soon surely to fall. A brief period of inundation that spreads nutrient rich silt, aquatic life and plant seeds into new areas. The harvest of such a flood comes months from now as the water recedes and brings forth a new beginning to the ecological cycle of the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-83957876743075797992015-05-19T15:53:00.003-05:002015-05-19T15:53:41.282-05:00Big Spring's Vireos In The Great Trinity Forest with Father Tim Gollob<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vibrant White Eyed Vireo in the Great Trinity Forest at Big Spring</td></tr>
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The winter and spring rains of early 2015 has brought an ocean of green growth to the Great Trinity Forest. The magnitude of growth the forest has not seen in several years due to drought. The flora and fauna of the woods have responded, signaling a new year of promise. Each spring sunrise seems to illuminate another inch of growth overnight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Timothy Gollob and Bill Holston walking among the soon to be blooming wildflowers of Big Spring in the Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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It is on of those fine spring mornings one can pursue the wild birds of the Trinity. In this case the brightly colored White Eyed Vireo population at a place called Big Spring in the Great Trinity Forest. <br />
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The story of Dallas County's vireo population runs through the recorded sightings and observations of a South Dallas Catholic priest. His name is Father Timothy Gollob of Holy Cross Catholic Church.<br />
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Father Timothy Gollob has been telling the story of the Trinity River
for over a half century through his extensive bird observations. If there were a search for the man alive who knows the most about vireos in Dallas, it would be Father Tim.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the early fog of the Great Trinity Forest at Big Spring</td></tr>
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His parsonage sits just west of the river bottoms only a minute or two drive from Joppa. It is there in the cooling atmosphere of early evenings where one can often find Father Tim with his field glasses walking the woods.<br />
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The Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills and Egrets all have been documented by him. On casual walks with Father Tim, he has mental notes about where the resident chickadees like to spend their mornings and evenings. Where the buntings feud. The favored nest sights and perches of the tanagers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of Dallas great citizens, Bill Holston and Father Tim Gollob stand under the limbs of the historic Bur Oak at Big Spring</td></tr>
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The body of his work in birding observations is overshadowed by his lifetime of service as a Catholic priest where he is known as one of the greatest humanitarians ever to call Dallas home. Ask around. He work is inspirational to many in a challenged part of Dallas where life does not often come easy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Tim hip deep in recycled beer cans back in 1975</td></tr>
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Father Tim learned much of his birding craft from ornithologist and late University of Dallas Professor Warren M. Pulich. Pulich is considered the first resident professional ornithologist in North Texas. In the 1960s he authored the Birds of Tarrant County and later The Birds of North Central Texas. His groundbreaking work specialized in species like the rare Golden Cheeked Warbler. As Professor of Ornithology at the University of Dallas he led the way with many pioneering bird collection projects, many of which were obtained from bird strikes on high towers at Cedar Hill. Often accompanying Pulich was Father Tim.<br />
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Warren Pulich and Father Tim Gollob did extensive surveys and observations of vireo populations in the 1950s-1970s. Many of those observations were for the Black Capped Vireos of Dallas County in the southwestern portions of Dallas in the cedar ridges and woods there. The habitat was largely extirpated and with it the loss of habitat for that species of vireo. That species of vireo now resides on the endangered species list and is very rarely seen in North Central Texas. If there ever were a Dallasite you would want along to look at vireos it would be Father Tim.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Lane and Father Tim</td></tr>
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Hiking along this fine morning are one of Father Tim's close friends and lifelong parishioner Jeff Lane. Jeff's family has a multi-generational relationship with Father Tim's church. Jeff Lane has performed a number of volunteer roles in the Great Trinity Forest and Trinity Corridor. Working in his free time with the county, he has kept many of the levee areas mowed at Goat Island Preserve and in the past mowed in areas around Joppa Preserve to keep trail access open.<br />
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Also joining along are Bill Holston and Scott Hudson. When Scott is not hiking on the weekend he can be found running one of the local municipalities environmental services departments. Below Father Tim and Scott Hudson listen for the identifying call of an Indigo Bunting.<br />
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Bill Holston earlier this spring was recognized by Southern Methodist University with their 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service<br />
<a href="https://www.smu.edu/News/2015/law-daa-19march2015" target="_blank">https://www.smu.edu/News/2015/law-daa-19march2015</a><br />
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<b>The White-eyed Vireo</b><br />
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About fifteen species frequent the United States. These are all
members of the genus Vireo, and some of them have a wide range, only
equaled in extent by some of the warblers. The name vireo signifies a green finch and is from the Latin word
meaning "to be green." The body color of nearly all the species is more
or less olive green. A fitting hue of a bird to look for on a lush green morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKFiX5cnd3s/VTO6UevrV9I/AAAAAAAANyc/9VGwj3PwYtI/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKFiX5cnd3s/VTO6UevrV9I/AAAAAAAANyc/9VGwj3PwYtI/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Eyed Vireo in the early morning foggy light</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1homBQPQs/VVudKdaQ-7I/AAAAAAAAODc/FKTJ0vg7a2E/s1600/bird%2Bwatching%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1homBQPQs/VVudKdaQ-7I/AAAAAAAAODc/FKTJ0vg7a2E/s400/bird%2Bwatching%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" width="266" /></a>The vireos form a
varied and interesting family — the Vireonidae, which includes about
fifty species. <br />
All are strictly American and the larger number inhabit
only the forest or shrubby regions of Central and South America.<br />
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Insects are the principle food taken by this species of vireo, and especially Lepidopteran (butterfly and moth) larvae.<br />
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The
White-eyed Vireo is a foliage gleaner, and it forages deliberately with
short hops or flights. Most of the food is taken from leaves, and after
a food capture, the bird will usually perch and swallow. An interesting
behavior is the repeated flogging of large caterpillars on a branch
before eating.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYuUxTVnGPk/VTO5vzz58ZI/AAAAAAAANyE/mAZMYHrcsrI/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uYuUxTVnGPk/VTO5vzz58ZI/AAAAAAAANyE/mAZMYHrcsrI/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vireo with a mouthful of caterpillar</td></tr>
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In migration and during the early days in the breeding season, males sing to attract mates, usually while perched high in a tree. It is at this time they are easiest to observe. Males vigorously defend their territories, while females are tolerant of others sharing the same area. Males often use the same territory from year to year, and older males arrive on the breeding grounds before young males. Females wander from territory to territory and eventually choose a mate and then a nest site. The pendulous, cup-like nest is attached to a Y-shaped horizontal branch a few feet off the ground in dense vegetation. The Big Spring vireo calls loudly, pronouncing rather proudly that he has the best territory in town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgbzesBGVBg/VTO55epAwVI/AAAAAAAANyM/3N8nHarrbTU/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgbzesBGVBg/VTO55epAwVI/AAAAAAAANyM/3N8nHarrbTU/s1600/white%2Beyed%2Bvireo%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White -eyed Vireo singing in the bows of a willow</td></tr>
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Up to twenty five songs are predominate in the White-eyed Vireo population in the
United States. Each individual has a repertoire of about a dozen songs,
only males sing on the breeding grounds. Both sexes sing on the
wintering ground to defend territories. Singing is believed to be
learned behavior, with young birds adapting the song set of their
father. White-eyed Vireos repeat an individual song type multiple times
before switching to another song, and the order of songs appears to be
random from one singing bout to the next.<br />
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Our hike started on the high terraces of Pemberton Hill on an early morning after a heavy night of rain and thunderstorms. The rain, dew and fog made for a rather wet experience in the high grasses.<br />
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The topography of the land here steadily drops 50 feet in elevation over the course of a quarter mile which winds up at the site of Big Spring, a natural and free flowing spring at the boundary of Trinity Terrace sand deposits and the floodplain proper. It is an idyllic place.<br />
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A spot where it takes very little imagination to see the fondness generations of Native Americans, explorers and pioneers had for the place. It continues even today in contemporary times as people look for a connection to things natural and unspoiled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0eYefy25NI/VTO5IqUaJmI/AAAAAAAANxU/UJTE6563zf8/s1600/big%2Bspring%2B7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0eYefy25NI/VTO5IqUaJmI/AAAAAAAANxU/UJTE6563zf8/s1600/big%2Bspring%2B7a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Tim Gollob is dwarfed by the massive arms of the mighty Big Spring Bur Oak</td></tr>
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As we dip farther down into an older forest the sounds of the song birds begin to erupt. The distant calls of Indigo Bunting, Painted Bunting and the more familiar Mockingbirds. It is here in this treelined transition zone between upland and bottomland where so much biodiversity can be seen.<br />
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In the distance a Red Tailed Hawk stands perched on a fencepost casually eating a squirrel. Hawks usually fly away with prey when encountering humans, this hawk spent over an hour lazily nibbling on the squirrel.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNKSsWZDMf4/VTO5fzaVr4I/AAAAAAAANxs/RsKA__VsexI/s1600/big%2Bspring%2B12a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MNKSsWZDMf4/VTO5fzaVr4I/AAAAAAAANxs/RsKA__VsexI/s640/big%2Bspring%2B12a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eeqIAyEPwY/VVud_N7JGHI/AAAAAAAAODk/K9Bb8e_Pipc/s1600/father%2Btim%2Bgollob%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eeqIAyEPwY/VVud_N7JGHI/AAAAAAAAODk/K9Bb8e_Pipc/s400/father%2Btim%2Bgollob%2B1a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The trees, grasses and the wildflowers have formed a reciprocal community here fostering an environment of tremendous bounty. With the addition of heavy rains and flooding, the Great Trinity Forest is primed for an excellent late spring and summer of increased wild bounty.<br />
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As we walk from the flooded bottoms near the confluence of White Rock Creek and the Trinity back up the hill Father Tim is quick to point out the ladybugs afoot.<br />
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The rains are renewing a land parched for years. Talk of great things to come and a hopeful summer filled with the wild observations and sightings that make Father Tim Gollob and the little vireos he knows so well a treasure of the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-42933009502709590242015-03-08T18:30:00.000-05:002015-03-09T00:18:29.630-05:00Hiking Dallas Great Trinity Forest In The Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sojourn in the snow swept woods and ridges of the Great Trinity Forest in Dallas</td></tr>
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The stunning beauty of the snow covered scene could be any mountainous terrain in North America. The near deafening silence of this place would suggest the nearest human would be far beyond the horizon. The snow covered trail we followed over the course of a couple miles only has the footprint of a lone coyote. No human has walked here for days. A place so remote in feel is in the heart of Dallas, inside Loop 12 and just minutes from Downtown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ag1NmAYenr8/VPNJVJgUn-I/AAAAAAAANk4/lL80HTosgKA/s1600/snow%2Bdallas%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ag1NmAYenr8/VPNJVJgUn-I/AAAAAAAANk4/lL80HTosgKA/s1600/snow%2Bdallas%2B1a.jpg" height="354" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the limestone strewn gullies along the Devon Anderson section of the trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3Jgah6LytE/VPNIniWkhrI/AAAAAAAANkY/NxnYp4vf7ak/s1600/scyene2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3Jgah6LytE/VPNIniWkhrI/AAAAAAAANkY/NxnYp4vf7ak/s1600/scyene2a.jpg" height="242" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking across Renda Meadow east of Scyene Overlook</td></tr>
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The encroachment of development over the last half century has left much of this area encased in concrete and manicured lawn. The landscape has changed in many ways and in other places, a quickly disappearing few, have remained essentially the same.<br />
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The White Rock Valley known to many from headwaters in Frisco to the mouth in the Great Trinity Forest has lost much of the natural character which drew Dallas first settlers.<br />
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The creek's course has been confined for millennia by Austin Chalk limestone ridges that it traverses to the east.<br />
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To the west of said outcrop lies a magnificent tangle of oxbow tied meanders and sloughs replete with hawks, otters and beavers that will make even an untrained eye awe in wonder.<br />
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Here, in the Great Trinity Forest and the escarpments one can see in places what White Rock Creek and the woods it feeds might have looked like hundreds of years ago. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6TIT4P32do/VPNG25qebdI/AAAAAAAANjo/82rLdvredls/s1600/piedmontridge3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6TIT4P32do/VPNG25qebdI/AAAAAAAANjo/82rLdvredls/s1600/piedmontridge3a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vby2Zx7wrdg/VPNGMpUTyyI/AAAAAAAANjI/KalegO4lgfs/s1600/barred%2Bowl%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vby2Zx7wrdg/VPNGMpUTyyI/AAAAAAAANjI/KalegO4lgfs/s1600/barred%2Bowl%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barred Owl in the snow on February 28, 2015</td></tr>
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Few venture places in Dallas during winter weather events. The combined effects of warm gulf air in variegated layers often turns a beautiful snow event one day into one of treacherous freezing rain the next. Such is the case here in Dallas on this last day of February 2015.<br />
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<b> Pioneer Family Roots Run Deep </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKmQ2fEI74o/VPxcIcmFI7I/AAAAAAAANrg/cOYhXSXLcGQ/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2Btrail%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKmQ2fEI74o/VPxcIcmFI7I/AAAAAAAANrg/cOYhXSXLcGQ/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2Btrail%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail junction signs for the JJ Beeman Trail which traverses bottomland and the Scyene Overlook Trail which quickly gains elevation to a commanding view over the lower White Rock Creek Valley</td></tr>
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In the simpler times and by any stretch the hardest times, this area was the domain of the Beeman family. What I would call as the real first pioneer family of Dallas, the Beemans settled this part of what is now Dallas County in the spring of 1842 on an old Indian and Buffalo trace now called Scyene Road. John Beeman (1799-1856) and his family were the first of that larger extended family to settle here. The history and legacy that those families wrote along with their neighbors are what cut what was then true wilderness into the city we see today.<br />
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The extensive discourse one can provide on the local pioneer history would fill many a line of a blog. The conduit between contemporary Dallasites and that of the pioneers still runs through the bloodlines of their descendants that still call North Texas home. The original settlers to Dallas County were a strong people and that is still evident today. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oNgCdA5zuU/VPymZk2FS1I/AAAAAAAANso/NMsw-yPqx1c/s1600/dye%2B5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--oNgCdA5zuU/VPymZk2FS1I/AAAAAAAANso/NMsw-yPqx1c/s1600/dye%2B5a.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> MC Toyer, his mother Lois Beeman Toyer, MC’s sister Cynthia Toyer Fusco</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNblD97JWnI/VPymHb1RAtI/AAAAAAAANsg/CLuDtTNmcxI/s1600/john%2Bneely%2Bjr%2Bmrs%2Bbryan%2Bsam%2Bbeeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNblD97JWnI/VPymHb1RAtI/AAAAAAAANsg/CLuDtTNmcxI/s1600/john%2Bneely%2Bjr%2Bmrs%2Bbryan%2Bsam%2Bbeeman.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Beeman,Margaret Beeman Bryan, John Neely Bryan Jr</td></tr>
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The two photos at the time taken, represent the matriarchs of the Beeman family, taken over one hundred twenty years apart. At upper left Margaret Beeman Bryan, wife of John Neely Bryan, founder of Dallas. At right in the 2015 photo is Lois Beeman Toyer, the oldest living member of the Beeman family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWznS0LOiB4/VPxZpOuEOWI/AAAAAAAANq8/Weqx1zhng0I/s1600/dye%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWznS0LOiB4/VPxZpOuEOWI/AAAAAAAANq8/Weqx1zhng0I/s1600/dye%2B4a.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lisa Dye Bentley and MC Toyer, descendants of Benjamin Dye lay a wreath at the gravemarker at Warren Ferris Cemetery near White Rock Lake in January 2015</td></tr>
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The occasion was a rare event in 21st century Dallas, a gravemarker dedication for a War of 1812 Veteran who settled Dallas in the infancy of Texas. His name was Benjamin Dye and is buried a few short blocks from the Dallas Arboretum at White Rock Lake. Paul Ridenour wrote a terrific piece for the White Rock Weekly on the gravemarker dedication found here:<br />
<a href="http://www.whiterocklakeweekly.com/14792/107815/a/patriotism-prevails-during-dedication-event" target="_blank">http://www.whiterocklakeweekly.com/14792/107815/a/patriotism-prevails-during-dedication-event</a><br />
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Some would like to think Dallas is a poor place for local history. That the depth of events happening on the soils of our county is thin. Simply not true. It is rich and features many of the romanticized touchstones of other Texas history events that make Dallas history a fascinating study.<br />
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What sets Dallas apart are the places of yesteryear. Where the first explorers clad in buckskin pants and coonskin caps wandered across Dallas for the first time. Many of those spots still stand intact. Places like the Beeman lands, at interesting places like Scyene Overlook.<br />
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<b>Scyene Overlook</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-551OTAusAvw/VPNI7-0PVAI/AAAAAAAANko/nHuUkr0IUy4/s1600/scyeneoverlook1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-551OTAusAvw/VPNI7-0PVAI/AAAAAAAANko/nHuUkr0IUy4/s1600/scyeneoverlook1a.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Holston standing atop Scyene Overlook</td></tr>
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It is from the top of Scyene Overlook that not just the Great Trinity Forest spills out beneath your feet but also a chance to see for a few miles distant, the immense land holdings once held by the Beeman family. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNRt7xeSl4A/VPNJi2ZVdKI/AAAAAAAANlA/iQ1cMFsmW6k/s1600/scyeneoverlook2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNRt7xeSl4A/VPNJi2ZVdKI/AAAAAAAANlA/iQ1cMFsmW6k/s1600/scyeneoverlook2a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzoZ_3m8k5o/VPxr3rxn9fI/AAAAAAAANsM/ZhGIcj3zx3I/s1600/rabbit%2Btracks%2Bsnow%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzoZ_3m8k5o/VPxr3rxn9fI/AAAAAAAANsM/ZhGIcj3zx3I/s1600/rabbit%2Btracks%2Bsnow%2B1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh rabbit tracks are the only footprints on the trail</td></tr>
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It was across this land in the distance that JJ Beeman guided President
Sam Houston and his Treaty Party entourage visit in the summer of 1843. JJ
Beeman guided Sam Houston's Treaty Party from their overnight camp
at Big Spring up White Rock Creek to John Neely Bryan's cabin in what is
now Downtown Dallas.<br />
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The best known overlook in this trail system is Scyene. Roughly one
hundred yards south of the road bearing the same name the overlook gives
one a commanding view of the Great Trinity Forest to the south.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afUF26DNNHs/VPNIwLSNurI/AAAAAAAANkg/DOwtBNjwfAU/s1600/scyene1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afUF26DNNHs/VPNIwLSNurI/AAAAAAAANkg/DOwtBNjwfAU/s1600/scyene1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Below the overlook in a stand of cedar</td></tr>
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Scyene
Overlook is named for an old frontier town two miles to the east of the
named Scyene. The town center was at the present day intersection of
Scyene and St Augustine . The name "Scyene" is a play on the ancient
Egyptian town named Syene an old frontier outpost on the east bank of
the Nile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHsvMDSCXDM/VP0NhQeySWI/AAAAAAAANtA/55JbNy5rEBs/s1600/devon%2Banderson%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHsvMDSCXDM/VP0NhQeySWI/AAAAAAAANtA/55JbNy5rEBs/s1600/devon%2Banderson%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" height="640" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piedmont Ridge Trail and Devon Anderson Trail</td></tr>
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The millennium old natural bison path and hard
bottomed ford of White Rock Creek made this a preferred ox pulled wagon
route into Dallas prior to the railroads. The long haul freight
transporters of their time. <br />
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The Lower White Rock Creek Trails are comprised of a roughly 3-4 mile(depending on route) soft surface trail network spanning three different City of Dallas Parks. JJ Beeman/Scyene Overlook on Scyene Road, Grover Keeton Park which includes Piedmont Ridge Trail and Devon Anderson Park south of Bruton Road.<br />
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<b>Best Parking</b><br />
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=grover+keeton+park+dallas&hl=en&ll=32.756953,-96.701939&spn=0.000877,0.002642&sll=32.761457,-96.704557&sspn=0.001944,0.004128&gl=us&hq=grover+keeton+park&hnear=Dallas,+Texas&t=h&layer=c&cbll=32.756953,-96.701939&panoid=VtKq1mnnVgViNbNvMDlT4Q&cbp=11,287.79,,0,10.41&z=19&output=classic&dg=oo" target="_blank">2300 Jim Miller Road Dallas TX</a><br />
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The JJ Beeman Trail starts near the corner of Glover Pass and Scyene and continues east to the Scyene Overlook. From there the trail roughly follows an Austin Chalk Escarpment high above the White Rock Creek Valley. One clear days can see the VA Hospital in South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Hutchins as well as Downtown Dallas. The trail continues through Grover Keeton Park, up Piedmont Ridge, across Bruton and into Devon Anderson Park. <br />
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The trails here are comprised of a random mix of trails with no clearly defined start or finish. Over the last couple years, trail maintenance has fallen off and as a result some of the sections might become an awkward adventure to find. The trails are all still there just more faint in appearance for a first-time visitor.<br />
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<b>Piedmont Ridge</b> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFSvv_LEzhQ/VPNJR8i-EwI/AAAAAAAANkw/jrBhs06HRXI/s1600/white%2Brock%2Bvalley%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFSvv_LEzhQ/VPNJR8i-EwI/AAAAAAAANkw/jrBhs06HRXI/s1600/white%2Brock%2Bvalley%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing an open field before hiking up Piedmont Ridge</td></tr>
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Piedmont Ridge, which sits to the south and east of Scyene Overlook is slightly higher than overlooks to the north. The long ago
built trail along the topographical high is reached
by navigating across the Scyene Overlook escarpment and across the
driveway entrance of Grover Keeton Golf Course. Heading south with Jim Miller on the
left and the DART tracks to the right, one will find a trailhead kiosk
and trail entrance. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1P8blyH4nQs/VPNHEKZ_Y_I/AAAAAAAANjw/Khe5cqieOvs/s1600/piedmontridge4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1P8blyH4nQs/VPNHEKZ_Y_I/AAAAAAAANjw/Khe5cqieOvs/s1600/piedmontridge4a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing up the short switchbacks that lead up the spine of Piedmont Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some short and steep switchbacks climb quickly onto a level topped ridge
with a set of cedar hewn benches roughly 2/3'rds of the way towards
Bruton Road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ym_nXylcY28/VPNHx_DGj3I/AAAAAAAANkA/0jWaXXBWoI4/s1600/piedmontridge6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ym_nXylcY28/VPNHx_DGj3I/AAAAAAAANkA/0jWaXXBWoI4/s1600/piedmontridge6a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piedmont Ridge Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QWUfABc-JY/VPNHeG2gP8I/AAAAAAAANj4/wBIjp4zenQk/s1600/piedmontridge5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QWUfABc-JY/VPNHeG2gP8I/AAAAAAAANj4/wBIjp4zenQk/s1600/piedmontridge5a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MhNYX0Ds38/VPxrdf8c09I/AAAAAAAANr8/5w9U7MpZmG0/s1600/frozen%2Bcactus%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MhNYX0Ds38/VPxrdf8c09I/AAAAAAAANr8/5w9U7MpZmG0/s1600/frozen%2Bcactus%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus covered in ice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The cedar benches here have some of the most photogenic views of Dallas and Oak Cliff to the west. A real showstopper of a place to take in a sunset and only a ten minute walk from where one can park a car. The smell of this spot is that of the Texas Hill Country and even during below freezing conditions, the cedar pollen of this spot is thick.<br />
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<b> Devon Anderson Trail</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LI_FDRnrh0/VPNGuA9WJFI/AAAAAAAANjg/GDLiAWF5jkM/s1600/piedmontridge2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LI_FDRnrh0/VPNGuA9WJFI/AAAAAAAANjg/GDLiAWF5jkM/s1600/piedmontridge2a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2togM-9P9s/VPxrt3uGcnI/AAAAAAAANsE/h88iblQPZ4M/s1600/mexican%2Bbuckeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2togM-9P9s/VPxrt3uGcnI/AAAAAAAANsE/h88iblQPZ4M/s1600/mexican%2Bbuckeye.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Buckeye seed pod </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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South of Bruton Road, the becomes nearly non-existent in many spots. Even in dry weather the trail is not much more than a faint trace of a path frequented more by that of a coyote, a couple rabbits and bounding squirrels. No human traffic as evidenced by the clean snow.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8mWqlrTPNY/VPNIA8U4VHI/AAAAAAAANkI/-NU85L8Il1c/s1600/piedmontridge7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8mWqlrTPNY/VPNIA8U4VHI/AAAAAAAANkI/-NU85L8Il1c/s1600/piedmontridge7a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8aKgseC3kX8/VPNGpXEUMxI/AAAAAAAANjY/HJcC2Z0_OYQ/s1600/piedmontbridge1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8aKgseC3kX8/VPNGpXEUMxI/AAAAAAAANjY/HJcC2Z0_OYQ/s1600/piedmontbridge1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge across a very deep gully in Devon Anderson Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trail follows ridge lines and then switchbacks down into a series of gullies. The rewarding views of each new ridge afford different views of the forest and city skyline in the far distance. The gullies offer something much different this time of year, the first signs of spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-ZYqys8DNk/VPNITTXZVHI/AAAAAAAANkQ/qqRG1XybzpI/s1600/piedmontridge8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-ZYqys8DNk/VPNITTXZVHI/AAAAAAAANkQ/qqRG1XybzpI/s1600/piedmontridge8a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in one of the deeper gullies </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iMWBBl0js/VPxrJSzlb6I/AAAAAAAANr0/StmvGoOHJgE/s1600/frozen%2Btrout%2Blilies%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iMWBBl0js/VPxrJSzlb6I/AAAAAAAANr0/StmvGoOHJgE/s1600/frozen%2Btrout%2Blilies%2Ba.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout lilies partially encased in snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Residing in the organically rich leaf strewn soils just inside the sun dappled
treelines for a short few days become home to one of Texas most unique
natural blooms. The Trout Lily, <i>Erythronium albidum. </i>Along this trail system, particularly south of Bruton Road one sees vast numbers of these early bloomers, many of the plants grow next to and even up through the trail here. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/be-AX5lFkbs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/be-AX5lFkbs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Above is a video clip of trout lilies growing on the banks of a small arroyo stream in Devon Anderson that is swollen with ice melt from a recent winter storm to hit Dallas.<br />
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White Trout Lilies are known to exist in the State of Texas in 15
counties. Trout Lilies, also called Dog-Tooth Violets or Adder's Tongues
are a spring flowering woodland native to Texas. The flowers have 6
white tepals (inverted petals), 6 stamens and bright yellow anthers that
hang downwards forming an inverted shape. Each plant is about 6 inches
tall and roughly the diameter of a dinner plate. It takes 6 long growing
seasons before a Trout Lily will produce a flower in year 7.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhkDdFEICkQ/VPNKs0I9kdI/AAAAAAAANlM/D67O4qem4gM/s1600/trout%2Blily%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhkDdFEICkQ/VPNKs0I9kdI/AAAAAAAANlM/D67O4qem4gM/s1600/trout%2Blily%2Bdallas.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
Trout lilies take so many years to mature, so difficult for their seed to
spread, so hard to see in other times of the year that they have become a
splintered subset of colonies here in the Dallas area. Separated by
great distances in geography and existing in ecological isolation they are a unique plant worthy of distinction.</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-15325960212937223732015-03-06T13:58:00.000-06:002015-03-06T14:01:56.982-06:00Snow Covers Big Spring In Dallas Great Trinity Forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7V662GUcMw/VPiq5S8HJkI/AAAAAAAANmY/Y1PeluL116o/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7V662GUcMw/VPiq5S8HJkI/AAAAAAAANmY/Y1PeluL116o/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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With a silence only punctuated by the distant howl of coyotes the sights of Big Spring under a record breaking snowfall are a sight to behold. Over four inches of snow blanketed the ground the night before leaving a white monotone landscape across the soon to be wildflower filled fields.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_htWbCAraw/VPiwzDv5A7I/AAAAAAAANm4/ocaPtm1EkbU/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_htWbCAraw/VPiwzDv5A7I/AAAAAAAANm4/ocaPtm1EkbU/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B2a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pemberton family campground and campfire area at Big Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a measuring stick on how deep the snow can stack one can look at some of the only man made fixtures at Big Spring like the campfire and campsite used for decades by the Pemberton family and invited guests. This might be the oldest continuously used campsite in Dallas County. The archeologists tell us that a portion of the Big Spring Native American site is still intact in this area. The immediate vicinity later used by traveling explorers, pioneer families, family reunions and countless scout troops.<br />
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Southern Methodist University Professor Emeritus Darwin Payne recently wrote a great piece about Big Spring which was published in the Dallas Morning News. It is a great read about the human history of this place, the Beemans, Bryans, Pembertons and the Pemberton's Bryan Springs Dairy<br />
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20150113-darwin-payne-dallas-big-spring-has-a-rich-and-important-history.ece" target="_blank">http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20150113-darwin-payne-dallas-big-spring-has-a-rich-and-important-history.ece</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmsA0TCgzY4/VPi9NgdW5wI/AAAAAAAANn4/DXc7DgilrbI/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bdallas%2Btexas%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmsA0TCgzY4/VPi9NgdW5wI/AAAAAAAANn4/DXc7DgilrbI/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bdallas%2Btexas%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The day before over an inch of rain fell across the Great Trinity Forest adding to an impressive precipitation total. A large rain event coupled with snow is a chance to do a unique monthly water monitoring test at Big Spring. Testing is traditionally in the first week of the month for this site. The results were quite interesting in that the flow rate from Big Spring was much higher than dry conditions.<br />
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<b>Big Weather Equals Big Flow</b><br />
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It is thought that Big Spring's water source is a mix of ancient water from a yet to be researched deep aquifer, a shallow perched aquifer and runoff from storm events. The flow of the spring averages 20-22 gallons per minute during dry conditions. On this day, March 5th, the flow was cranking at 27 gallons per minute. One could float the theory that snowmelt around the spring was a contributor and the saturated porous soils upslope of the spring.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RulxFNnEaRk/VPm9ESgEr5I/AAAAAAAANps/RfMjrmNbXzA/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bdallas%2Btexas%2B2015%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RulxFNnEaRk/VPm9ESgEr5I/AAAAAAAANps/RfMjrmNbXzA/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bdallas%2Btexas%2B2015%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty Bur Oak which is many hundreds of years old has witnessed
countless storms such as this. Snow, rain, wind, heat and drought leave
marks of distinction on the tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Richard Grayson who leads volunteer water monitoring for the Texas Stream Team in DFW tested the water after the previous snow event on February 25, 2015. His observations calculated to 28 gallons per minute of flow. On both test dates(2/25 and 3/5), the dissolved solids represented as conductivity of the water was 780 μS/cm. Conductivity is a great test for Big Spring where water usually is in the 800-810 μS/cm range. A higher number suggests the water moves through a large amount of geology before entering the open air.<br />
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Dissolved solids are important to aquatic life by keeping cell density balanced. For instance in distilled or deionized water, water will flow into an organism’s cells, causing them to swell. In water with a very high dissolved solid concentration, cells will shrink. These changes can affect an organism’s ability to move in a water column, causing it to float or sink beyond its normal range. Total dissolved solids can also affect water taste, and often indicates a high alkalinity or hardness. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDqviTxM9s/VPm8cXUs3RI/AAAAAAAANpk/nUJgmDPHpUc/s1600/arrowhead%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDqviTxM9s/VPm8cXUs3RI/AAAAAAAANpk/nUJgmDPHpUc/s1600/arrowhead%2Bsnow.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow capped watercress and arrowhead in the spring pool among the 62 degree water of Big Spring with an air temperature of 26 degrees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The water at Big Spring varies little in temperature during the year. A near constant temperature and near constant rate of flow allows a microclimate to exist inside the spring. It was during an early February monthly test that frogs were observed swimming, jumping, diving and interacting in the spring as if it were a bright summer day. Aquatic animals and invertebrates are always seen at the spring even in the harshest of weather. The buffer afforded by the water allows this fauna to thrive. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1eXSYqOxvU/VPm1iQTkBGI/AAAAAAAANow/7OmOp1jdrYk/s1600/sedge%2Bsnow%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B1eXSYqOxvU/VPm1iQTkBGI/AAAAAAAANow/7OmOp1jdrYk/s1600/sedge%2Bsnow%2B1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedge partially encased in snow</td></tr>
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There are many plants outside the spring where old man winter has a grasp on plants putting them into seasonal slumber. Inside the confines of the spring, the same species dormant elsewhere are alive and thriving such as the sedge in the photo above.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCxacX5l5-I/VPm9trf6hsI/AAAAAAAANp4/wfYLDW2fzX0/s1600/snow%2Bblanket%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCxacX5l5-I/VPm9trf6hsI/AAAAAAAANp4/wfYLDW2fzX0/s1600/snow%2Bblanket%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow blankets watercress below the outfall of Big Spring</td></tr>
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Beyond the immediate outfall of Big Spring, the strength of the spring's unique envelope of climate begins to change. While the water is slow to change in temperature, the ambient air temperature begins to influence the plants at the spring. Seen above, about 100 feet from the Big Spring source and some 20 feet below the outfall of the pond area, winter takes a grip. This is also the area where Big Spring transitions from the Trinity Terrace to the formal bottomlands of the Great Trinity Forest. Call it the 100 year floodplain or floodway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJY6QIO8DnM/VPi_HkJKLQI/AAAAAAAANoM/YDwUJm9ltBk/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJY6QIO8DnM/VPi_HkJKLQI/AAAAAAAANoM/YDwUJm9ltBk/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B8a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking through the new snow to the west of Big Spring down into the bottoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Into the Slough</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmHnv7cERns/VPiw22Dr8HI/AAAAAAAANnA/wJlrWknfg2A/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmHnv7cERns/VPiw22Dr8HI/AAAAAAAANnA/wJlrWknfg2A/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B4a.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Great Trinity Forest is dominated by species of flora and fauna residing in a hardwood bottom woodland. Ash, willow, oak and elm are some of the more populated species comprising the woods here. The snow really highlights the trunks as far as one can see.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWbpWpGbkIg/VPi_CZ9NsvI/AAAAAAAANoE/GK51NuAx4GA/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWbpWpGbkIg/VPi_CZ9NsvI/AAAAAAAANoE/GK51NuAx4GA/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B7a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The galvanized gate here, seen above looking east, is often used as a measuring stick to flood events. Bryan's Slough, called Oak Creek elsewhere, often overbanks and reaches this gate with regular frequency. When White Rock Creek and the larger Trinity River overbank due to flooding the flood waters can inundate the entire gate top to bottom.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrRQAhDfRaU/VPix9x0ukNI/AAAAAAAANnI/DO88Qsb4Fq0/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bpemberton%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zrRQAhDfRaU/VPix9x0ukNI/AAAAAAAANnI/DO88Qsb4Fq0/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bpemberton%2B1a.jpg" height="206" width="640" /></a></div>
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On this day the bottoms for half the distance between the gate and Bryan's Slough (named for John Neely Bryan) it is a blanket of untouched snow. To the west the look changes....<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsqERX56lNc/VPizvgXNhSI/AAAAAAAANnc/jQpMF9HUQSM/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsqERX56lNc/VPizvgXNhSI/AAAAAAAANnc/jQpMF9HUQSM/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bsnow%2B6a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...it becomes a unique flooded vista of ice, trees and fast flowing clear water. The normally shallow slough that is narrow enough for a child to hop across has become a 150 foot wide mighty flow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31cufjI3q80/VPi4UUzWNBI/AAAAAAAANno/CJqYLRxhsz4/s1600/Galium%2Baparine%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-31cufjI3q80/VPi4UUzWNBI/AAAAAAAANno/CJqYLRxhsz4/s1600/Galium%2Baparine%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow covered Galium aparine</td></tr>
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Catchweed seen above often fills the bottoms here in winter. The name comes from a velcro like cling this plant's leaves have which will stick to clothes as one walks by. It also holds a lot of snow as evidenced by the photo above. A member of same plant family as coffee, the fruit of the plant can be harvested and used as a coffee substitute. In the past, people have used the plant when dried to stuff mattresses and pillows.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FibIxNhhpfc/VPm6dhqmlTI/AAAAAAAANpQ/6xXWxSUzuD8/s1600/swamp%2Bprivet%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FibIxNhhpfc/VPm6dhqmlTI/AAAAAAAANpQ/6xXWxSUzuD8/s1600/swamp%2Bprivet%2B1a.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow laced Swamp Privet along the banks of Bryan's Slough</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toppled Ash tree covered in snow</td></tr>
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The last several years have been remarkably dry for the Great Trinity Forest. A lack of large flood events from the nearby Trinity River have left many of the wetland areas devoid of seasonal overbanking events. The flooding of such areas serves as a great incubator for wildlife of all kinds and is a building block for the foundation which makes the Great Trinity Forest such a unique place in Texas.<br />
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History shows us through flood gauge data and rain events that these areas around the nexus of White Rock Creek and the Trinity spend more time wet and flooded than dry. That's why there is no footprint of the old timers here from a century ago. They were smart not to try and tame a place with such brute force as frequent flood events. Vast flooded lands even after days with an average rain will put a foot or three of water across the bottoms here for days at a time.<br />
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<b>Winter Birds of Big Spring</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbkPP8oyxA/VPm4IiAn65I/AAAAAAAANpE/XFe3kU1Eb8k/s1600/sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbkPP8oyxA/VPm4IiAn65I/AAAAAAAANpE/XFe3kU1Eb8k/s1600/sparrow.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Song Sparrow</td></tr>
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The winter birds that visit Big Spring are an interesting lot that vary from what are seen in the warmer months. Many birds like the Song Sparrow seen above and standing in Big Spring spend the summer nesting months in far away areas of Canada and the Northern United States. They are often heard but often hard to spot as they dart in and out of dense thickets of foliage and branches that they prefer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O7zW41rrvo/VPnEb8MHPsI/AAAAAAAANqQ/TdOf4-_IZVg/s1600/white%2Bcrowned%2Bsparrow%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0O7zW41rrvo/VPnEb8MHPsI/AAAAAAAANqQ/TdOf4-_IZVg/s1600/white%2Bcrowned%2Bsparrow%2B1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Crowned Sparrow</td></tr>
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Another bird common to Big Spring only in winter months is the White Crowned Sparrow. The White-crowned Sparrow is a distinctive bird with bold black and white stripes on its head. It has a clear, gray breast and belly, long tail, and wings distinctly marked with two white wing-bars.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhrubSm2jAM/VPnD8eEWMeI/AAAAAAAANqI/UDAebCDTkq8/s1600/harris%2Bsparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhrubSm2jAM/VPnD8eEWMeI/AAAAAAAANqI/UDAebCDTkq8/s1600/harris%2Bsparrow.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harris's Sparrow</td></tr>
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Very easy to spot at Big Spring but one of the sparrows that many birder's lack in their life list is that of the Harris's Sparrow. This big, elegant sparrow is a winter bird of the Southern Plains , nesting in north-central Canada, wintering mainly in the I-35 corridor between Oklahoma City and Waco. Because of its remote habitat and shy behavior in summer, its nesting territory was not discovered until 1931, long after those of most North American birds. Harris's Sparrow is more easily observed in winter in places like Dallas. Flocks feed on the ground near brushy places, flying up when disturbed to perch in the tops of thickets, giving sharp callnotes. It's a wonderful bird to watch for in the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAzcSxnsi-M/VPm3VUPurMI/AAAAAAAANo8/lGg8nZrf4x4/s1600/coopers%2Bhawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAzcSxnsi-M/VPm3VUPurMI/AAAAAAAANo8/lGg8nZrf4x4/s1600/coopers%2Bhawk.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper's Hawk</td></tr>
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Last but not least is the resident Big Spring Cooper's Hawk. A far as hawks go it is medium-sized and is a bird of the woodlands. Feeding mostly on birds and small mammals, it hunts by stealth, approaching its prey through dense cover and then pouncing with a rapid, powerful flight. Unlike the larger Red-Tailed Hawk which often uses open ground and big spaces for hunting, the Cooper's Hawk utilizes the cover of thickets and wooded spaces to ambush prey. The dead give away on the Cooper's is the blazing red eyes that some exhibit and the rounded tail.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-49123913568136885552015-02-09T15:48:00.001-06:002015-02-09T15:48:31.295-06:00McCommas Bluff Nature Preserve Is Being Ruined<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b5KJPVfsC0/VNgrA8KsMEI/AAAAAAAANcY/uhyJBkCUM-w/s1600/mccommas%2Bbefore%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b5KJPVfsC0/VNgrA8KsMEI/AAAAAAAANcY/uhyJBkCUM-w/s1600/mccommas%2Bbefore%2B1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The before and after photos of McCommas Bluff Nature Preserve as they looked April 19, 2014 and February 8, 2015. The devastation is wholesale to a wet meadow area known for spectacular wildflowers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Great Trinity Forest Trout Lily in full bloom at McCommas Bluff Preserve February 8, 2015</td></tr>
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There is a knoll on the mouth of Elam Creek and the Trinity River which harbors one of only about a hundred known Trout Lily colonies in the State of Texas. Here in McCommas Bluff Preserve through the dappled light of leafless tree branches in the mid winter these harbingers of spring come to life. The colony of trout lilies has flowered here undisturbed for many centuries. Never burdened or destroyed by man.<br />
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The wild landscape which some call the Great Trinity Forest, in pockets, appears identical to the way it has always looked. The land that drew Native Americans out of East Texas and on to the edge of the Southern Plains. The land that drew the first European pioneers out of Appalachia to tame the new frontiers of the west. It all sat here, inside what is now the City of Dallas untouched in parts for time immemorial. That is now rapidly changing for the worse.<br />
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At the risk of sounding anthropomorphist it almost seems a necessity to humanize a place where no human activity can be seen. The woods here are an old spirit with a feel all it's own. I always tell folks that they need to get down to the Great Trinity Forest and see her before she is gone.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxYTjB-l2B4/VNjDZNMba5I/AAAAAAAANdo/SrY7BMzj67k/s1600/state%2Bfair%2Btexas%2Bphoto%2Bcontest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxYTjB-l2B4/VNjDZNMba5I/AAAAAAAANdo/SrY7BMzj67k/s1600/state%2Bfair%2Btexas%2Bphoto%2Bcontest.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
It was among this past year's State Fair of Texas winners that photographs of McCommas Bluff Nature Preserve were seen by two and a half million people. In the Creative Arts Building, just left of the shelves featuring prize winning pickles and jams stood photos of a picturesque wet meadow tucked into the backside of the Trinity.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3e91-ZF85L8/VNg0-n0fEEI/AAAAAAAANdQ/1m3wXwraVBo/s1600/hummingbird%2Bmoth%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3e91-ZF85L8/VNg0-n0fEEI/AAAAAAAANdQ/1m3wXwraVBo/s1600/hummingbird%2Bmoth%2B2.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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The wet conditions of meadow areas like this can harbor collections of crayfish, toads and frogs. In spring, the damp soils allow wildflowers to soar to record size. The dominant species in April is Indian Paintbrush. Seen above, judged and displayed at the State Fair as one of the best in the State of Texas for the year is a Hummingbird Moth feeding in the meadow among the paintbrush. Bragging rights belong to the flora and fauna here. The exceptionally friendly moth and the large wildflowers provide an excellent study.<br />
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Even the oft avoided Prickly Pear Cactus in McCommas Bluff Preserve can pull of stunning displays of flower color. A remarkable display and showcase of Texas plants within a five minute walk of the Trinity River Audubon Center.<br />
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Here are the coordinates for the spot <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/TJrGV" target="_blank">McCommas Bluff Preserve</a><br />
32°42'8.44"N<br />
96°41'55.52"W<br />
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Here is how it looked Saturday April 19, 2014 when the meadow was in full bloom. It was also the visit in which the photo of the Hummingbird Moth was taken. This photo is looking west. The far treeline with the largest trees is Elam Creek which separates McCommas Bluff Nature Preserve from the Trinity River Audubon Center. The area from which those winning State Fair photos were born....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b5KJPVfsC0/VNgrA8KsMEI/AAAAAAAANcY/uhyJBkCUM-w/s1600/mccommas%2Bbefore%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--b5KJPVfsC0/VNgrA8KsMEI/AAAAAAAANcY/uhyJBkCUM-w/s1600/mccommas%2Bbefore%2B1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The same spot Sunday February 8, 2015<br />
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Destroyed.<br />
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This is unacceptable. <br />
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Not just damaged but destroyed in an absolute sense that the change is forever permanent. The area is still damp but is now an absolute rutted mess of mud. <br />
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It would only be fair to recapitulate the points of the last land management incident involving the Great Trinity Forest. The clearcutting of public lands, the misuse of Waters of the United States, the draining of a pond, the killing of wildlife in said pond. The seemingly complete indifference of those responsible. In the undulant course of trying to educate those in local government the rough hewn guidelines of land stewardship, I feel as though it has been an absolute and immoral failure on my part.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-joqhk8L5o/VNgrNpi_eyI/AAAAAAAANco/PlVDMTXR3S0/s1600/mccommas%2Bbluff%2Bgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-joqhk8L5o/VNgrNpi_eyI/AAAAAAAANco/PlVDMTXR3S0/s1600/mccommas%2Bbluff%2Bgate.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wide open gate at the end of Fairport Road on Sunday February 8, 2015 which is supposed to be locked 24/7</td></tr>
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How and why this happened is not my place to guess. As with past incidents, it takes a lot of cooks in the kitchen to allow these events to transpire. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6aEReO79fU/VNkSHnLgZvI/AAAAAAAANd8/M-ubZW1OXl4/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6aEReO79fU/VNkSHnLgZvI/AAAAAAAANd8/M-ubZW1OXl4/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the hill and on a sewer easement it is easy to pick up and follow the bladed vehicle trail</td></tr>
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Finding the damaged area was a breeze. All it took on February 8, 2015 was to follow the path taken by a large bladed vehicle down a right of way and then up into the higher galleries of McCommas Bluff Nature Preserve. Maybe this is for the horse trail construction project? Water utilities? Sewer?<br />
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It was September 22, 2014 when I sent an email to the City of Dallas and a host of concerned citizens on future projects slated for work in the near future. One of which was the Phase V Trinity Trail bridge crossing for horses at Elam Creek. An excerpt of the email:<br />
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<i>"-Phase V- One of only two trout lily populations in the
Great Trinity Forest exist here. The other near Scyene Overlook. This is
inventoried as Trout Lily population #94 (see map), first discovered in
February 2014. There are only 100 of these trout lily colonies in
Texas, a rare plant species that takes 7 years from seed to produce a
flower. The population exists in what biologists call a refugium, a
biological island that escaped destruction. The colony here most likely
is ancient as the seeds are only dispersed by ants, not wind or birds.
