I couldn’t resist a quick trip to Brazos Bend State Park during a business trip in Houston, Texas. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate as I’d hoped, and my small window of opportunity came on a rainy morning.
During the one-hour drive to the park, the rain came down in torrents, and I told myself I’d just make it a reconnaissance trip if nothing else. And since I’d never been to this region of Texas, I was curious to see the countryside in any case.
After arriving, I shot from my car for the first hour, slowly driving around Elm Lake and watching the White Ibis and Cattle Egrets—along with the weather radar on my phone. There was this small gap in the clouds, and I crossed my fingers that it would remain intact as it approached the park. Thankfully, it did, and there was about 45 minutes without rain.
I met a local photographer named Tony who also persevered through the weather to try out his new Nikon D4. He was the guy in the pick-up truck I’d seen earlier with his lens out the window, too! He took me on a short tour of 40-Acre Lake, but by then the birds were evasive because of the stiff winds blowing the cold front through.
So, I drove back in the rain but with 400+ photos in my camera. I’m so glad I didn’t let a little wet weather keep me from experiencing so many new birds. No, it wasn’t exactly what I’d imagined when planning my trip, but it was better than I’d expected when I woke up on this morning.
Tricia Booker Photography 
Wow – Tricia, these are incredible! Love the detail and action you were able to capture. Glad you had this opportunity!
Thank you, Karen! I was really happy that the rain stopped. There were so many birds out there, but I couldn’t do anything but watch them from the car. I hoped they’d still be there, and many of them were by the time I could get out and venture toward the lake. My feet were soaked, but a small price to pay 🙂
Lovely………
Television was supposed to be a national park. Instead it has become a money machine. It’s a commodity now, just like pork bellies.”
#wordpress!
Yes, so true! I do find some appealing shows, but they are few and far between.
Superb photography
Thank you so much! I did have wonderful models, for sure.
What beauties–lovely captures.
Thank you, Sally! I just wish I’d had more time. So many great birds there that I saw from a distance. I hope to get back at some point!
Beautiful shots.
Thanks so much, David!
Just gorgeous! Some of the best days are in the breaks from downpours! I especially love the roseate spoonbill shots–those birds just amaze me!
Thanks, Patti! I agree with you, the Roseate Spoonbills are a favorite. I’ve never seen them in real life, so to see huge, bright pink flying birds against the grayness of the day was pretty cool.
That Great Egret shot should be on someone’s wall! Boy, persistence pays off, doesn’t it?
Wow, Sue, that’s a wonderful compliment! I am really happy that I didn’t give up. It was a great lesson in patience, for sure!
That’s where I saw my first alligator in the wild! Texas! At the time I thought they were only in Louisiana and Florida.
Many decades ago there also used to be a Naturist resort out in the midst of the park. That was my first experience outside of my shower…………lol
LOL! I didn’t see either alligators or naturists on this trip as I think it was a bit too chilly for either to be out 🙂