The severe drought in West Texas has left its mark on the landscape and has impacted bird life and nature all together in Big Bend country. Springs have dried up and wildfires have destroyed forests. Even the hardiest pine trees are dying in the Chisos Basin.
But one thing in Big Bend is for sure: Life goes on...
This weekend I was inspired by the persistant spirit of people and nature in the Trans-Pecos region. On our 12-mile hike through the Chisos Mountains, Brad and I were pleased to find a diversity of birds and wildlife despite the drought. I visited a bird sanctuary where Carolyn Ohl-Johnson spends countless hours hauling water from Alpine to her remote property in the Chihuahan desert to keep her Christmas Mountain Oasis alive.
During our visit, more than a hundred firefighters were battling a wildfire near the Davis Mountains Resort. The blaze continues to threaten life and property. My thoughts and prayers go out to the volunteers and residents caught in this real life struggle to survive. In the coming days, I'll unpack my experiences and share about all the great birds I saw and some of the people I met along the way.
Wow. That cracked clay image is dramatic. It says everything. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
ReplyDelete