Tom Frey with Garland PARD offers a great talk on trout lilies and how
fragile they are. <br /><br />Phase V's trail crossing alignment could
impact the trout lilies in this area. In addition there is a large
grove of Texas Buckeyes and Mexican Buckeyes along the limestone
escarpment in this area that would be in danger of being ruined if heavy
earthwork equipment were to venture off into the woods. This spot is
the only one on the entire planet where Texas Buckeyes and Trout Lilies
grow in the same space. It is a real undiscovered treasure for the
nearby Trinity River Audubon Center who will be able to reap the rewards
of successful conservation in this area.<br /><br />Unless gates and
substantial protections are put in place to prevent illegal access on
the new crossings, then the TRAC is in real danger of criminal activity.
The only thing keeping the crooks with vehicles out is the substantial
drop across Elam Creek. Heavy, well built gates need to be installed at
Riverwood Road both into McCommas Bluff Preserve and behind the cemetery
to I-20.<br /><br />The bluff top at McCommas Bluff Preserve was
wholly destroyed by the lack of a gate at Riverwood Road. See attached
photos of before and after.There was a locked gate there for many years,
it was removed for a Dallas Water Utilities project by DCI. The
contractor(where have I heard of them before) did not replace the gate,
did not mitigate their damage and now the bluff top is an eroded
moonscaped mess. If you recall this spot is listed as a Texas State
Historical Landmark site, a historical marker was dedicated in 1986 at
the spot. I have discussed with city staff many times about the need to
replace the locked gate here. It has become a haven for criminal
activity.</i>"<br />
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One can read on what is up Elam Creek through the Preserve in a post from last March<br />
<a href="http://dallastrinitytrails.blogspot.com/2014/03/mccommas-bluff-preserve-up-elam-creek.html" target="_blank">http://dallastrinitytrails.blogspot.com/2014/03/mccommas-bluff-preserve-up-elam-creek.html</a><br />
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As mentioned last year the Trout Lily represents not just the first flowers of the new year. To
many, the colonies of these plants represent very rare spots in Dallas
where the land was never plowed, lumbered or disturbed in any way.
Pollinated by flying insects like bees and seeds dispersed by ants, the
Trout Lily is a very immobile species and rare as a result.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdnf0YuIHWk/UyKAO6oRO7I/AAAAAAAALfY/8m557Z16uqk/s1600/texas%2Bbuckeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdnf0YuIHWk/UyKAO6oRO7I/AAAAAAAALfY/8m557Z16uqk/s1600/texas%2Bbuckeye.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Texas Buckeye in full bloom March 2014</td></tr>
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It is right about where you run out of water for a canoe paddling up from the Trinity that one
spies the Buckeyes. The will be in full bloom about St Patrick's Day. It is not very hard, if you live in a place like
Texas, to find obscure evidence of the legacy that previous generations
left us. If you can look past the rust of old metal parts, discarded sun
bleached plastic and the borrow pits scattered around....you might just
catch a wiff of what forefathers saw in preserving such a place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F42FWVAnkjQ/VNkSOEGCxRI/AAAAAAAANeE/1fu49g9hsv4/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F42FWVAnkjQ/VNkSOEGCxRI/AAAAAAAANeE/1fu49g9hsv4/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash tree double marked with flagging tape and an aluminum tag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3H7jOvF_xBQ/VNkSlGbzduI/AAAAAAAANeM/yz336jWRP2M/s1600/IMG_6692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3H7jOvF_xBQ/VNkSlGbzduI/AAAAAAAANeM/yz336jWRP2M/s1600/IMG_6692.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flagging on Elam Creek</td></tr>
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The concern, beyond the destruction already in place at the Dallas County preserve is how the construction will impact the really special parts of the Great Trinity Forest. Surely some of the Texas Buckeyes will be chopped down and/or damaged as they grow close to the project site. The trout lilies which grow so close to the creek will be impacted as well.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-55879924431955946152014-12-05T11:54:00.000-06:002014-12-05T11:57:16.093-06:00Texas Water Conservation In Focus At Big Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salon in the Wild at historic Big Spring with Andrew Sansom (center) Executive Director for The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Left to right TPWD Biologist Brett Johnson, Wildlife Biologist Becky Rader, Andrew Sansom, TPWD Biologist Derek Broman, Texas Stream Team DFW Coordinator Richard Grayson.</td></tr>
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Historic Big Spring located in Dallas, Texas deep in the heart of the Great Trinity Forest has drawn distinguished Texans for centuries to what has become one of the last remaining natural springs in Dallas County. From the first President of the Republic of Texas Sam Houston to the residence of Dallas founding father John Neely Bryan it is a fitting site to host a late afternoon walkabout with one of Texas leading conservationists and water advocates Dr Andrew Sansom, Executive Director for The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. He is also the former Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.<br />
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Master Naturalist Richard Grayson invited Dr Sansom ahead of a planned speaking engagement at the Trinity River Audubon Center. The trip from the airport to the Audubon Center included a visit to Big Spring and walk with DFW biologists through one of the great wildscape spots inside the heart of Dallas.<br />
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<b>Big Spring </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring in the cool foggy weather of December 3, 2014</td></tr>
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One of the only natural springs in Dallas, Big Spring flows at a steady temperature year round with crystal clear and clean water. The land surrounding it features centuries old trees and a large Native American archeological site known as 41DL72. The ancient waters of Big Spring flow directly out of Ice Age sands in the Great Trinity Forest. Water dated to the Late Archaic. Water so clear that in photos it looks invisible to the eye.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MiKgs_MhpIc/VIBle6yKPDI/AAAAAAAANRc/oJIncCgLARk/s1600/watercress%2Bbig%2Bspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MiKgs_MhpIc/VIBle6yKPDI/AAAAAAAANRc/oJIncCgLARk/s1600/watercress%2Bbig%2Bspring.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercress growing across a blanketed bottom of oak leaves at Big Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowhead leaves poking through the water at Big Spring</td></tr>
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Annually, this vent and several others put 12 million gallons of fresh and clean water into a network of streams in the Great Trinity Forest. The water is the lifeline for the woods here. It forms the fundamental foundation that influences the great swath of biodiversity below the source.<br />
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Big Spring is an oasis of natural tranquility in a difficult neighborhood. The acute nature of blight in the zip code coupled with increasing misadventures in new construction adds to the spirited conversation of how Big Spring and the aquifer that supplies it remains viable for generations to come.<br />
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In 2014 alone, the City of Dallas has removed thousands of trees for private construction purposes in the public parkland known as The Great Trinity Forest, illegally drained wetlands subject to sanction by the TCEQ and EPA. Now they are draining the same shallow aquifer for construction activities that shares the geology with Big Spring. The high residency times for water in the shallow aquifer suggest that the rate of recharge is quite slow.<br />
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<b>Texas Stream Team Water Monitoring At Big Spring</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Stream Team Coordinator Richard Grayson points out the key features to Big Spring with Dr Sansom looking on. Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Derek Broman on opposing shore</td></tr>
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Knowledge and making informed decisions on the health of our waterways and waterbodies is only as good as the data collected. The importance of tests and monitoring is designed to establish a
baseline for future decisions that will impact the area for generations to come. Starting a couple years ago the avalanche of data regarding the spring and
surrounding area now exceeds 7,000 pages of documents and is growing at an exponential rate.<br />
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The Texas Stream Team is based at Texas State
University and is affiliated directly with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. The Stream Team is a partnership of agencies and trained volunteers
working together to monitor water quality and educate Texans about
the natural resources in the state. Established in 1991, the team is
administered through a cooperative partnership with Texas State, the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh1OCXFNhFU/VIEBUYwJHII/AAAAAAAANUc/t1u1K3gR84k/s1600/tpwd%2Bmagazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh1OCXFNhFU/VIEBUYwJHII/AAAAAAAANUc/t1u1K3gR84k/s1600/tpwd%2Bmagazine.jpg" /></a><br />
Statewide more than two thousand volunteers are trained to
collect water samples according to a water quality plan approved by TCEQ
and EPA. The monitors make field observations and analyze <br />
the samples
for dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, Secchi depth
transparency, temperature, and E. coli to assess the quality of aquatic
life and contact recreation conditions of the water.<br />
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The December 2014 edition of <i>Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine</i> has a great writeup on the Texas Stream Team and the work done to highlight water quality concerns at places like Big Spring.<br />
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Since water monitoring began at Big Spring, volunteers have logged more than 150 hours of work. Many have assisted in testing the water at Big Spring since inception. Boy Scouts, high school students and even Southern Methodist University Engineer's Without Borders have attended monitoring events at Big Spring. Water samples are collected monthly with on site testing for pH,
dissolved oxygen. E.coli testing is done offsite at the offices of For
The Love Of The Lake at Casa Linda.<br />
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Big Spring has two data testing sites in conjunction
with the Texas Stream Team. The sites are<br />
<a href="https://aqua.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/events.aspx?qrySite=80939" target="_blank">#80939 Big Spring Source</a><br />
<a href="https://aqua.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/events.aspx?qrySite=80965" target="_blank">#80965 Big Spring Pond</a><br />
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One set of tests are conducted at the head of Big Spring using an 80cm copper pipe which is placed horizontally into the head itself under the bank. This allows for accurate testing for e.coli and limits the chance for any error.<br />
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An additional battery of tests are conducted in the pond itself. The pond testing site allows for a better gauge of dissolved oxygen in the spring, E.coli and general health of the environment in the vicinity.<br />
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The data collection as time goes on will establish clearer protocols for future activities around the spring site. While nearly 40 individual tests have been conducted between theses two sites, the data needs more points to form a valid statement on what makes the spring tick. One idea is a detailed aquifer study that would develop a hydrology model for this part of Dallas so that the spring can be better understood. <br />
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<b>Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologists</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxCMdDTp30w/VIC02fWd9SI/AAAAAAAANS8/mHkAj3fGf98/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bvisit%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxCMdDTp30w/VIC02fWd9SI/AAAAAAAANS8/mHkAj3fGf98/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bvisit%2Bdallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologists Brett Johnson and Derek Broman talk to Andy Sansom of their great successes with their work in DFW. Their work and programs were greatly enhanced by work done by Dr Sansom as executive director of TPWD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TPWD Biologist Derek Broman at right talks about bobcats and animal tracks</td></tr>
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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Urban Wildlife Program has Urban Biologists stationed in the largest metropolitan areas in Texas to provide urban communities with professional planning guidance, management recommendations, research and public outreach associated with wildlife, habitat and natural resource management.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpJ3HSHnN8c/VIC064YnKFI/AAAAAAAANTE/6dzIso1vIVQ/s1600/brett%2Bjohnson%2Btpwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpJ3HSHnN8c/VIC064YnKFI/AAAAAAAANTE/6dzIso1vIVQ/s1600/brett%2Bjohnson%2Btpwd.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TPWD Biologist Brett Johnson talks about conservation efforts at Big Spring and the wildlife diversity as he walks at Big Spring with Andrew Sansom left and Richard Grayson center</td></tr>
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It is always fascinating to watch professionals at the top of their game share their insights into their work with colleagues in their field. The field trip to Big Spring was no exception. Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologists Derek Broman and Brett Johnson really shone with some exceptional analysis of the spring and outfall areas in the woods beyond.<br />
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Both Broman and Johnson have been working on a variety of animal tracking projects that involve citizen engagement at the very core. Urban bobcat study is near the top of that list with detailed observations, game cameras and tracking programs. You can follow Derek Broman's projects on a website called <a href="http://www.inaturlist.org/" target="_blank">inaturalist</a>. Derek's bobcat study area is 49,000 acres bordered by SH 183 to the north, SH161 to the east, SH180 to the south and Interstate 820 to the west in what we call the mid-cities area of the metroplex. Derek was featured in a great piece in the Dallas Morning News by Ray Sasser this year about the project <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/more-sports/outdoors/20140503-trying-to-explain-more-about-largely-unseen-bobcats-in-d-fw-area.ece" target="_blank">http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/more-sports/outdoors/20140503-trying-to-explain-more-about-largely-unseen-bobcats-in-d-fw-area.ece</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyVbVze3NmQ/VIC1faqWz0I/AAAAAAAANTc/2Jz8EqTMP04/s1600/wildfire%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyVbVze3NmQ/VIC1faqWz0I/AAAAAAAANTc/2Jz8EqTMP04/s1600/wildfire%2Bgreat%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TPWD Biologist Brett Johnson points out some areas in the coneflower field and treeline beyond where the Big Spring Wildfire burned their hottest in July 2014</td></tr>
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Brett Johnson also has a deep interest in wildlife with a long tenure in the 1990s working as the bear researcher at the world famous 200,000 acre Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. His responsibilities included tracking, trapping and relocating problem Black Bears at the ranch. He also oversaw a variety of events at the ranch in the off season including the Ponil Complex Fire in 2002 <a href="http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont-fire/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont-fire/index.html</a>. He is a popular speaker with local community groups and is the go-to guy when someone reports a mountain lion, bigfoot or chupacabra in their alley.<br />
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<b>Bryan's Slough and Beyond</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBbE9d4WCb0/VIC1RhAoSbI/AAAAAAAANTM/z1Ug-ebw1PU/s1600/bryans%2Bslough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBbE9d4WCb0/VIC1RhAoSbI/AAAAAAAANTM/z1Ug-ebw1PU/s1600/bryans%2Bslough.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky Rader explains Bryan's Slough that is fed by Big Spring and drains into White Rock Creek</td></tr>
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Wildlife educator and biologist Becky Rader was on hand to highlight the wide diversity of flora and fauna at Big Spring and beyond into the woods and out into a meadow area. The influence of Big Spring's water stretches far into the woods beyond allowing for an array of animals, shellfish and plants to grow into large populations thanks to the constant water source. Mink, river otter, beaver, raccoon and white tailed deer are well established in this area rarely seen but leave large amounts of tracks in the small gravel bars and flats of the slough.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nakt-TXGZm4/VIHl1Hp1xTI/AAAAAAAANU8/bHM3wKN4n2E/s1600/becky%2Brader%2Bwhite%2Brock%2Blake%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nakt-TXGZm4/VIHl1Hp1xTI/AAAAAAAANU8/bHM3wKN4n2E/s1600/becky%2Brader%2Bwhite%2Brock%2Blake%2Bbook.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>Big Spring drains into the first order stream known as Bryan's Slough in this neighborhood(known also as Oak Creek to the north). From Big Spring the slough meanders south and southwest where it joins White Rock Creek near the mouth with the Trinity River. I often tell people that if you want to see what White Rock Lake looked like before a lake existed come see lower White Rock Creek.<br />
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Becky Rader has an extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna in this watershed. Her tireless efforts for preservation and restoration at White Rock Lake are seen by every visitor to White Rock Lake in the prairie hillsides and woods that surround the park. She has just authored a book on White Rock Lake's wildlife entitled <a href="http://www.beckyrader.blogspot.com/p/order-book-here.html" target="_blank">Nature's Images Of White Rock Lake Park</a> co-authored with the late George Boyd. Fascinating look at the amount of animals seen in that watershed and in such an urban landscape.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan's Slough</td></tr>
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During firefighting activities during the <a href="http://dallastrinitytrails.blogspot.com/2014/07/wildfire-in-great-trinity-forest.html" target="_blank">Big Spring Wildfire</a> it was necessary to temporarily dam the slough so that firefighting equipment could cross. That dam was removed late summer and the slough, also known as Oak Creek now flows unrestricted by man. At different times the little Slough here can do the most peculiar of things. It is a quick stream to throw a temper tantrum and jump the cut banks after a cloudburst thunderstorm event. Hardly ankle deep in many spots it can rise with rains and carry all matter of poorly rooted willows and strand man and beast alike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaiIsoIGFuw/VIBiR1HmbFI/AAAAAAAANRI/-crwOf_TFLc/s1600/aster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaiIsoIGFuw/VIBiR1HmbFI/AAAAAAAANRI/-crwOf_TFLc/s1600/aster.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Aster flowers in full bloom at the Big Spring meadow December 3, 2014</td></tr>
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Beyond the slough, the fire damaged areas show little of the flames that swept across the land. The black soot stained ash trunks on the far edge of the meadow are now complimented with winter stands of tall White Aster flowers growing in colonies that dot the 15 acres of wet meadow and woods. An unexpected sight after so many cold and frost filled mornings of late Autumn. I say from about this spot you are about as far away from concrete inside Loop 12 as anyone can find.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWWfprzuAUo/VICnFPymNKI/AAAAAAAANSQ/cI5YzITgIn4/s1600/pemberton%2Bfarm%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWWfprzuAUo/VICnFPymNKI/AAAAAAAANSQ/cI5YzITgIn4/s1600/pemberton%2Bfarm%2Bdallas.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edward Case Pemberton homestead site</td></tr>
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From high spots on Pemberton Hill in the winter months one can see through the leafless trees a vista of Downtown Dallas beyond. As short five miles as the crow flies.<br />
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That vantage point sits on a humble piece of farm property currently owned for 135 years, come 2015 by the Pemberton family.<br />
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At this spot once stood a log cabin built in 1880. Land purchased from Margaret Beeman Bryan, the widow of John Neely Bryan, the founder of Dallas. Noted in a tilled area above. This spot served as a blacksmithing area for a dairy farm operation owned by Edward Case Pemberton.<br />
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The view at Big Spring has never really changed much in the last 135 years. Only the horizon beyond. What was once prairie and bottomland trees turned in that amount of time into one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75pfQVqUyQI/VIHsW7xqmZI/AAAAAAAANVM/4dsTxMXxZAY/s1600/pemberton%2Bdallas%2Bhistory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75pfQVqUyQI/VIHsW7xqmZI/AAAAAAAANVM/4dsTxMXxZAY/s1600/pemberton%2Bdallas%2Bhistory.jpg" height="110" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Texas Historical Marker on the Dallas County Courthouse Square</td></tr>
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It is in that city center, five miles distant that the Pemberton family name is boldly cast in metal, adorning a historical marker not 50 feet from Main Street on the county courthouse square. An old example of North Central Texas cabin craft stands on that spot, dedicated to the man whose widow sold Edward Case Pemberton land on what is now known as Pemberton Hill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0COcrwmweY/VICu_ivaaHI/AAAAAAAANSs/R5bKiJZohlo/s1600/bill%2Bpemberton%2Bcabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0COcrwmweY/VICu_ivaaHI/AAAAAAAANSs/R5bKiJZohlo/s1600/bill%2Bpemberton%2Bcabin.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy Ray Pemberton, grandson of Edward Case Pemberton, standing at a cabin dedicated to John Neely Bryan, founder of Dallas, Texas. The plaque carries the Pemberton name of Gideon Pemberton a relative of Billy Ray.</td></tr>
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Some driving through Downtown Dallas might glance over to the cabin and think to a time when man weighed lightly on the land, a time when there was lots of elbow room. When the water was clean to drink from the ground and the critters ran free. It's still here in Dallas, at Big Spring.<br />
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Water and conservation of the resource were of paramount importance to those first settlers to found Dallas. As the city grows ever larger and demands become greater, the fragility of Big Spring and places like it will take center stage. It is hoped on a state level that organizations like The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment can act as a guiding light in sound and reasonable decision making with regards to Texas most precious natural resource, water.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-65720238213812789032014-12-02T13:19:00.000-06:002014-12-02T13:22:25.201-06:00Texas Redhead Leucistic Duck in the Trinity River Bottoms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WznmGI3j4_k/VH1ByErpyRI/AAAAAAAANQQ/gjPxyRzQPJ0/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WznmGI3j4_k/VH1ByErpyRI/AAAAAAAANQQ/gjPxyRzQPJ0/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B3a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Redhead Duck hen showing strong signs of leucism in Dallas Texas Trinity River Bottoms</td></tr>
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Ducks as a general rule are so uniform is size, shape and coloration that it is impossible to tell one member of a flock from the next. In the world of birds the ones that attract the most attention are usually the ones who become the target of prey. Bred out over countless generations the genetic differences are muted to the point that all birds to humans or predators look identical. It is a rare sight to see a bird with different coloration. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwKUYtF26pg/VH1CBbbsuAI/AAAAAAAANQg/QIrYHiuyPgo/s1600/redhead%2Bduck%2Bwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TwKUYtF26pg/VH1CBbbsuAI/AAAAAAAANQg/QIrYHiuyPgo/s1600/redhead%2Bduck%2Bwhite.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redhead Ducks, males with the color plumage </td></tr>
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Beyond. Beyond the places where the bulldozers dare not plow. Beyond the places where the water becomes too expensive even to drain for free. Beyond the places where even the most hardened hiker turns back are a few last refuges where wildlife still thrives. It won't be here much longer. <br />
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It is here, far from prying eyes and the chainsaw's song where one can find the seldom seen birds that fly through North Texas on their way to the Texas Gulf Coast.<br />
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Many use the Trinity River as a highway of sorts, the fairly unbroken swath of greenbelt stretching from roughly Bridgeport to Trinity Bay. Redhead Ducks are one such species that migrate through this part of the state to the Gulf of Mexico in what is known as the Central Flyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9nilVzDT4U/VH1Bu19TnCI/AAAAAAAANQI/oefhGXcmE28/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S9nilVzDT4U/VH1Bu19TnCI/AAAAAAAANQI/oefhGXcmE28/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B2.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At far right a female Redhead Duck with a white feathered head</td></tr>
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Biologists on the Texas Gulf Coast estimate that a large percentage of the North American population of Redhead ducks overwinter on the coast. Of those it has been estimated that less than 4 percent of the female Redheads can exhibit a relatively obscure form of what appears to be leucism unique to this species.<br />
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In leucistic birds, affected plumage lacks the color pigment called melanin due to the cells responsible for melanin production being absent. This results in a white feathers, unless the normal plumage color also comprises carotenoids (white/yellow coloration), which remain unaffected by the condition. Although leucism is inherited, the extent and positioning of the white coloration can vary between adults and their young, and can also skip generations if leucistic genes are recessive.<br />
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This condition is quite different from albinism and in regards to Redhead ducks and might be more of a rare feather plumage of the species rather than true leucism. Confused? You should be!<br />
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Very little is known about how some Redhead hens develop their white feathers. Other species of <i>pochards</i> which are diving ducks like Scaups, Ring Necks and Canvasbacks do not exhibit the same coloration differences. The rarity of such a duck yields very few photographs on the internet. <br />
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<b>Redhead Duck</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGTj4BvZiGo/VH1BmBmQrTI/AAAAAAAANQA/q5aiQlLI4Ek/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGTj4BvZiGo/VH1BmBmQrTI/AAAAAAAANQA/q5aiQlLI4Ek/s1600/leucistic%2Bred%2Bhead%2Bduck%2B1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Redhead <i>Aythya americana</i> is a diving duck and a member of the <i>pochard</i> family of ducks. It searches for aquatic vegetation in muddy shallow areas of water. Inhabiting in shallow freshwater lakes, ponds, marshlands and coastal waters in the summer months in Canada it migrates to the Gulf Coast for winter months. In both locations it may eat mollusks, aquatic insects, and small fish.<br />
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The typical Redhead is 18-21 inches in length with a wingspan of 29-31 inches. It has a rounded head and a grayish-blue bill with a black tip. It has grayish-blue legs and feet and a gray stripe on its wings. The male has a copper brick colored head, a gray back, and a black breast and rump. The female is a grayish-brown on her back, sides, and wings. She has a lighter grayish-brown belly. <br />
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Like most diving ducks, the redhead's legs are set back on its body to help it swim and dive. It is awkward on land, and it has to run across the water to take of in flight. The male has a cat like meow-like call, and the female makes a squawking sound.<br />
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The rare sight of such a colored bird like a white headed Redhead is a cherished opportunity to highlight the need for true wetland preservation in Dallas County. The diversity of Great Trinity Forest animal and plant life depends on these prairie pocket hole ponds for their habitat. Being drained and repurposed for development at an alarming rate reduces the quality of the river as a whole.</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-66255806485115610662014-11-30T14:27:00.000-06:002014-11-30T14:37:34.263-06:00Autumn Fall Color at Scyene Overlook And Beyond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuhlGJCHO-c/VHtUZZvsBbI/AAAAAAAANOQ/Ik08G4PZfdU/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge%2Bdallas%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuhlGJCHO-c/VHtUZZvsBbI/AAAAAAAANOQ/Ik08G4PZfdU/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge%2Bdallas%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bold and vivid colors of a Texas sunset over the Great Trinity Forest as seen from the Piedmont Ridge Overlook in Dallas, Texas November 2014</td></tr>
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The prolonged drought in Texas coupled with early frosts have brought a different kaleidoscope of color to the Great Trinity Forest's Piedmont Ridge in 2014. The orange and red hues of the oaks on the thin soils commanding the view of the ancient White Rock Creek Valley are as spectacular as ever. The pecans, walnut and ash trees wilted quite quick in retreat due to early cold. Their traditional mustard yellow hued leaves are absent this year replaced by earth toned browns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-c7Q-zdhLw/VHtU6jwQnyI/AAAAAAAANOY/w0_5CQ3IlQw/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge%2Boverlook%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-c7Q-zdhLw/VHtU6jwQnyI/AAAAAAAANOY/w0_5CQ3IlQw/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge%2Boverlook%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Piedmont Ridge Overlook twenty minutes before sunset November 2014 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_mFb1W1agI/VHtO1zGuJlI/AAAAAAAANN4/Q0qRBfkn6LE/s1600/gateway%2Btrails%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_mFb1W1agI/VHtO1zGuJlI/AAAAAAAANN4/Q0qRBfkn6LE/s1600/gateway%2Btrails%2Bdallas.jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overgrown and abandoned Gateway Trail Kiosk near Renda</td></tr>
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2014 was a rather short and dry growing year in the Great Trinity Forest. A very cold and bitter winter of 2013-2014 stretched into April with cooler and drier than normal temperatures. The result was a late spring with a muted wildflower bloom.<br />
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Further into the season, the lack of rains manifested itself in fewer fruit and nuts on area trees seen in the pecan and oaks that dominate the landscape.<br />
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As recently as 4-5 years ago there was a spiderweb of trails in the park system here that allowed first time users to easily navigate to points of interest and overlooks. Those trails are quite overgrown or blocked by dead fall now. The epic October 2, 2014 storm that struck Dallas also hit the northern Great Trinity Forest head-on. Many trees on the terraces weakened in the drought fell, shed branches and limbs in the wind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFQwRpzooKI/VHjQuyQnVeI/AAAAAAAANNQ/NqZwWISDEK4/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2Btrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFQwRpzooKI/VHjQuyQnVeI/AAAAAAAANNQ/NqZwWISDEK4/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2Btrail.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick stand of cedar which even on a sunny day barely allows sunlight to penetrate the forest floor</td></tr>
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<b>Scyene Overlook From Grover Keeton Golf Course</b><br />
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Getting to this area is quite easy. Bounded on the north by historic Scyene Road and the south by Lake June one can get here from US 175 or I-30 quickly from Downtown Dallas.<br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/lJN3T" target="_blank">2300 Jim Miller Road Dallas Texas</a><br />
Best parking will be found near the address above or at the parking lot for the Grover Keeton Golf Course across the railroad tracks. <br />
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When maintained the Lower White Rock Creek Trails are comprised of a roughly 3-4
mile(depending on route) soft surface trail network spanning three
different City of Dallas Parks. JJ Beeman/Scyene Overlook on Scyene
Road, Grover Keeton Park which includes Piedmont Ridge Trail and Devon
Anderson Park south of Bruton Road. Many of those trails are hampered by blowdowns and overgrowth this year. First time visitors might not be able to find the unmarked entrances.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0H-RD1xCEE/VHjQAOXf0II/AAAAAAAANNI/6UlosdhRa_c/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X0H-RD1xCEE/VHjQAOXf0II/AAAAAAAANNI/6UlosdhRa_c/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towering oaks in the floodplain areas around Oak Creek which forms the watershed below the escarpment before draining into White Rock Creek</td></tr>
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The climb to the high points and overlooks of the hike are still visible. Start in the Oak Creek drainage
near Grover Keeton. One can start hiking this section of trail either
from the right field foul line of the softball field at Gateway Park or
on the west side of the DART Tracks at the Grover Keeton Golf Course
where a Gateway Trailhead marker exists on the far north end of the
parking lot. The Grover Keeton Trailhead in the golf course parking lot is overgrown but the sign still stands.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQYxT_sT58/VHtQwy72i0I/AAAAAAAANOE/8oESmkPWB2Q/s1600/fall%2Bcolor%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQYxT_sT58/VHtQwy72i0I/AAAAAAAANOE/8oESmkPWB2Q/s1600/fall%2Bcolor%2Btexas.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vivid colors of oak and elm contrast the deep blue sky in the bottoms below Scyene Overlook</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjAgFsqEdrA/VHjTEZ4zUsI/AAAAAAAANNc/qT8t0ZDpSOI/s1600/trail%2B1126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjAgFsqEdrA/VHjTEZ4zUsI/AAAAAAAANNc/qT8t0ZDpSOI/s1600/trail%2B1126.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>The trails are comprised of a random mix of paths with no clearly
defined start or finish. Over the last couple years, trail maintenance
has fallen off and as a result some of the sections might be a puzzling
adventure to find. The trails are all still there just more faint in
appearance for a novice visitor.<br />
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Oak Creek has a great influence beyond the escarpment here. It becomes a
fundamental component to the lifeblood of the Great Trinity Forest by
providing slow moving water that funnels into an area around Roosevelt
Heights. The area is core habitat for beavers and otters who have large
populations down there. Oak Creek also picks up the outflow of the
natural spring Big Spring before joining White Rock Creek in Rochester
Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpywEv4SVj8/VHtxRq_tIeI/AAAAAAAANO0/_dxg21w_iPA/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpywEv4SVj8/VHtxRq_tIeI/AAAAAAAANO0/_dxg21w_iPA/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roughleaf Dogwood <i><span class="st">Cornus drummondii</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Scyene Overlook</b><br />
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The trail up to Scyene Overlook is a confused jumble of poorly built old
trails and equally poorly built newer ones that were designed to
mitigate past problems. Having been here dozens of times, even I
still get turned around trying to take the right path up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlZXqIUTh5M/VHtvDjlX9AI/AAAAAAAANOo/pzOIDuTGmuE/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlZXqIUTh5M/VHtvDjlX9AI/AAAAAAAANOo/pzOIDuTGmuE/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a>Best advice is head northwest from Jim Miller @ Grover Keeton Golf Course and head towards the higher points seen in the distance. Just keep heading towards Scyene Road and follow the more worn trails. You'll hit some dead-ends and loops that double back. Chalk it up as fun.<br />
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Scyene Overlook is named for an old frontier settlement two miles
east of the overlook named Scyene. The town center was at the present
day intersection of Scyene and St Augustine roads . The name "Scyene" is
a play on the ancient Egyptian town named Scyene an old frontier outpost
on the east bank of the Nile. Around 500 BC, the same time the Book of
Ezekiel references the ancient Egyptian town of Syene (Aswan), some
ancient Native American left behind a Gary dart point(arrowhead) here on
the bluff.<br />
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The knot of trails all approach Scyene
Overlook from the southwest. Encountering fence posts, pickets and erosion
control in a few spots the trail winds around to the northwest and
eventually the north side of Scyene Overlook.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZLrtor6V9A/VHjD_5_OijI/AAAAAAAANMY/e7PrHQ4tGz0/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZLrtor6V9A/VHjD_5_OijI/AAAAAAAANMY/e7PrHQ4tGz0/s1600/scyene%2Boverlook%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scyene Overlook as seen looking south</td></tr>
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A thin veneer of soil noted as the Eddy Brackett sits atop the high
ground in this area. This soil was once common in a belt that stretched
through
Pleasant Grove, East Dallas and Lake Highlands. Paved and developed
long ago very few places still exist to find these plants.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYeIzs-4tE/VHjLsiq66UI/AAAAAAAANM0/TiZ_GVQiTjc/s1600/red%2Boak%2Bfall%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgYeIzs-4tE/VHjLsiq66UI/AAAAAAAANM0/TiZ_GVQiTjc/s1600/red%2Boak%2Bfall%2Btexas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The focal point this time of year is of course the Red Oaks along the
escarpment. Along the White Rock Escarpment through Dallas to San
Antonio there are hybrids of Texas Red Oak Quercus buckleyi (Q. texana)
and Shumard Red Oak, Q. shumardii. Smaller in size than most Red Oaks we
Texans know so well, these trees thrive in alkaline soils and are very
drought tolerant.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFUyNuJgfeI/VHjIyxIPmHI/AAAAAAAANMo/irbl8HIh9Us/s1600/texas%2Bfall%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFUyNuJgfeI/VHjIyxIPmHI/AAAAAAAANMo/irbl8HIh9Us/s1600/texas%2Bfall%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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There is a close relationship between Texas Red Oak and Shumard Oak.
