This is the view from a road running through part of a man-made wetlands in Combine, Texas.  This partnership between private land owners, scientists at Baylor University, and the area water district is a really cool idea that seems to provide a win-win-win situation. The wetland center is scheduled to open to the public this fall!

I toured part of this constructed wetland, and it was a real treat. It was a gray, wet morning, but the birds didn’t mind at all! This picture shows a few of the plants specifically selected for their ability to cleanse the water, which was brought in directly from the Trinity river. I was skeptical at first about the plant selection, worried that the interests of the water district may have lead to the planting of nonnative plant species. No worries! The wetland website has posted a great, 2-page PDF with pictures, common names, and scientific names of the various plants they  are using, and I am happy to report that every single species is native to North America.

This is a female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and I have to admit that I didn’t know that until a friend told me. Isn’t she lovely? (BTW, have you seen Cornell’s new All About Birds website? I just linked to it, as I usually do, for more info on the birds I talk about. Wow, the new site looks fantastic!!)

Here, she is perched on a volunteer willow tree.  Our tour leader said that the volunteer trees, like this willow and cottonwood, will be removed. Of course, I’d like to see the trees grow big and tall, but then, I suppose, I ought to just be happy that there is this neat way to serve the needs of people, wildlife, and the environment.

The males are striking, and I would show you a picture if I had one. You see, I was hoping to linger after the tour to take pictures, since my tripod and camera gear is a bit of a production. When I learned that we would all have to leave when the tour was over, I got my camera gear out – but hardly had time to photograph anything!

This is a Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), right at home in the wetlands. I saw White Pelicans, Blue-winged Teal, herons, egrets, and grebes. I also heard birds that I never saw. It is really exciting to know that this area will soon be open to the public and I will be able to visit (only about 45 min drive from my house) at all times of the year to see the birds and other wildlife!