These Cattle Egrets are beginning to get their breeding plumage (note the orange patches on their backs). Cattle Egrets prefer to nest in trees (often dead trees) on islands. The breeding colonies, called rookeries, may have dozens of nests of several different species in them. Robert Benson Photo.
01 Apr 2016 – Nature Fest Promises to be fun for All
“And what is so rare as a day in June?
For then, if ever, come perfect days;”
These lines from the 1848 poem by James Russell Lowell are well remembered by almost everyone. You may have heard the poem in grade school, or memorized a few lines in your high school literature class. For some reason, the “June” line sticks in everyone’s mind, long after the name of the poem or poet does.
I remember it because it just didn’t fit what I knew as a Texas girl. June days weren’t “rare’ to me, they were HOT! It wasn’t until later that I realized that the problem was one of location. Lowell lived in Massachusetts. A Massachusetts’ June day is more like an early April day in Texas.
Now is when we here in Texas experience a string of beautiful spring days that remind us of that line of poetry. The trees have leafed out in new green, wildflowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the weather is absolutely perfect. No longer cold, and not yet hot; and even if it is raining, it is nice.
So what better time to go outside and enjoy a perfect day? And what better place to go to than a beautiful park? Especially if that park is sponsoring a Nature Fest.
The Green Heron is a small, colorful wading bird that nests along the edges of wetlands. It is one of several species of herons and egrets that make up the rookery at Coleto Creek Reservoir. Robert Benson photo.
That is exactly what is happening on Saturday, the 9th of April. Coleto Creek Park and Reservoir is putting on an all-day Nature Fest. The public is invited to come out and enjoy nature-oriented activities and have fun.
There will be ongoing demonstrations and chances for kids and adults to test their skills at archery, fly fishing, kayaking and atlatl throwing. You can try your hand at making a fish print. Guided bird and nature walks are offered. A workshop on “Taming the Wild Flower with your Camera” will be taught by photographer Jim Feig. Presentations on hummingbirds, alligators, Monarch butterflies, white-tailed deer, Whooping Cranes, and waterbird rookeries will be given. In addition, there will be exhibits by the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Texas Zoo, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and Devereux Gardens on naturescaping. The whole family can learn about the outdoors and enjoy a “rare” spring day.
Coleto Creek Park is located midway between Goliad and Victoria on highway 59. The 190-acre park is on a 3,100 acre reservoir with a boat-ramp and lighted fishing pier. With 61-miles of shoreline and sandy beaches, fishing, swimming and boating are all allowed. There are campsites, and trailer hookups as well as rental cabins and rental trailers.
The day-use fee for the park is $9.00 per carload, but there is no additional fee for the festival. You can bring a picnic (there are 70 picnic tables with BBQ grills) or purchase food from vendors like Say Grace Gourmet Chicken and Waffles, KB Barbeque, and Guerilla Gourmet.
I am going for the birds. A pair of Bald Eagles is nesting on Coleto Creek property and the adults can occasionally be seen fishing in the lake. An island the lake serves as a rookery for dozens of waterbirds. You can see nesting Great Blue Herons (who knew this big bird with 3-foot legs would nest in trees!) and other herons and egrets in the rookery. Anhingas and Roseate Spoonbills are known to use the rookery, too. Good looks at all these nesting birds can be had from the shoreline using spotting scopes and binoculars. The breeding season is just starting and you may see a preening and posturing Snowy or Great Egret showing off his beautiful long plumes!
It is also migration season for many birds. You could see flocks of Cedar Waxwings, warblers, shorebirds, and even Yellow-headed Blackbirds. And don’t forget to scan the lake for ducks and rafts of coots.
You know that this is the month for viewing wildflowers along Texas roads. Why not make the drive to Coleto Creek Park next Saturday and enjoy the wildflowers along the way? Huisache Daisies, Indian Paintbrushes, and Bluebonnets are packing a wallop of color for your viewing pleasure. Bring your camera and learn more about our gorgeous wildflowers in the wildflower workshop.
Load up your family, pack a picnic lunch, and head to Coleto Creek Nature Fest for a day of fun on April 9th. You will be glad you did!
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