This has caused many botanical classification problems. The two trees
may be listed as two separate species in some manuals, while some list
Texas Red Oak as a variety of Shumard Oak.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPfWssbJXLU/VHjLvES96eI/AAAAAAAANM8/iKEmw__BGm4/s1600/texas%2Bfall%2Bcolor%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPfWssbJXLU/VHjLvES96eI/AAAAAAAANM8/iKEmw__BGm4/s1600/texas%2Bfall%2Bcolor%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The colors that the trees
exhibit in the Texas fall are a sight to behold. Using a polarizing
filter in some of these photos takes the white shine of the leaves off
and brings to true color of the leaves out. The intermittent sun and
cloud cover changed the coloration of the trees from one minute to the
next.<br />
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<b>Piedmont Ridge </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnYkovq-_vs/VHjBwbGGv2I/AAAAAAAANMM/msKzSJui6vM/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnYkovq-_vs/VHjBwbGGv2I/AAAAAAAANMM/msKzSJui6vM/s1600/great%2Btrinity%2Bforest.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oaks in the distance to the southeast as viewed from Scyene Overlook </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPelETtOvQ8/VHt3eMJyZcI/AAAAAAAANPM/BDnXE_zPGHA/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPelETtOvQ8/VHt3eMJyZcI/AAAAAAAANPM/BDnXE_zPGHA/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
Piedmont Ridge is slightly higher than Scyene Overlook. The long ago built trail along the topographical high is reached
by navigating back across the Scyene Overlook escarpment across the driveway entrance of Grover Keeton. Heading south with Jim Miller on the left and the DART tracks to the right, one will find a trailhead kiosk and trail entrance. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOKxXgrZurc/VHt3-ma7yWI/AAAAAAAANPU/xkTkVZEzRy4/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOKxXgrZurc/VHt3-ma7yWI/AAAAAAAANPU/xkTkVZEzRy4/s1600/piedmont%2Bridge.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piedmont Ridge Trail looking south atop the level ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is an easy section of trail to hike since much of the distance is atop the ridge. Some short and steep switchbacks climb quickly onto a level topped ridge with a set of cedar hewn benches roughly 2/3'rds of the way towards Bruton Road.<br />
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Beyond Bruton Road is yet another stretch of trail that has all but gone to seed. A lack of use, poor design and no maintenance has led to a trail that is treacherous in places and difficult to navigate if one has never been there before. The better trailhead to access this area is the southern anchor of the once existing trail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<b>Southern Trailhead at Devon Anderson</b><br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/ncaeK" target="_blank">1700 Eastcliff Dallas Texas</a><br />
This entrance is on the southern end of the trails. The City of Dallas
actually wrongly installed the city park sign for Devon Anderson Park
here, the sign reads "Devon Cr", assuming Devon Circle as the name of
the street. Park at the wrongly installed sign(hey I called them about
it and they never fixed it) and head back into the woods where a
playground area once stood due west. Pick up the trail and head north. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FM_O0RRhMGY/VHt5cmLuy5I/AAAAAAAANPo/vcD6jw-AtoI/s1600/c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FM_O0RRhMGY/VHt5cmLuy5I/AAAAAAAANPo/vcD6jw-AtoI/s1600/c2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare limestone area in Devon Anderson that some call the Comanche Storytelling place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The southern entrance is the best spot to start if one has never been
here before. The issue parking other places to the north is that one
will not be able to pick up the trail south of Bruton Road. Better to
head from south to north, noting the southern Bruton entrance.<br />
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Up until recently at the first trail junction there were a couple trail
signs noting the Comanche Storytelling Place to the south 1/10th of a
mile and a scenic overlook some 1/4 mile to the north.<br />
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The Comanche Storytelling place serves as a prominent anchor to the
southern end of the trails here. Beyond are steep root strewn gullies
that lead nowhere to the south and west. The Comanche Story Telling
Place at Devon Anderson Park has been identified by the Comanche Nation
as a sacred holy ground. The Comanche nation tells us that the natural
limestone shaped amphitheater was believed to have been used by Native
Americans in the area prior to European settlement. <br />
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To the north the trail built here running towards Bruton has become a problematic source of
accelerated erosion. Built substandard in areas the path
vectors water in ways that are detrimental to the slopes and benchcuts
upon which it was built. The result is a rugged piece of trail not by
design but by lack of design. The blowdowns and trees across the trail are numerous from the October storm. As a result I would not recommend it for hiking.</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-37962694641453778902014-11-21T12:41:00.000-06:002014-11-21T12:48:27.094-06:00Goat Island Preserve Hiking Dallas County's New Nature Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6L6kdP_3H0/VEhIKX4PEuI/AAAAAAAAM_s/j_WfHlKb1oc/s1600/lockanddam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6L6kdP_3H0/VEhIKX4PEuI/AAAAAAAAM_s/j_WfHlKb1oc/s1600/lockanddam2.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty Lock and Dam #2 on the Trinity River in Dallas County's Goat Island Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The usually placid and calm river grumbles and roars here in protest. A place whose concrete buttresses stand as a monument to a grand idea and best laid intentions of past generations run afoul. An aspirational dream of transforming the Trinity River from a naturally coursed stream into a boondoggle of an idea that never got off the ground. The river, the longest wholly inside the State of Texas had other plans. No public place on the river can serve as a more telling landscape to witness this than at Lock and Dam #2 at Goat Island Preserve.<br />
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<b>Location</b>:<br />
2800 Post Oak Road <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/ZjO4d" target="_blank">Trailhead at 2800 Post Oak Road Wilmer, Texas</a> <br />
From Dallas take I-45 south to the Fulghum Road exit, head east where it
eventually turns into Post Oak. Trailhead is easy to spot at one of the
90 degree bends in the road. New trailhead parking lot and sign note
the entrance. One or two parking spots exist at the Beltline Road bridge but might interfere with ongoing construction activities if you park for extended periods.<br />
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<b>Contact:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.dorba.org/trail.php?t=41" target="_blank">http://www.dorba.org/trail.php?t=41</a> </b><br />
<a href="http://goatisland@dorba.org/">goatisland@dorba.org</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goat-Island-Preserve/523646911091310" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goat-Island-Preserve/523646911091310</a><br />
<br />
<b>Goat Island Trails:</b><br />
Goat Island Preserve features two cutoff meanders that create islands in
the river channel when the water is high. On the west bank of the river
a large 1910-1920 era levee exists that runs from Post Oak to Beltline
Road. As of this writing in November 2014, logging work is ongoing along the levee to clear trees. Borrow pits rest on either side and a lower dirt road trail runs
between the levee and the river. Towering oaks and pecans are prominent
here among succession forest. Lock and Dam #2 sits on the Trinity River
just upstream of the Beltline Road bridge.<br />
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<b>Trail Map</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11la12bPkok/VG5EhePY3VI/AAAAAAAANIY/uI_2G-1nSOo/s1600/Goat%2BIsland%2BPreserve%2BTrail%2BMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11la12bPkok/VG5EhePY3VI/AAAAAAAANIY/uI_2G-1nSOo/s1600/Goat%2BIsland%2BPreserve%2BTrail%2BMap.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Red marked lines are old ranch roads. The smaller yellow lines are trails currently built or are under construction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The locals call it Goat Island. Outsiders don't even know it exists. One
man (you can help too) looks to change that obscurity into a well
trodden path for hikers and mountain bikers at one of the best wilderness areas in Dallas County. He is Goat Island's Trail
Steward and volunteer Joe Johnson.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snqkEmyLPkI/VEgouIU94ZI/AAAAAAAAM9E/nHCsDMKda9s/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snqkEmyLPkI/VEgouIU94ZI/AAAAAAAAM9E/nHCsDMKda9s/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail builder and trail steward Joe Johnson explaining to Master Naturalist Bill Holston how he worked some overlook sites into his trail designs at Goat Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xP5RC-js84E/VEgqFxIMJOI/AAAAAAAAM9U/S-QwOqcMrNo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xP5RC-js84E/VEgqFxIMJOI/AAAAAAAAM9U/S-QwOqcMrNo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B3.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
Joe is nearly a one man show with the miles of smiles he is building on the west bank of the Trinity River. With the blessings of Dallas County Open Space Program and the Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association DORBA his mileage constructed increases monthly. It is from Beltline Road that his trails start a series of ever meandering loops and views of the Trinity River.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ME3TMvxqM/VEgtLVOQU_I/AAAAAAAAM9o/R_qjVWa0QxI/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8ME3TMvxqM/VEgtLVOQU_I/AAAAAAAAM9o/R_qjVWa0QxI/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B4.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a><br />
Joe Johnson's carefully planned loops work across old roadbeds that run parallel to the Trinity River. His trail loops radiate out from those established old farm roads built many decades ago when this was a working farm.<br />
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The double tracked trail into the preserve on either end follows the old farm road
that had pig pens and barns on the north side of the preserve during the Little Oaks Farm
era. Some faint traces of the old farm can still be seen if you look
closely through the brush. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnEk2zCFOSY/VEgxUGBJNjI/AAAAAAAAM98/i3abJCn3klk/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnEk2zCFOSY/VEgxUGBJNjI/AAAAAAAAM98/i3abJCn3klk/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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Old fence lines, some old gates and detritus
from the old ranch are still visible. The old road to the north end sits on the Trinity
Terrace sands, a slightly elevated piece of topography above the waxy
clay of the river bottoms to the east.<br />
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This has always been a bottomland prone to immense flooding and the
ruining of a cotton crop overnight. The wide swath of land here that
Goat Island Preserve sits on is a collection of old farms that once
fronted the river at the turn of the last century.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRmAd_14log/VG9KktDvDcI/AAAAAAAANJE/pCYPvsd0XgM/s1600/bluebird%2Bfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRmAd_14log/VG9KktDvDcI/AAAAAAAANJE/pCYPvsd0XgM/s1600/bluebird%2Bfarm.jpg" height="266" width="640" /></a></div>
Clint Murchison Sr amassed a large holding of real estate down here
in the many thousands of acres during the Great Depression from those old farms. The land
holdings went by the name Bluebird Farm, the old signs in some of the
pastures still note the name on ornate steel archways. Bluebird Farm was
a land holding company that had roots in Dallas and back home to the
Murchisons in Athens, Texas. <br />
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<b>Little Oaks Farm and the namesake of Goat Island</b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Tz2EUXXak/VG5JZfuM37I/AAAAAAAANIs/ab4y9qViPiI/s1600/zedrick%2Bmoore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Tz2EUXXak/VG5JZfuM37I/AAAAAAAANIs/ab4y9qViPiI/s1600/zedrick%2Bmoore.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a>Murchison Sr owned the land here for decades using it has a cotton farm, cattle grazing operation and hunting lease. Murchison later sold a portion of the Bluebird Farm, 500 acres, land now
called Goat Island Preserve to one of his own employees, Zedrick Moore.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-KsKabRNDM/VG5JF7xJVGI/AAAAAAAANIk/mzm1CkiB420/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-KsKabRNDM/VG5JF7xJVGI/AAAAAAAANIk/mzm1CkiB420/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zedrick Moore tending to his exotic sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zedrick and Betty Moore's Little Oaks Farm was most likely the namesake for Goat Island. They bought the land here
from the Murchisons shortly after their wedding. The husband Zedrick was
an employee of Clint Murchison Sr. Their old ranch house still stands
today, built by them in the early 1950s. It is directly across from the
entrance to Goat Island Preserve and is surrounded on three sides by
graveled mining pits.<br />
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It is from the north end of Goat Island Preserve that the old farm once stood. The northern end of the Trinity River Levee Improvement District #2
starts here too. Built and improved upon many times over the decades from
1917-1950. It's a simple piece of earthworks with dirt piled up from
narrow trenched borrow pits on either side of the levee. Never designed
to protect the farm fields from larger floods, the levees here were
designed to protect property from seasonal and annual flood events.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5_apr72FTE/VEhMFOoxYTI/AAAAAAAANAA/sRfs7_-hEIk/s1600/young%2Bash%2Btrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5_apr72FTE/VEhMFOoxYTI/AAAAAAAANAA/sRfs7_-hEIk/s1600/young%2Bash%2Btrees.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young stand of Ash trees at Goat Island Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until recently, trees and
vegetation were allowed to grow on the levees. Unclear as to whether or
not the levees are still a functional facility for higher flooding events on
the west side of the Trinity. I would believe they only offer marginal protection since they have not seen earthmoving improvements in so long.<br />
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The higher levee road(in red on the map) follows the top of an old levee road which runs the
length of the preserve south to Beltline Road. The lower road which runs
between borrow pits for the levee and the Trinity River is slightly to
the east and meets the upper levee road at Beltline. A high water table
in the area ensures that even during the driest of weather that the low
road stays wet and muddy in spots.<br />
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<b>Goat Island From Beltline Road </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCAFLkiiB-U/VG9wAYlHiKI/AAAAAAAANJc/2Py6uWCC2Cs/s1600/breaking%2Bdawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCAFLkiiB-U/VG9wAYlHiKI/AAAAAAAANJc/2Py6uWCC2Cs/s1600/breaking%2Bdawn.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pre-dawn light over the Beltline Road Bridge at the Trinity River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_7gc85uDaw/VG9xPAB1srI/AAAAAAAANJs/lqL6B6HpsqM/s1600/beltline%2Broad%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_7gc85uDaw/VG9xPAB1srI/AAAAAAAANJs/lqL6B6HpsqM/s1600/beltline%2Broad%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beltline Road Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This visit to Goat Island highlights Joe Johnson's work and he suggested starting at Beltline Road since the balance of trails constructed are on the south end of the preserve. From there he hiked us up through the loops of trails towards Lock and Dam #2 and then beyond to the islands where he has done some great work.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hAD4MzubbE/VG9wobkAEOI/AAAAAAAANJk/HCerk0t61sM/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bdorba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hAD4MzubbE/VG9wobkAEOI/AAAAAAAANJk/HCerk0t61sM/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bdorba.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the lower trail loops that has views of the Trinity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Best trail building practices call for following the natural terrain as practicable and staying a healthy distance from drop offs, streams or eroded areas. The Goat Island trails follow that edict. Lots of great flowing through the terrain with brief glimpses of the river.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si0hDEDx_ck/VEgrvJQABKI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KtUds57p58A/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si0hDEDx_ck/VEgrvJQABKI/AAAAAAAAM9g/KtUds57p58A/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
The trails cross all kinds of wooded terrain that up until several months ago I would classify as a 9 out of 10 on a bushwhacking scale of difficulty to navigate. Heavy woods and underbrush coupled with head high greenbriar tangles.<br />
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The new trails make this largely a walk in the park, one that cub scouts could walk with parents.<br />
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An astute eye will notice some areas are recently forested over the last few decades with pioneer species of ash. As one walks further north you begin to encounter large galleries of cedar elm.<br />
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This is excellent mountain biking and hiking terrain. The trail alignment is such that one can really get in some quality miles here. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-op5wfQ--a2Q/VEg19ryBnpI/AAAAAAAAM-I/tC5RY8wcZxQ/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-op5wfQ--a2Q/VEg19ryBnpI/AAAAAAAAM-I/tC5RY8wcZxQ/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br />
The cedar elm areas are truly spectacular in the autumn months as seen at right. The Virginia Wild Rye has turned a chesnut brown and gone to seed. The cedar elms have a hue of yellow to them.<br />
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These loops provide great insight into succession forest in the Dallas County Trinity River bottom. Very simple to understand how long it takes for the ecosystem here to repopulate after clearing.<br />
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The trails all eventually loop back to their original starting place or chain together towards Lock and Dam #2. The sound of the place draws you in towards it with each footstep.<br />
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<b>Lock and Dam #2</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILCciqrq3zo/VEg25HjlkqI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/8Aey6MED9o8/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILCciqrq3zo/VEg25HjlkqI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/8Aey6MED9o8/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B8.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Johnson at Lock and Dam #2 Dallas County Texas Goat Island Preserve Fall 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWqRIaaZvGA/TvIejO1rmkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3_faj36F3bA/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bnavigation%2Bcompany%2Bstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWqRIaaZvGA/TvIejO1rmkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3_faj36F3bA/s1600/trinity%2Briver%2Bnavigation%2Bcompany%2Bstock.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a>Trinity River Lock and Dam # 2 sits just upstream of Beltline Road.
There are three locks on the Trinity River in Dallas County, #1 at
McCommas Bluff, #2 at Parson's Slough/Goat Island and #4 near the mouth
of Ten Mile Creek/ Riverbend Preserve.<b> </b>All were built between 1910 and 1916.<br />
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The locks and dams in Dallas County never saw much river traffic. The
idea to harness the power of the Trinity into a navigable water way was
abandoned shortly after World War I in 1922.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n9IseQsDHY/VEhEjcz11vI/AAAAAAAAM_E/5gpcE67jlkY/s1600/holstonlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--n9IseQsDHY/VEhEjcz11vI/AAAAAAAAM_E/5gpcE67jlkY/s1600/holstonlock.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaps in technology with long haul trucks and improvements in road and
rail capacity sidelined the effort to move commerce via the river. Ideas
at rebirthing the locks and dams on the Trinity came in the 1930s, 50s,
60s and 70s. These ideas were fanciful pursuits for the most part,
grand visions with no science to support the effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVbRApos3UA/VG93OlACbfI/AAAAAAAANJ8/kMS8ryJgfmo/s1600/lock%2Band%2Bdam%2B2%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVbRApos3UA/VG93OlACbfI/AAAAAAAANJ8/kMS8ryJgfmo/s1600/lock%2Band%2Bdam%2B2%2Bdallas.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Today we are left with the concrete foundations of the locks, twisted
metal and fallen flood gates. Lock and Dam #2 is the most photogenic of
the locks in Dallas County. The water literally roars here with long
vista like approaches on either end. The other locks are constrained to
some extent in the river channel and don't have wide eroded pools on the
downstream side.<br />
<br />
Each Boule Gate that was used in the lock was 24 feet high, 30 feet long
and weighed 60,000 pounds. One gate formed half of a door, 1 door on
the upstream end and 1 door on the downstream end completed the lock
which was designed to raise and lower boat traffic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2KVkCzFm3I/VEgnmlyrPUI/AAAAAAAAM88/fImhs5hQlXQ/s1600/bilholston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2KVkCzFm3I/VEgnmlyrPUI/AAAAAAAAM88/fImhs5hQlXQ/s1600/bilholston.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Parson's Slough</b><br />
The construction of Lock and Dam # 2 required the closing of a subchannel of the Trinity called Parson's Slough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9gYGAS9fLY/T0HWLY4tD7I/AAAAAAAAMnw/Wq-6UbXn4nw/s1600/bois%2Bd%2Barc%2Bisland%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9gYGAS9fLY/T0HWLY4tD7I/AAAAAAAAMnw/Wq-6UbXn4nw/s1600/bois%2Bd%2Barc%2Bisland%2Btexas.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Street's 1900 Map of Dallas County featuring Bois 'd Arc Island right of center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The idea was to cutoff a 14 mile stretch of the traditional stream bed for a more
westerly course putting all water in one channel of the Trinity. The old riverbed became known as Parson's Slough and
the 22,000 acre area surrounded by the new and old river became Bois d'
Arc Island.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-EfBZoMxxI/VG9Lp_QwaeI/AAAAAAAANJM/choUT3UNX3Q/s1600/parson%2Bslough%2Branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-EfBZoMxxI/VG9Lp_QwaeI/AAAAAAAANJM/choUT3UNX3Q/s1600/parson%2Bslough%2Branch.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parson's name still lives on Bois d' Arc Island where Parson Slough Ranch commands a large acreage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVjtlxROqTc/VEgmOk1ABII/AAAAAAAAM80/nZiSnLh4aIE/s1600/billholston%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVjtlxROqTc/VEgmOk1ABII/AAAAAAAAM80/nZiSnLh4aIE/s1600/billholston%2B3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a> In 1911, the slough was permanently cutoff from the Trinity River near
Goat Island Preserve. The same construction company that built Lock and
Dam Number 2, built a concrete dam at the head of Parson's Slough where
it meets the Trinity. Twenty feet high and two hundred feet wide, the
goal was to permanently send the river down the new channel rather than
risk a flood putting the river meander back in the old. Now buried under
dozens of feet of silt, it cannot be seen from the west bank.<br />
<br />
It sits near the outflow channel near the Southeast Wastewater Treatment
Plant. Buried. Only during times of the very highest water flows would
the dam become a spillway. Combined with some levee projects in the
1920s, this left Parson's Slough high and dry from the Trinity. The
flood prone area now known as Bois d' Arc Island now serves as some of
the very richest farmland in Dallas County. Much of which is owned by
Trinity Industries for future gravel mining.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>A Visit To The Biggest Black Willow You Ever Saw</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8KNX_YddrY/VEgjOjq3GnI/AAAAAAAAM8o/p_TWiXSRwJo/s1600/black%2Bwillow%2Bdallas%2Bcounty%2B2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8KNX_YddrY/VEgjOjq3GnI/AAAAAAAAM8o/p_TWiXSRwJo/s1600/black%2Bwillow%2Bdallas%2Bcounty%2B2a.jpg" height="640" width="408" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probable State Champion Black Willow at Goat Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new Goat Island trail system goes a number of places that really are in the boondocks of riverbottom. As the trail meanders up to the historic junction of where Parson's Slough and the Trinity once met, sits a meandering oxbow of sorts that hold what is most likely the Texas champion Black Willow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2vAbVaQDkg/VEhC_MHwljI/AAAAAAAAM-4/0W7OI186bqU/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bwillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2vAbVaQDkg/VEhC_MHwljI/AAAAAAAAM-4/0W7OI186bqU/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bwillow.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAvs5YVtlU4/VEgpxN4QE_I/AAAAAAAAM9M/miMMmJl8RUM/s1600/black%2Bwillow%2Bdallas%2Bcounty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAvs5YVtlU4/VEgpxN4QE_I/AAAAAAAAM9M/miMMmJl8RUM/s1600/black%2Bwillow%2Bdallas%2Bcounty.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Johnson and the base of the old willow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The current state champion Black Willow is at White Rock Lake Park and was lost in an October 2014 thunderstorm event that not only knocked down the 175 year old tree but left most of Dallas without power for days. Familiar with that tree that was lost, this Goat Island tree is much, much larger. It resides near the old cutoff, just right across the river from were Parson's Slough and the Trinity once forked. <br />
<br />
Dallas County and North Texas really lacks giant trees. The visit here is worth it just to see this huge willow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOraLB1RC6I/VEgf9vgHPaI/AAAAAAAAM8c/XeVZzkKyfxQ/s1600/big%2Bwillow%2Bgoat%2Bisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOraLB1RC6I/VEgf9vgHPaI/AAAAAAAAM8c/XeVZzkKyfxQ/s1600/big%2Bwillow%2Bgoat%2Bisland.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The old broken limbs of the tree that lay strewn about are larger than the main trunks of most mature willows. They are so large that the old knots collect water a gallon or more at a time like punch bowls.<br />
<br />
I imagine at some point in the near future it can be officially measured to crown it the largest Black Willow in the State of Texas.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjvgBVHIrsg/VEhGWJC04xI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/WXhd46RiwKo/s1600/multi%2Btrunk%2Bash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjvgBVHIrsg/VEhGWJC04xI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/WXhd46RiwKo/s1600/multi%2Btrunk%2Bash.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi trunked ash tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Moving north, the trees start to get older and the understory starts to reflect a mature hardwood forest. Beauty berry and rough leafed dogwood command the understory with larger species of oak and pecan beginning to show themselves in the distance.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnFV8aIL9ao/VG99nSC9_sI/AAAAAAAANKM/0kDhf-jKtEg/s1600/feral%2Bhog%2Btrack%2Bgoat%2Bisland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnFV8aIL9ao/VG99nSC9_sI/AAAAAAAANKM/0kDhf-jKtEg/s1600/feral%2Bhog%2Btrack%2Bgoat%2Bisland.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feral hog track in the mud at Goat Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite an exceptionally dry 2014 in North Texas, the lower road is
still wet. The near permanent seeps here
signify a shallow water table.<br />
<br />
The DORBA mountain bike trail has been flagged through this area with
work arounds for the muddiest of spots. Still in a flagged stage to a
large degree, work is moving forward when conditions allow. The roads and
dirt are rideable now, the pig paths and meandering coyote trails are
too. Just don't expect a butter smooth and groomed ride.<br />
<br />
The Trinity River has not experienced an overbanking flood event that would
push water into this area since March 2012, almost two years ago. When
that occurs, not only do the lower sections have standing water for long
periods of time but the higher sections do as well.<br />
<br />
Some areas that can become completely surrounded by water even during
modest water levels in the river are the cutoff oxbow islands that give
the preserve it's name.<br />
<br />
<b>Trails on the islands</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrmwHEzNki0/VG9_GZMO3iI/AAAAAAAANKU/W0unN3Vsz68/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bcrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LrmwHEzNki0/VG9_GZMO3iI/AAAAAAAANKU/W0unN3Vsz68/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Bcrossing.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the first oxbow using a concrete access road for a sanitary sewer line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Access to the islands can be made fairly easily using a pipeline right
of way that runs roughly west to east across the levees and then
transits the Trinity River to the wastewater treatment plant on the east bank of the Trinity. Some areas that can become completely surrounded by water even during
modest water levels in the river are the cutoff oxbow islands that give
the preserve it's name.<br />
<br />
The point of reference to finding this spot is to locate the large
lifting station structure on the west bank levee of the Trinity River
and then follow the right of way.<br />
<br />
Unless you want to swim or get hip deep in mud, the sewer line crossing
at the westernmost oxbow is the only place to cross. Resembling a hill
country low water crossing, the elevation is scarcely high enough to
prevent wet feet in the driest of weather. This area will rapidly flood
as it serves as a path of least resistance for the Trinity River.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqPE5Bimm8/VEg5sEpX_JI/AAAAAAAAM-c/s76uWXCQK1M/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqPE5Bimm8/VEg5sEpX_JI/AAAAAAAAM-c/s76uWXCQK1M/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bdallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big gigantic trees as far as the eye can see</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjJFDFKhna0/VEgwYJ7nWPI/AAAAAAAAM90/OL8ELnRX8_A/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjJFDFKhna0/VEgwYJ7nWPI/AAAAAAAAM90/OL8ELnRX8_A/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2B6.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
It is here, beyond the reaches of where many would ever go, that the new trails provide access to places that were previously very hard to navigate. On the islands here one sees the richest collections of biodiverse plant species in the preserve. Towering oaks, elms, pecans and understory constituting many species.<br />
<br />
The second island is just east of the first and is separated by a deep
meander that lacks a concrete crossing. This is a very scenic spot, with
large Bur Oak trees lining the meander on both sides. Many are quite
large.<br />
<br />
The river's shores around the islands here are dirt and steep, some
twenty feet surmounted by cottonwood, willow and driftwood rafts. The
hard limestone and sand beaches of the river sit on the opposing bank. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPTNwOW1QD4/VEhLILtabWI/AAAAAAAAM_4/4WG1ewDrSkk/s1600/sabal%2Bminor%2Bgoat%2Bisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPTNwOW1QD4/VEhLILtabWI/AAAAAAAAM_4/4WG1ewDrSkk/s1600/sabal%2Bminor%2Bgoat%2Bisland.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabal Minor palm trees growing on Goat Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new trail also passes within about twenty feet of Sabal minor dwarf palmetto palms which are the native palm species to Dallas County. As I explore more and more remote places along the Trinity I encounter these plants in the oddest of places.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMXvkMGUIjI/VEhBdZv3PEI/AAAAAAAAM-s/rPFIHxMKNuI/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bdallas%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMXvkMGUIjI/VEhBdZv3PEI/AAAAAAAAM-s/rPFIHxMKNuI/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrail%2Bdallas%2B2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Goat Island's new trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The trail out here on the island has the rolling topography of dips and twists that will please both hikers and cyclists. It needs more foot traffic to bed the trail down and some work to get it up to speed for mountain biking. The remote location of this place keeps traffic down which be nice but also detrimental to getting a trail bed established.<br />
<br />
In winter the hike in is easy and a mountain bike would make quick work
of the terrain with ease once the trail is bedded down. The larger Red Oaks, Pecans and Walnuts give
way to more Ash and Bur Oak here as the terrain gets lower and more
prone to sustained flooding events. The random white trunk or two of
sycamores are down here as well.<br />
<br />
Like most areas on the Trinity River, one does not encounter heavy briar
thickets and privet until the last 30 yards around the riverbank. The
waist high thickets are ones most generally avoid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s60wS4Hi0xk/VEhH45gotEI/AAAAAAAAM_k/UWYx2rmpCMo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrinity%2Briver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s60wS4Hi0xk/VEhH45gotEI/AAAAAAAAM_k/UWYx2rmpCMo/s1600/goat%2Bisland%2Btrinity%2Briver.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge trees with an open view hundreds of yards long</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Egress out of the area is simple using the lower or upper roads with
many interconnecting animal trails between the two. Rumor has it at some point in the
near future, the plan is to create a soft surface greenbelt trail along
the levees that joins Goat Island Preserve and Riverbend Preserve to
the south. Since this is unincorporated Dallas County and without a
civic push it might be awhile before that becomes a reality.<br />
<br />
If you live in Southern Dallas County or suburbs, Joe Johnson could use some buddies to get the trail in tip top shape. Use the links at the top of the post to contact him. This place has wonderful possibilities and limitless trail riding if some more traffic and elbow grease could get down there. It would make a great Eagle Scout, corporate giving day or church group project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-16187202215859656402014-10-24T10:23:00.001-05:002014-10-24T10:23:52.673-05:002014 Solar Eclipse Over Texas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ic2_FqU_NoQ/VEnT5ovKiDI/AAAAAAAANBE/vl703UG_DDE/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ic2_FqU_NoQ/VEnT5ovKiDI/AAAAAAAANBE/vl703UG_DDE/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014%2Bc.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Solar Eclipse 2014 With Migrating Mallard Ducks Moving Across The Texas Evening Sky October 23, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Oct. 23, 2014 the solar system's geometry aligned very briefly over
North America to give much of the United States a brief look at a
somewhat rare event, a partial solar eclipse. Autumn and the fresh push of a cold front off the Central Plains brought forth migrating ducks adding to the spectacle over Texas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gNmr3Ozjbs/VEpoFBXG40I/AAAAAAAANBo/wtBwvy5fvks/s1600/eclipse%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2gNmr3Ozjbs/VEpoFBXG40I/AAAAAAAANBo/wtBwvy5fvks/s1600/eclipse%2B2014.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Solar Eclipse taken about thirty minutes before the eclipse reached maximum coverage at 5:50pm Central Time October 23, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On average two to five solar eclipses occur each year. The October 23, 2014 solar
eclipse is what is called a partial eclipse. It is the second and last
solar eclipse we will see in 2014. A partial eclipse means that the moon
will take only a small bite out of the sun as opposed to consuming it
completely.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96niSdid3M/VEnTIs4e9eI/AAAAAAAANA8/_MrbBG9cKhw/s1600/mallards%2Blanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y96niSdid3M/VEnTIs4e9eI/AAAAAAAANA8/_MrbBG9cKhw/s1600/mallards%2Blanding.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard male drake and female Mallard hen on final approach as they begin their flare out for landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8gi1mTIbNk/VEnR38qyXvI/AAAAAAAANAY/qn_7WkYuTsA/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P8gi1mTIbNk/VEnR38qyXvI/AAAAAAAANAY/qn_7WkYuTsA/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014%2Ba.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Red Winged Blackbird flies into the eclipse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The angle of the Moon's trajectory is close but not quite perfect to that of our Sun. Instead of passing directly in front of the Sun, cutting straight across it, the Moon passes the Sun at an angle off-center, so it only partially blocks our star. That’s why this is a partial eclipse, and not a total one. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOO0KospCCQ/VEpqvXudHJI/AAAAAAAANB4/cboC57vEgjU/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOO0KospCCQ/VEpqvXudHJI/AAAAAAAANB4/cboC57vEgjU/s1600/solar%2Beclipse%2B2014.jpg" height="640" width="245" /></a><br />
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In an easier to view lunar eclipse, the Earth gets between the Sun and Moon, and casts its shadow on the Moon. The event happens on the Moon, so everyone on Earth facing the Moon sees it at pretty much the same time. But a solar eclipse is the Moon casting its shadow on Earth. The Moon is moving, orbiting us, and the Earth is rotating as well, so what you see and when you see it depends on where you are.<br />
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Each time a solar eclipse occurs, only a small part of the world gets to see it. This is because a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, casting its shadow across the Earth as it does so. But the shadow is relatively small, meaning only some of us get the chance to see this phenomenon each time it happens. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H7Y_zqChL8/VEppUAlwVxI/AAAAAAAANBw/OeCsNP5hiQM/s1600/texas%2Bsolar%2Beclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7H7Y_zqChL8/VEppUAlwVxI/AAAAAAAANBw/OeCsNP5hiQM/s1600/texas%2Bsolar%2Beclipse.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Solar Eclipse at maximum coverage over Dallas, Texas October 23, 2014</td></tr>
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Here’s how this works. The Moon orbits the Earth once per month, and
the Earth orbits the Sun once a year. The Moon’s orbit is tilted to
Earth’s orbit by about 5°, so as it goes around the Earth it passes through
the Earth’s orbital plane every two weeks or so. If the Moon’s orbit
weren’t tilted, we’d get a solar eclipse every month when the Moon
passed between the Earth and Sun. Since it is tilted, though, sometimes
it’s “above” the Sun at new Moon, and sometimes “below.” We only get
eclipses rarely because the Moon has to be crossing the plane of Earth’s
orbit at the same time as it’s new Moon, so that it gets exactly
between us and the Sun.<br />
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The next time a solar eclipse will be visible from across the US will be the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. <br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-3090137879629336442014-10-22T11:26:00.002-05:002014-10-22T11:26:56.705-05:00Migrating Monarchs At Big Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms_044oyXMo/VEcAvDzV2qI/AAAAAAAAM5k/Z-EGrhmOCUI/s1600/monarchs%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms_044oyXMo/VEcAvDzV2qI/AAAAAAAAM5k/Z-EGrhmOCUI/s1600/monarchs%2B2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
The migration of the tired and wary, those seeking refuge from the
hostile world around them has always been a signature hallmark of the
clear and clean waters of Big Spring. Man and beast alike. A shelter from the storms brewing in the outside world.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo8Qovwwz2s/VEeuQvPMBHI/AAAAAAAAM7E/bH6xrSsqUt8/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Brock%2Bbottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mo8Qovwwz2s/VEeuQvPMBHI/AAAAAAAAM7E/bH6xrSsqUt8/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Brock%2Bbottom.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring in Pleasant Grove</td></tr>
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The Native
Americans drank from the cold water here leaving their stone tools and
weapons behind as evidence. The original European stock pioneers from the earliest
dawning days of the Republic of Texas called it home. On this particular evening in October 2014
the guests are the migrating Monarchs of North America. A sight fewer
and fewer see in Texas as the Monarch population dwindles and their
habitat disappears.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cItIqMeT3mM/VEcJFCy7wBI/AAAAAAAAM6o/T_g1C2yvgDo/s1600/borrow%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cItIqMeT3mM/VEcJFCy7wBI/AAAAAAAAM6o/T_g1C2yvgDo/s1600/borrow%2Ba.jpg" height="150" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nearby Monarch habitat once covered with Milkweed, destroyed Texas prairie and Post Oak Savannah of the Texas Horse Park for surface mining operations to extract soil for the latest golf course project by the City of Dallas</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vn8aL2bhbE/VEewUNx5kRI/AAAAAAAAM7Q/qCi6NoRtAY8/s1600/big%2Bspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3vn8aL2bhbE/VEewUNx5kRI/AAAAAAAAM7Q/qCi6NoRtAY8/s1600/big%2Bspring.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The everflowing Big Spring in October 2014 in Pleasant Grove, Texas. Part of the Historic Republic of Texas Beeman Land Grant, home of Dallas founder John Neely Bryan and later the Edward Case Pemberton Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the sun sets in the cooling autumn air of the Great Trinity Forest, migrating Monarch butterflies begin to seek out a suitable roost for the night. Their instinctive migration route, ingrained by tens of thousands of generations of previous monarchs lands them in the sheltering arms of Big Spring and the bows of the Historic Bur Oak and nearby nut bearing pecans and walnuts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjyJ-q7PENQ/VEb9JfNxwBI/AAAAAAAAM40/D_FijxKvsRI/s1600/monarch%2Bmigration%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjyJ-q7PENQ/VEb9JfNxwBI/AAAAAAAAM40/D_FijxKvsRI/s1600/monarch%2Bmigration%2Btexas.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosting Monarch butterflies on the bowed limbs of a Big Spring pecan tree, directly over the water and head of the spring flows in Pleasant Grove, Texas</td></tr>
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Monarchs and other butterfly species only travel during the day and need to find a roost at night.
