Birder’s Lounge

I traveled to Mo-Ranch near Hunt, TX to attend the annual meeting of the Texas Master Naturalists. The Texas Master Naturalist program is a volunteer organization jointly coordinated by Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension and Texas Parks & Wildlife. In exchange for training and the opportunity to share the love of nature with others, Texas Master Naturalists give back to their communities through a variety of volunteer services.

I had a great time and met many wonderful people at the Mo-Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. I am looking forward to classes in my area that begin in February, 2009.

Believe it or not, I didn’t get tons of pictures. There was little time for photos with all of the classes and activities. On the last day, the president of the chapter I will be joining spotted this amazing creature:

No, I have no idea what this humongous caterpillar will turn in to!!

My best chance for photos was on my way home. I missed the Perdenales Falls State Park somehow, and wound up visiting the Longhorn Cavern State Park. I tried to make the most of it, though I could not wait for the next tour of the cavern, and they didn’t allow cameras anyway. I walked a nature trail and caught a glimpse of a bird that I did not recognize. I didn’t get a picture, but I think it may have been a Western Scrub Jay. To say that I was disappointed at missing the shot is an understatement. I almost tripped on my bottom lip on the way back to my car.

As I was about to put my gear in the trunk, I spied some movement in a low-lying area beside the parking lot. I excitedly darted over to the edge, only to find these:

Cats. What in the heck were these cats doing all the way out here? I guess I shouldn’t begrudge them a little nature-loving too.

After I left the park, I tried to make the most of the daylight I had left. I wound up spending the last few minutes at a combination historical marker and picnic area. I thought I might luck-out and capture an image of something that I wouldn’t see at home. I got a picture of something, alright-

Another cat! And this was at least 50 miles up the road, and off the highway. But then, I could hear voices and the distinct sound of a basketball bouncing on pavement. There must have been a home on the other side of the trees that blocked my view.

These sights and sounds reminded me of how very precious our wild spaces are, and how rare. It seemed harder than I thought it would be to drive “out into the country,” and truly feel like I ever got there. With this in mind, I look forward to learning and sharing through the Texas Master Naturalist program - and helping to preserve and restore our wild places for all to enjoy.