A day trippin' road trip was in store for me the other day. I decided to take a drive along the desolate county roads again to get out of the house and still be 'quarantined' inside the car all the time. I had in mind maybe seeing some hawks or the like, but to my surprise, I sighted two very elusive bird species I haven't seen in decades. Or at least so it seems. Yes, it has been a long time since I saw either. And they were both spotted within 10 minutes of each other, and on the same gravel road. I was excited to see them, and even MORE excited to get some good photos of them...they are both very skittish and swift to disappear from sight. Most times, even before anyone has a chance to get the camera's viewfinder up to start focusing in on them. I will have photos of both birds [and others] shared this week on my bird photo blog...I'd Rather B Birdin'. Just click on the link above the photo at the top of Hootin' Anni's.
In the meantime, this is part of what else I saw while driving in my captivity-mobile...
Some roads are lined with cotton fields on both sides, while other roads, on one side it's sorghum and the opposite side is cotton. During Spring when fields are freshly plowed and on the verge of growing planted crops, the birds seen are more raptors, as the crops mature, the wildlife [and birds] change drastically to seed eaters, etc. Deer can be seen during the year in some remote areas, while in other areas, coyotes, javelinas and small critters like skunks and raccoons are found. Burrowing owls can be found if lucky, in the barrow ditches near the openings of the culverts, while other owls are seen in silos and quonset huts used to store grains [or when opened, storing farming equipment] because of the rodent population. It just depends. But, no matter what time of year, it's always a goodly chance of seeing something. It's quiet, hardly any traffic on the back roads, and the pristine atmosphere and changes in store are always a good way of getting away while still remaining safe from the virus. Heck, even BEFORE the virus hit.
Other areas, there are newly developed subdivisions, and large, vast ranch houses where cattle are raised [and some horse farms]. Turf farms. Yet on other roads, the oil wells and pumps prevail. Along the main highway #70 that takes you to interstate 69 to go either to Houston or Brownsville, Texas there are many wind generator farms and cotton gins, a diverse area of south Texas....
...then, there is a chance of wildlife in the quiet, unpopulated areas!
right: a roadrunner on the post seen in my rear view mirror.
I don't think you have ever shown this sight. Also, I always love how you frequently change your header to one of your latest and best bird sightings! I am enjoying the Roadrunner again.
ReplyDeleteIt's really not my header per sè, it's a link I change for the newest bird post each Saturday. Thanks Ginny
DeleteWe are seeing those great big wind turbines out near the ranch. Lots and lots of them.
ReplyDeleteI love going to the country every month of the year to see how the farm lands change. They usually get two crops a year and I love to see the entire process from planting to growth to harvest and then all over again with a different crop.
Good for you in getting out.....does Bud not want to go with you? How is he doing with the quarantine lasting so long? And it's so scary in Texas right now that we may never get out as we once did!
Yes, Texas "opened up" the state too soon. And young ones are suffering now...beach goers & bar patrons without masks! Bud is perfectly content staying home.
DeleteHello, I love rides on the country roads, the scenery is beautiful. What I call the back roads around here are like country roads, a lot of farm land. I do prefer a planted field over an oil rig. I do not mind keeping the social distance and wearing the mask for as long as necessary. Take care! Happy Sunday, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!
ReplyDelete...as long as necessary. You're a "wise" lady!
DeleteWhat A Lovely Day To Be Behind The Wheel Of An Automobile - Thanx For Taking Us Along - Stay Strong My Dear
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thanks!
DeleteThe only part of Texas that I have seen his from Interstate 10 and the interstate that goes through Houston from the north whatever that is. I was in a big truck and all I remember about Texas is that in Houston I was terrified because we were in an 18-wheeler on top of three stacks of Interstate and I just knew we would go off and the windmills and the oil rigs along Interstate 10. The whole trip across 10 look just like your pictures here nothing. I have seen the other parts of Texas from you and Linda post! And learned what's ahlgrim looks like because I for some reason thoughts SOG rum came from trees like maple syrup does
ReplyDeleteHouston driving is atrocious!! But, a beautiful city when you get off the thoroughfares!
DeleteA ride in the country is just the ticket these days. What an interesting contrast. The oil pumps with wind turbines in the background. Different ways to gather energy. One clean, one not so clean.
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased when I moved here to learn the roadrunner also lived here. They are so cool.
They're elusive birds!
DeleteWhen I lived in south Texas I used to love to take road trips. Talk about critters, they were everywhere, birds, snakes crawling across the road, possums, deer, armadillos. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteSouth Texas is a great area (exception:hurricanes)
DeleteIt was a beautiful day! We recently took a drive up to Terre Haute and I'm happy to say the corn and soybeans are looking very good! I'm looking forward to seeing the photos of your elusive birds! See ya later!
ReplyDeleteThey're up on my other blog.
DeleteLovely drive, thanks for taking us along. I love the old energy producing machines next to the new ones!
ReplyDeleteQuite a contrast.
DeleteI always love to hear about your drives and the beauty you find along the way.
ReplyDeleteBe careful out there. Coved-19 is out there, too!
Have a Great Day Anni ☕🌷
I try to be shut in while driving!
DeleteYour going to the store by the backroads seems like quite an adventure.
ReplyDeleteThe things (critters) you see along the way can really charge one's batteries.
I think Dave and I need to just drive somewhere to have a change of scenery.
Sue
It's a good way to lift spirits.
DeleteCool catch in your rear view mirror. I'll have to go check out the special birds on your other site. Glad you're staying safe! :-)
ReplyDelete...as I hope you are staying safe.
DeleteA ride sounds like a good idea. Thanks for taking us along with you. : )
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of places have opened up too soon!!
It was a great idea. I think I'll do it again...just drive.
DeleteYou do live in an area that has so much to see, both birds and scenery.
ReplyDeleteI should concentrate more on the scenery sometimes!
DeleteThanks for the visit!
ReplyDeleteCountry roads are the best! And I like that John Denver song too.
ReplyDeleteNo road runners around here, so I would be thrilled to see one!
Look fast...or you'll miss 'em. They move swiftly (just like in the cartoons)
DeleteNever seen sorghum or cotton. But have had sorghum syrup
ReplyDeleteThis sorghum is mainly harvested for silage/livestock. Your sorghum syrup is usually green sorghum.
DeleteThere's nothing quite like traveling country roads. I enjoyed the little trip
ReplyDeleteIt's quiet!
DeleteRideabouts are great whether you are in a car or, like me - in a golf car on a dirt road. There are many opportunities to see what others don't as they cruise along. Nice trip today!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy getting away from city traffic!
DeleteWe sometimes visit country side through country roads, yes, your explanations are true....beautiful and a lot of exciting wildlife....
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day
And peace & quiet for the most part.
DeleteThere is not much I like better than driving along a country road where I can slow down if I want to, or actually stop. Wind turbines fascinate me...not sure why. But I always love seeing them.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your Texas photos... especially the roadrunner. I haven't seen one in years!
ReplyDelete