Monarchs gather close together during the cool autumn evenings for safety in numbers. These roost
sites are important to the monarch migration. Many of these locations despite the fact that the butterflies have never seen the site
are used year after year. Often densely spaced oaks and cedar trees are chosen for
roosting. These trees have thick canopies that moderate the temperature
and humidity at the roost site. As dawn breaks the next day, monarchs bask in the
sunlight to warm themselves before taking flight.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uD5JtQ-tjss/VEe5MWGA6vI/AAAAAAAAM8A/hXcwtBq4MTg/s1600/monarchs%2Broost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uD5JtQ-tjss/VEe5MWGA6vI/AAAAAAAAM8A/hXcwtBq4MTg/s1600/monarchs%2Broost.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarch butterflies of
North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical
butterflies, up to four thousand miles. They are the only butterfly
species to make such a long, two way migration every year. Amazingly,
they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same
trees.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-426uHffhc10/VEe5c27GCrI/AAAAAAAAM8I/U_BbOlwcnKI/s1600/monarch%2Bwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-426uHffhc10/VEe5c27GCrI/AAAAAAAAM8I/U_BbOlwcnKI/s1600/monarch%2Bwings.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HoIyJdt1Po/VEcES94EBKI/AAAAAAAAM6I/m7Rnihoybj8/s1600/wood%2Bducks%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_HoIyJdt1Po/VEcES94EBKI/AAAAAAAAM6I/m7Rnihoybj8/s1600/wood%2Bducks%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overflight of Wood Ducks, another migratory species at Big Spring October 2014. Wood Ducks love the old sloughs, oxbows and beaver impounded wetlands in this area. Sadly, their habitat is shrinking by the day here in Pleasant Grove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The annual Monarch migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales.
However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip
once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the
following fall. The Monarchs are the only
butterfly that migrates both north and south as the birds do regularly,
but no individual makes the entire round trip, because the migration
period spans the life of three to four generations of the butterfly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqiga_cu31U/VEb83W7NSnI/AAAAAAAAM4s/3AnnLU7cMTg/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bmonarchs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zqiga_cu31U/VEb83W7NSnI/AAAAAAAAM4s/3AnnLU7cMTg/s1600/big%2Bspring%2Bmonarchs.jpg" height="640" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the sun disappears below the horizon, more Monarchs come to roost at Big Spring for the night</td></tr>
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The Monarch butterfly <i>Danaus plexippus</i> is perhaps the
best known of all North American butterflies. It is easily recognizable
by its bright orange-red wings, with black veins and white spots along
the edges. The Monarch butterfly is famous for its southward migration
from Canada to Mexico and the northward return back through the Great
Plains to Canada in summer. Every fall, millions of these butterflies
fly west to their wintering grounds in California and Mexico, covering
the trees there with their bright shimmering wings.<br />
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Their brilliant coloration is mostly for protection
from predators like bats who might not see the bright orange and black
coloration, the tell tale of the bad-tasting and poisonous Monarch. From
the trees beyond the night crew of animals start up their evening
calls. Ready to hunt under a rising crescent moon.<br />
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<br />
<b>Nectar and Food Corridors</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtOst5AZYv8/VEb-djbKq8I/AAAAAAAAM5A/gNeIx4_DPhg/s1600/texas%2Bmonarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtOst5AZYv8/VEb-djbKq8I/AAAAAAAAM5A/gNeIx4_DPhg/s1600/texas%2Bmonarch.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Nectar corridors are a series of habitat patches containing plants
that flower at the appropriate times during the spring and fall
migrations. These patches provide stopping-off points for the migrating
butterflies to refuel and continue their journey. Having these islands
of nectar sources is particularly important within large areas of urban
and agricultural development. The discontinuous patches of nectar
sources are “corridors” that monarchs will follow, like stepping-stones
across a stream to complete their migration.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BSgjfo87z0/VEcBy-K4zuI/AAAAAAAAM50/OyNCy3Ey3cw/s1600/monarchs%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BSgjfo87z0/VEcBy-K4zuI/AAAAAAAAM50/OyNCy3Ey3cw/s1600/monarchs%2Bdallas%2Btexas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Monarchs seen here are consuming nectar from a blooming shrub in the outfall area of Big Spring where water courses down in a gentle meander towards Bryan's Slough. It is
believed that the Monarchs might be following what biologists call a
"nectar corridor" for food. Unknown how the butterflies can find these spots year after year since dozens of generations of butterflies lived, bred and died in the year previous to their last visit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4tJH_pwIZI/VEcAE5CJidI/AAAAAAAAM5c/ZSoTJgFARtM/s1600/monarch%2Bfeeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4tJH_pwIZI/VEcAE5CJidI/AAAAAAAAM5c/ZSoTJgFARtM/s1600/monarch%2Bfeeding.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Monarchs and Milkweed</b><br />
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Many butterflies have a single plant required as a food source for their
larval form called a host plant. Milkweed is the host plant for the
monarch butterfly. Without milkweed, the larva would not be able to
develop into a butterfly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbk6cca_GXE/VEex7RFRFTI/AAAAAAAAM7c/hUmDAGyCiN0/s1600/milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbk6cca_GXE/VEex7RFRFTI/AAAAAAAAM7c/hUmDAGyCiN0/s1600/milkweed.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumblebee on a Milkweed plant at Big Spring, late Spring 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The larvae and the butterflies retain poisonous glycosides from their
larval host plant, the milkweed, so they become distasteful to potential
predators. These milkweed butterflies (Monarch, Queen, Soldier) eat
only milkweeds as larvae. This highly effective defense strategy shields
them against almost all predators that soon learn to avoid these
species after attempting to eat them.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKSLFuhawWc/VEe3Q8xWGoI/AAAAAAAAM70/-Te7rN1vdog/s1600/milkweed%2Bbig%2Bspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKSLFuhawWc/VEe3Q8xWGoI/AAAAAAAAM70/-Te7rN1vdog/s1600/milkweed%2Bbig%2Bspring.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Milkweed contains a a variety of chemical compounds that make monarch
caterpillars poisonous to potential predators. Milkweeds contain a
cardiac poison that is poisonous to most vertebrates but does not damage
the monarch caterpillar. Some milkweed species have higher levels of
these toxins than others.<br />
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North Texans can attract Monarchs to their backyards by planting
milkweed as a host for Monarch eggs and larvae. Easy to grow here in
Dallas and available as seed or plantings at local native plant sale events. <br />
<br />
<b>The Marathon Generation, the special migrators of the Monarch species</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Apo5b_97B-Q/VEcA_0giZpI/AAAAAAAAM5s/sBtJMSq6xbM/s1600/monarch%2Bbutterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Apo5b_97B-Q/VEcA_0giZpI/AAAAAAAAM5s/sBtJMSq6xbM/s1600/monarch%2Bbutterflies.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
As fall approaches non-reproductive monarchs are born. These are the
butterflies that will migrate south. They will not reproduce until the
following spring in 2015. These late summer monarchs will travel hundreds and
even thousands of miles to their winter grounds in Mexico and
California. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRYy8UNWAhk/VEcDl4v8JbI/AAAAAAAAM6A/JEe-ezE2WPg/s1600/monarch%2Bbutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRYy8UNWAhk/VEcDl4v8JbI/AAAAAAAAM6A/JEe-ezE2WPg/s1600/monarch%2Bbutterfly.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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They
store fat in their abdomens that will help them make the long trip
south and will help them survive the winter. During their five months in
Mexico from November to May, monarchs remain mostly inactive. They will
remain perfectly still hour-after-hour and day-after-day. They live off
of the stored fat they gained during their fall migration.<br />
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<b>Various food sources</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YwolC1VrJw/VEb-kQhN4hI/AAAAAAAAM5I/FBwXR75DUJw/s1600/monarchs%2Band%2Bbees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YwolC1VrJw/VEb-kQhN4hI/AAAAAAAAM5I/FBwXR75DUJw/s1600/monarchs%2Band%2Bbees.jpg" height="640" width="542" /></a></div>
The plant they are feeding from in the photo above is known as Roosevelt Willow or Roosevelt Weed <i>Baccharis neglecta</i>
. It's a tall shrub with many willow-like branches covered with very
dark green, linear leaves. After warm rains in late summer it produces a
profusion of creamy white flower clusters which are followed by silvery
plumed seeds that cover the plant with a white cloud. It grows from
North Carolina to Arizona, and throughout Texas. Roosevelt Willow/Weed
is one of the first plants to invade abandoned fields, roadsides and
disturbed habitats. It is extremely drought tolerant, accepting wet or
dry sites, and can grow in soils high in salt. The historical references
of its common names purportedly come from the fact that after the great
Dust Bowl, it was planted as a fast and easy way to revegetate the
severely damaged soil.<br />
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<br />
<b>Monarch Migration South Through Texas</b> <br />
<br />
The Monarch migration usually starts around October each year, but can
start earlier if the weather turns cold sooner. They travel between
1,500 and 3,800 miles or more from Canada to central Mexican forests
where the climate is warm. If the monarch lives in the Eastern states,
usually east of the Rocky Mountains, it will migrate to Mexico and
hibernate in Oyamel fir trees. If the monarch butterfly lives west of
the Rocky Mountains, it will hibernate in and around Pacific Grove,
California in eucalyptus trees.<br />
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Monarch butterflies use the very same
trees each and every year when they migrate, which seems odd because
they aren’t the same butterflies that were there last year. How the
species manages to return to the same overwintering spots over a gap of
several generations is still a subject of research. Some believe the
flight pattern is inherited. Other researches indicate the butterflies
navigate using a combination of the position of the sun in the sky and
the earth's magnetic field for orientation.<br />
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The Monarch butterflies migrating through Texas all seem to focus and
funnel into a 50 mile gap between Del Rio and Eagle Pass along the
US-Mexico Border. Here they have a clear route through mountain passes
to the Mexican Interior and highlands.<br />
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When they
first arrive at their winter locations in November monarchs gather into
clusters in the trees. These butterflies congregate into colonies, clustering onto pine and
evergreen trees. In many cases, they are so thick that the trees turn
orange in color and branches sag from the weight. It’s a remarkable
sight that attracts scores of tourists. <br />
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By December and January, when the weather is at
its coldest, the monarchs will be tightly packed into dense clusters of
hundreds or even thousands of butterflies. By mid-February these
clusters of butterflies begin to break up and the monarchs will begin to
gather nectar. In the spring they will reproduce and their offspring
will make the return trip to the north.<br />
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<b>Saving The Future</b> <b>Of Texas Monarchs</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalist Richard Grayson at Big Spring</td></tr>
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The race is on to save what native Texas plant species can be salvaged from current surface mining activities at the Texas Horse Park. The local chapter of North Texas Master Naturalists has been flagging and removing scores of milkweed plants from this area with the hopes of transplanting them at Big Spring in the Fall of 2015. A great article by Roy Appleton of the Dallas Morning News can be found here <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140930-naturalists-dig-in-to-save-vegetation-in-the-great-trinity-forest.ece" target="_blank">http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140930-naturalists-dig-in-to-save-vegetation-in-the-great-trinity-forest.ece</a> that chronicles the events to salvage what can be saved from that area.</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-27193117518781327122014-08-15T14:12:00.002-05:002014-08-15T14:14:33.971-05:00Green Herons Hunting The Trinity Riverbottoms <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG40LBrwo-M/U-flSkvvNTI/AAAAAAAAMNE/x3e6pXFtvmQ/s1600/green+heron+with+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG40LBrwo-M/U-flSkvvNTI/AAAAAAAAMNE/x3e6pXFtvmQ/s1600/green+heron+with+dragonfly.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are some of the most elusive birds to see on the Trinity River. Small in size at only 12-18 inches with the ability to blend into almost any background, the Green Heron is one of the most difficult birds of summer to spot. <br />
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The Green Heron haunts many of the places humans would never dare go. The swamps, backwaters and impossible flooded reed lined shorelines of unnamed ponds and wetlands that lie within the river basin. Interwoven with rings of poison ivy, greenbriar and loose sand these marshy pond holes are the hidden lifeblood that drives the mid-summer species of birds that reside in the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSUzvxUb3fU/U-fh5k7R4xI/AAAAAAAAMMk/jiCEXi9hwbc/s1600/green+heron+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSUzvxUb3fU/U-fh5k7R4xI/AAAAAAAAMMk/jiCEXi9hwbc/s1600/green+heron+dragonfly.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mA85fAkWaGo/U-zBNtdUVBI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/NNBF9XovFoM/s1600/green%2Bheron%2Bwith%2Bdragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mA85fAkWaGo/U-zBNtdUVBI/AAAAAAAAMOQ/NNBF9XovFoM/s1600/green%2Bheron%2Bwith%2Bdragonfly.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>The photos in the post feature a group of three juvenile Green Herons
in August 2014 who allowed the rare chance to creep close and observe
their hunting and fishing behavior.<br />
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Over the course of a few evening
visits spanning a couple weeks the young birds go from clumsy young
birds trying to catch food on their own...to well honed fishers of water
and hunters of mid-air.<br />
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The birds seemed to keep a schedule and hunted for food during the time of day when sun's rays turns all it touches into gold. A great time to see one of the all time great hunters stalk its prey by silently standing at the edge of the water with its neck folded back on its shoulders....then quickly lunge into the water and grabs or stabs its prey with its spear-like bill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34sMZAvc4Dw/U-fn_4vcT_I/AAAAAAAAMNs/ZserOICqM2M/s1600/green+heron+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34sMZAvc4Dw/U-fn_4vcT_I/AAAAAAAAMNs/ZserOICqM2M/s1600/green+heron+fish.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Green Heron with a sunfish</td></tr>
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Like the intelligent American Crow, the Green Heron it is a wary
and venturesome bird, blessed with sufficient intelligence to
discriminate between real and imaginary dangers and often making itself
quite at home in a wide range of food rich environments.<br />
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Those who pay close attention to birds often notice the hardwired traits of many species exhibited as rigid and unbreakable instincts among birds. A rare number of species break that mold where they can adapt to their environment, observe and overcome challenges. Seems that the Green Heron is at the top of that game, going places and doing things other birds lack the brainpower to accomplish.<br />
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<b>Green Heron</b> <i>Butorides virescens</i><br />
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The Green Heron is part of a family of small herons that sometimes are considered one species. When pooled together, they are called Green-Backed Heron. When divided, they are the Green Heron, the Striated Heron, and the Galapagos Heron. The Green Heron<i> Butorides virescens</i> is a small heron of North and Central America. It was long considered identical with its sister species the Striated Heron <i>Butorides striata</i>, and together they were called "Green-Backed Heron".<br />
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The Green Heron is a spring and summer resident to Texas, itbreeds in most of the Eastern United States from the Canadian border south to the Gulf of Mexico and west to the Great Plains, West Texas and Southwestern New Mexico.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-As_ashvROek/U-fk4tkhRMI/AAAAAAAAMM8/FsXMhnHJ_pg/s1600/green+heron+mesquite+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-As_ashvROek/U-fk4tkhRMI/AAAAAAAAMM8/FsXMhnHJ_pg/s1600/green+heron+mesquite+tree.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Green Heron in a mesquite tree</td></tr>
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The favored habitat of the Green Heron is small wetlands in low-lying areas. The species is most conspicuous during dusk and dawn, and if anything these birds are really nocturnal rather than diurnal, preferring to retreat to sheltered areas in daytime. Often found in the shade of nearby roosting trees, they only come out when large numbers of dragonflies were upon lilypads.<br />
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Green Herons are common in North Texas, but they can be hard to see at first. Where larger herons tend to stand prominently in open parts of wetlands and ponds, Green Herons tend to be at the edges, in shallow water, or concealed in vegetation. A quiet approach to Green Heron habitat and a scan of the brushy banks can often yield a glimpse of a small, hunch-backed bird with a long, straight bill staring intently at the water.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lH5jXmJzZuA/U-fgZhw-FbI/AAAAAAAAMMM/whAQ2vmhHZQ/s1600/green+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lH5jXmJzZuA/U-fgZhw-FbI/AAAAAAAAMMM/whAQ2vmhHZQ/s1600/green+heron.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>The downy young green heron is scantily covered with "drab" down, thickest on the back and longest on the crown. The color varies to light gray on the underside and to "hair brown" on the crown. The juvenile plumage is acquired in the usual heron sequence and is complete before the young bird reaches the flight stage, when fully grown.<br />
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The males and females are distinguishable even in the juvenile plumage. In the young male, in August, the crown is solid, glossy, greenish black, the sides of the head and neck are solid creamy beige, the chin, throat, and neck stripe are yellowish white, spotted with black and the back is solid, glossy, dark green.<br />
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The wings are the same color as the back, but the lesser coverts are edged with beige and the median and greater coverts are rounded (not pointed, as in the adult), edged with pale buff and have a triangular buffy white spot at the tip of each feather.<br />
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The young female differs from the juvenile male in having chestnut streaks in the crown and having the sides of the head and neck streaked with chestnut, buff, and dusty color. In both male and female, the juvenile plumage is worn during the fall and early winter, without much change until they partially in late winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUlhdeeJUFE/U-fhkHWqoHI/AAAAAAAAMMg/aBA7Ee4tPPs/s1600/green%2Bheron%2Bcatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUlhdeeJUFE/U-fhkHWqoHI/AAAAAAAAMMg/aBA7Ee4tPPs/s1600/green%2Bheron%2Bcatching.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lightning quick speed of a Green Heron is no match even for the speedy dragonfly. Shot at 1/2000 of a second the speed of the heron's face and beak is still a slight blur</td></tr>
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Green Herons typically stand still on shore or in shallow water or perch upon branches and await prey. Sometimes they drop berries, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species. This feeding method has led some to title the Green Heron and closely related Striated Heron as among the world's most intelligent birds. They are able to hover briefly to catch prey too but seem to be firmly planted on terra firma when hunting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg71sfIaMkk/U-fmbdu4XUI/AAAAAAAAMNY/9qq8F0DNdSk/s1600/green+heron+dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jg71sfIaMkk/U-fmbdu4XUI/AAAAAAAAMNY/9qq8F0DNdSk/s1600/green+heron+dragonfly.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Heron at maximum neck extension capturing the split fraction of a second that it snares a dragonfly in mid-air</td></tr>
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The lighting speed at which they can elongate their necks makes for some difficult photography. With such speed catching one grabbing dragonflies from thin air is a difficult proposition. It is all over with in less than a blink of a human eye. Dragonflies themselves are some of the most agile insect fliers and to have both super fast species fight it out makes for some tough shooting.<br />
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The most common feeding technique for the Green Heron is to stand in a crouched position,
horizontal to the water surface, with neck and head retracted. They
stand still for long periods of time before changing sites. Standing is
often interspersed with slow walking in a crouched posture in the water
or bordering vegetation. Herons use their feet to cause potential prey
to move and then capture them. They may also dive from perches head
first into deep water, becoming submerged very briefly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TskHO4lAaT4/U-fjekjZZQI/AAAAAAAAMM0/krEPY887g1Y/s1600/green+heron+catching+bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TskHO4lAaT4/U-fjekjZZQI/AAAAAAAAMM0/krEPY887g1Y/s1600/green+heron+catching+bug.jpg" height="598" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Heron dancing across lilypads as it catches yet another dragonfly, this time on the run</td></tr>
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Green herons are carnivorous, mainly eating fish and invertebrates. They are opportunistic foragers with a broad prey base, depending on the availability of species present. They exploit superabundant food resources, such as the dragonflies seen here. Their invertebrate diet includes a wide range of things from frogs, tadpoles, earthworms, dragonflies, damselflies, waterbugs, grasshoppers, and crayfish. Some of the many fish eaten are shad, sunfish, catfish and perch.<br />
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The birds in the photos here were eating many tadpoles and small frogs at the time but did not photograph well do the smallish size of the prey. The Green Heron's repertoire of hunting down wayward dragonflies is far more interesting and entertaining.<br />
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The least employed hunting technique used by the Green Heron is seen below, a flush and herd technique where the heron plops into deeper water then drives bait fish and tadpoles into shallower water for easier hunting. The Green Heron prefers water not more than 3-4 inches deep at most. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcjCiFZuxfo/U-fmaRV_BII/AAAAAAAAMNQ/F1ETzWFjHx0/s1600/green+heron+takeoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcjCiFZuxfo/U-fmaRV_BII/AAAAAAAAMNQ/F1ETzWFjHx0/s1600/green+heron+takeoff.jpg" height="640" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Heron driving small baitfish and tadpoles from deeper water into the shallow bank area</td></tr>
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It becomes readily evident in drier years like 2014 the importance of the permanent wetlands that exist along the Trinity River. These secluded spots afford the establishment of high quality rookery sites with abundant food supplies that can lead to successful nests year after year. Without such places the biodiversity of the Great Trinity Forest is severely hampered and sterilized.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-35436998227322901462014-07-28T16:14:00.001-05:002014-07-28T16:53:30.231-05:00Wildfire In Great Trinity Forest Consumes Portion Of Big Spring Conservation Area<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Liz Fernandez, Director of Trinity Watershed Management, photographs a portion of the burned fifteen acres of the Great Trinity Forest in the Big Spring Conservation Area, July 25, 2014. Currently under investigation as an act of arson. Stark contrast to the area as it looked less than two months before during the height of the wildflower bloom.</span></div>
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It was a week many had looked forward to for years. A day when the City of Dallas would formally adopt a formal management plan for one of the Great Trinity Forest's real gems, Big Spring. A week when that same rough draft management plan, the first for the Great Trinity Forest and one of the only urban forest management plans in Texas would be put to use for the first time. Then the fire happened.<br />
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<b>A Brief Summary Of The Fire</b><br />
Word of the fire spread quickly. First noticed by a Dallas Police Department helicopter in the early afternoon of July 23, 2014. The police on the scene relayed that Air One the police helicopter observed four different burning areas. Dallas Fire Rescue was summoned to the scene and fought the fire till sunset.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csUw5GwHt6g/U9aHgCe46LI/AAAAAAAAMJs/ZD2U3d81cUY/s1600/station+51+dallas+fire+rescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-csUw5GwHt6g/U9aHgCe46LI/AAAAAAAAMJs/ZD2U3d81cUY/s1600/station+51+dallas+fire+rescue.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Station 51 Brush Fire Truck stuck in Bryan's Slough. The truck was headed back to the burning wildfire just beyond the Slough. Photo courtesy Zada Pemberton</td></tr>
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Arson investigators arrived late in the day and began an investigation into the cause of the fire. Sitting in one of the most remote parcels of land inside Loop 12, human visits to the area are thought to be rare. Behind a series of locked gates and private property frontage on a nearby road, access to the site is difficult. We all hope that a cause can be determined. <br />
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If it was arson, we all hope that the party responsible is brought to justice and prosecuted to the limit of the law. It is quite unsettling to all involved that something like this occurred. Not just the fire itself but that firefighters risked their own lives fighting the fire. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1w0UJZ8faM/U9aJKdzoD2I/AAAAAAAAMJ4/BFxLbgtPhWw/s1600/dallas+fire+rescue+grass+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1w0UJZ8faM/U9aJKdzoD2I/AAAAAAAAMJ4/BFxLbgtPhWw/s1600/dallas+fire+rescue+grass+fire.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas Fire Rescue Firefighters on the evening of July 23, 2014 in the clasping coneflower field at Big Spring. Photo courtesy Zada Pemberton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXS_I1eWopo/U9Q97J1aP1I/AAAAAAAAMGk/qfnE-H1xJOo/s1600/big+spring+fire+july2514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXS_I1eWopo/U9Q97J1aP1I/AAAAAAAAMGk/qfnE-H1xJOo/s1600/big+spring+fire+july2514.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of July 23, 2014 wildfire in the Great Trinity Forest. 15 acres.</td></tr>
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By my estimate, the fire consumed about fifteen acres. Twelve acres in the City of Dallas owned Great Trinity Forest and another three acres to the north owned by Richard and Paula Pemberton Hill.<br />
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At right is a map of the extent of the fire damage. It was contained on the north and south by Bryan's Slough. On the north end the fire stopped at the edge of a large swamp area which extends all the way to Bruton Road. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIBsxKYzBx8/U9ZRJf-Z9YI/AAAAAAAAMJQ/If9_I2H2dGA/s1600/texas+horse+park+fire+2014+july.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIBsxKYzBx8/U9ZRJf-Z9YI/AAAAAAAAMJQ/If9_I2H2dGA/s1600/texas+horse+park+fire+2014+july.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charred goat head in the wildfire burned section of the Texas Horse Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_ev4WH4uM/U9ZPTugsR2I/AAAAAAAAMI4/bafe98cAPbk/s1600/texas+horse+park+fire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UM_ev4WH4uM/U9ZPTugsR2I/AAAAAAAAMI4/bafe98cAPbk/s1600/texas+horse+park+fire+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern limit of the fire on west side of Texas Horse Park Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
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To the south, the fire traveled in the Texas Horse Park property moving south through the woods and down an ONCOR ROW.<br />
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The fire was stopped at where Bryan's Slough crosses from east to west under the powerline ROW. Dallas Fire Rescue worked this area too, a number of small caliper trees mostly species of ash and cedar elm appear to have been either burned or scorched in this area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QA-ryyb_LI/U9RED2rlK9I/AAAAAAAAMH0/61-SSB3KAWY/s1600/hill+fire+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QA-ryyb_LI/U9RED2rlK9I/AAAAAAAAMH0/61-SSB3KAWY/s1600/hill+fire+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern extent of the fire, a firefighter walks the Hill property looking for hotspots. July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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Between the northern and southern ends of the fire sits the Big Spring conservation area. A special place tucked into the woods.<br />
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<b>The Fire Scene At Big Spring</b><br />
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The disparity of the fire scenes when viewed through photos in before/after makes one cringe. Taken less than sixty days apart the first photo shows members of a Meetup nature photography group at Big Spring. The lower photo taken in almost the same spot shows two firefighters from Station 34 working on the hotspots in the treeline west of the coneflower field.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbss03TSE2s/U9Q9z8vUt_I/AAAAAAAAMGc/oKCyJ046ARg/s1600/big+spring+fire+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbss03TSE2s/U9Q9z8vUt_I/AAAAAAAAMGc/oKCyJ046ARg/s1600/big+spring+fire+dallas+texas.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefighters from Dallas Fire Rescue Station 34 work on putting out one of the hotspots in the Great Trinity Forest July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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These photos were all taken on July 25th two days after the initial July 23rd fire. Hotspots remained in the woods to the west where the fire seemed to burn much hotter than the open field to the east. Initially, we were all there to observe the first managed mowing of Big Spring's upper buffer zone as part of a newly drafted management plan for the conservation area. As mowing commenced many of us went to look at the fire damage.<br />
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By 10am, the wind started kicking up from the south some and inside the treeline the slow smoldering embers in the larger downed trees puffed to life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmmh8i0KhRI/U9RCzuh0v-I/AAAAAAAAMHk/r_NkfYouw90/s1600/big+spring+wildfire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmmh8i0KhRI/U9RCzuh0v-I/AAAAAAAAMHk/r_NkfYouw90/s1600/big+spring+wildfire.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalist Jim Flood partially obscured by smoke stands at the base of a still smoldering Ash tree, some 48 hours after the start of the wildfire</td></tr>
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Above is Master Naturalist Jim Flood discussing the need for another visit by the fire department to hit the hot spots. After heading back up the hill to discuss the ongoing hot spots with city staff, Trinity Watershed Management dispatched the fire department to work the remaining hot spots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvrNuR79HNk/U9ZQwKP8WpI/AAAAAAAAMJI/t9-_AtmiNgw/s1600/brett+johnson+tpwd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvrNuR79HNk/U9ZQwKP8WpI/AAAAAAAAMJI/t9-_AtmiNgw/s1600/brett+johnson+tpwd.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Dallas Firefighter leads the way through still smoking hot spots behind him is Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Brett Johnson who is trained in wildfire management and fires</td></tr>
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In the interim between the fire department's arrival, TPWD Biologist Brett Johnson and several others fanned out into the woods identifying all the hotspots ahead of time. This reduced the amount of energy and valuable time on the part of the firefighters once on scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw6NIHimdKU/U9RD9rS37LI/AAAAAAAAMHs/lHs7vDtkHdg/s1600/billy+ray+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw6NIHimdKU/U9RD9rS37LI/AAAAAAAAMHs/lHs7vDtkHdg/s1600/billy+ray+2.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy Ray Pemberton with two firefighters, a pile of buckets, shovels and rakes in his pickup, Big Spring, July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Bh28I5Ygg/U9ZQYlcPOII/AAAAAAAAMJA/lgAscUx_wbA/s1600/fire+at+big+spring+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j2Bh28I5Ygg/U9ZQYlcPOII/AAAAAAAAMJA/lgAscUx_wbA/s1600/fire+at+big+spring+1.jpg" height="362" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying a truckload of water in the distance to some of the burned areas on Friday July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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It's the acrid smell, lack of humidity and lack of shade that makes this area feel like something out of the underworld at the moment. No birds sing. No grasshoppers jumping under foot. No rustling sound of the wind. Inert. On a day when the temperatures were only 90 downtown at the 11am hour, it was 114 degrees in the field.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVDYjhZXv6Q/U9ZSirl6KhI/AAAAAAAAMJc/kdAZf0EyeAg/s1600/burned+field+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVDYjhZXv6Q/U9ZSirl6KhI/AAAAAAAAMJc/kdAZf0EyeAg/s1600/burned+field+texas.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burned stalks of wildflowers and sedge grass in the wildflower field, Big Spring, Friday July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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It is hard to believe the short term loss is counterbalance by the promised of exact scientific knowledge that this area will recover. On this particular day in the field were a broad collection of folks with science backgrounds who all remarked on how nature tends to recover from criminal acts like this. The smell and wholesale damage temper that line of thought. The damage just appears to look so terrible it is hard to find a silver lining.<br />
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What is lost is the groundbreaking work to some extent that was going on in this field by Jim Flood and Tim Dalbey. Earlier in the week it was discussed not to mow this area so that late summer and fall blooming species of plants could be identified. This area had been yielding many plants that had not been documented in Dallas County for decades or were absent from records altogether. It is a great sense of loss that the work going on here will be curtailed till another growing season.<br />
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Unknown is the extent of the damage. Poking around under the soil surface it appears that there is good moisture just under the surface and hopefully root systems and dormant seeds were not affected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e04YfM5B0qw/U9ZKTAaDbqI/AAAAAAAAMIs/GS4OrGVYyFk/s1600/big+spring+fire+july+2014+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e04YfM5B0qw/U9ZKTAaDbqI/AAAAAAAAMIs/GS4OrGVYyFk/s1600/big+spring+fire+july+2014+a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring's clasping coneflower field as it looked July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1hmgogTAak/U9REIOUMFDI/AAAAAAAAMH8/pBYyzwR5eHo/s1600/paul+white+1a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1hmgogTAak/U9REIOUMFDI/AAAAAAAAMH8/pBYyzwR5eHo/s1600/paul+white+1a1.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul White, City of Dallas Trinity Watershed Management riding the back of a water truck at Big Spring July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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<b>Mowing As Part Of A Management Plan</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYCZ7K63J2w/U9Q-wFBQJAI/AAAAAAAAMHE/oc1ZyfdhsZ4/s1600/big+spring+mow+4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYCZ7K63J2w/U9Q-wFBQJAI/AAAAAAAAMHE/oc1ZyfdhsZ4/s1600/big+spring+mow+4a.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring's mighty Bur Oak towers high above the first run of a managed mowing plan at Big Spring. Looking south.</td></tr>
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A year or more in the making, a rough drafted Big Spring Management Plan saw the light of day for the first time on the morning of July 25, 2014. Attended by employees of the Corps of Engineers, Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility (LAERF), Texas Parks and Wildlife, City of Dallas Trinity Watershed Management as well as a host of citizens who have all worked very hard to see this day.<br />
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One man, Billy Ray Pemberton, has mowed this land for many years on his own dime and using his own equipment. For the last ten years it has been a near solo effort by him. The overall management plan should build upon his decades of work here and be used as a touchstone for the future. <br />
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In the winter 2013-2014 the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility was contracted by the City of Dallas to develop a plan with citizen input for the aquatic and outfall aspects of Big Spring. This past week in late July, we learned that LAERF would also work on a mowing plan for Big Spring which surprised a few of us. Citizen input continues into August on that front.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-panUJG-EhMQ/U9Q-EUXv1BI/AAAAAAAAMGs/k2n9PqfdWco/s1600/big+spring+mow+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-panUJG-EhMQ/U9Q-EUXv1BI/AAAAAAAAMGs/k2n9PqfdWco/s1600/big+spring+mow+1a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A native hibiscus blooms on the edge of the mowing area at Big Spring. In the background is the historic Bur Oak and the spring itself</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MwOnnobyMY/U9Q-h_myjuI/AAAAAAAAMG8/SnUwtgbAaZw/s1600/big+spring+mow+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MwOnnobyMY/U9Q-h_myjuI/AAAAAAAAMG8/SnUwtgbAaZw/s1600/big+spring+mow+3a.jpg" height="402" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mowing at Big Spring is hoped to create buffer zones along the outfall of the spring water and help smaller tree seedlings repopulate the area back into a native bottomland</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhh2T0T820M/U9bGF4qk6wI/AAAAAAAAMKI/End5oj4Hx6g/s1600/brett+johson+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhh2T0T820M/U9bGF4qk6wI/AAAAAAAAMKI/End5oj4Hx6g/s1600/brett+johson+texas.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>The management ideas for Big Spring will be adaptive and flexible inside the framework of what will hopefully become an official Dallas Landmark. The process began a year ago and is working through City Hall. Getting from here to that goal requires lots of planning and restructuring of how forested lands are managed.<br />
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One such component of that is mowing. Prescribed at one foot high, the bat wing mower from the City of Dallas made easy work of the wildflower zones and grassy areas above and below Big Spring. See video below for a sample, mowing in the lower area near the spring outfall and the second part of the clip is mowing up near the lone mesquite tree on the terrace:<br />
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The management plan, still in draft form, allows for natural recruitment of self sowing plants like pecans, walnuts and other beneficial native species. Many of these trees are already 3-5 feet and height. They will help fill in existing open areas and spur growth of other species. Mulberry, Ironweed and Hibiscus are just a few of the other species here that will see leaps and bounds of growth in years to come.<br />
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Mowing distributes seeds(both good and bad) from plants. This emulates natural processes and often stimulates new growth the following year. It will be interesting to see how this fresh mowed area plays out next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4Zmb5HDU30/U9Q-QqyVCYI/AAAAAAAAMG0/n-d3CsS_Jxk/s1600/big+spring+mow+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4Zmb5HDU30/U9Q-QqyVCYI/AAAAAAAAMG0/n-d3CsS_Jxk/s1600/big+spring+mow+2a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mowed buffer zone wildflower area above Big Spring July 25, 2014</td></tr>
