Judy, Anahuac NWR, and WOW!

Winnie Inn and RV Campground
Winnie, TX
January 7, 2014

Traveling on I-10, most folks ride right on past Winnie, TX. Joe and I would have been no exception except that Anahuac NWR is located in Winnie and that's where Judy and Emma are.




 I was thrilled at the prospect of possibly meeting Judy and Emma (Travels With Emma) and seeing Anahuac. And then ecstatic when plans were made. Even in the bitter cold, Judy graciously committed to a day with us...a day she had off!  After meets and greets including sweet puppy kisses from Emma at Judy's, we were on our way. Immediately, Pearl (our Jeep) was filled with conversation...history about the refuge, questions and answers, stories, sharing a little about us, and learning a little about her...just like old friends.

Our first stop was the Visitors Center (a beautiful new facility) where we took a virtual tour of the refuge on an "air boat". The refuge has 34,000 acres managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 Our first photo stop was on the 2.5 mile loop around Shoveler Pond...the only freshwater lake in the refuge.




It was interesting to learn that after Ike (2008) the lake had to be drained, given time to dry out and then all the salt removed and then refilled.








We saw lots of coots. These birds are not ducks, but rather in the rail family with strong legs and long lobed toes.












Then as we were rounding the turn...WOW! An Ibis...one of the birds I really wanted to see. Isn't it grand? Their long, down-curved bill is used for probing. They are tactile, non-visual foragers and prefer crayfish, insects, and small fishes.

We sat and watched for a few minutes.

 







 

 

 As we were leaving...so was this Great Blue Heron. What a sight...we watched as he took flight and settled in on the road just to our left.

















From there, Judy took us down Frozen Point Road. This road runs right through prairie land all the way to Galveston Bay. Why the name  Frozen Point? When a blizzard in 1895 dumped 18 inches of snow there, the cows headed south along the fence line. They ran right into the bay, bogged down and froze. 

Along the way,
we just happen to see a large flock of white and black Ibis...

 



They like to feed in groups.

We also saw a good size group of neotropic cormorants.

Galveston Bay

Judy took us to Skillern Tract for the last part of our day.  The wooded banks of East Bay Bayou turned into a few "WOW!" moments for us! First off, we spotted a vermillion flycatcher just as we stepped out of the Jeep.

This was the first time for Joe and I to see one and it was very difficult to be quiet. We had such fun following him as he flew from tree to tree...

WOW!

White-crowned Sparrow

One of the many overlooks along the bayou...

This area is great for fishing, canoeing or kayaking, bird watching...or for spotting butterflies and alligators. Its absolutely beautiful!  And oh so quiet!



Walking along talking with Judy surrounded by all this beauty was a dream come true. I had to pinch myself several times!

Oops, Judy I forget the name of this little guy....










The Common Moorhen or "swamp chicken" pecking for small aquatic creatures and vegetation. Wow!

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher...he flicks his white-edged tail to scare up the hiding insects. Wow!

 And last...the Orange-crowned Warbler...WOW!

He was so entertaining as he meticulously moved from post to post checking each and every crevice looking for spiders.

Judy and I were snapping away...he didn't seem to mind!

 

Well, before we knew it, 6 hours had flown by. Joe and I both agree it was the fastest 6 hours ever! Having Judy as our very own personal guide made visiting Anahuac a very special day...one we will not forget. Somehow, "Thank you, Judy." just doesn't seem like enough! Don't be surprised if you see us at Tamarac this summer!

 

We had planned on going back to Anahuac today. We wanted to see the huge flocks of Snow Geese, but it was so cloudy with winds around 25 mph...we just stayed home with the Tan Clan instead.

 

Tomorrow we are off to Houston for a few days. Sure hope it warms up!

 

2014 is off to a great start for us...hope it is for you too.

 

 Until next time...take care and

 enjoy your view!

 

Westward Ho!

Live Oak Landing
Freeport, FL
January 1, 2014

December 21 was our last trip to the beach. We chose a public access in Destin... James Lee Park. Its a nice park with picnic tables, dune walkovers, a playground and restrooms.

It was a little chilly with mostly cloudy skies and a strong breeze...even a little mist.

We saw a small sampling of gulls, pigeons and plovers. 






Some of them were just as confused about the weather as we were! 

We didn't get to the beach as much as I would have liked to during our 2 months here. We had way too many cold, rainy days.

 

I will miss the sound of the crashing waves, the smell of the salty air, the way the sand feels, and the beautiful, entertaining  birds. Until next time...

Last Sunday, we met Barry and Millie at the Alaqua Animal Refuge. Its located on 10 acres just outside Freeport.

 The refuge was founded in 2007 when a local resident discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due to the lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption agency in the area. 

It was just like being on a farm.

Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected, and homeless animal deserves a second chance.

 Alaqua has helped over 5,000 animals find a home since 2007.

Currently, up to 100 animals are adopted per month from this unique shelter which serves as a true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time.

Horse stable

I was not allowed to take pictures of the horses as most of the them are involved in cruelty cases and were removed from the owner.  Some of them were old and sway back and some were young...



There are 2 cat houses...one just for kittens and the other for adults...both with fans and air conditioning.

Adult cat house

The kennels for the pups were great because each pup had its own space...an outside run with toys and feeding/water bowls and an inside spot with a bed and blanket.

Dog Kennels

 

 On the way home, Joe and I stopped at the H A Laird City Park. We have passed it several times before but on this day we decided to check it out.

It is a small but interesting park nestled along Four Mile Creek.  As a result of all the rain we have been experiencing, the creek was way outside its banks... picnic tables and grills scattered among the trees were almost under water.

                                               

 

We thought the white sandy creek bottom, partially covered with leaves showing through the translucent tannin water, was interesting.  It revealed the true color of the tannin water that makes creeks look almost black. 

Nicely constructed raised boardwalks with small nooks and benches follow the course of the winding creek providing cozy  overlook areas to sit and enjoy the birds.

We were happy to have discovered this wonderful little hidden park.

As much as I love the Florida beaches, I have to say I am excited about heading west...so "Westward Ho" ! That's old cowboy talk for   "Lets get the wagon train moving!".  I was curious about why you use the word "Ho". It seems it originated in 1250-1300 and was used as a call to attract attention, especially after a word denoting a destination.

 

We can hardly wait! We pull out Sunday, January 5th. Our first stop will be in Winnie, TX to visit the Anahauc National Wildlife Refuge.  I hope we will be able to meet Judy(Travels with Emma), a fellow blogger and refuge volunteer. I  have my fingers crossed for nice weather and the possibility of seeing a curved bill Ibis. Then a stop in Houston to see friends Gary and Judy who we met last August in Maob. After that, we're off to Arizona for a rendezvous with Ron, Carol & Cooper.  We can't wait to dust off our hiking boots and hit the mountain and desert trails!