Howdee all,
While hiking Lost Mine trail..we met a couple who suggested we hike to Cattail Falls.
Round trip-3 miles
Difficulty-easy
“This is a gem of a trail that's not listed in any National Park literature. That's because it's perhaps the loveliest short hike in the park, and it goes to a delicate area so sensitive that it would be destroyed with overuse. I feel justified in describing it here, as 99.999% of you will never visit the park, and those that make the effort to will respect this beauty spot.” We started this trail around 4pm There used to be a Ranch here..this large tree is growing near a spring. Underneath the canopy.. Our hike starts out fairly easily…views of grass and scrub The trail meanders past an old Ranch, we saw an old water tank, and pipes on the trail, which I suspect they used to pipe water from the falls. I really like the dried seed stalks We descend into a lush Oasis..Flowers..oh darn, sicksta Adele told me what this was last night..I didn't write it down..
The falls were just a trickle of water now..A nice pool of water at the bottom. Some type of flowering shrub… Very lush, maiden hair fern was growing here.. and lots of small pools of water…
We heard Canyon wren and saw Hermit thrush..We had just an hour of light left before sunset..so we left the Oasis..
Evening sun starting to light things up..
A small cactus starting to bloom
I love hiking this time of day..
We saw a flock of Lesser goldfinch, the dark Texas type
more golden hues..as the sun starts to go lower in the sky ohhh..I love this pink..
And the golds…And our very very long shadows………..
goodnight for now…I am tired from hiking..
Birds of the day..
Rock and Canyon Wrens..think we also saw Winter wren...looked like it to us..A nice flock of Lesser Goldfinch, Texas variety...Canyon and spotted towhees, Solitaire, Mockingbirds, Acorn woodpeckers, Black tailed Gnat catchers,Black crested titmouse, Ladder-back woodpecker, Black eyed Junco..pink sided and Oregon, Mexican Jays,Vesper Sparrow, Says Phoebe, White wing doves, Hermit Thrush.Turkey Vultures, Red tail hawk
...pretty, pretty! I love that long-shadow shot. It's fun.
ReplyDeleteWow Dawn what beautiful pictures!!! Loved them and so glad you saw lots of birds... Have fun & travel safe.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI admit to hiking envy. These photos are show a gorgeous array of nature. You caught lovely shots! The vistas- the water- birds, sunset- oh and that amazing old tree. So happy you all have been able to do this in your life. BTW, the "Birds of the Day" feature is very interesting to me.
Keep on trekking!
Great trip from my chair! :) Love the Torrey Yucca. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great hike. I don't remember such beautiful areas when we went to Big Bend--will have to go back sometime.
ReplyDeleteHave you been to the hot springs along the Rio Grande river? We went probably 20 years but maybe it's dangerous because it's right on the Mexican border.
Thanks for visiting my blog--our trip was inspired by yours in December!
With pictures like that I'm not sure that a few more of your readers wont be making the trip. At least it is fun to think about the possibility.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures confirm what I already know, that I want to get down to Big Bend NP and hike my heart out!
We were slated to have gone this Spring (who knows, maybe we would've met!) until we realized that this year is Glacier NP's Centennial. Dave and I are trying to hit the Centennial's whenver it's possible and Glacier is my favorite Park. Big Bend will have to wait until another time.
We do however support Big Bend with our specialty license plates on both of our vehicles. A portion of the fee helps to fund the Park.
http://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/SpecialPlateOrderServlet?grpid=60&pltid=74
I can't wait to hear more and see more from your time spent here!
Connie
Loved reading he details..
ReplyDeleteand yes really liked the last shot the sunset especially
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your kind comments..I really do appreciate them and read them..When I am somewhere with good internet it is easier for me to keep up.
ReplyDeleteActually lately with all the hiking I can barely keep my eyes open in the evening..
Its all I can do to get my blog posts up so I dont fall far behind.
Gel,
I will try to continue the birds of the day..thanks
Constance, thanks for the link of the Big Bend plates..I am trying to work on my husband for these..would love to have them!!
Great stuff, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed finding this referenced in Escapees. Have always enjoyed birding in Big Bend.
ReplyDeleteReed and Elaine