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Much more coming in the near future with how this area will be managed, maintained and open on a broader scale to the citizens of Dallas. <br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-21975930506329967902014-07-22T17:00:00.001-05:002014-07-22T17:09:50.449-05:00Roseate Spoonbills Wild Passage To The Great Trinity Forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NUtp_vTkX4/U8yLzWSGy3I/AAAAAAAAMBc/NIzCFH87ZUA/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+fighting+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NUtp_vTkX4/U8yLzWSGy3I/AAAAAAAAMBc/NIzCFH87ZUA/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+fighting+texas.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dance of the Roseate Spoonbills in the Great Trinity Forest Dallas, Texas Summer 2014</td></tr>
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One can only imagine what this place must have looked like ten centuries ago when the Caddo danced on this very spot. The soil here is ancient. Holding profound human history and insight into the lives they lead, their environment and culture. It is the first Dallas, the ancient civilization that commanded this part of Texas for centuries.<br />
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For the most part, the land here remains as rugged, heavily timbered and green as it was when King Solomon ruled the Israelites. The charcoal remains of the Caddo cooking fires tell us so. The natural seeps of abundant sub-surface water still flow here across the soft sand and underlying limestone outcrops. No longer fit for human consumption but interesting none the less.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZKFTgtLAY/U8yKKKsqBSI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/kxWK4tV1RK0/s1600/mustang+grapes+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZKFTgtLAY/U8yKKKsqBSI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/kxWK4tV1RK0/s1600/mustang+grapes+dallas+texas.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Mustang Grapes by the bushel at Joppa Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The shelter and forage still found in the woods here could still support those human bands of yesteryear. The grapevines laden so heavy with fruit in July that the ground in many spots cannot be seen through all the fallen fruit. <i>Vitis mustangensis </i>the Mustang Grape is one of the most high climbing and heat tolerant varieties of grapes in the world. Disease resistant and bearing loads of fruit the grapes would be a real hit were they not so tart when raw.<br />
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Other more ready to eat fruit like the Purple Passion fruit can be found within arms reach. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhXKuMfUrFE/U8yJkuWODOI/AAAAAAAAMBI/XkFBxdaed74/s1600/passion+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhXKuMfUrFE/U8yJkuWODOI/AAAAAAAAMBI/XkFBxdaed74/s1600/passion+flower.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers of the Maypop Passion Fruit, Joppa Preserve July 2014</td></tr>
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The plants <i>Passiflora incarnata </i>were given the name Passionflower or Passion vine because the floral parts were once said to represent aspects of the Christian crucifixion story, sometimes referred to as the Passion.<br />
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The 10 petal-like parts represents the disciples of Jesus, excluding Peter and Judas; the 5 stamens the wounds Jesus received; the knob-like stigmas the nails; the fringe the crown of thorns. The name Maypop comes from the hollow fruits that pop loudly when crushed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWa1It28fMA/U6mFIlFs2sI/AAAAAAAALr8/VVn-ssKcNJ0/s1600/little+lemmon+lake+spoonbills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWa1It28fMA/U6mFIlFs2sI/AAAAAAAALr8/VVn-ssKcNJ0/s1600/little+lemmon+lake+spoonbills.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Lemmon Lake and Roseate Spoonbills</td></tr>
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The Texans of old knew this place. Caddo hunters had waded the river here. The old South Dallas legend exists of Spanish searching for their city of gold and are thought to have dropped a battle axe in a creek within eyesight of this spot. Mexican and Anglo ox-men drove wagons this way. Freed slaves settled it and called it their own, a place called Joppa.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE0oNHpqdl0/U6n8JxLvQOI/AAAAAAAALsM/z4H__HA2eb8/s1600/fighting+spoonbills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uE0oNHpqdl0/U6n8JxLvQOI/AAAAAAAALsM/z4H__HA2eb8/s1600/fighting+spoonbills.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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A newcomer expecting blight and a muddy river might be surprised by the diversity to be found here. A true melting pot of Texas nature at your feet. As one comes to appreciate the river here, the focus of nearly all those things one thinks of as truly Texan. A roadmap of twists and turns in the woods with surprises around every corner.<br />
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Few ever come to appreciate a place. A rare number have visited these places for many years. Then there is one, only one, known to me that is to have visited these spots for decades. <br />
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<b>The Luminary, A Voice From The Woods -- Father Timothy Gollob</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sygwTAOgA8/U6n88tjHWPI/AAAAAAAALsc/3b-INxs3C1c/s1600/father+tim+little+lemmon+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5sygwTAOgA8/U6n88tjHWPI/AAAAAAAALsc/3b-INxs3C1c/s1600/father+tim+little+lemmon+lake.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Timothy Gollob discussing the call of the Indigo Bunting and keen insight on decades of Roseate Spoonbill observations, Joppa Preserve, Great Trinity Forest, Summer 2014</td></tr>
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He was looking my way with a smile, pointing with his arm extended to smudges of pink on the far end of a lake. From a hundred yards away the lone man in black, crouched among head high cattails, armed with a pair of binoculars was espying Roseate Spoonbills. I knew I had found Father Timothy Gollob.<br />
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Here among the jagged, rough and steep terrain of the river bottoms
walks a Catholic Priest. For nearly half a century Father Tim has
explored the river here. Noting not just the ebb and flow of the river
but the countless bird and animal species that abound here. His church
and his rectory home, Holy Cross Catholic Church sits just up the road
from the river at Bonnie View and Ledbetter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij3F6aH7xA4/U8wSX-_WPXI/AAAAAAAAMA8/g2-KeOHKWx4/s1600/father+tim+gollob+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij3F6aH7xA4/U8wSX-_WPXI/AAAAAAAAMA8/g2-KeOHKWx4/s1600/father+tim+gollob+dallas.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Timothy Gollob watching Roseate Spoonbills through his binoculars at Joppa Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Trinity River has served as Father Tim's cageless aviary where he has documented decades of bird activity and sightings. His hundreds of reports and sightings rank him among the most prolific birders in Texas history, a true legend in many outdoor circles. His work as a man of God for a half century in South Dallas overshadows his bird study and fishing tales. A man who many regard as one of the great Texas humanitarians and cornerstones of a city which he calls home. If you don't know him, you should.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HXpQW7n9LQ/U80UMVkg_dI/AAAAAAAAMCE/YfljRJ4uhPE/s1600/spoonbill+wings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0HXpQW7n9LQ/U80UMVkg_dI/AAAAAAAAMCE/YfljRJ4uhPE/s1600/spoonbill+wings.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a>In the field, his graceful hand whittled narrated account of the land here and his description of bird sightings is a true treasure of knowledge. His accounts of the erstwhile Sleepy Hollow Golf Course turned lower chain of wetlands provides a great back story to this area before it became a civil engineering project.<br />
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The stories of his sightings are weaved through Texas lore. Conversation that is very much that of the Deep South yet Southwestern. Something that is authentic Texan. His accent has a strong
Texan flair to it, one decidedly North Texan in depth if there is still such a
thing. Talk turns to the gravel pitted terrain of South Dallas County's Sand Branch and Jordan Valley area. Travels across hard scrabble ranchland south of Dallas on fishing trips. It is the chat that describes the narrative mastery of the woods. A picture of the Trinity and North Texas in microcosm that is so rare to hear in such humble words.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_7xB5x2Khw/U7QRjXNId4I/AAAAAAAAL1Y/dg3UFDfP8DY/s1600/joppa+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_7xB5x2Khw/U7QRjXNId4I/AAAAAAAAL1Y/dg3UFDfP8DY/s1600/joppa+texas.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Lane riding at Joppa Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Father Tim learned much of his birding craft from ornithologist and late University of Dallas Professor Warren M. Pulich. Pulich is considered the first resident professional ornithologist in North Texas. In the 1960s he authored the <i>Birds of Tarrant County</i> and later <i>The Birds of North Central Texas</i>. His groundbreaking work specialized in species like the rare Golden Cheeked Warbler. As Professor of Ornithology at the University of Dallas he led the way with many pioneering bird collection projects, many of which were from antenna strikes on local communication towers.<br />
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Often joining Father Tim is one of his parishoners, Jeff Lane, seen at right. Jeff's family has owned a metal plating company just up the street for the last eighty years. He will pick up Father Tim at his church, drop him off at a starting spot and meet up miles on the other side of the woods.<br />
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<b>Hurricane Alicia</b> <b>August 1983</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcaY4AAPU0o/U6mEwflOgxI/AAAAAAAALr0/3M4WBq4vc2o/s1600/spoonbill+flock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcaY4AAPU0o/U6mEwflOgxI/AAAAAAAALr0/3M4WBq4vc2o/s1600/spoonbill+flock.jpg" height="246" width="640" /></a> <br />
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Father Tim remarked that during a hurricane in 1983 that he observed Roseate Spoonbills off Loop 12 near I-45. He said that the birds appeared to have been storm blown to some extent maybe removed from the coast by the heavy winds and rain. I was able to look back through his bird reports, find the date and trace it to Hurricane Alicia which hit the west end of Galveston Island in August 1983.<br />
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The storm made a direct path up Trinity Bay and to Dallas where it hit much of North Texas with Tropical Storm and Tropical Depression winds and rain. An interesting observation on birds and weather.<br />
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Using the Trinity River Authority's river data, this area sits on mile 463 of the Trinity River. A grand distance from where the freshwater of the Trinity meets that of the salty Gulf of Mexico.<br />
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<b>Reconnoitering For Roseate Spoonbills</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoUSqgcu3To/U8wOB27sMNI/AAAAAAAAL_o/6hYHg5m9prQ/s1600/spoonbills+little+lemmon+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoUSqgcu3To/U8wOB27sMNI/AAAAAAAAL_o/6hYHg5m9prQ/s1600/spoonbills+little+lemmon+lake.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solitary Snowy Egret joined by four Roseate Spoonbills at Little Lemmon Lake, Joppa Preserve, Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is in the early evening, about when the sky goes to purple that
Father Tim can be found on the river. The sky can appear enormous this
time of day. The drone of rush hour dies away and the natural sounds of
the woods take over the senses. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzUSGRSaw30/U80dI5GqXjI/AAAAAAAAMCU/e8b3AGenmUE/s1600/great+trinity+forest+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzUSGRSaw30/U80dI5GqXjI/AAAAAAAAMCU/e8b3AGenmUE/s1600/great+trinity+forest+storm.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy thunderstorm with pronounced anvil over Southern Dallas County as viewed from Little Lemmon Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsDMWYbjh1s/U8yOm3p2xvI/AAAAAAAAMBw/880J701KhMY/s1600/roseate+spoonbill+landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsDMWYbjh1s/U8yOm3p2xvI/AAAAAAAAMBw/880J701KhMY/s1600/roseate+spoonbill+landing.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roseate Spoonbill landing at Little Lemmon Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Summer Saharan sands blowing in from Africa on the jet stream give the early summer of 2014 a pronounced rare shade of sky that is not often seen. A milky color of phosphorous tinged haze lingers over Dallas as a result.<br />
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Large storm cells often appear this time of year in the distance. Rarely do they make it into Dallas proper but provide a great background for photographing the sky. When the storms do come overhead the rain fires like bullets, chewing across the shallow water and into the tree canopy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnidwLk6YgU/U8wQ1o5SpYI/AAAAAAAAMAs/1ETyvoRlVW8/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnidwLk6YgU/U8wQ1o5SpYI/AAAAAAAAMAs/1ETyvoRlVW8/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+7.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing light of an approaching storm mutes the light on the Roseate Spoonbills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pink specks of birds some hundred yards or more away presented a challenge for getting some good photographs. The ever widening stretches of cracking mud playa between the birds and the shore offer no cover to get close. The setting sun to the west would put the birds in unfavorable light. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxmIiyQSVAo/U8wNynF2WTI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/z3hIPj7cVT4/s1600/roseate+spoonbill+pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxmIiyQSVAo/U8wNynF2WTI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/z3hIPj7cVT4/s1600/roseate+spoonbill+pair.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
The solution to the issue was to hit the heavy mangled overgrowth to the northwest of Little Lemmon Lake where lush and belt high poison ivy abounds. It is one of the old indestructible realities it seems of getting some good shots. Going places no one else would think of going. The high winds of approaching storms and the very dense poison ivy provided a great approach towards the ten foot high cattails that ring the shore. Here, smashed down in the reeds I was able to get closer than ever before to Roseate Spoonbills.<br />
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The being close part is not so important as it is the relaxed and natural state of the birds. The acts of capturing the preening, napping and natural behavior far exceed those of action photos of spooked birds in flight.<br />
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The real trick is getting in and back out again without your subject ever knowing you were ever there. Doing so, for a couple nights in a row allowed repeat visits to where the birds were wading and resting.<br />
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<b>Spoonbills At Their Most Vibrant</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DNIxaeM5xc/U8wPeyNqL0I/AAAAAAAAL_0/fuw4yW2A0TA/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_DNIxaeM5xc/U8wPeyNqL0I/AAAAAAAAL_0/fuw4yW2A0TA/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+1.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roseate Spoonbills preparing for an evening of feeding at Little Lemmon Lake</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEdXAmapOeg/U8wP76tcc6I/AAAAAAAAMAM/8y0lUkyEttk/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FEdXAmapOeg/U8wP76tcc6I/AAAAAAAAMAM/8y0lUkyEttk/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+4.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a>The Roseate Spoonbills plumage for 2014 is the most vibrant in color ever to be seen among Great Trinity Forest Spoonbills. Famed birders like Robert Porter Allen, likened the species to "orchids taking wing". <br />
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The absolute brilliant colors of orange, red, pink and red are offset under close review by a green hued head coloration only visible during breeding season. These are the apex of color in the North American bird world. <br />
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There are only two large pink hued birds in the United States, the Pink
Flamingo and the Roseate Spoonbill. Natives of the sub-tropics, tropics
and coastal areas, seeing either of the two species in the United States
makes for a rare sight.<br />
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With a pink body and long, spatulate bill, the spoonbill is a marvel to
behold. This coastal character even seems to wear a smile on its face.<br />
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<b>Roseate Spoonbill <i>Platalea ajaja</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2_VuGvKP88/U8wQmO5DY7I/AAAAAAAAMAk/7N3fhap-CVQ/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2_VuGvKP88/U8wQmO5DY7I/AAAAAAAAMAk/7N3fhap-CVQ/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Roseate Spoonbills (<i>Platalea ajaja</i>) , which share the same pink plumage and long twiggy legs as
flamingos, are actually members of the ibis family. Generally smaller
than flamingos, Roseate Spoonbills grow to a height of 32 inches with a
wingspan of 50 inches, have shorter necks, and longer, spoon-shaped
bills.<br />
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The Roseate Spoonbill is typically a far southern bird of the Americas,
breeding in Southern Mexico and Central America. In the United States it
is typically found only along the far southern Gulf Coast. During summer and early fall the birds move inland searching for food and
habitat along marshes and shallow ponds.<br />
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Uncommon in North Texas, Roseate Spoonbills can be seen infrequently
in the shallow drying ponds and swamps in the Great Trinity Forest.
Spoonbills are traditionally coastal birds and are a regular sight along
the Texas Gulf Coast. Rare to see them hundreds of miles inland in not
only a prairie but also a densely populated urban environment.<br />
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Hunted to near extinction in the early 1900s, the Roseate Spoonbill
population dwindled to only 100 breeding pairs in Texas by the 1930s.
Their striking pink feathers were popular on women's hats and hunters
from all over the United States competed for spoonbill plumes. Little did the buyers of such feathers know that the colors fade quite fast when removed from the bird. <br />
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Today, threats to Roseate Spoonbill populations come as a result of habitat loss. Even by 1979,
their numbers had only rebounded to 2,500 birds in the wild. Currently
their numbers have rebounded substantially enough to be removed from
Federal protection as an Endangered and Threatened species.<br />
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Breeding populations are found along the south Florida coast from the Florida
Keys north to St Joseph Bay, with some populations in northeastern
Florida and along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. The worldwide
population is only 175,000 with 30,000 living in North America.
Whittling down that number further, many of those 30,000 live in
Florida, the Caribbean or along the Gulf Coast. It is estimated that
there are 5,500 breeding pairs in the USA.<br />
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In Texas, the birds are still very much threatened as a population. The State of Texas is studying whether or not to declare Roseate Spoonbills as a state Threatened Species. This designation is a result of habitat loss and nesting areas across the state. In 2014 the farthest north in Texas a nest has been located is the Richland WMA southeast of Corsicana. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytRWH1Hs77Q/U87T77VqXJI/AAAAAAAAMCk/M9JhGtke7lE/s1600/trinity+golf+course+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ytRWH1Hs77Q/U87T77VqXJI/AAAAAAAAMCk/M9JhGtke7lE/s1600/trinity+golf+course+dallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity Forest Golf Course Construction clearcut exposes the old Loop 12 Landfill and in the far distance, the current McCommas Bluff Landfill can be clearly seen. Home of the future Byron Nelson Golf Tournament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pocket ponds and unnamed seldom visited waterbodies exist around the footprint of the future Byron Nelson Tournament site known as Trinity Forest Golf Club. These casual waterbodies called pulse inundated wetlands serve as vital habitat for many bird species. The shallow feeding areas of the Roseate Spoonbill is paramount to the
species survival. Little Lemmon Lake and other pocket ponds and
abandoned gravel quarries that dot this part of town serve as critical
habitat for these wading birds.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVEibCi49MI/U8wN3xYvzzI/AAAAAAAAL_g/PoQxuB9B0ao/s1600/spoonbills+dallas+texas+feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QVEibCi49MI/U8wN3xYvzzI/AAAAAAAAL_g/PoQxuB9B0ao/s1600/spoonbills+dallas+texas+feeding.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igdB1t-3ZAg/U6n875SovZI/AAAAAAAALsU/EDgv_VnPu0w/s1600/spoonbills+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igdB1t-3ZAg/U6n875SovZI/AAAAAAAALsU/EDgv_VnPu0w/s1600/spoonbills+jumping.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a><br />
A common theme in pulse-inundated wetlands are overbanking events from the flooding Trinity River.<br />
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The prey base like crawfish and minnows
increase in abundance while the wetland is flooded and then become
highly concentrated in deeper water refuges as water levels recede,
becoming highly available to wading birds whose overall success depends
on these concentrations. <br />
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The average lifespan of a Roseate Spoonbill in the wild is estimated at 28 years. During the course of its life a Spoonbill might have twenty solid breeding seasons and successfully raise young many of those years. It's rather remarkable to let your mind wander that these birds come back year after year. I have been seeing them every year like clockwork since 2007. Same individual birds.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tnogMmgB1s/U8wPwSmhnOI/AAAAAAAAL_8/Lu0hICErFqc/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tnogMmgB1s/U8wPwSmhnOI/AAAAAAAAL_8/Lu0hICErFqc/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Video of Roseate Spoonbills at Joppa Preserve, Little Lemmon Lake<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/xFypr_zj-f0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/xFypr_zj-f0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/xFypr_zj-f0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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This was filmed at normal speed. The ability of the birds to filter feed through the water is astonishing. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhXvKJ-NBwA/U8wQgjORi2I/AAAAAAAAMAc/-_kAJ-wgW1M/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zhXvKJ-NBwA/U8wQgjORi2I/AAAAAAAAMAc/-_kAJ-wgW1M/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Spoonbills consume a varied diet of small fish, amphibians, aquatic
invertebrates, and some plant material. They feed in the early morning
and evening hours by wading through shallow water with their bills
partially submerged. As a Roseate Spoonbill walks it swings its head
back and forth in a sideways motion. When the bird feels a prey item it
snaps its bill closed, pulls the prey out of the water, and swallows it.<br />
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Here they are wading patiently in the shallows, nipping at fish, crawfish and snails
with a long, rounded beak that gives them their name. With a super sensitive beak they can detect the smallest of watery prey.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMnJGY_RDI/U8wP3D_AJxI/AAAAAAAAMAE/H7hFRHUzuAU/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzMnJGY_RDI/U8wP3D_AJxI/AAAAAAAAMAE/H7hFRHUzuAU/s1600/roseate+spoonbills+3.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's so very hard to express the rarity of wildlife movement through the
Great Trinity Forest in Dallas or tell in words or pictures what is
really there. What makes it a special place like no other in North Texas
is hard to show. So many birds down there look alike, so many other
animals are of a secretive nature where one only sees faint footprints
rather than the creature itself.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-18634257319789371552014-07-13T13:49:00.002-05:002014-07-13T13:49:46.424-05:00Super Moon and Meteor 2014 Over Dallas Texas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bySjF_5n-x0/U8Keqf4oelI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/2_R2yP6Xvd0/s1600/super+moon+2014+july+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bySjF_5n-x0/U8Keqf4oelI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/2_R2yP6Xvd0/s1600/super+moon+2014+july+12.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Moon over the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge July 12, 2014. Shot from the junction of the West Fork and Elm Fork of the Trinity River Dallas Texas</td></tr>
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Far beyond the sights and sounds of the city, the unvisited confluence of the Elm and West Forks of the Trinity River join to form the Main Stem of the Trinity River. Far from any road, the 1/3-1/2 mile trip in Far West Dallas over dead headed wildflower fields of a 100 degree July summer evening makes for some tough travel.<br />
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Four miles away stands the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge which serves as a fitting backdrop for photographing the moon. Ideally, one wishes to find foreground objects close to the horizon that give the illusion of a giant moon. Hard to pull off in the summer, much easier in the winter months when the atmospheric conditions are often clearer on the horizon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uegwbU7PLR8/U8KStgnJobI/AAAAAAAAL9I/bQ2wWrnk9v8/s1600/super+moon+red+dallas+texas+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uegwbU7PLR8/U8KStgnJobI/AAAAAAAAL9I/bQ2wWrnk9v8/s1600/super+moon+red+dallas+texas+2014.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange colored moon as it rises through the humidity and haze shortly after 9pm</td></tr>
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The moon rise for Dallas on July 12, 2014 was 8:46 PM local time. During the summer months it can take an extra few minutes for the moon to become visible on the horizon as it must rise past a field of vision often obscured by the haze and thick atmosphere.<br />
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<b>Meteor over Dallas July 12, 2014</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZTT0eZpJug/U8LNGfpz0YI/AAAAAAAAL-o/X5QMpluohu8/s1600/dallas+meteor+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZTT0eZpJug/U8LNGfpz0YI/AAAAAAAAL-o/X5QMpluohu8/s1600/dallas+meteor+2014.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unexpected meteor as it broke apart into pieces as it moved from the South-Southeast towards Dallas, July 12, 2014</td></tr>
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It was just about the time that the moon became visible to the eye that a bright white light approached rapidly from the southeastern sky. I was shooting with a cable release at the time and could see the approaching light which I thought was an aircraft landing light for an airplane approaching Love Field.<br />
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It instantly struck me as odd as aircraft never land with the wind(to the southeast that evening). The lighted object broke into pieces, I swung my camera around and fired off some shots. The only one that came out half way decent was the one above, my camera speed was 1/30 of a second and too slow to catch much with the still wobbling tripod from readjusting the camera.<br />
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Meteors like this are fairly common and seen on a regular basis if you spend evenings outdoors. Combined with a full moon rise is pretty special and hopefully was seen by many in the DFW area. <br />
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<b>Super Moon July 2014</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqg-uYFqbl8/U8KguWnlu_I/AAAAAAAAL9k/1WgNLREmo-I/s1600/super+moon+july+2014+downtown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vqg-uYFqbl8/U8KguWnlu_I/AAAAAAAAL9k/1WgNLREmo-I/s1600/super+moon+july+2014+downtown.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Moon 2014 and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge as seen from over 4 miles away</td></tr>
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Super Moons are a fairly new term to the modern lexicon. It occurs when the moon, in a less than circular orbit approaches closer to Earth than usual. The scientific term for the phenomenon is "perigee moon." Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon's orbit. The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side ("perigee") about 30,000 miles closer than the other ("apogee"). Full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon's orbit seem extra big and bright.I have photographed a number of Full Moons on the Trinity River here and Dallas and frankly cannot tell the difference between a Super vs Regular Moon if there is such a thing.<br />
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This Super Moon coincidence happens three times in 2014. On July 12th and Sept 9th the Moon becomes full on the same day as perigee. On August 10th it becomes full during the same hour as perigee which makes it an extra-super Moon.<br />
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Tracking moon rises and other astronomical events is easier than ever to track with with <a href="http://photoephemeris.com/" target="_blank">The Photographers Ephemeris</a> a google map based app that gives times and locations of moon/sun events. It takes most of the guess work out of planning moon events to some degree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsKFBKQiMyY/U8Kpbg0AI5I/AAAAAAAAL-Q/4PwpG6yTVdo/s1600/trinity+river+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gsKFBKQiMyY/U8Kpbg0AI5I/AAAAAAAAL-Q/4PwpG6yTVdo/s1600/trinity+river+night.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BNSF Train moving across the Trinity River July 2014 as seen from the Commerce Street Bridge</td></tr>
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-31648098924615314152014-07-12T15:39:00.001-05:002014-07-12T15:59:20.944-05:00Big Spring's Rare Plants Roar Into The Record Books Of Texas Botany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbpUBj-FRHU/U72TTBfm4VI/AAAAAAAAL6E/KwIIuj7f-sQ/s1600/julien+reverchon+herbarium+copyright+jim+flood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbpUBj-FRHU/U72TTBfm4VI/AAAAAAAAL6E/KwIIuj7f-sQ/s1600/julien+reverchon+herbarium+copyright+jim+flood.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famed Botanist Julien Reverchon's<i> Spermacoce glabra</i> specimen collected August 1, 1902 at Buzzard Spring, White Rock Creek drainage in the riverbottoms of South Dallas. Part of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas herbarium collection. Photo courtesy Master Naturalist Jim Flood </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It was a cool August 1st in the year 1902 that the world famous pioneer Texas botanist Julien Reverchon would have been found collecting plants by horseback in the sandy soil east of what was then Dallas. One of the plants he collected that summer day was that of the Smooth False Buttonweed <i>Spermacoce glabra</i>. 112 years later in 2014 and modern day North Texans are probably not familiar with the sight of the plant, one whose native habitat of swamps and wetland areas no longer exist in Dallas. Not a rare plant points east in the Mississippi Valley but exceptionally rarely seen in the Trinity drainage and especially Dallas County. A species thought to be extirpated, a local extinction due to habitat loss and lack of sightings. Reverchon's collection site, the once well known to every Dallasite, Buzzard Spring does not even exist. Destroyed through channelization, infill and development, the ancient swamp became urbanized and forgotten from memory.<br />
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Many contemporary Dallasites associate the name Reverchon with a park bearing the same name on the popular Katy Trail. Few know that the man behind the name forever changed how Dallas was viewed abroad as a growing town of refining culture and class. Julien Reverchon's observations and collections drastically changed how the North Texas
landscape was seen and written about in late 19th century dissemination
and publication.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2KKzEW48-A/U71Kx22x4hI/AAAAAAAAL5s/pP3c4_5IHHQ/s1600/smooth+false+buttonweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2KKzEW48-A/U71Kx22x4hI/AAAAAAAAL5s/pP3c4_5IHHQ/s1600/smooth+false+buttonweed.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long lost <i>Spermacoce glabra </i>rediscovered at Big Spring 2014</td></tr>
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Julien Reverchon (1837-1905) was a pioneer of the La Reunion colony in what is now West Dallas/Oak Cliff. Reverchon's family immigrated with La Compagnie Franco-Texienne to Texas in 1856. The eclectic colony of French, Swiss and Belgian immigrants settled in 1855 at La Reunion across the Trinity from Dallas. Within eighteen months the colony of artisans, musicians and philosophers was more of a marked failure than success. Julien's family led by his father Jacques Maximilien Reverchon arrived in 1856, seeing the less than stellar gains of La Reunion as a community, purchased land to the southeast from the Anson McCracken Survey near present day Davis and Hampton Roads.<br />
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It was here on the family farm, later coined Rose Cottage that Julien Reverchon began his study and collection of plants in Texas. At the time North Texas was still very much a frontier with Indian raids, cattle drives and true wilderness out the front door of any home on Main Street. The natural environs around North Texas were completely undocumented and explored to any degree. The rough hewn lines of surveyors marks on maps and the occasional fence were the only boundaries of note.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXuQqyAFU7E/U7yuNqt9UlI/AAAAAAAAL3g/90paG_kDtO8/s1600/milkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXuQqyAFU7E/U7yuNqt9UlI/AAAAAAAAL3g/90paG_kDtO8/s1600/milkweed.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bumblebee visits a Milkweed at Big Spring, Dallas, Texas as a summer thunderhead rapidly builds 5 miles to the north over White Rock Lake, July 2014</td></tr>
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Unpeopled and undeveloped North Texas was land ripe for discovery. For the next fifty years, Julien Reverchon studied and collected the plants of Texas. His well documented excursions to West Texas with famous Swiss scientist Jacob Boll and Harvard's Asa Gray led to new plant species on every trip. Gray named the genus <i>Reverchonia</i> in Julien Reverchon's honor. Others in the scientific coterie bestowed Reverchon's work by naming species of aristida, diplachne and panicum in his honor. Botanist Charles Sprague Sargent of Harvard University and author of<i> North American Silva</i> named <i>Crategus reverchoniia </i>a type of local Dallas Hawthorne tree for Reverchon. The list goes on and on.<br />
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Thousands of plants were collected and distributed by Reverchon to universities of high standard at the time. These plants, many of which were unknown at the time became groundbreaking additions to collections being studied for pharmacutical and medicinal use. One such field trip to collect plants was August 1, 1902.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5M4cyBC-KI/U7yuMKEj-bI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/QTwro7cg8BI/s1600/reverchon+herbarium+jim+flood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5M4cyBC-KI/U7yuMKEj-bI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/QTwro7cg8BI/s1600/reverchon+herbarium+jim+flood+2.jpg" height="312" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of the BRIT archived herbarium of Julien Reverchon, with notation "sands east of Dallas". Photo courtesy Master Naturalist Jim Flood</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8scCnkPLnlE/U5cSY9clICI/AAAAAAAALkw/Y3a3Yxx5Bfg/s1600/big+spring+walnut+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8scCnkPLnlE/U5cSY9clICI/AAAAAAAALkw/Y3a3Yxx5Bfg/s1600/big+spring+walnut+s.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bank of America Building as seen from Big Spring</td></tr>
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As a resident of Dallas, Reverchon made numerous trips afar collecting plants but based much of his effort in Dallas County. Many of his collection site describe places known and unknown to current residents, White Rock Creek, Turtle Creek, Trinity River, Oak Cliff. Others are slightly vague in descriptor, like "rocky outcrop", "river bottom", "rocky soil". In the case of the photo card at the beginning of the post Spermacoce glabra is noted in "sands east of Dallas".<br />
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The record of Reverchon's trip that day in August 1902 was immortalized
in plants collected in the field. To preserve their form and color,
plants collected in the field are spread flat on sheets of newsprint
type medium and dried, usually in a plant press, between blotters or
absorbent paper. The specimens, which are then mounted on sheets of
stiff white paper, are labeled with all essential data, such as date and
place found, description of the plant, soil and special habitat
conditions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5oYtv0zwTI/U8Ak3yy0cSI/AAAAAAAAL7E/nDEB0RgWHys/s1600/1902_Atlantic_hurricane_2_track+texas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5oYtv0zwTI/U8Ak3yy0cSI/AAAAAAAAL7E/nDEB0RgWHys/s1600/1902_Atlantic_hurricane_2_track+texas.png" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurricane #2 track over Texas summer 1902</td></tr>
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By Texas standards, the summer of 1902 was an abnormally cool and wet season with large tropical systems moving across the state with great frequency. In late June and into early July, Hurricane #2 which made landfall in Port Lavaca slowly ground across Texas dumping record rains on the Sabine, Brazos and Trinity River basins. The farm reports from that autumn posted record yielding crops of cotton and corn in North Texas.<br />
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Bumper crops parallel bumper conditions of native flora as well. A great period for documenting the water loving swamp plants of Dallas. Many of the plants that Reverchon collected were native grasses, sedges and plants that were studied for medicinal uses and agriculture. <br />
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<b>Solving the puzzle of Buzzard Spring</b><br />
The complete picture of what Reverchon collected that day in 1902 requires some detective work to trace. Scattered across herbarium collections in Texas, Missouri and Massachusetts the puzzle pieces were hard to pull together. When Jim Flood contacted me about his rare find at Big Spring of Smooth False Buttonweed and that Julien Reverchon had collected the same species at a vaguely described spot east of Dallas, the hunt was on for more information. The off-chance to tie the collected species together in the same creek drainage was a distinct possibility.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz_oKB9ND7A/U8Fn0I8P89I/AAAAAAAAL8E/xsZmVC-y4Yo/s1600/lagow+sands+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz_oKB9ND7A/U8Fn0I8P89I/AAAAAAAAL8E/xsZmVC-y4Yo/s1600/lagow+sands+dallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lagow League sands, part of the Pleistocene (Ice Age) Trinity Sands formation in Dallas, Texas July 2014. Excavation at the corner of Lagow and Hatcher in South Dallas. Notice the fine sedimentary layers of sand laid down as a result of prehistoric Trinity flooding which once inundated much of Dallas. These sands hold vast reserves of fossils featuring tigers, bears, mastodons, antelope, sloths and many other Ice Age animals that once roamed Dallas.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRn6az5Wf6c/U8FOBdV6cQI/AAAAAAAAL74/S29RlNM4jSQ/s1600/julien+reverchon+plant+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRn6az5Wf6c/U8FOBdV6cQI/AAAAAAAAL74/S29RlNM4jSQ/s1600/julien+reverchon+plant+list.jpg" height="82" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching the herbariums across the country provided lists of species collected by Reverchon on August 1, 1902</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I knew that the descriptor "sands east of Dallas" most likely meant an area not far from the city proper. Using different databases and searches I was able to find other plants collected the exact same day by Reverchon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkoNYQKWrAo/U8FIjnAnBUI/AAAAAAAAL7c/B8IQgOLvOwI/s1600/julien+reverchon+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkoNYQKWrAo/U8FIjnAnBUI/AAAAAAAAL7c/B8IQgOLvOwI/s1600/julien+reverchon+dallas+texas.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Allionia nyctaginea var. ovata (Pursh) Morong</i> tag labeled by Julien Reverchon at Buzzard Spring, Dallas, Texas August 1, 1902 from Tropicos, botanical information system at the Missouri Botanical Garden - www.tropicos.org</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What we have from Reverchon are his botanical tags cut from the original paper and pasted onto newer sheets.
