More on Texas

For most, just the word "Texas" connotes "big." Although true, this view of my home state is rather limiting. When I travel my own backyard, I do see its vastness, but what captivates me is its unbelievable variety, the delicate balance that life has achieved in this land of extremes, and the sheer beauty that has permeated my being, my life and my vision. Join me as we tour my back yard of Texas. "I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world, the best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here." – Alamo hero Davey Crockett My Experience of Brown Bears Forthcoming from DeeAnn Pederson The Nature of Brown Bears By Bradford Glass MMy home for over 40 years has been the great state of Texas. "The Lone Star State" faithfully offers vast opportunities to experience and photograph its scenery, flora and fauna. From the all-American wildflower fields of red, white and blue displayed by the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes in the central Hill country, to the Gulf Coast marshes that offer winter refuge to migrating whooping cranes….From the extravaganza of colorful birds in south Texas, to the deserts and mountains of west Texas…..From east Texas’ hardwood forests, to the Panhandle’s sagebrush, yucca, honey mesquite, and resident black-tailed prairie dog. I seem to be as guilty as anyone, venturing to far-off places in my pursuit to capture the ultimate image, when often our own back yard offers an abundance of natural history and photographic opportunities… Texas is such a place. During my childhood, my family and I enjoyed weekend trips throughout the state to explore, camp, fish and just relax. And believe me, there is a lot to see……..with over 75 state parks, 14 national refuges, and 50 wildlife management areas. Some of my favorite places include the southern coastal region of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and the protected bird sanctuaries of Rockport. White tail deer, javelina, alligator, turkey, roseate spoonbill, black skimmer, and herons of many sizes and hues reside there. Another favorite, the Rio Grand Valley showcases many resident as well as migratory birds such as the endangered Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, golden-fronted woodpecker, the iridescent gem….Green Jay and one of the nations most recognized songbirds, the northern cardinal.

Lone Star

As you will see in "Windows of Texas" the brilliant colors of Texas’ avian population are astounding. Seventy-five percent of the state's 600 bird species are found along the gulf coast area.

"Our people do not understand even yet the rich heritage that is theirs." - Theodore Roosevelt