Similar to Yogi Berra’s famous quote “If you come to a fork in the road, take it”, I would add, if you get a chance to go birding with Bruce Bodson, take it! In support of the Audubon Society, Bruce coordinates several Christmas Bird Counts in our area. I always enjoy the one at Brazos Bend State Park, but Bruce also coordinates several on-the-water counts. The Wharton/Peach Creek count was held on December 21, 2022. Our paddle and bird count were on the San Bernard River in Wharton County.
HCC paddles this area fairly often, always a lovely paddle, and this one did not disappoint. Mists were rising from the river when we met at Bates Allen Park. It was a bit on the chilly side, but the intrepid birders were not deterred.
We paddled first upstream, under I-69 SH 59. It appears that the old river bridge has had its longitudinal supports removed, but the upright columns still stand.
Several log jams made upstream travel a bit more challenging, but no problem for deconstruction, at least to a point.
We took a lunch break back at the putin area, one of those rare days when it was cold enough, I ate my lunch inside the car. Refreshed and rewarmed, we than surveyed the downstream area. I always enjoy the giant cypress trunks and knees in the area, and a variety of birds feasted in the bushes and trees.
This is always an enjoyable area to paddle, and 38 species of birds were identified, adding another layer of enjoyment to a day on the river.
Thank you to Bruce Bodson for another wonderful day on the water.