The tags contain brief notes on species collected, date, location,
collected by whom and conditions under which collected. Keen
observational powers and a systematic approach are what Reverchon is known for, his notes solved a part of the equation in 2014.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4oBrKttaPY/U8FIh03i28I/AAAAAAAAL7U/Sn951t-jTEA/s1600/julien+reverchon+buzzard+spring+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4oBrKttaPY/U8FIh03i28I/AAAAAAAAL7U/Sn951t-jTEA/s1600/julien+reverchon+buzzard+spring+dallas+texas.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Allionia nyctaginea var. ovata (Pursh) Morong </i>collected by Julien Reverchon August 1, 1902 at Buzzard Spring Dallas Texas herbarium plate from the botanical information system at the Missouri Botanical Garden - www.tropicos.org<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Buzzard Spring once sat east of what is now Fair Park in what old texts describe as "swamp" or "marsh". The location today would be very near 32.774641,-96.741704 near the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/qSFYk" target="_blank">intersection of Spring Ave and Wahoo</a>. <br />
<br />
Looking back through Reverchon's collection records he has visits to gather plants here at Buzzard Spring and the woods beyond dating to as early as 1876. Nearly three decades of regular visits to this spot, well documented through his collection. 1876 was a banner year for Reverchon discovering a dozen new plant species. Further work in the years to come added on that groundbreaking work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRo_PzPaPVw/U8FMl72q6sI/AAAAAAAAL7o/cCVcqJxa2hg/s1600/allionia+gigantica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRo_PzPaPVw/U8FMl72q6sI/AAAAAAAAL7o/cCVcqJxa2hg/s1600/allionia+gigantica.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Allionia gigantea Standl </i>collected at Buzzard Spring by Julien Reverchon August 1, 1902 from the botanical information system at the Missouri Botanical Garden - www.tropicos.org<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Walking those wooded slopes and fields, set only a few miles from what was then outside the city limits of Dallas one can only imagine what Reverchon experienced when looking for plants here. Buzzard Spring fed Wahoo Lake or Lake Wahoo, a natural water body known to 19th century Dallasites as a good fishing spot. This was a time before area lakes were built, even before White Rock Lake. Ponds and lakes did not exist to any degree at the time, Wahoo was a popular spot for residents.<br />
<br />
The land was first settled by the Beemans who owned near continuous tracts of land between what is now Fair Park and the Trinity River Audubon Center. One recollection from the early settlement of Buzzard Spring comes courtesy of historian MC Toyer from a memoir passage of JJ Beeman describing the lake area in the 1840s. The blockhouse mentioned would be just south of present day Military Parkway on the west side of White Rock Creek and behind the Beeman Cemetery east of Dolphin Road: <br />
<br />
<i>John's family and mine lived in the block house until we built another house close by. I had selected me a place about a mile southwest of the block house and built a house in the timber where there was a fine pool of water with plenty of fish in it. By this time we had become somewhat careless and would venture further than we had before, so in order to be convenient to my work I built a camp and moved to the place before I built the house-- James Jackson Beeman, Memoirs.1886.</i><br />
<br />
Buzzard Spring fed into what we now call the Great Trinity Forest, a vast urban bottom land that so few current Dallasites have seen with their own eyes. Some of the plants collected by Reverchon in this area no longer are known to exist in Dallas. Or are they? They have not been seen by anyone alive in generations and all but forgotten.<br />
<br />
As Dallas growth marched east at the turn of the last century, Buzzard Spring and Wahoo Lake were filled in and dewatered. Gone forever.<br />
<br />
<b>Rediscovering Reverchon's Work Through Botany At Big Spring</b> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSvgK0z08QA/U5cQ7-yn_GI/AAAAAAAALkQ/aRT1RbqK2i8/s1600/big+spring+slough+trail+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSvgK0z08QA/U5cQ7-yn_GI/AAAAAAAALkQ/aRT1RbqK2i8/s1600/big+spring+slough+trail+s.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An
early evening thunderstorm drenches Big Spring leaving the Great
Trinity Forest a foggy and steamy backdrop for photography May 31, 2014.
Pictured hiking with his gear is Chris Rankin, a photographer who drove
from the Bryan/College Station area to photograph Big Spring. He is
walking up from Bryan's Slough, dwarfed by the large ash and willow
trees that grow in the bottom<br />
<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_JuUJnusGc/U7y8kdIU_PI/AAAAAAAAL4w/MXE_gPe5adk/s1600/big+spring+gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_JuUJnusGc/U7y8kdIU_PI/AAAAAAAAL4w/MXE_gPe5adk/s1600/big+spring+gate.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photography event at Big Spring was through the North American Nature Photography Association one of the cornerstone initiatives to expose more people to the Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It remains one of the wildest places left in Dallas County. It has always been this way. Since before the Pembertons. Since before the pioneer Beemans. Since before the Caddo. Wild. Farther off the beaten path than anywhere else inside Loop 12. Farther from concrete anywhere inside Loop 12. Here among the outfall of another natural spring outfall in the White Rock Creek watershed called Big Spring lies the ever growing realization that the land here offers a refugium for rare plants thought to have been lost in Dallas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tYNsnst9TQ/U7y8bNG3J8I/AAAAAAAAL4o/8cBSGL0esgM/s1600/Spermacoce+glabra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tYNsnst9TQ/U7y8bNG3J8I/AAAAAAAAL4o/8cBSGL0esgM/s1600/Spermacoce+glabra.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spermacoce glabra</i> in full bloom<i> </i>at Big Spring in the Great Trinity Forest July 2014 <i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bursting into bloom are the plants maybe just three or four people alive have ever seen blooming in Dallas. The <i>Spermacoce glabra </i>Smooth False Buttonweed is just one of a growing number of plants that simply are not found in this part of Texas with regularity.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZybYqpNmEI/U7y-uOV5E0I/AAAAAAAAL48/l6qSEi-Liek/s1600/jim+flood+32914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZybYqpNmEI/U7y-uOV5E0I/AAAAAAAAL48/l6qSEi-Liek/s1600/jim+flood+32914.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalist Jim Flood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was Master Naturalist Jim Flood and Geoarcheologist Tim Dalbey who first found the plants during a weekly plant survey at Big Spring in late June 2014. Jim Flood is most well known as the trail steward for the Buckeye Trail in Rochester Park, about a mile as the ibis west from Big Spring. Jim's tireless work in the Great Trinity Forest often goes unappreciated and under-recognized.<br />
<br />
It seems rather impossible for many to understand Jim's important contributions to the well-being of the Great Trinity Forest and how his foundation of efforts over the years will most likely serve as a launching pad for the future. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDghALwFZbo/U7yvtJOBhUI/AAAAAAAAL38/C4tXxPSonNg/s1600/Spermacoce+glabra+Smooth+False+Buttonweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDghALwFZbo/U7yvtJOBhUI/AAAAAAAAL38/C4tXxPSonNg/s1600/Spermacoce+glabra+Smooth+False+Buttonweed.jpg" height="580" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spermacoce glabra </i>Dallas, Texas July 2014<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRKG5YBYFac/U71Ljt8YMAI/AAAAAAAAL50/Qf7jvH2ekm8/s1600/smooth+false+buttonweed+dallas+county+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRKG5YBYFac/U71Ljt8YMAI/AAAAAAAAL50/Qf7jvH2ekm8/s1600/smooth+false+buttonweed+dallas+county+texas.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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The work in rediscovering the lost plants of what Reverchon documented so long ago will be rewarded with a new herbarium collection card with Jim Flood's Big Spring<i> Spermacoce glabra</i> preserved in the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, right next to that of Julien Reverchon. Tremendous honor for the plant making it out of what many thought was extirpated status, honor for Jim Flood and Tim Dalbey and also an honor for Big Spring adding yet another special element to the land.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruwW8LEaxu4/U7ysjzOLo7I/AAAAAAAAL20/9_ZvDvJ8YmM/s1600/eastern+bluestar+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruwW8LEaxu4/U7ysjzOLo7I/AAAAAAAAL20/9_ZvDvJ8YmM/s1600/eastern+bluestar+dallas+texas.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Bluestar <i>Amsonia tabernaemontana</i> at Big Spring 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A number of other plant species not traditionally seen in the area are also being found. Species in the Dogbane family like the Eastern Bluestar <i>Amsonia tabernaemontana </i>have been documented this spring and summer of 2014. Like the Buttonweed, these plants live in wetlands, marshes, ephemeral wetlands and wet meadows. This is another species identified by Tim Dalbey and Jim Flood in 2014 at Big Spring.<br />
<br />
<b>Biodiversity at 265+ plant species and counting</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zzaFv_sOX8/U7ysh0HPKiI/AAAAAAAAL2s/3ZlBUXPtJDo/s1600/richard+grayson+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7zzaFv_sOX8/U7ysh0HPKiI/AAAAAAAAL2s/3ZlBUXPtJDo/s1600/richard+grayson+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalist and DFW Texas Stream Team coordinator Richard Grayson walking among the thigh high wildflowers at Big Spring in the bottoms. The Eastern Bluestar plants are just to the right.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwqV4S56kEQ/U7ywAPVm5dI/AAAAAAAAL4E/H1DpRU5P_V4/s1600/eastern+bluestar+big+spring+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwqV4S56kEQ/U7ywAPVm5dI/AAAAAAAAL4E/H1DpRU5P_V4/s1600/eastern+bluestar+big+spring+dallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non-flowering Eastern Bluestar at Big Spring's large wildflower meadow 2014, Brett, Sarah, Aaron in the background 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Expanding on plant species data is just one aspect of the work at Big Spring in 2014. Tasked on a whiteboard discussion at Dallas City Hall in late 2013, scopes of work were outlined for the new year. Historical designation, water quality testing, flora-fauna surveys and public access were cornerstones to be established and built upon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi5noglRGN8/U7yxw9a0qnI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/Zul61jvBCl0/s1600/big+spring+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi5noglRGN8/U7yxw9a0qnI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/Zul61jvBCl0/s1600/big+spring+dallas.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federal, State and Local government representatives at Big Spring for an <i>en plein air</i> discussion May 29, 2014. Left to right, Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Brett Johnson, City of Dallas Asst Director of Trinity River Watershed Management Sarah Standifer, Corps of Engineers/UNT LAERF Aaron Schad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1vep8L1Ca0/U7ytKZQCNWI/AAAAAAAAL3E/skwnP3ufYqE/s1600/big+spring+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1vep8L1Ca0/U7ytKZQCNWI/AAAAAAAAL3E/skwnP3ufYqE/s1600/big+spring+1a.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Schad discusses his research and observations to Richard Grayson and Tim Dalbey under the Bur Oak at Big Spring. Aaron has been contracted by the City of Dallas to develop a management survey of the aquatic environment at Big Spring. His work has found an interesting beetle species living in the spring water not found across the river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTo4pOqSXlM/U7yuCLKpHLI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/-cEhf5JmN7Q/s1600/big+spring+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cTo4pOqSXlM/U7yuCLKpHLI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/-cEhf5JmN7Q/s1600/big+spring+2a.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brett Johnson, Paul White, Aaron Schad, Sean Fitzgerald</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lots of meetings and discussions on the issues at hand. How best to develop a management plan for this unique area and how to maintain it for generations to come. The absence of human disturbance has left much of the
ecological functionality of Big Spring intact indicating that preservation and
management of the site should be somewhat of a “hands ‐ off” or “less ‐ is ‐
more” approach.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiwwoiJyH_w/U7ywB35FabI/AAAAAAAAL4M/m75wysWLGnI/s1600/big+spring+3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiwwoiJyH_w/U7ywB35FabI/AAAAAAAAL4M/m75wysWLGnI/s1600/big+spring+3a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right Aaron Schad from COE/LAERF, Brett Johnson from TPWD, Jennifer from Trinity Watershed Management, Paul White Enforcement Officer City of Dallas Stormwater Management, Geoarcheologist Tim Dalbey, Richard Grayson Texas Stream Team, Biologist Becky Rader, Sarah Standifer Trinity River Watershed Management, May 29, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KVrWqjioY0/U7yst11rCkI/AAAAAAAAL28/ZE5g2RIQJrg/s1600/big+spring+7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KVrWqjioY0/U7yst11rCkI/AAAAAAAAL28/ZE5g2RIQJrg/s1600/big+spring+7a.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
The limited human management will allow the natural processes to continue undisturbed.
Continual monitoring and assessment of Big Spring will allow decisions to
adaptively develop or hone site specific management.<br />
<br />
<br />
From this eclectic mix of individuals a greater
understanding of Big Spring has emerged and will continue to expand in the
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quarterly plant and wildlife
inventories, water testing and future planned projects merely scratch the
surface. The ability for these citizens to do things the right way, the first
time is just what Big Spring needs. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDe_0NcP6NE/U5cOHg0dxtI/AAAAAAAALj0/VaGh5xLRoDY/s1600/big+spring+coneflower+field+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JDe_0NcP6NE/U5cOHg0dxtI/AAAAAAAALj0/VaGh5xLRoDY/s1600/big+spring+coneflower+field+s.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring's back meadow, Clasping Coneflower Meadow in full bloom May 31, 2014.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
The
approach to managing the spring has been driven by a deep pool and knowledge
base of experts in professional disciplines of science, education, archeology,
history and engineering. Some of this work comes from the membership of the North
Texas Master Naturalists who have been helpful as a guiding hand in future
management plans.<br />
<br />
<b>Working More People Into The Fold </b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulp1y5xkuO0/U5cN54rHGZI/AAAAAAAALjk/M0RnhgqXxv0/s1600/bee+balm+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulp1y5xkuO0/U5cN54rHGZI/AAAAAAAALjk/M0RnhgqXxv0/s1600/bee+balm+s.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the many cornerstones laid with work this past winter were plans
to draw more people into the mix at Big Spring and the Great Trinity
Forest. It seemed like a simple idea to broaden the horizons of many who
had never experienced the vast areas of the Great Trinity Forest, off
the beaten path. How to do that is a bit complicated with larger groups.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEg8fpq_Pzc/U5cRgZA5rmI/AAAAAAAALkY/u4b77ZiM3HU/s1600/big+spring+sunset+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEg8fpq_Pzc/U5cRgZA5rmI/AAAAAAAALkY/u4b77ZiM3HU/s1600/big+spring+sunset+s.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Big Spring after a heavy late day thunderstorm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The exposure for many Dallasites to the Trinity River is that seen
through a car window at 60mph or from a visit to the Trinity River
Audubon Center(TRAC). Lots of great views from bridges or from the TRAC
trails but there is so much more beyond that. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HnaWsAfVPY/U5cSHCUitMI/AAAAAAAALko/1icKa6Fpilg/s1600/big+spring+pasture+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HnaWsAfVPY/U5cSHCUitMI/AAAAAAAALko/1icKa6Fpilg/s1600/big+spring+pasture+s.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Photographer
Sean Fitzgerald suggested using the framework of a website called
Meetup and a <br />
photography organization called NANPA, the North American
Nature Photography Association. Through the website and the
organization, Sean suggested cherry picking the very best weekends at
the peak of bloom for sites around the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkDfxmVBU3I/U8GPisUC7pI/AAAAAAAAL8k/DQAB4ywyct0/s1600/barred+owl+buckeye+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NkDfxmVBU3I/U8GPisUC7pI/AAAAAAAAL8k/DQAB4ywyct0/s1600/barred+owl+buckeye+trail.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barred Owl seen at the NANPA Photo-Hike Buckeye Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtSmD4CaovM/U8GOZTOVCPI/AAAAAAAAL8c/vAe_xjIrwlA/s1600/barred+owl+photography+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AtSmD4CaovM/U8GOZTOVCPI/AAAAAAAAL8c/vAe_xjIrwlA/s1600/barred+owl+photography+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NANPA event in the GTF, checking out a Barred Owl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first was the Trinity Audubon Center in the Great Trinity Forest,
an after hours event in the golden hours before sunset. The second was a
late March visit to the Texas Buckeye Trail in Rochester Park and the
third was in May at a day long event at Historic Big Spring.<br />
<br />
We
had some candid discussions about how to best get more people aware and
interested in the Trinity. If you look at what product is turned out
every year for things like the Trinity River Photo Contest, you realize
that the photographers and public in general have yet to really get down
into the forest and experience the real nature that resides there. So
much goes unseen and undocumented down on the river with only a few sets of
eyes even visiting these grand places. It's a shame because vast stands
of flowering trees and fields of wildflowers go to bloom without ever
being enjoyed or visited.<br />
<br />
These well attended events this spring exposed many dozens of people to the Great Trinity Forest and to places few have even seen before. Their photos, shown in a gallery of over 100 images <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NANPA-Nature-Photography-Group-of-North-Texas/photos/22237972/" target="_blank">Big Spring NANPA event</a> highlight through the eyes of dozens, the beauty and nature at Big Spring. The main website is here <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NANPA-Nature-Photography-Group-of-North-Texas/" target="_blank">NANPA Photography Group of North Texas.</a><br />
<br />
The desire to preserve what’s authentic, what holds substance and what aspires to the whole shines through the experience of those who visit. The future looks brighter than ever for Big Spring. A picture is emerging of knowing a place intimately that only the giants of Texas history like Julien Reverchon ever knew. The pioneer spirit is still alive here. Those belonging to it more fully and to take responsibility for its preservation feel it in the work they do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS0SfnGpvuQ/U5cQiKXyeaI/AAAAAAAALkI/_b33oHQivdo/s1600/big+spring+fog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS0SfnGpvuQ/U5cQiKXyeaI/AAAAAAAALkI/_b33oHQivdo/s1600/big+spring+fog+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground fog developing in the pre-dawn light across the millions of wildflowers at Big Spring. Thirty second exposure in near total darkness at 5am.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-49913004485628017992014-06-27T16:16:00.000-05:002014-06-27T16:19:05.233-05:00Wood Storks Taken Off Endangered Species List And Return To The Great Trinity Forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHrVfsIQqe4/U6yAHIp1qGI/AAAAAAAALyA/5IIc52TKIYk/s1600/wood+stork+juvenile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHrVfsIQqe4/U6yAHIp1qGI/AAAAAAAALyA/5IIc52TKIYk/s1600/wood+stork+juvenile.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Juvenile Wood Stork at Joppa Preserve on the evening of Juneteenth
2014, Dallas Texas. One of the most rare and special animals in Texas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was an early summer Thursday, June 26, 2014 to be exact that marked a significant moment for one of the most imperiled wading birds in the world, the Wood Stork. A mere thirty years ago, biologists said that by the year 2000 the Wood Stork would be extinct from the planet. It was on that Thursday, Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior announced the down listing of the Wood Stork from “endangered” to “threatened,” finding that the birds, which breed only in the Southeastern United States, no longer face imminent extinction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0bQ4-mYAaY/U6yBLrelbvI/AAAAAAAALyI/aFU_1DcBC60/s1600/juvenile+wood+stork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S0bQ4-mYAaY/U6yBLrelbvI/AAAAAAAALyI/aFU_1DcBC60/s1600/juvenile+wood+stork.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young Wood Stork stands alone in the Great Trinity Forest June 2014
taking a brief break from foraging the submerged bottom of a lake for
food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wood Storks were protected in 1984 under the Endangered Species Act after the birds had declined from
approximately 20,000 pairs in the late 1930s to 5,000 pairs in the late
1970s, largely due to draining and development of wetlands. After the
Wood Stork was designated as endangered, work began to preserve and
restore wetlands and protect nesting areas. According to the US Department of Fish and Wildlife the most recent three-year
population average ranged from 7,086 pairs to 10,147, however, the
five-year average of 10,000 nesting pairs identified in the recovery
plan as the target for delisting had not been reached.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meUfqTQg6a4/U611uyDW--I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/yXn5zpkxyis/s1600/wood+stork+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meUfqTQg6a4/U611uyDW--I/AAAAAAAAL0Q/yXn5zpkxyis/s1600/wood+stork+14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork spreading wings with the imminent approach of a fast moving storm over the Great Trinity Forest, June 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The change in designation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service marks an
important step toward full recovery but will not reduce the species’
legal protection. Some believe political pressure by golf course corporations and homeowners associations
pressured the move from endangered to threatened. The rigid enforcement
protections for the birds and their habitat remain in place despite the
change in designation.<br />
<br />
<b>About The Wood Stork <i>Mycteria americana</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgeKNqZQ_a4/U612vdl6KMI/AAAAAAAAL0g/5vWDrs9Mlhc/s1600/wood+stork+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgeKNqZQ_a4/U612vdl6KMI/AAAAAAAAL0g/5vWDrs9Mlhc/s1600/wood+stork+13.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork Mycteria americana exhibiting the unique to the species feeding technique</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Few Dallasites have ever heard of a Wood Stork. Only a handful of even experienced birders have even seen one.<br />
<br />
Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) also called the Wood Ibis are large
water birds that stand 4 feet tall and are the
only stork in North America. They have wingspans as wide as 5 1/2 feet.
They are mostly white, but have a black tail and many black feathers
under their wings. Storks are related to ibises, herons and flamingos.
Adults have no feathers on their head and neck, so the black skin
underneath shows. This makes wood storks the only tall water birds with
black, bald heads. Since they have no muscles attached to their voice
box, they are very quiet birds.<br />
<br />
Best Places In Dallas To See A Wood Stork<br />
<a href="http://trinityriver.audubon.org/visit-us" target="_blank">Trinity River Audubon Center</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wetlandcenter.com/education/public%20hours.html" target="_blank">John Bunker Sands Wetland Center</a><br />
<br />
Both nature centers have sightings of Wood Storks off and on from the 4th of July till August. The Wood Storks move around between feeding and roosting zones so they are not round-the-clock residents on any given day. You can call ahead and check for sightings. Both locations have confirmed sightings in 2014.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFF5VDuV9fs/U612taqg2MI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/97i_xSllhd4/s1600/wood+stork+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFF5VDuV9fs/U612taqg2MI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/97i_xSllhd4/s1600/wood+stork+12.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork and three Snowy Egrets working a nearly dried up Little
Lemmon Lake under darkening skies of a thunderstorm, June 19, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YKsFl91iu0/U6yM7EU1OdI/AAAAAAAALzA/OyFf71Eesp8/s1600/wood+stork+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--YKsFl91iu0/U6yM7EU1OdI/AAAAAAAALzA/OyFf71Eesp8/s1600/wood+stork+eating.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faster than a hummingbird, the quick snaps of the beak are blurred even in high speed photos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wood storks use the massive beak as their source of food gathering.
The feed in water no deeper than their beak and catch a variety of
things in their bill which they then toss their head back and swallow.<br />
<br />
This technique is known as “grope feeding”. This because the stork does
not use vision in food collection, but instead does everything by
touch.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqIZsjUOdY0/U6yCl7cvjBI/AAAAAAAALyc/CgLBGqVe7OI/s1600/wood+stork+snowy+egrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqIZsjUOdY0/U6yCl7cvjBI/AAAAAAAALyc/CgLBGqVe7OI/s1600/wood+stork+snowy+egrets.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The reflex of the bill after it touches food is thought to be
the fast of any reflex in the vertebrate world. When it feels a fish,
the stork can snap its bill shut in as little as 20 milliseconds—an
incredibly quick reaction time.<br />
<br />
Video footage of the Juvenile Wood Stork at Little Lemmon Lake during a gathering thunderstorm and downbursts of wind<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/97cm91UUBtI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjr2H-ZqPoA/U6yNVslj--I/AAAAAAAALzI/bP4ptnSr-PQ/s1600/wood+stork+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjr2H-ZqPoA/U6yNVslj--I/AAAAAAAALzI/bP4ptnSr-PQ/s1600/wood+stork+2.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Their diet has
been known to consist of fish, crayfish, salamanders, tadpoles, shrimp,
frogs, insects and an occasional snake. Storks also use their feet to
stir the bottom when collecting prey. This technique startles the food
from the vegetation into the beak. Some think that the water turbulence
caused by this action simulates the water movement of a feeding frenzy,
and can attract fish to become prey. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SlJdeVoP2k/U6yCckYuaaI/AAAAAAAALyU/DNytfdjaHBw/s1600/wood+stork+with+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SlJdeVoP2k/U6yCckYuaaI/AAAAAAAALyU/DNytfdjaHBw/s1600/wood+stork+with+fish.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork with another catch, a small fish most likely one of the hardy species of Mosquito Fish that are found here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>A Dry Spell And Habitat Loss For Wood Storks In The Great Trinity Forest</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2Dq7vp1cyM/U6yGpXyPbKI/AAAAAAAALyw/tZQq-J8HXtI/s1600/miller+switch+joppa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2Dq7vp1cyM/U6yGpXyPbKI/AAAAAAAALyw/tZQq-J8HXtI/s1600/miller+switch+joppa.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seabreeze storms boiling up from the Gulf as seen from Miller's Switch in the sleepy community of Joppa, evening of June 23, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRs2g3WQqAE/U6yPgwneubI/AAAAAAAALz4/Sqhg106fViQ/s1600/wood+stork+food+bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRs2g3WQqAE/U6yPgwneubI/AAAAAAAALz4/Sqhg106fViQ/s1600/wood+stork+food+bill.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork in the Great Trinity Forest June 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The seabreeze fronts that start in the Gulf of Mexico push northward
during the daylight hours. They track roughly up the Trinity River from
the Gulf of Mexico to about Corsicana. If they are long lived fronts
they can make it as far as the Dallas area with a pronounced gulf
smelling breeze and cool humid laden air. Most evenings, like the photo
above illustrate, the storms make it to Navarro or Ellis Counties.<br />
<br />
Spring 2014 came in late, cold and dry for North Texas, third year in a
row. Dry years stacked on top of one another start changing the look of
things down here on the Trinity. Ponds and small lakes don't hold as
much water or none at all. Those water bodies that do have some depth to
them go dry in June rather than August.<br />
<br />
The weather might be late but a few brave Wood Storks ventured into the Great Trinity Forest weeks ahead of years previous. <br />
<br />
<br />
In years past, especially in 2011 and 2012 there were many overbanking events with the Trinity River that filled Little Lemmon and Lemmon Lake. These events created ideal habitat for Wood Storks which gathered in the hundreds seen here in 2012<br />
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<br />
<br />
And of course the African safari like backdrops of wild pigs wading across Lemmon Lake with well over 100 Wood Storks and hundreds of other wading birds in the lake:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ljxfpt6wW8/U6yCzf3rtvI/AAAAAAAALyk/27KgXCJ3zEM/s1600/woodstork+61814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ljxfpt6wW8/U6yCzf3rtvI/AAAAAAAALyk/27KgXCJ3zEM/s1600/woodstork+61814.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Lemmon Lake going dry months earlier than normal, June 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The past half century has borne witness to dramatic changes in the
quality and quantity of wildlife habitat. Throughout the United States,
Mexico and South America, wetlands continue to be drained and filled,
forests cut and fragmented, and grasslands developed for construction. Other less intrusive land
use practices like golf courses have upset the natural balance as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4qmFrgAWDU/U62d3ZFdEOI/AAAAAAAAL0w/EhS2R2LVNG8/s1600/trinity+forest+golf+club+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4qmFrgAWDU/U62d3ZFdEOI/AAAAAAAAL0w/EhS2R2LVNG8/s1600/trinity+forest+golf+club+dallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar D6R clearcutting a large swath of the Great Trinity Forest for the Trinity River Golf Course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/golf/headlines/20121129-city-att-smu-plan-championship-golf-complex-in-southern-dallas.ece" target="_blank">http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/golf/headlines/20121129-city-att-smu-plan-championship-golf-complex-in-southern-dallas.ece</a><br />
From the article written by Bill Nichols and Rudolph Bush <i>"Suhm and Rawlings
pledged that the Great Trinity Forest will not be disturbed by the golf
course development. The land for the course will be limited to the bare
landfill property. “They won’t be doing things in the forest. No taking
down trees. They will be planting trees,” Suhm said."</i><br />
<br />
One could take a guess as to whether or not those were sincere promises now.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoU4-zsXwiI/U62d6M33MOI/AAAAAAAAL04/lptFQlEf8r4/s1600/trinity+forest+golf+course+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoU4-zsXwiI/U62d6M33MOI/AAAAAAAAL04/lptFQlEf8r4/s1600/trinity+forest+golf+course+dallas+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same spot a few days later as viewed from across the fence standing on
the Trinity River Audubon Center property. Better wear your sunscreen if
you plan on visiting the Byron Nelson when it moves here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Many of these habitat changes from natural woodlands to managed groomed greenspace are not what they appear. While
forest and woodland cover in some areas has actually increased, the
quality of those habitats compared to the original woodlands may not be
similar at all because of changes in vegetation composition and
artificially abundant predator populations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YONF6QyfzCs/U6xY0NBsrrI/AAAAAAAALxc/pQ55IO_M7AI/s1600/juvenile+wood+stork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YONF6QyfzCs/U6xY0NBsrrI/AAAAAAAALxc/pQ55IO_M7AI/s1600/juvenile+wood+stork.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Stork working for crawdads and small fish among the dilapidated
pilings of a circa 1920s fishing pier in the Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Without some heavy tropical systems brewing in the Gulf this summer, the
habitat for wading birds will be quite scant in the Great Trinity
Forest. The moonscaped clearing of the Great Trinity Forest and landfill
areas for the golf course will impact the wading bird habitat that use
the pocket ponds in that area during the height of the summer months.
Perhaps it will be a permanent change.<br />
<br />
The rare places left inside the city
limits of Dallas that attract such wildlife seem to be in real peril
from planned development. These smallish ponds and drying beds are the
real endangered species of note. Oh so rare and important to so many
species of birds, the world over, who seek out the water here for
habitat. It would be a tremendous loss to the city as a whole, we would
all be poorer for it, if the planned development here impacted the
wildlife in any way.<br />
<br />
Where does a federally protected threatened species fit into the mix remains a cloudy picture.<br />
<br />
<b>Up A River Without A Paddle</b> <b>-- Tracking The Fascinating Inland Dispersal Of The Wood Stork</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u40M3cHO9AE/U6yNavo3vEI/AAAAAAAALzQ/A7GOBLv_7TQ/s1600/wood+stork+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u40M3cHO9AE/U6yNavo3vEI/AAAAAAAALzQ/A7GOBLv_7TQ/s1600/wood+stork+up+close.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye to Eye with a Wood Stork not 15 feet away at Joppa Preserve June
2014. In the higher resolution version of this photo I can see myself in
the eye reflection. Too many people rush for shots of wildlife.
Patience pays off, in this case sitting among the high swamp grasses and
mud, then letting the birds slowly march along foraging for food.
Stalking or slow walking up to these birds never works. What does work
is letting the wildlife decide what is comfortable. The result is a look
into the bird few see. A slight turn of the head look but without the
flighty facial expression of profound shock so many pictures often
exhibit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wildlife, both fleet footed and on the fly, use the Trinity River as a
main artery of travel from the parched uplands northwest of Fort Worth,
clear to Trinity Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
<br />
The Wood Stork that we see in Texas, moves inland after nesting along
the Gulf of Mexico during the spring. The birds seek out shallow drying
ponds and water bodies where concentrations of fish exist in great
numbers. A reverse migration of sorts that when seen through human
observed reports read like a ten mile march up the Trinity every day
from May through July.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XstZTTWXg1A/U6xZnHxT8sI/AAAAAAAALxk/7NFEmde0i50/s1600/wood+stork+tri+colored+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XstZTTWXg1A/U6xZnHxT8sI/AAAAAAAALxk/7NFEmde0i50/s1600/wood+stork+tri+colored+heron.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Wood Stork mimic marches the gait of a Snowy Egret as a Tri-Colored Heron watches in the foreground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The easiest way to track movements of Wood Storks or any migratory bird species is to use Ebird, a google map based website <a href="http://ebird.org/ebird/map/" target="_blank">http://ebird.org/ebird/map/</a> which allows the user to search for specific species, locations, dates and years that birds have been spotted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM0eiQ0-UZc/U6xawXixUQI/AAAAAAAALxw/J6eApwDVjwU/s1600/wood+stork+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xM0eiQ0-UZc/U6xawXixUQI/AAAAAAAALxw/J6eApwDVjwU/s1600/wood+stork+dallas+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wood Stork migration and dispersal has likely been this way
for hundreds or thousands of years, a route implanted upon the DNA of
the species who frequent the river. Wood Storks are most likely no
exception to that process. Many of us humans were not born into the
intimacy of our natural environs, using tools like Ebird gives us the
ability to see the ebbs and flows of the natural world transformed into
data we can understand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vsKpZtCJ84/U6yN7pH8NsI/AAAAAAAALzY/yXvtAwYRTrU/s1600/wood+stork+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vsKpZtCJ84/U6yN7pH8NsI/AAAAAAAALzY/yXvtAwYRTrU/s1600/wood+stork+texas.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
As mentioned earlier, Wood Storks have a unique feeding technique and require higher fish
concentrations than other wading birds. Optimal water conditions for
the Wood Stork involve periods of flooding, during which prey (fish)
populations increase, alternating with drier periods, during which
receding water levels concentrate fish at higher densities coinciding
with the stork's nesting season.<br />
<br />
The Wood Stork, Bald Eagle and many other
species of migratory birds owe their current existence in the United
States to the determined, last-ditch efforts carried out under the
legislative milestones of the Endangered Species Act. Attempting to pull species back from the
brink of extinction can be an expensive and contentious proposition.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGKKHGqFfQQ/U6yOikOvbmI/AAAAAAAALzg/QWvHPr-e2uk/s1600/wood+stork+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGKKHGqFfQQ/U6yOikOvbmI/AAAAAAAALzg/QWvHPr-e2uk/s1600/wood+stork+dallas+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Even today, despite considerable conservation gains in the past few
years, many challenges still threaten to drive species away from healthy
populations, and onto the
endangered species list. There are many cheap and smart ways to increase
habitat for these type birds in the Great Trinity Forest with no impact
on planned "World Class" amenities as they are called for the area.
Money can buy a lot of things, almost anything, a Wood Stork and their
free will to call this neck of the woods home is not one of them.</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-63666241411162275932014-06-25T21:37:00.002-05:002014-06-25T21:37:34.033-05:00Swamp Hiking Beyond Big Spring In The Great Trinity Forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny3r1JD_krY/U6tM6-z6obI/AAAAAAAALwc/b07Qkaot6hc/s1600/Great+Trinity+Forest+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ny3r1JD_krY/U6tM6-z6obI/AAAAAAAALwc/b07Qkaot6hc/s1600/Great+Trinity+Forest+(2).jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The maze of wetlands, swamp and lush vegetation in the Great Trinity Forest within walking distance of Big Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dawn on the longest day of the year lights the eastern sky well before 6am, the earliest of early sunrises. The solstice fell on a Saturday in 2014 a day chosen to venture into the large wetlands and swamps beyond Big Spring in the Great Trinity Forest. Most people avoid such areas full of high water, snakes and dense vegetation. A difficult hike and wade through some of the harshest topography in Dallas.<br />
<br />
Jim Schutze who writes for the<i> Dallas Observer </i>referred to this area as "Nature Post-Apocalypto" in a 2012 article entitled <a href="http://www.dallasobserver.com/2012-10-04/news/bushwhacking-dallas/" target="_blank">A Bushwhacker's Guide To Dallas. </a>A part of town that was left to be forgotten due to the high floods that came with every storm in the watershed. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DHRSK-7VEQ/U6sN8dQSNnI/AAAAAAAALuM/NcD5345a6EM/s1600/silver+pipe+big+spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DHRSK-7VEQ/U6sN8dQSNnI/AAAAAAAALuM/NcD5345a6EM/s1600/silver+pipe+big+spring.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Fizgerald sitting next to the silver pipe structure visible from Big Spring which sits to the south. In the background is a bar gate leading to a Water Utilities ROW with swamp and wetlands beyond.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnrYehGt7w/U6tFwXKTZdI/AAAAAAAALvk/b386PmLroz0/s1600/diamondback+water+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnrYehGt7w/U6tFwXKTZdI/AAAAAAAALvk/b386PmLroz0/s1600/diamondback+water+snake.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamondback Water Snake cruising the swamp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The goal for this hike was to push north from the relative serene nature
of Big Spring and hike northwest through some great swamp country,
under 175 and up into an area Tim Dalbey calls Bruton Bottoms. A mass of
felled timber and ephemeral wetlands that make for some very tough
going.<br />
<br />
Getting there is a little bit of a trick from Big Spring. We needed
to cross some private property owned by Father Richard Hill and his wife
Paula Pemberton Hill. They were kind enough to grant us access across
their property towards Bryan's Slough, Oak Creek and White Rock Creek.
That land and many of the adjoining parcels were part of the larger
Edward Case Pemberton farm that was purchased from Margaret Beeman
Bryan, the widow of John Neely Bryan founder of Dallas. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMoi-ftFJR0/U6tOE9U-hNI/AAAAAAAALwk/XRon-j92tuY/s1600/swamp+hike+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMoi-ftFJR0/U6tOE9U-hNI/AAAAAAAALwk/XRon-j92tuY/s1600/swamp+hike+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the larger beaver impounded bodies of water in Dallas. A stunning view inside Loop 12 few have ever seen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQicL-e1I8w/U6sKr2u4mkI/AAAAAAAALtg/6qxeienQk-w/s1600/emerging+swallowtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQicL-e1I8w/U6sKr2u4mkI/AAAAAAAALtg/6qxeienQk-w/s1600/emerging+swallowtail.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An emerging Swallowtail Butterfly preparing for first flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It would blow away most long time Dallasites and natives to know that places like this not only still exist but the fact that they exist at all. Dallas as a city gave up on this land many decades ago.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF7Q9pRUE5U/U6tD_10jIhI/AAAAAAAALvM/56y24oXMITM/s1600/bill+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF7Q9pRUE5U/U6tD_10jIhI/AAAAAAAALvM/56y24oXMITM/s1600/bill+hibiscus.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus taller than a man ringing wetlands in Dallas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the last forty years, the area fell into extreme neglect. The grid of old
streets served as a favored illegal dump for cars, tires, shingles and
the occasional human. During those forty some odd years of abandon, the
outer areas of this bottom land began to heal. Trees slowly began to take
root, old farmed areas went to seed, then weed, then tree.<br />
<br />
Roosevelt Heights sits just a hair above three creek
intersections on a small peninsula rise of land running north to south
bisected by US 175. In the southern half, large wetlands sit on
either side of the peninsula. In the last half decade these
swamps have gone bone dry no later than mid June. The water height and impoundment is determined by rainfall and to a larger extent by beavers and their engineering of dams in the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUIJIfcUioc/U6tIrvGDSqI/AAAAAAAALwI/c1WgL4wC4KE/s1600/indigo+bunting+swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tUIJIfcUioc/U6tIrvGDSqI/AAAAAAAALwI/c1WgL4wC4KE/s1600/indigo+bunting+swamp.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A male Indigo Bunting making a territorial call from his perch in the early morning light of the Summer Solstice 2014. These birds fly from Central America to the Great Trinity Forest every spring to breed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Roosevelt Heights is named after President Franklin D Roosevelt and his New Deal programs that
are believed to have spurred development of low income housing in this
area. Reading up on the background I think most of the Roosevelt Heights
area was developed in the post war boom of the 1940s at a time when
Dallas saw an influx of skilled African American laborers from East
Texas. The epic drought of the 1950s in Dallas allowed home construction
in areas well within the 100 year flood plain. Unaware for years that
their new homes were in peril when normal rain patterns returned.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOg9CEDj7lI/U6sLxVormyI/AAAAAAAALto/h8JJlJoji3Q/s1600/arrowhead+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOg9CEDj7lI/U6sLxVormyI/AAAAAAAALto/h8JJlJoji3Q/s1600/arrowhead+plant.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowhead plants in the foreground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Roosevelt Heights grew in the interim. A population of less than a
thousand, three churches, two grocery stores, hair salons and a sundry
store or two. It was a real community. That came to an abrupt <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7lPA6CBT_E/UIBFTXF1LxI/AAAAAAAAEZE/DNEBNm8PNw8/s1600/may+1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7lPA6CBT_E/UIBFTXF1LxI/AAAAAAAAEZE/DNEBNm8PNw8/s1600/may+1957.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a>end in
1957 when Roosevelt Heights saw the first major sustained multi-day
flood. The aerial photo(inset) shows the extent of the flooding that
spring which inundated Roosevelt Heights and Rochester Park. In the
photo, Second Avenue can be seen running lower left to upper right.
Roosevelt Heights in the foreground and Rochester Park in the background
left. Many of the refugees from this flood were forced to live in
railroad boxcars until flooding subsided. Few moved permanently after
this flood.<br />
<br />
The 1960s brought flood after flood to Roosevelt Heights. The flooding
was magnified by new levee construction upstream and urbanization of
former farming lands.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kfkff5Bwfg/U6sMXaqd0KI/AAAAAAAALt4/7SP_dIOpjEI/s1600/roosevelt+heights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Kfkff5Bwfg/U6sMXaqd0KI/AAAAAAAALt4/7SP_dIOpjEI/s1600/roosevelt+heights.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A channelized branch of Oak Creek with a pronounced levee running on the west side. This levee was built between 1968-1972 to provide a degree of flood protection from smaller flooding events from the Second Avenue/175 intersection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The result was not a devastating flash flood but a
backing up of flood water from the Trinity into the White Rock
watershed. In the early 1970s, talk began of flood control improvements.
Rochester Park was earmarked for a levee and Roosevelt Heights was
bought out by the city. In the lower section of Roosevelt Park, the last
homeowners around 1973. North of US 175, one homeowner, at last check, still resides
today.<br />
<br />
<b>Masters of Construction and Engineering -- The Great Trinity Forest Beavers </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_j_Ch_JAdM/U6tCnZ9_2VI/AAAAAAAALvA/WxrXFED2FOs/s1600/beaver+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_j_Ch_JAdM/U6tCnZ9_2VI/AAAAAAAALvA/WxrXFED2FOs/s1600/beaver+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close and personal with a beaver on June 21, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The beaver pictured here came to check us out and see what we were up to. Friendly in every way, it approached within twenty feet or less of us and watched us with great interest. Perhaps it had never seen a human before and wondered what we were.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX5CBWP4ZwM/U6tEqAP_zfI/AAAAAAAALvU/nuvM91tiCr0/s1600/beaver+great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UX5CBWP4ZwM/U6tEqAP_zfI/AAAAAAAALvU/nuvM91tiCr0/s1600/beaver+great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver at a distance creating a bow wake as it approaches with great interest June 21, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once among the most widely distributed mammals in North America, beavers were eliminated from much of their range in the late 1800s because of unregulated trapping. With a decline in the demand for beaver pelts, and with proper management, they became reestablished in much of their former range and are now common in many areas. Beavers are found where their preferred foods are in good supply—along rivers, and in small streams, lakes, marshes, and even roadside ditches containing adequate year-round water flow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LctVmdKhZrY/U6tIku8AxEI/AAAAAAAALwA/-1cHyxF_fyU/s1600/beaver+dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LctVmdKhZrY/U6tIku8AxEI/AAAAAAAALwA/-1cHyxF_fyU/s1600/beaver+dam.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many great beaver dams. Pictured is Master Naturalist Bill Holston admiring the construction of the dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In areas where deep, calm water is not available, beavers that have enough building material available will create ponds by building dams across creeks or other watercourses and impounding water. Beavers dams create habitat for many other animals and plants of Texas. In winter, deer frequent beaver ponds to forage on shrubby plants that grow where beavers cut down trees for food or use to make their dams and lodges. Raccoons, and herons hunt frogs and other prey along the marshy edges of beaver ponds. Migratory waterbirds use beaver ponds as nesting areas and resting stops during migration. Ducks often nest on top of beaver lodges since they offer warmth and protection, especially when lodges are formed in the middle of a pond. The trees that die as a result of rising water levels attract insects, which in turn feed woodpeckers, whose holes later provide homes for other wildlife.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anE9Jo8X7Zo/U6tHz5dOikI/AAAAAAAALvw/YKz6KB0UFRU/s1600/great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anE9Jo8X7Zo/U6tHz5dOikI/AAAAAAAALvw/YKz6KB0UFRU/s1600/great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooded willows and water covered with cottonwood seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Beavers have constructed large and complex
sets of dams through the bottoms here, keeping much of it flooded
through one of the driest spring seasons on record in Dallas.<br />
<br />
Their tireless work has left large sections of the woods here submerged for most of the year, forming great habitat for ducks, wading birds, aquatic insects and fish. The water is quite clear and in some spots has a hard bottom suitable for careful wading. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjio8Xu6J08/U6sPGqJhzxI/AAAAAAAALuU/L-40bwLCnsc/s1600/sedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjio8Xu6J08/U6sPGqJhzxI/AAAAAAAALuU/L-40bwLCnsc/s1600/sedge.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prime example of Great Trinity Forest sedge</td></tr>
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Sedge grasses in large pockets like the one above provide critical wetland habitat for dragonflies, crawfish and in wet seasons fish. These sedge patches are often overlooked by many but perform a critical role in establishing biodiversity in the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdizMzCKP6Q/U6sNFUM5EcI/AAAAAAAALuE/5gNGldzeHSI/s1600/invasive+alligatorweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdizMzCKP6Q/U6sNFUM5EcI/AAAAAAAALuE/5gNGldzeHSI/s1600/invasive+alligatorweed.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge wetland forest area dominated by native hedge in the background and invasive Alligatorweed in the foreground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5CLFnsiQvk/U6uCR92BxcI/AAAAAAAALxM/2SmmMzY7cBk/s1600/white+ibis+adult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5CLFnsiQvk/U6uCR92BxcI/AAAAAAAALxM/2SmmMzY7cBk/s1600/white+ibis+adult.jpg" height="400" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult White Ibis</td></tr>
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Alligator weed <i>Alternanthera philoxeroides </i>is a perennial plant
native to South America and often forms very dense stands or mats that
make shoreline access difficult in the Great Trinity Forest.The water loving aquatic stems are hollow and can be
single or branched. Leaves are opposite, long, elliptical or
lance-shaped up about an inch wide and half a foot long with a prominent
midrib. Often roots develop at leaf nodes. Soft, whitish hairs are found
in the leaves. Single flowers are small (about 1/2 inch in diameter)
white, fragrant clusters of 6 to 10 florets, borne on long branches (to
3 inches). The flowers resemble those of white clover. A single seed
develops within the fruit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8uzi-QhDEc/U6talk93-QI/AAAAAAAALw8/UVJhKl-U8kw/s1600/juvenile+white+ibis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8uzi-QhDEc/U6talk93-QI/AAAAAAAALw8/UVJhKl-U8kw/s1600/juvenile+white+ibis.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile White Ibis fishing from a log in the Great Trinity Forest June 21, 2014</td></tr>
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When alligator weed invades
waterways it can reduce water flow and quality by preventing light
penetration and oxygenation of the water. It can also reduce water bird
and fish activity and cause the death of fish and native plants.
Alligator weed mats create a favorable habitat for breeding mosquitoes.
Alligator weed is also difficult to control and such is prohibited from owning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-DrlGnFosc/U6tL76gv8iI/AAAAAAAALwU/JeTT_TimBWA/s1600/tricolored+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-DrlGnFosc/U6tL76gv8iI/AAAAAAAALwU/JeTT_TimBWA/s1600/tricolored+heron.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-Colored Heron sprinting through the shallow water for a mosquitofish in the Great Trinity Forest June 21, 2014</td></tr>
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<b>The Halberd Leaf Rosemallow -- A Texas Native</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnAz2KBVyUQ/U6tOMnh5ReI/AAAAAAAALws/h0WyszJmjys/s1600/texas+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnAz2KBVyUQ/U6tOMnh5ReI/AAAAAAAALws/h0WyszJmjys/s1600/texas+hibiscus.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild hibiscus growing in the Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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At first glance one would wonder how hibiscus could naturally grow in Dallas wetlands. The second question is who planted them? The answers are that they are native to North Texas, have always grown here and thrive naturally just as they have for centuries in this special swamp. These plants go by the name Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow due to their
distinctive shaped leaves that resemble a medieval battle axe sword
called a halberd.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5iDrsESZzw/U6sQDYAS5-I/AAAAAAAALuc/qP451TP-ZpA/s1600/native+texas+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5iDrsESZzw/U6sQDYAS5-I/AAAAAAAALuc/qP451TP-ZpA/s1600/native+texas+hibiscus.jpg" height="400" width="351" /></a><br />
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The Halberd Leaf Rosemallow is commonly known by its Latin name <i>Hibiscus laevis</i>. Sometimes it is also called soldier hibiscus. The "militaris," "soldier" and "halberd" parts of its various names allude to the similarity between the shape of its leaves and the lance end of a medieval pole-ax called a halberd. The leaves have pointed tips and a broad, deeply lobed base with a silhouette similar to a double-headed ax. Unlike many hibiscus family members, the Halberdleaf rosemallow has smooth leaves and stems.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0AkJ5JFEKg/U6tFEQzpB6I/AAAAAAAALvc/zw6IYn3zuNw/s1600/bumblebee+pollen+farmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M0AkJ5JFEKg/U6tFEQzpB6I/AAAAAAAALvc/zw6IYn3zuNw/s1600/bumblebee+pollen+farmer.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pollen laden bumblebee tries to wiggle out of a hibiscus flower</td></tr>
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Each plant grows upright, reaching a height of 3 to 6 feet. Each five-petal blossom grows out of a leaf axil, the point at which a leaf joins the stem.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpOseWqqBDE/U6sRtuDEcAI/AAAAAAAALuw/SekYf5j_0YQ/s1600/dallas+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpOseWqqBDE/U6sRtuDEcAI/AAAAAAAALuw/SekYf5j_0YQ/s1600/dallas+hibiscus.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harsh winter of 2014 had little effect on the hibiscus here that tower over eight feet in some cases</td></tr>
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Hibiscus blooms emerge from the bottom to the tip of the stem. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center notes that the flowers may bloom from May to November, depending on the region. In the Great Trinity Forest they bloom only in the mornings from June through October. The blooms will stay open longer on cloudy or rainy days.<br />
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Many volunteer hours are now being put to good use in studying the flora and fauna of Big Spring and the immediate wateshed. Continuing the great hands on management plan developed by Billy Ray Pemberton plus the added knowledge of many experts will help keep the aesthetic of the place going for generations to come. It will also allow many of the plants that were traditionally mowed to flourish and bloom out for years to come. Big Spring has a number of native hibiscus growing on the conservation and future landmark footprint. They should be blooming in the next several weeks. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_myiFUW508/U6sQjnxfkwI/AAAAAAAALuk/EqwlP-6-V04/s1600/big+spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_myiFUW508/U6sQjnxfkwI/AAAAAAAALuk/EqwlP-6-V04/s1600/big+spring.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The easy walk back towards the icon of the forest, the Histori Big Spring Bur Oak</td></tr>
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As we walked back to Big Spring, in the far echoing hollow we could hear the faint yell of Master Naturalist Jim Flood and Geoarcheologist Tim Dalbey who had been conducting a weekly plant census. Horse trading field notes, Jim Flood pointed out some unique specimens of plants he had gathered for further study. A couple days later, he reported that one of the plants had not been seen in Dallas County for a very long time and was originally first documented by none other than famed Botanist and La Reunion Colonist Julien Reverchon. An important find.<br />
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As we learn more about Big Spring, what makes the woods tick, how the swamp and wetlands connect with Big Spring as an ecosystem we can begin to paint a picture of how special this part of Dallas is and something that should be forever preserved and protected.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-83006272215680246982014-06-17T10:49:00.002-05:002014-06-17T10:49:33.962-05:00Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Kingbirds In Texas Trinity River Corridor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv031QFGAgY/U4T0fvFJHzI/AAAAAAAALN0/W2_l3mF8xHE/s1600/scissortail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zv031QFGAgY/U4T0fvFJHzI/AAAAAAAALN0/W2_l3mF8xHE/s1600/scissortail.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Bird of Paradise, the Scissor Tailed Flycatcher perched on an Arkansas Yucca surrounded by Prairie Coneflower and other native wildflowers in Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
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The strong southerly winds of a Texas spring bring more than humidity up from the Gulf of Mexico. Riding the air currents north from as far away as the tropical rainforests of Central and South America are the flycatchers of the bird world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgOpMgyr4es/U35iaW7ZlxI/AAAAAAAALEw/0Rk5pRWV8YY/s1600/texas+yucca+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgOpMgyr4es/U35iaW7ZlxI/AAAAAAAALEw/0Rk5pRWV8YY/s1600/texas+yucca+rain.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dripping wet blossoms of an native Arkansas Yucca just after an spring thunderstorm at McCommas Bluff Preserve, Dallas Texas, Spring 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgStTtR8NT4/U35e-iM79bI/AAAAAAAALDw/ITcmmrmVQZk/s1600/scissortail+downtown+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgStTtR8NT4/U35e-iM79bI/AAAAAAAALDw/ITcmmrmVQZk/s1600/scissortail+downtown+dallas.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at the Mockingbird-Westmoreland Bridge in the Trinity River Floodway, Dallas, Texas. Downtown Dallas and Victory Park can be seen in the distance</td></tr>
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The flycatchers are fond of the open spaces and fence lines of the Trinity River. In the late Spring, June to be precise, the birds move into Dallas in great numbers setting up shop among high insect populations that dominate the fields here. The three most dominant species seen are the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, the Eastern Kingbird and Western Kingbird. The Trinity River Corridor serves as a great overlap for the Kingbird species with near equal amounts of both Eastern and Western species.<br />
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<b>Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher<i> Tyrannus forficatus</i></b><br />
The Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher <i>Tyrannus forficatus</i> is known by other names as well... Scissortail, Texas Bird-of-Paradise and Swallow-Tailed Flycatcher.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZzau461VOE/U59mfaSA6MI/AAAAAAAALnc/DWN71yf28Oo/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZzau461VOE/U59mfaSA6MI/AAAAAAAALnc/DWN71yf28Oo/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
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From the appearance, it is obvious how the bird acquired its common names, but its former Latin name - <i>Muscivora forficata</i>, describes the bird in even grander terms. Muscivora derives from the Latin word for "fly" (musca) and "to devour" (vorare), while Forficata comes from forfex, or scissors. The scissortail now is a member of the genus Tyrannus, or "tyrant-like flycatchers."<br />
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Strong willed and fearless, the best comparison one can make to such a bird is the familiar Mockingbird who also readily defends territory, nest sites and has a qualification for fighting dirty. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeJr1ANKSNw/U59n_1fXJPI/AAAAAAAALn4/r8EZF9KJAe0/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+texas+wildflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeJr1ANKSNw/U59n_1fXJPI/AAAAAAAALn4/r8EZF9KJAe0/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+texas+wildflowers.jpg" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher perched high above an endless meadow of coneflowers near Piedmont Ridge Trail in the Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers hunt by sight and by ambush. Many see Scissortails lining barbed wire fences, telephone lines or even road signs. Those artificial perches afford great over watch of a field.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAdSixDw7Oc/U59oZJrgMVI/AAAAAAAALoY/sLlLXGtliQc/s1600/scissiortail+trinity+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAdSixDw7Oc/U59oZJrgMVI/AAAAAAAALoY/sLlLXGtliQc/s1600/scissiortail+trinity+river.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The photos here were taken entirely in wildscape. Meadows, fields and treelines along the Trinity River and in East/Southeast Dallas along lower White Rock Creek in an area called the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5eg04-VN98/U59oKvR9ybI/AAAAAAAALoI/SmlqtJcXD2g/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5eg04-VN98/U59oKvR9ybI/AAAAAAAALoI/SmlqtJcXD2g/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+flying.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
So many know White Rock Creek as it moves through North Dallas but so few ever see it beyond the outfall of the White Rock Lake Spillway where the creek slows, the trees get larger and the scenery much more photogenic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr9h89W9sTY/U59o_8vXxuI/AAAAAAAALog/NkV0zk4-jN0/s1600/scissor+tail+takeoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr9h89W9sTY/U59o_8vXxuI/AAAAAAAALog/NkV0zk4-jN0/s1600/scissor+tail+takeoff.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good look at a departing Texas Bird of Paradise, the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher in full breeding plumage</td></tr>
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<b>Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher Attack Sequence On a Red-Tailed Hawk </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXwHezoXRc/U35ej6CWbzI/AAAAAAAALDo/pVkYPWg4gXw/s1600/scissortail+chasing+hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXwHezoXRc/U35ej6CWbzI/AAAAAAAALDo/pVkYPWg4gXw/s1600/scissortail+chasing+hawk.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher moves in on a trespassing Red Tailed Hawk</td></tr>
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In some areas like the Trinity River Floodway, perches and tree cover for nesting sites are scarce. This is an area between the levees near the Industrial District and Downtown where lone Cottonwood and Pecan trees dot the landscape. They are the usual haunts of resident Red Tailed Hawks year round. When flycatchers come in to nest, there will be many nests in one tree as habitat is a premium. That leads to conflict and dramatic attacks result.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPqj0i2wP68/U35fGvYDTkI/AAAAAAAALD4/SvZA7jbON0E/s1600/scissortail+hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPqj0i2wP68/U35fGvYDTkI/AAAAAAAALD4/SvZA7jbON0E/s1600/scissortail+hawk.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Red Tailed Hawks will actually prey on nests of other species. Documented cases of nestlings being eaten by hawks are well known. The Scissortail goes the extra mile to make a point with the Red Tailed Hawk in this photo, delivering what appears to be a quite painful strike to the back of the hawk's neck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aS_33OAUP4I/U6A2MhmX9oI/AAAAAAAALpU/8K9Oj4i5qGY/s1600/scissortail+attack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aS_33OAUP4I/U6A2MhmX9oI/AAAAAAAALpU/8K9Oj4i5qGY/s1600/scissortail+attack+2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contact with the hawk, the Scissortail is riding the hawk like a winged horse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9848VS8iX8/U6A2VB4FHXI/AAAAAAAALpc/Vtim3kssd9M/s1600/scissortail+attack+hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9848VS8iX8/U6A2VB4FHXI/AAAAAAAALpc/Vtim3kssd9M/s1600/scissortail+attack+hawk.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hawk screams in pain and maybe disbelief as the plucky Scissortail unleashes an aerial assault. Note the long Scissortail on the back of the hawk</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_vpFQahkj0/U35Gze0fj_I/AAAAAAAALDc/535mezcttrA/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_vpFQahkj0/U35Gze0fj_I/AAAAAAAALDc/535mezcttrA/s1600/scissortail+flycatcher+flying.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splash one hawk. The Scissortail returns to his nest.</td></tr>
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This genus earned its name because several species are extremely aggressive on their breeding territories, where they will attack larger birds such as crows, hawks and even owls. Beautiful and ounce for ounce some of the heaviest hitters among Texas birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jav_d0EZHoI/U5EoKguF9GI/AAAAAAAALRI/5R3QxGUbJkA/s1600/double+scissortail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jav_d0EZHoI/U5EoKguF9GI/AAAAAAAALRI/5R3QxGUbJkA/s1600/double+scissortail.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rarely documented mirroring mating dance behavior of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are easily identified by their long,
scissor-like tail, which may reach nine inches in length. During flight,
the bird opens and shuts its taillike a pair of scissors and folds or
closes the "scissors" when perching. Since the bird is only 12 inches
long, its tail is proportionately longer than any other Texas
bird including Roadrunners. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIDv1rIRFsI/U5EpAXk5AlI/AAAAAAAALRY/hJS32lavMnc/s1600/scissortail+calling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIDv1rIRFsI/U5EpAXk5AlI/AAAAAAAALRY/hJS32lavMnc/s1600/scissortail+calling.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signature call of the Scissortail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pc3IDy0hq8/U6A-SGDKwaI/AAAAAAAALqg/X88y9AgqZSY/s1600/scissortail+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0pc3IDy0hq8/U6A-SGDKwaI/AAAAAAAALqg/X88y9AgqZSY/s1600/scissortail+head.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a><br />
Scissor-tailed flycatchers are considered Neotropical migrants birds
that spend their winters in Central and South America, returning to
North America to nest and raise young.<br />
<br />
As a rule, scissortails are seen
in Texas from early April to late October, though individuals
occasionally are seen during the last week of March and some birds
linger until mid-November.<br />
<br />
Most likely their residency in Texas is tied to the first killing frosts of the Fall, which diminishes food supplies for the birds. <br />
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The scissortail is one of the earliest summer
birds to arrive each spring. Across most of the Trinity River Corridor, Dallasites can
begin looking for them during the first week in April. Their limited
nesting range is primarily concentrated in the southern Great Plains
states, from New Mexico to Louisiana and Nebraska southward to southern
Texas and adjoining areas of Northern Mexico. However, the birds have
wandered and documented as far north as Hudson Bay in Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugbbGdO3xUs/U5EoltP78rI/AAAAAAAALRQ/Fm7KHL0edBI/s1600/scissortail+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugbbGdO3xUs/U5EoltP78rI/AAAAAAAALRQ/Fm7KHL0edBI/s1600/scissortail+texas.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brilliant colors of a Scissortail in near perfect light of a Texas sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The nape of the scissortail's neck and back are pearl gray,
and the breast is white. Wings are smoke coal black with a touch of crimson
at the shoulders while the sides and wing linings are pink. Females
usually are shorter than males because her tail is not as long. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgLCCgZGtU/U5Epwt8JGGI/AAAAAAAALRk/yis5zSor5qM/s1600/scissotail+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsgLCCgZGtU/U5Epwt8JGGI/AAAAAAAALRk/yis5zSor5qM/s1600/scissotail+profile.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS2yVM_yzfY/U5-nDZ1du0I/AAAAAAAALo4/X5kSKvR70dw/s1600/scissor-tailed+flycatchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qS2yVM_yzfY/U5-nDZ1du0I/AAAAAAAALo4/X5kSKvR70dw/s1600/scissor-tailed+flycatchers.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breeding pair of Scissortail Flycatchers riding the stiff wind currents on the evening of June 16, 2014</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fikepZrFp9Y/U6BGYs4X0LI/AAAAAAAALrA/zPXUrlCMiks/s1600/scissor-tailed+flycatcher+diving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fikepZrFp9Y/U6BGYs4X0LI/AAAAAAAALrA/zPXUrlCMiks/s1600/scissor-tailed+flycatcher+diving.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Scissortail bounds of the perch of a yucca to attack an unsuspecting insect below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u0vfjL3w2M/U576cXfMeqI/AAAAAAAALnQ/aajJQuA8QTQ/s1600/scissortail+nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u0vfjL3w2M/U576cXfMeqI/AAAAAAAALnQ/aajJQuA8QTQ/s1600/scissortail+nest.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher nest with four nestlings, June 13, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The nesting habits for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher include a small diamter stick nest lined with soft fiber material in an isolated tree where three to five eggs are laid. The female builds the nest and the male often adds the fiber material during the building process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RObVwfftp04/U5-nFlJpImI/AAAAAAAALpA/UnXsU2eOPAI/s1600/walking+stick+insect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RObVwfftp04/U5-nFlJpImI/AAAAAAAALpA/UnXsU2eOPAI/s1600/walking+stick+insect.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Walking Stick becomes dinner for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher nestling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both parents work all day long to feed the nestlings. Moths, butterflies, June Bugs, grasshoppers and even Walking Sticks are standard table fare at these nests. 2014 seems to be a particularly banner year for these insects. Walking Sticks consume the foliage of oaks and other hardwoods. Severe outbreaks of the walking stick,<i> Diapheromera femorata</i>, have been documented in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The insects eat the entire leaf blade. In the event of heavy outbreaks, entire stands of trees can be completely ravaged. Continuous defoliation over several years often results in the death of the tree. Birds like flycatchers help control the population of these insects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ7ueSfLCzs/U576V6FEm3I/AAAAAAAALnE/aMTq_QZyW3g/s1600/scissortail+nest+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ7ueSfLCzs/U576V6FEm3I/AAAAAAAALnE/aMTq_QZyW3g/s1600/scissortail+nest+texas.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult flycatcher removing waste from the nest site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>Arkansas Yucca <i>Yucca arkansana</i>-- Photogenic Perch For Flycatchers</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSWJoT1BMNA/U35g3tQYW1I/AAAAAAAALEU/tbvMbJRTbDU/s1600/yucca+great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mSWJoT1BMNA/U35g3tQYW1I/AAAAAAAALEU/tbvMbJRTbDU/s1600/yucca+great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native Yucca in the brilliant sunset light growing on the bluff tops of the Trinity Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a rule we think of Yucca as desert fare, but it is a common Texas plant often seen in undisturbed areas along the bluff tops of the Trinity River and White Rock Escarpment running through the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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One of the smallest yucca in Texas, Arkansas Yucca ranges from South Central to North Central Texas, into Oklahoma and Arkansas, preferring chalky pan soil on rocky hillsides and prairies. It has asymmetrical rosettes in small open groups.<br />
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Like most yucca, the leaves are bluish-green to yellowish-green with white margins and curly threads on the margin.<br />
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As is, the "stem" of the yucca looks woody (it has to be strong to support that mass of blooms.) Dead yucca leave a strong supporting "stick" for lack of a better term. These particular groupings stand tall above the wildflowers, from 3 to 4 feet standard. <br />
<br />
There are over two dozen US species of these plants, much more widely distributed than agave, ranging across the Midwest, Great Plains and all the eastern states in addition to the south, in mixed environments including deserts, grassland, mountains and coastal scrub.<br />
<br />
Yucca also extend through Mexico towards Central America. All species have the capability to grow tall and branch, though in some arid locations this does not happen, and the plants remain compact and single. Flowers are white and bell-shaped, growing in a great mass on a shortish stalk; they are usually produced once a year though may not appear if weather conditions are unfavorable.<br />
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<b>Eastern Kingbird <i>Tyrannus tyrannus</i></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR6aeTapLzw/U4Tz_mUKUPI/AAAAAAAALNs/-xrrshfBqrw/s1600/eastern+kingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR6aeTapLzw/U4Tz_mUKUPI/AAAAAAAALNs/-xrrshfBqrw/s1600/eastern+kingbird.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Kingbird <i>Tyrannus tyrannus</i> as seen hunting for insects among a grouping of wild Prairie Coneflower along a limestone escarpment along Lower White Rock Creek, Dallas Texas, 2014</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8z6MnalA64/U6A3m9gp2-I/AAAAAAAALp0/2Y6v8GvBT3U/s1600/eastern+kingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8z6MnalA64/U6A3m9gp2-I/AAAAAAAALp0/2Y6v8GvBT3U/s1600/eastern+kingbird.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a>The dressed to kill flycatcher of the Great Trinity Forest accolades go to that of the Eastern Kingbird <i>Tyrannus tyrannus. </i>A bird dressed in a tuxedo with fine lines and a descriptive ability to crush any and all insects that venture near.<br />
<br />
The
kingbird is easy to identify from other flycatchers with its
contrasting black back and white chest, giving it the appearance of
wearing formal dinner attire. The black tail is tipped in white, making it easily
recognizable. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asGTg95AhN4/U59oDEiDfPI/AAAAAAAALoA/kwBbegyKRc4/s1600/eastern+kingbird+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asGTg95AhN4/U59oDEiDfPI/AAAAAAAALoA/kwBbegyKRc4/s1600/eastern+kingbird+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Black and white is not really the norm for flycatchers and songbirds. The Eastern
Kingbird is unique in this way. Reds and yellows are more common. But
for what he lacks in color and song, he compensates for nicely in
presentation and style.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REkST9XussQ/U59pH7tZRkI/AAAAAAAALoo/IKgC7ocwivs/s1600/eastern+kingbird+on+perch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-REkST9XussQ/U59pH7tZRkI/AAAAAAAALoo/IKgC7ocwivs/s1600/eastern+kingbird+on+perch.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Eastern Kingbird weighs down an already blossom laden and top heavy Arkansas Yucca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Eastern kingbirds are flycatchers, which is considered the largest
family of birds on Earth, with over 400 species. The Eastern Kingbird exhibits
that classic flycatcher silhouette, complete with the slight crown or ruffled head that is common among other flycatchers such as phoebes, wood pewees and so on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWry7iAx7ZI/U6A3XY1vFrI/AAAAAAAALps/5oe-DcG6Ho8/s1600/kingbird+hawking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWry7iAx7ZI/U6A3XY1vFrI/AAAAAAAALps/5oe-DcG6Ho8/s1600/kingbird+hawking.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught in mid air, an Eastern Kingbird hovers like a hawk in an effective technique to spook insects out of a hiding spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Eastern Kingbirds also exhibit typical flycatcher behavior, called
sallying, where they fly out from a perch in pursuit of flying insects,
and then often returning back to the same perch (also called hawking). <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hhGM9EiFHc/U6A3_n3wDSI/AAAAAAAALp8/ioFKKlifF8c/s1600/eastern+kingbird+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hhGM9EiFHc/U6A3_n3wDSI/AAAAAAAALp8/ioFKKlifF8c/s1600/eastern+kingbird+dallas+texas.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
They feed mainly on insects during breeding season, but oddly enough,
during migration and on their wintering grounds in South America,
kingbirds change personalities and behave almost docile, flying around
in flocks, feeding on mainly fruit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldcLgSNVB_0/U6A9oE0cJqI/AAAAAAAALqY/lJzjfh2SWmo/s1600/eastern+kingbird+perch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldcLgSNVB_0/U6A9oE0cJqI/AAAAAAAALqY/lJzjfh2SWmo/s1600/eastern+kingbird+perch.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While as large as a Mockingbird and with similar colors, the Eastern Kingbird has a more robust and stockier build</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Western Kingbird <i>Tyrannus verticalis</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVAA8gi7QJw/U59n23HhHrI/AAAAAAAALnw/IJLAntBpoNQ/s1600/western+kingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVAA8gi7QJw/U59n23HhHrI/AAAAAAAALnw/IJLAntBpoNQ/s1600/western+kingbird.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Kingbird <i>Tyrannus verticalis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most common birds to spot in the Great Trinity Forest in spring are the hearty Western Kingbirds <i>Tyrannus verticalis</i>. From prairie areas of the Lower Chain of Wetlands to the deep swamps of Rochester Parks, these birds are visible at every turn from dawn to dusk.<br />
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Before the pioneer settlement of the Southern Plains the Western
Kingbird range undoubtedly was restricted by the lack of advantageous
perches in otherwise prime open country habitat. Its range in Texas in
the early 1900s was the western part of the state encompassing the
Panhandle, southern plains, and the mountains west and south of the
Pecos River Valley.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc-WL9TIHxs/U35g8DRiSTI/AAAAAAAALEg/EL2QNiiE9tA/s1600/yucca+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc-WL9TIHxs/U35g8DRiSTI/AAAAAAAALEg/EL2QNiiE9tA/s1600/yucca+bird.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
Since the early 20th century, man’s opening of
woodlands for timber harvest/farming, planting of trees on the plains,
and construction of power lines, and other structures which accompanied
settlement have facilitated expansion of Western Kingbird breeding
range.<br />
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Nesting had spread by the mid 20th century east to Austin and by
the late 1960s to the upper Texas coast. By the early 1970s they were
nesting in the Dallas Fort Worth area.<br />
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Western Kingbirds migrate from Central America to breed across the western United States during the spring and summer months--about April through the end of August/early September.<br />
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They leave their breeding grounds relatively early and are generally not seen in the western states from about mid-September through early May. They tend to be viewed around farms, meadows, and along fence rows near dry open fields with scattered trees and brush.<br />
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Western Kingbirds are members of the flycatcher family and are often seen hunting insects from fences and small bushes and trees along roadsides. They are about 9 inches long with a wingspan of about 16 inches. They have gray heads and chests, thick dark bills, yellow bellies, and dark tails with white edges. They can be aggressive and often harass large raptors<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLA2yvUp-eU/U59myGYSgiI/AAAAAAAALnk/re1P4ZNws4A/s1600/western+kingbirds+trinity+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLA2yvUp-eU/U59myGYSgiI/AAAAAAAALnk/re1P4ZNws4A/s1600/western+kingbirds+trinity+river.jpg" height="640" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Kingbirds on guard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just like Scissortailed Flycatchers, the Western Kingbird readily defends nest sites, habitat and favored trees from any predator or competing bird species. The telltale flash of yellow as the beat through the high grass is an easy way to spot these birds which very much resemble the Eastern Kingbirds, a distant cousin.<br />
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DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-4491843704584074582014-06-08T13:12:00.000-05:002014-06-08T13:34:35.176-05:00Great Trinity Forest and the Big Swamp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M65zMbJTilQ/U5OUY1lprcI/AAAAAAAALag/zenb8uwmbX0/s1600/saw+palmetto+dallas+texas+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M65zMbJTilQ/U5OUY1lprcI/AAAAAAAALag/zenb8uwmbX0/s1600/saw+palmetto+dallas+texas+2014.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabal minor palms growing on the floor detritus of the Great Trinity Forest, Dallas Texas, June 7, 2014</td></tr>
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The deepest part of the Great Trinity Forest lies here. One that is rarely if ever visited by humans. The lair of water moccasins, snakes hanging from trees, snorting feral hogs, spiders the size of your hand and chest high poison ivy. We were greeted by all of that fifty feet from the road. We had miles to explore beyond into the only known stand of palms growing in Dallas. A special and fragile place protected by impossible terrain and veiled secrecy on the location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkI_XQdZ02c/U5OROjQrD3I/AAAAAAAALZk/ux0b2CVUoP4/s1600/great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IkI_XQdZ02c/U5OROjQrD3I/AAAAAAAALZk/ux0b2CVUoP4/s1600/great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Naturalist Bill Holston moving through a shaft of early morning light in the otherwise dense and dark forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dorlPPPhfg/U5ORjPwCKSI/AAAAAAAALZs/i5QBtpf4ec4/s1600/palmetto+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4dorlPPPhfg/U5ORjPwCKSI/AAAAAAAALZs/i5QBtpf4ec4/s1600/palmetto+flowers.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flash required to highlight the flowering stems of the palm</td></tr>
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Dark. Even on the brightest of June mornings. The sun's rays strain to reach under the double dappled canopies of mature pecans, walnuts and oaks. The exceptional experience is one that would one would think to be found afar from Dallas. Maybe Big Thicket or swamps on the Sabine hold such caliginous and musky spots. No. It exists inside the city limits. Fitting that such a place holds the most biodiversity in the Great Trinity Forest. One of the more unique species found here, an outlier species that defies the status quo is the Sabal minor palm.<br />
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The Sabal minor, the Dwarf Palmetto, is an understory palm generally
occurring in low-lying, swampy habitats. Sabal minor occurs from
Southeastern Oklahoma and Texas eastward to
Florida and North Carolina. It is a wetland species that thrives in
swamps, floodplains and backwater regions of the southeast where the
land is often inundated by prolonged periods of water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1_vIjMnaw4/U5PLrrqFa6I/AAAAAAAALcw/IpG95FKGZbg/s1600/flowering+sabal+minor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1_vIjMnaw4/U5PLrrqFa6I/AAAAAAAALcw/IpG95FKGZbg/s1600/flowering+sabal+minor.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budding flowers on a Sabal minor, Great Trinity Forest, Dallas Texas, June 7, 2014</td></tr>
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Three foot long flower stalks appear this time of year, covered with small,
yellow-white, fragrant flowers The flowers are followed by small
berries that ripen August through October. The berries ripen from green
to black on a branched cluster shorter
than the leaves. Flowering and fruiting are not necessarily annual
events, and some years see more abundant flowering than others. Even
when flowering is abundant, fruit production is erratic; the causes are
unknown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPSRUWmYwPg/U5Rv97C-RfI/AAAAAAAALe8/86olgH4p3K8/s1600/palmetto+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPSRUWmYwPg/U5Rv97C-RfI/AAAAAAAALe8/86olgH4p3K8/s1600/palmetto+texas.jpg" height="334" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Fitzgerald works through the bright sun and very dark shadows which is uncommon in North Central Texas</td></tr>
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Sabal Arecaceae constitutes sixteen species of palms that are
distributed in the eastern woodlands and coastal plains of the
Southeastern United States. Spanish explorers who landed on what is now
the Gulf coasts of the
United States immediately noticed the “palmito” or little palms growing
everywhere. The “palmetto” name has since been applied in common names
to these small palms.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOB6g8y-ps/U5OP-hLMZmI/AAAAAAAALZU/9taAIlX0XTI/s1600/great+trinity+forest+palmetto+swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOB6g8y-ps/U5OP-hLMZmI/AAAAAAAALZU/9taAIlX0XTI/s1600/great+trinity+forest+palmetto+swamp.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sabal minor dwarf palmetto or swamp palmetto
has a solitary subterranean(underground) stem and rarely seen above
ground in North Texas with 4–10 dark
green leaves. It is thought that the trunks are subsurface to aid in
protection from freezing cold weather and frozen conditions. Hardier
than many palms, these plants have endured countless cold snaps and ice
storms that few of their southern counterparts will ever experience. These plants made it through some of the coldest winter weather conditions that North Texas has experienced in many years. The cold weather of December 2013 sent temperatures in Dallas into the near single digits for days. Cold hardy and the ability to thrive in extremes make the plants here a special and unique colony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWWWKGzG-UQ/U5OWGlBIHbI/AAAAAAAALa0/DJMFL_oORIg/s1600/texas+feral+hog+damage+trinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWWWKGzG-UQ/U5OWGlBIHbI/AAAAAAAALa0/DJMFL_oORIg/s1600/texas+feral+hog+damage+trinity.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biologist Scott Hudson and Photographer Sean Fitzgerald checking out feral hog damage in an ephemeral section of swamp, dried after recent rains in May</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTft4MWJ7Ps/U5PJgGZLxeI/AAAAAAAALcc/JfkXhn8E3rs/s1600/mushroom+pecan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTft4MWJ7Ps/U5PJgGZLxeI/AAAAAAAALcc/JfkXhn8E3rs/s1600/mushroom+pecan.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mushroom growing up through a decayed pecan limb on the forest floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaVeodfc0Y8/U5O9H50-lFI/AAAAAAAALbc/IdWeuTVhK4g/s1600/beehive+tree+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaVeodfc0Y8/U5O9H50-lFI/AAAAAAAALbc/IdWeuTVhK4g/s1600/beehive+tree+texas.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeybee hive in a Bois d' Arc tree</td></tr>
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Years of fallen leaf litter, branches and storm debris cover the ground in this area. This type of wet and dark environment provides the ideal conditions for fungus species to thrive on the slowly decaying material.<br />
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A number of larger trees here have voids in them. Seen at left, a large honey bee colony has built a hive about 8 feet up in a cavity of a Bois d' Arc tree. Many Bois 'd Arc trees exist in this area. Tough and resistant to nearly all diseases, they can live centuries in the riverbottoms under ideal conditions. These trees prefer a slightly higher elevation just out of the immediate floodplain on slightly drier ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0s8q2AeQIc/U5R1TLaFRuI/AAAAAAAALfk/atmwP6GLJ4w/s1600/red+bellied+woodpecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0s8q2AeQIc/U5R1TLaFRuI/AAAAAAAALfk/atmwP6GLJ4w/s1600/red+bellied+woodpecker.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red bellied woodpecker in a cedar elm</td></tr>
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Other species of trees found in this area include pioneer species like ash and cedar elm.<br />
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The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a familiar year round resident of forests in the eastern half the United States It is a bird of densely wooded lowlands and bottomlands, open forests and swamps. It too uses the voids and cavities of trees. The bee hive and the woodpecker seen in the photos here were taken within 100 feet of one another.<br />
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<b>Engaging the formal swamp</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmAu2SAcBAc/U5PTI6AlXsI/AAAAAAAALdw/gXrG5LzI-Co/s1600/slough+swamp+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmAu2SAcBAc/U5PTI6AlXsI/AAAAAAAALdw/gXrG5LzI-Co/s1600/slough+swamp+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acres and acres of snake filled swamp that we slogged though</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvxyfYyPpEM/U5SKwmrljiI/AAAAAAAALf0/UA8PE6oIT7Q/s1600/texas+sedge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvxyfYyPpEM/U5SKwmrljiI/AAAAAAAALf0/UA8PE6oIT7Q/s1600/texas+sedge.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ankle deep water in the flooded sedge, acres of it</td></tr>
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The goal for this hike was to push through the Sabal minor groves, ash bottom and pockets of heavy ragweed to reach the immense and large water bodies we hope will hold tropical wading birds later in the summer.<br />
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Lots of over banking events this spring have created ideal aquatic habitat and food for wading birds, snakes and frogs. Getting there requires wading through flooded aquatic grasses that are prime habitat for water moccasins and alligators. Called sedge, this aquatic grass in the lifeblood of environments like this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxSrGSlPBi0/U5R0HqWZ-MI/AAAAAAAALfc/W72Gez5z07w/s1600/black+crowned+night+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxSrGSlPBi0/U5R0HqWZ-MI/AAAAAAAALfc/W72Gez5z07w/s1600/black+crowned+night+heron.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Crowned Night Heron in a pocket pool surrounded by sedge</td></tr>
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In Texas, there are over 100 species of sedges and they are difficult to identify without using detailed botanical indexes. In general, sedges are perennial plants that resemble grass, grow in shallow water or damp soils, and can reach 3-4 feet in height. Sedges often grow in thick clusters called tussocks. <br />
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Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food for many aquatic invertebrates. Sedges are considered good wildlife plants. Sedges are grazed by muskrats, nutria, and rabbits, while the seeds are consumed by waterfowl and small birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyokLtSOa24/U5OUvYji3SI/AAAAAAAALao/rkGnLtVYXDA/s1600/big+swamp+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyokLtSOa24/U5OUvYji3SI/AAAAAAAALao/rkGnLtVYXDA/s1600/big+swamp+dallas+texas.jpg" height="110" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of open water, Great Trinity Forest</td></tr>
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The sedge and willows break open into the bright brilliant light of a true swamp with beaver built islands, beaver slides, copses of willow studded islands and high tree canopies that line the water's edge for hundreds of yards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8r0vP6VrLc/U5PNh5P_eMI/AAAAAAAALc8/PQM88r2RM2U/s1600/birding+great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8r0vP6VrLc/U5PNh5P_eMI/AAAAAAAALc8/PQM88r2RM2U/s1600/birding+great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first look at a promising site for dispersal birds later in the summer. Left to right, Sean Fitzgerald, Bill Holston, Scott Hudson. Scott with the field glasses is observing a Yellow Crowned Night Heron on the opposing shore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X43ERT8AMNE/U5PPWPyvtEI/AAAAAAAALdM/EzHa6raPGC0/s1600/tri+colored+heron+with+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X43ERT8AMNE/U5PPWPyvtEI/AAAAAAAALdM/EzHa6raPGC0/s1600/tri+colored+heron+with+fish.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-colored Heron with a sunfish</td></tr>
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There is a certain recipe for attracting wading birds to bodies of water. The ideal conditions are lots of food, shallow water, good cover and a secluded environment from predators. This unnamed body of water meets all those criteria and more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzrnIMuOMcw/U5RxRMwWxzI/AAAAAAAALfM/T862_dIwS3E/s1600/great+egret+breeding+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzrnIMuOMcw/U5RxRMwWxzI/AAAAAAAALfM/T862_dIwS3E/s1600/great+egret+breeding+color.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Egret in breeding plumage, note the neon green around the nose</td></tr>
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The difficult wading hike to make it here for a human is actually a great asset to one wanting to observe wildlife. Other bodies of water similar to this like Lemmon Lake in Joppa Preserve, require a long slow belly crawl across grass to reach the shoreline. Here, at this location, the dense treeline all but obscures a person for wildlife viewing up close.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPKRxEPvhPM/U5PF_T9xBzI/AAAAAAAALbw/zQZJG4EQ3AY/s1600/texas+swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPKRxEPvhPM/U5PF_T9xBzI/AAAAAAAALbw/zQZJG4EQ3AY/s1600/texas+swamp.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the water depth and making mental field notes</td></tr>
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High quality habitat like this is very rare in Dallas. It attracts birds seldom seem in other places in town. The area acts as an incubator for many animal species to raise their young, it was clearly evident that birds, especially the Yellow Crowned Night Heron had a nearby rookery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oM1zB7NBPz4/U5RvZNmKXVI/AAAAAAAALe0/9y-Oi1Ls9mU/s1600/adult+yellow+crowned+night+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oM1zB7NBPz4/U5RvZNmKXVI/AAAAAAAALe0/9y-Oi1Ls9mU/s1600/adult+yellow+crowned+night+heron.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Crowned Night Heron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKezdZwfC7Q/U5POm4tJLAI/AAAAAAAALdE/FXRSXJFlAnI/s1600/texas+green+snake+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKezdZwfC7Q/U5POm4tJLAI/AAAAAAAALdE/FXRSXJFlAnI/s1600/texas+green+snake+tree.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough Green Snake in an Oak</td></tr>
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Rough green snakes are typically found on forest edges near ponds or lakes. Although they are arboreal snakes, they forage in dense vegetation along pond and lake shorelines during the day. Nights are spent coiled in the branches of trees. Rough green snakes choose perches based on distance from water sources, height in branches, and thickness of the branch.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kafuqA0sbrM/U5PPb2u_-MI/AAAAAAAALdU/KzPFJugJ4yM/s1600/texas+green+tree+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kafuqA0sbrM/U5PPb2u_-MI/AAAAAAAALdU/KzPFJugJ4yM/s1600/texas+green+tree+snake.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Some Birds Of The Swamp</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCxKrK_FTjA/U5OS4BqkWRI/AAAAAAAALaA/2mfYZmwLIRk/s1600/swamp+birds+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCxKrK_FTjA/U5OS4BqkWRI/AAAAAAAALaA/2mfYZmwLIRk/s1600/swamp+birds+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-colored Heron, Snowy Egret and White Ibis, Great Trinity Forest, June 7, 2014</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJrx7IqbEW0/U5SLFGJfGGI/AAAAAAAALf8/y8GdV455C10/s1600/texas+waterbirds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eJrx7IqbEW0/U5SLFGJfGGI/AAAAAAAALf8/y8GdV455C10/s1600/texas+waterbirds.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>Three birds featured above, all wading birds of near similar size and height with all very different methods of catching prey. <br />
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Perhaps a decade ago, the sight of a White Ibis was a rare occurrence in Dallas. Same with the Tri-Colored Herons who, even today still exist on ornithological range maps as birds of the Gulf estuaries and Louisiana swamps. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfYSdcg05zg/U5PPqzF7_cI/AAAAAAAALdc/ssqUX26wPDY/s1600/ibis+feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfYSdcg05zg/U5PPqzF7_cI/AAAAAAAALdc/ssqUX26wPDY/s1600/ibis+feeding.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis foraging for food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This spot is so remote and so unexpected to have humans visit that we were able to spend a long length of time inside the shade of the trees observing not only the feeding habits of these birds but watching many of the birds fly directly over our heads and land directly in front of us, 20-30 feet away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG--_6F7lKQ/U5RwaS0XwWI/AAAAAAAALfE/R54X0kCzhpU/s1600/snowy+egret+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NG--_6F7lKQ/U5RwaS0XwWI/AAAAAAAALfE/R54X0kCzhpU/s1600/snowy+egret+dallas+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When foraging, the Snowy Egret walks upright with the neck slightly arched, and it flies strongly with deep wing beats, the yellow feet visibly trailing behind the body. It is an extremely vocal heron, particularly during aggressive encounters, when a characteristic “rah” call is emitted.The Snowy Egret will often shake their legs and feet, agitating the water and mud to stir up prey underneath.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ER13pURS6KY/U5PQopzIi-I/AAAAAAAALdk/dPz76_OzzDA/s1600/snowy+egret+fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ER13pURS6KY/U5PQopzIi-I/AAAAAAAALdk/dPz76_OzzDA/s1600/snowy+egret+fishing.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egret prowling for prey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1PPZtafr0I/U5PHy7a8ZcI/AAAAAAAALcQ/_HNS4hmPINQ/s1600/little+blue+heron+juvenile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1PPZtafr0I/U5PHy7a8ZcI/AAAAAAAALcQ/_HNS4hmPINQ/s1600/little+blue+heron+juvenile.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Little Blue Heron</td></tr>
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The snowy egret is often confused with the juvenile Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea), but may be distinguished by the pure white tips on the wing feathers, the solid black bill and the bright yellow feet, which give the impression that the bird is wearing gloves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHC4XKV6CTI/U5OQYgd5jiI/AAAAAAAALZc/hQKPOhZoGwI/s1600/little+green+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHC4XKV6CTI/U5OQYgd5jiI/AAAAAAAALZc/hQKPOhZoGwI/s1600/little+green+heron.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Green Heron is sometimes called the Green-Backed Heron. It is a smallish heron that is about the size of a large crow. It is a foot and a half to two feet in length. The Green Heron has a dark head with a small black crest. Its back and wings are dark gray-green to dark gray-blue. Its neck is rust colored. It has a dark bill and its legs are orange or yellow. Elusive little birds that are very hard to photograph in flight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVAOl7RsgSo/U5OUU1uSd-I/AAAAAAAALaY/NM0v1voKZVA/s1600/yellow+crowned+night+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVAOl7RsgSo/U5OUU1uSd-I/AAAAAAAALaY/NM0v1voKZVA/s1600/yellow+crowned+night+heron.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Crowned Night Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is a migratory bird that resides here
along the Trinity River in Texas Unlike
other night heron species, the yellow-crowned forages both late in the
day and night. It forages much like other herons by wading through water
waiting for its prey to come within striking distance. Also, unlike the
great heron which many have seen standing motionless like a statue in
many Texas waters, the yellow-crowned will stir up its quarry by wading
briskly at the waters edge. With a quick dancing motion, the dagger like
bill stabs its prey. The prey of a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron normally
consists of fish, frogs, grasshoppers, and occasionally snakes, but its
primary diet is crustaceans.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54H1aUqtp-Q/U5ORwAuY6II/AAAAAAAALZ0/VSL0w8Fur0k/s1600/juvenile+yellow+crown+night+heron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54H1aUqtp-Q/U5ORwAuY6II/AAAAAAAALZ0/VSL0w8Fur0k/s1600/juvenile+yellow+crown+night+heron.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Yellow Crowned Night Heron on the branch of a willow</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVjk_JmMgUs/U5PHQZsHb8I/AAAAAAAALcI/8N6_cSicdcA/s1600/tri-colored+heron+texas+swamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVjk_JmMgUs/U5PHQZsHb8I/AAAAAAAALcI/8N6_cSicdcA/s1600/tri-colored+heron+texas+swamp.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-colored Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqklVN_cufE/U5PGxPxVpJI/AAAAAAAALb4/qb6OZsNF4dg/s1600/tri+colored+heron+dallas+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqklVN_cufE/U5PGxPxVpJI/AAAAAAAALb4/qb6OZsNF4dg/s1600/tri+colored+heron+dallas+texas.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
The Tri-colored Heron's signature movements, aesthetic features and picturesque plumage draw it apart from the other birds. The Tri-colored Heron's color is a slate blue/dark blue gray color. It has light greenish/yellowish legs and the color on the beak matches its legs. It also has a white stripe on its purple neck. The heron's white belly gives it its unique identity. It is named the Tricolored Heron because of these three different shades.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qGkdjcBoA/U5PJ8CfpFPI/AAAAAAAALck/izTdVFfPbPU/s1600/tri-colored+heron+in+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2qGkdjcBoA/U5PJ8CfpFPI/AAAAAAAALck/izTdVFfPbPU/s1600/tri-colored+heron+in+flight.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
It is the only dark colored bird with a white underbelly in the heron
family. The Tri-colored Heron usually measures a little over two feet in
length and has a little over three foot wingspan.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gh93TjcgXY/U5PG75SztVI/AAAAAAAALcA/tY9Vj13uvBE/s1600/white+ibis+in+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gh93TjcgXY/U5PG75SztVI/AAAAAAAALcA/tY9Vj13uvBE/s1600/white+ibis+in+flight.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Because they require shallow water for feeding, many white ibises are found in coastal, aquatic environments such as ponds and lakes or inland wetlands. White Ibises are primarily found in southern coastal regions of the Gulf states and during the summer and move inland after the breeding and nesting seasons. Called "dispersal", the wading birds head inland from the coast in search of slowly drying ponds and beds. Because water depth is of the upmost importance for their feeding and reproductive behaviors, White Ibises may shift locations due to the rise and fall of water levels.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVGM0aI2oc/U5OTnl0qKMI/AAAAAAAALaM/X-Gs3OBlU4g/s1600/white+ibis+great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrVGM0aI2oc/U5OTnl0qKMI/AAAAAAAALaM/X-Gs3OBlU4g/s1600/white+ibis+great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Ibis in the Great Trinity Forest June 7, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
DallasTrinityTrailshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787691728343464938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15172790781117660.post-7140467160718034632014-05-27T12:04:00.003-05:002014-05-27T12:08:01.683-05:00I-20 Dowdy Ferry Gateway Park and Horse Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd2TA9lWPA8/U4M9RIOjCQI/AAAAAAAALJk/MkfckgpTj1U/s1600/dowdy+ferry+horse+trail+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd2TA9lWPA8/U4M9RIOjCQI/AAAAAAAALJk/MkfckgpTj1U/s1600/dowdy+ferry+horse+trail+dallas.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel the horse takes a break from a trail ride to McCommas Bluff at the Dowdy Ferry Gateway Trail and park, May 25, 2014 Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
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<b>Location</b>: <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uOdFe" target="_blank">2081 Dowdy Ferry Road Dallas, Texas</a><br />
GPS 32.680542,-96.677585<br />
Gravel trailhead parking lot with horse trailer parking<br />
Picnic/BBQ facilities chemical toilets and water fountains<br />
Old gravel quarry turned fishing pond with concrete trail around shore, 1/3-1/2 mile of concrete<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUMUx7AgpFM/UeLoVrMq56I/AAAAAAAAHz0/SVnm9hE83qA/s1600/dowdy+ferry+trail+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUMUx7AgpFM/UeLoVrMq56I/AAAAAAAAHz0/SVnm9hE83qA/s1600/dowdy+ferry+trail+map.jpg" height="520" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dowdy Ferry Trail Map. Red trail(unwalkable and unrideable in many sections). Better route is the grey line from the trailhead that is open chaparral country and has offshoots that lead into the woods</td></tr>
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<b>Trails</b>:<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C25htzj9Lp8/UeLpbrjEeKI/AAAAAAAAH0A/odMvr15_f94/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C25htzj9Lp8/UeLpbrjEeKI/AAAAAAAAH0A/odMvr15_f94/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a> -<b>1/3-1/2 mile of Concrete Trail</b> and mixed surface trail around perimeter of pond<br />
-<b>2 mile Double track trail</b> linking this park with McCommas Bluff Preserve(no motorized vehicles allowed)<br />
-<b>Horse Trail through woods</b> a poorly constructed mud pit that loosely follows the Trinity River from the I-20 trailhead towards McCommas Bluff and peters out behind Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.<br />
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Easy access by mountain bike using existing dirt bike paths and routes from various trailheads in the Great Trinity Forest and Strava or Garmin based routes available online.<br />
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Across what is now the mid-west United States in the late 1830s and early 1840s, there was an over abundance of labor, scarcity of money and farmers were unable to sell crops for a good price at market. Nearly all citizens were engaged in trade and bartered for goods and services with little chance of turning a buck. The high rate of unemployment in the states like Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Tennessee had people looking for new places to grow roots and build a new life. For many residents, Texas fit that bill.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WBQjXEgfDc/U4SS4XQVffI/AAAAAAAALNM/KAWGHTTURhY/s1600/dowdy+ferry+park+i20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WBQjXEgfDc/U4SS4XQVffI/AAAAAAAALNM/KAWGHTTURhY/s1600/dowdy+ferry+park+i20.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies and Bachelor Buttons at the I-20 Gateway Park, picnic facilities in the background</td></tr>
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Quite a few Americans got a good look at Texas real estate firsthand either through the service during the Texas Revolution or from the Mexican War a few years later. One such Mexican War veteran and Illinois resident was Allanson Dawdy. Born in 1826, he left home at the age of 20, in 1846 to join the United States Army under command of Colonel JJ Hardin. Men from all walks of life were brought together creating a volunteer army from laborers, farmers, blacksmiths, lawyers and doctors. They saw action at the famed Battle of Buena Vista against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna himself, in what has become one of the most well known battles of the Mexican War. Dawdy, a young man of 21 liked what he saw in Texas and after his military service planted roots here in Dallas County. His name, now misspelled as Dowdy became the namesake of one of the most well known roads in Dallas, Dowdy Ferry Road.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os5c0Smh0uw/U4SUCmVqOAI/AAAAAAAALNQ/i7RUNZNjjw0/s1600/red+poppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-os5c0Smh0uw/U4SUCmVqOAI/AAAAAAAALNQ/i7RUNZNjjw0/s1600/red+poppies.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees gathering the pollen of poppies in a mass planted area at Dowdy Ferry Park</td></tr>
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<br />
The parkland here was first settled by William Shelton in the 1840s, an Illinois veteran from the Mexican War. The bluffs carried his name, Shelton's Bluff until shortly after the Civil War. In 1850, he married into the Dawdy Family who ran a ferry service on the Texas National Highway across the Trinity River downstream a few miles. Pronounced "Dowdy", the misspelling took and Dowdy Ferry Road is now over the old Texas National Highway route.<br />
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Together only three families, Beeman, Shelton and Dawdy owned most of the land along the Trinity just south of what is now Fair Park to Hutchins, in what was then Nacogdoches County in the Republic of Texas. The McCommas family purchased the Shelton land after the passing of William Shelton. The name Shelton's Bluff stuck through the Civil War, eventually changing names to McCommas Bluff on maps in 1880. <br />
<br />
Illinois native Allanson Dawdy (1826-1901) came to Dallas County in
1847. By 1854, he was granted a license to operate a ferry at this site
on the Trinity River, the southernmost crossing at the time in Dallas County. An
important route for citizens living on both sides of the river, the
ferry continued in operation until about 1880. Ferry charges included
one dollar for a wagon with four or more animals, ten cents for a man
and horse, and five cents for a person on foot. The first permanent
bridge was installed at this site in 1888.<br />
<br />
Now spelled and pronounced Dowdy Ferry, the road and bridges bearing the name form a wide arching loop from Pleasant Grove towards Hutchins. <br />
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<br />
<b>Black Bellied Whistling Duck </b><i>Dendrocygna autumnalis</i><b><i> </i>aka Pato Maizal "The Cornfield Duck Of Mexico"</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--61ACNVBCFo/U4NBW3yBniI/AAAAAAAALKM/trAjEC2Aadw/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+ducks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--61ACNVBCFo/U4NBW3yBniI/AAAAAAAALKM/trAjEC2Aadw/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+ducks.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bellied Whistling Ducks <i>Dendrocygna autumnalis </i>at the Dowdy Ferry rock quarry turned fishing pond May 25, 2014 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRRnVtdgOBU/U4SXKAFNUEI/AAAAAAAALNY/LddFefChjSM/s1600/whistling+duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRRnVtdgOBU/U4SXKAFNUEI/AAAAAAAALNY/LddFefChjSM/s1600/whistling+duck.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a>It's a rare sighting for Dallas, tropical Black-bellied whistling ducks, also known as black-bellied tree ducks, are odd birds and an odd sight. Taxonomists categorize them closer kin to geese than true ducks. They don’t dabble. They don’t dive. They wade in shallow water with their spindly legs and use their long necks to bend over to graze on grasses and aquatic vegetation.<br />
<br />
Beautiful in flight, these dark chestnut-brown birds have bright-white wing patches with a pinkish-orange bill and feet that hang behind them. Hens and drakes share similar patterns with a slight deeper contrast in color for the drakes. While flying, they can not be confused with the buff-colored fulvous whistling duck also found in the same regions – or any other duck, for that matter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrF5A6WDOu8/U4M-FYKUCsI/AAAAAAAALJs/-Xe5tt8Un7M/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+dowdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrF5A6WDOu8/U4M-FYKUCsI/AAAAAAAALJs/-Xe5tt8Un7M/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+dowdy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mating pair of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks at the Dowdy Ferry park pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These birds are found in great numbers across Central and South America where, in some locales, they are referred to as “Cornfield Ducks” as they plague grain fields and are treated as such. In the US, their range is limited to the southern limits of the Gulf Coast states, though wayward birds have been found in northern states. Their population is actually expanding north and why they are now infrequent visitors to the Trinity River Bottoms.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKn-HcM012w/U4NCHirKqpI/AAAAAAAALKU/6wZFSfY3_is/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+duck+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKn-HcM012w/U4NCHirKqpI/AAAAAAAALKU/6wZFSfY3_is/s1600/black+bellied+whistling+duck+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whistlers don’t migrate, in the true sense of waterfowl, but they flock up in groups to travel back and forth across their range. As the moniker “tree duck” implies, they nest in holes of trees, and their webbed feet have needle-sharp talons to help them perch on branches. There’s also a reason they are known as whistling ducks. They are very vocal; their peeping whistling while in flight betrays their approach.<br />
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<b>Tri-Colored Heron</b> <i>Egretta tricolor</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3B3gLNP4yV4/U4NIccKZXjI/AAAAAAAALLc/VJjnq1xbfiA/s1600/tri+colored+heron+wading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3B3gLNP4yV4/U4NIccKZXjI/AAAAAAAALLc/VJjnq1xbfiA/s1600/tri+colored+heron+wading.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-colored Heron fishing at Dowdy Ferry pond at the Dowdy Ferry Park and Horse Trail, May 25, 2014</td></tr>
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Another seldom seen bird in the DFW area is the Tri-Colored Heron formerly known as the Louisiana Heron. Up until several years ago their range was thought to be that of Southeast Texas, Big Thicket and the huge expansive swamps of the Gulf Basin. If you know where to look, you just might find one in the Great Trinity Forest.<br />
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The Tri-colored Heron is a medium-size wading bird named for its three main colors: bluish-gray, purple and white. Its head, back and wings are a dark bluish-gray. The back of the neck is purple. The belly is white. The Tri-color also has a narrow white streak with delicate rust-colored markings down the front of its neck. The eyes are bright red. The legs are pale green or yellow. The bill is usually yellow at the base and has a dark tip<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJqv1h-FQwU/U4NFBJXbs0I/AAAAAAAALKs/sYWWSh8CFFw/s1600/tri+colored+heron+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XJqv1h-FQwU/U4NFBJXbs0I/AAAAAAAALKs/sYWWSh8CFFw/s1600/tri+colored+heron+dallas.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tri-colored Heron making a surge in deeper water for prey</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7cyNUZRLCk/U4NGFciCtKI/AAAAAAAALLM/yPSF2_k0TTA/s1600/tri+colored+heron+great+trinity+forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H7cyNUZRLCk/U4NGFciCtKI/AAAAAAAALLM/yPSF2_k0TTA/s1600/tri+colored+heron+great+trinity+forest.jpg" height="400" width="277" /></a><br />
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Foraging in open or semi-open wetland areas, the tricolored heron tends to hunt in deeper water than other heron species, feeding mainly on small fish but also eating insects, crustaceans and frogs. It uses a variety of hunting strategies, including standing still, patiently waiting for prey to come within striking distance, and a running pursuit with the head held low to the water and the bill stabbed at prey with an almost horizontal action<br />
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The Tri-colored Heron is more active than the larger herons. This bird does not patiently stand and wait when feeding. It walks through shallow water in a darting fashion, crouching and weaving as it moves along. Sometimes it raises its wings to cast a shadow on the water so it can spot its prey. It lunges and prances, then shoots its bill into the water to catch a fish or an aquatic insect.<br />
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Video footage of Tri-colored Herons feeding and nesting last year in Dallas, Texas just off the old river meanders near Inwood and I-35. The birds roosting here commute a short distance, about 1/4 mile to fish the ponds that line the floodway.<br />
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<b>Rastro del Caballo -- No Bueno</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NkPylkxnWY/U4NFJVUC5zI/AAAAAAAALK8/YeXMDPcsogY/s1600/dowdy+ferry+trail+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9NkPylkxnWY/U4NFJVUC5zI/AAAAAAAALK8/YeXMDPcsogY/s1600/dowdy+ferry+trail+1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worst trail in the Great Trinity Forest? You bet. Worst built trail in DFW? Most likely.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NveW7KeX-O0/U4NFNe8apsI/AAAAAAAALLE/Iu3Hbp_S5lw/s1600/bankston+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NveW7KeX-O0/U4NFNe8apsI/AAAAAAAALLE/Iu3Hbp_S5lw/s1600/bankston+sign.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VBzSL7aV3U/U4SQlAoDxYI/AAAAAAAALNA/cnVheuqUm7U/s1600/destroyed+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4VBzSL7aV3U/U4SQlAoDxYI/AAAAAAAALNA/cnVheuqUm7U/s1600/destroyed+trail.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a><br />
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Much of the trail here is a scraped bulldozed path through the woods cut in the spring of 2013. Six to eight feet wide in most spots it's about a mile and a half long. No formal signs exist and it loosely follows the Trinity River. From the parking lot the trail travels near due west till it reaches a high bank with a view of the mouth of Five Mile Creek.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-A4UojajY/U4SP7ZFrWYI/AAAAAAAALM8/avd6YF3YSa8/s1600/worst+trail+in+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-A4UojajY/U4SP7ZFrWYI/AAAAAAAALM8/avd6YF3YSa8/s1600/worst+trail+in+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand ballast added to the underlying clay in an attempt to dry up some of the worst mud sections. Notice how the sand has migrated out into the woods, causing more of a problem.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqwLQR3WJ18/UeLwJVdpHMI/AAAAAAAAH0g/uiq7JGBiXAw/s1600/new+channel+trinity+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqwLQR3WJ18/UeLwJVdpHMI/AAAAAAAAH0g/uiq7JGBiXAw/s1600/new+channel+trinity+river.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a>It sits off the "new channel" of the Trinity, a channelized section of river that was straightened in the 1970s for a planned inland barge route that never materialized.<br />
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The woods here are a rather remarkable stand of Ash, Pecan and some large Bur Oaks. The Virginia Wild Rye has just about gone to seed as of this writing in late May and will soon turn from brilliant green to a uniform color of khaki brown.<br />
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The trail itself was built slightly below grade. When scraped/bladed the trail was a natural depression which tends to hold water for extended periods. A year ago I remarked on my blog about the problem and thought one good overbanking flood or two would turn it belly up and ruined. Still waiting on that big flood.<br />
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Allanson Dawdy who founded Dowdy Ferry and many of the old pioneers never built horse trails and roads through this area for they knew that with any rain, the clay mud becomes an unworkable mess for weeks on end. The old timers picked the high ground, up in the sand and out of what we now call the hundred year flood plain. Old stories of hunters and fisherman in this area never mention horses, it was always traveled on foot.<br />
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Somehow we as modern day Dallasites forgot this lesson and as such created a problem with no good solution. Food for thought if anyone else has a hankering for building horse trails down yonder.<br />
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Out of the dozen horses at the park that day, only one ventured down the trail. The rider came back in five minutes and yelled "No Bueno" to the rest of the horseback riders. They were frustrated but understood that it's not worth injuring your beloved horse on a poorly built trail. They hit the dirt road up to McCommas Bluff instead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRS3B569VsA/U4NM9nAvLuI/AAAAAAAALL4/vKz47_PJiSM/s1600/i-20+horse+trails+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRS3B569VsA/U4NM9nAvLuI/AAAAAAAALL4/vKz47_PJiSM/s1600/i-20+horse+trails+dallas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitched to a post near the trailhead, these horses were not taken on the horse trail through the woods due to ankle busting conditions of the trail. They were ridden up the old dirt road instead</td></tr>
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<b>The old double track road to McCommas Bluff</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiB0JN_NYHk/U4OeBI0Nz2I/AAAAAAAALMI/nFD13fR48ZE/s1600/eye+of+the+storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiB0JN_NYHk/U4OeBI0Nz2I/AAAAAAAALMI/nFD13fR48ZE/s1600/eye+of+the+storm.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye of the storm as heavy rain encroaches on the Great Trinity Forest just north of the I-20 Dowdy Ferry Park on May 25, 2014. A lone pecan tree stands in the middle of a field featuring Clasping Conflower and emergent Giant Ragweed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S19O0K0Iilk/U4M_red11sI/AAAAAAAALJ4/-ztmILUP5SA/s1600/great+trinity+forest+horse+trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S19O0K0Iilk/U4M_red11sI/AAAAAAAALJ4/-ztmILUP5SA/s1600/great+trinity+forest+horse+trail.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu3mnnoJ9Wo/U4SMf7NoyJI/AAAAAAAALMs/j22gldcBb0c/s1600/great+trinity+forest+trail+dallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iu3mnnoJ9Wo/U4SMf7NoyJI/AAAAAAAALMs/j22gldcBb0c/s1600/great+trinity+forest+trail+dallas.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UZvvYgcgjU/U4NAeJyJqPI/AAAAAAAALKA/htOQ-e7Ewaw/s1600/identical+twin+horseback+riders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--UZvvYgcgjU/U4NAeJyJqPI/AAAAAAAALKA/htOQ-e7Ewaw/s1600/identical+twin+horseback+riders.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, you are seeing double. Identical twins Mario and Michael wearing identical riding attire on the Dowdy Ferry dirt road trail to McCommas Bluff</td></tr>
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The road here is actually a right of way for a utility sewer line that sends sewage down to the wastewater treatment plant in far Southeast Dallas near the community of Sand Branch. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BlFq4Z-68Y/U4SLZzzvRcI/AAAAAAAALMk/3X1jP5Hzwmo/s1600/coneflowers+texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_BlFq4Z-68Y/U4SLZzzvRcI/AAAAAAAALMk/3X1jP5Hzwmo/s1600/coneflowers+texas.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The open vistas of immense horizon-to-horizon coneflowers are an impressive sight this time of year. Soon the Giant Ragweed will takeover, growing to impressive heights of 8 feet or higher through this area. This same ROW if followed through McCommas Bluff Preserve will lead you across Elam Creek and will link up with Phase II of the Great Trinity Forest Trail just north of the pedestrian bridge across the Trinity near the Audubon Center.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdQKm8DId-o/U4Oh885sQdI/AAAAAAAALMU/rq1Rd_Djewk/s1600/horsemint+texas+purple+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdQKm8DId-o/U4Oh885sQdI/AAAAAAAALMU/rq1Rd_Djewk/s1600/horsemint+texas+purple+1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Beebalm along the doubletrack trail at Dowdy Ferry</td></tr>
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Known by a number of common names, lemon beebalm is a 1-2 ft annual with unusual, tuft-like, lavender to pink, spiked flower heads. Each elongated spike is punctuated by whitish or lavender, leaf-like bracts. Several stems grow from the base and are lined with pairs of spear-shaped leaves. Horsemint has a distinctive citrus or lemony scent when the leaves are rubbed or crushed<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLf-9i4XICg/U4NKQCLzSsI/AAAAAAAALLk/XBA7mR9XduU/s1600/bee+balm+swallowtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLf-9i4XICg/U4NKQCLzSsI/AAAAAAAALLk/XBA7mR9XduU/s1600/bee+balm+swallowtail.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallowtail feeding on lemon bee balm near the Dowdy Ferry Park </td></tr>
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There must be at least 3-4 distinct subspecies of lemon bee balm aka Horsemint in the Great Trinity Forest. Some stands near Joppa Preserve are larger, rougher and nearly white, while others near Scyene Overlook have a deep purple appearance. The Dowdy Ferry Park is somewhere in between the two. All attract butterflies, hummingbird moths and bumblebees for the nectar.<br />
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