Woodwren Instruments

Welcome to June everybody! We are almost halfway through ’24 and assuredly you are thinking ONLY 43 days to the first ultra race of the year and ONLY 120 days before this year’s annual Haunted Trail Event. The horror, the horror (link here). Linda apparently heard my Marlon Brando impersonating as she just walked by and stated “No dork, that’s just you!”. Harsh, but she is probably right, however, looking back, you are likely wondering where the year has went. While in the grind, I could always look back at the two quarterly performance reviews and see the accomplishments, not so easy these days as most of my haunt projects are in a constant state of construction up until days before the event and training is a perpetual endeavor. What I can look back on are the various birding trips throughout the year and the resulting tins. Today we are going to travel back to Texas and bring you a subject from one of my favorite photography settings.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Hit the jump to read more about this “woodwren instrument”.

Of the many places we have had the pleasure of birding over the years, there are several I look forward to that are more about the “setting” than a particular bird. I’ve previously covered the log at the Birding Center on South Padre Island (link here). I would sit there on their boardwalk just waiting for any wildlife to take the opportunity for a rest. Being a few feet above the water you could get nice reflections off the water and opportunities to add in the background of reeds or crop them out for an intimate feel – just a wonderful spot. I was saddened this last April to discover that log has since fallen back into the water.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Another of my favorite “wood” related shooting spots is at the Guadalupe River State Park. This park sits near San Antonio, TX in a small town named Spring Branch (link here). Guadalupe River is often considered to one of the most beautiful rivers in Texas and I wholeheartedly agree! Someday I am hoping we can kayak those crystal clear waters as it winds its way between the steep ledges and tall Cypress. Oh, did I mention the wildlife loves this place just as much as I do!

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

I have yet to have a bad birding experience at this State Park. Black-Crested Titmice, Brewick’s Wrens, Flycatchers, Kingfishers, Lesser Goldfinches, Ravens, Kingbirds, Flycatchers and, as you can already tell, Carolina Wrens can easily be checked along with a multitude of other feathered gems depending on the season.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

I highly recommend you take some of the trails, especially the ones that follow along the river and definitely the River Overlook Trail located behind the discovery area that takes you up on the ledges giving you a breathtaking view of the geography of the park and ample opportunity to watch the Ravens as they soar over (link here).

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Once you have taken that all in, you have to make a stop at the bird blind located near the back end of the parking lot on the end of the main road that takes you to the river (near the Swallow Cliff callout on the map in the link above). Complete with several feeders and a rock fountain this areas should be full of resident birds and those just looking for a bite to eat before passing on. This is also where another of my favorite photographic settings sits.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

There is an old stump that sits just off to the left of the rock fountain. I love that log with its gnarly contours and rich coloring. To be honest, a majority of my time is spent with The Beast pointed directly at that spot, patiently waiting for something to land. It also happens to be one of the few times I’ll crop more for the scene than the subject bird. You might have noticed the bird sits back more than usual in the shots at the beginning of this series as I wanted the focus to be more on the wood and simply use the Wren as an accent. I also really liked how the light wood palette colors of the bird contrasts with the deeper/blacker coloring of the old stump.

Let’s compare that with the more traditional shots we tend to feature here at Intrigued.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Still a rather nice shot of a Carolina that shows more of the specific bird features, the identifying white eyebrow, the fine white “ticking” on the crosshatched wings and tail, the gently curved bill and those very noticeable long spindle legs. It just doesn’t have the same feel as the stump themed images – admittedly, I generally prefer an all natural setting sans human contraptions.

“Hey you, yes you with the bazooka pointed at my ass, you be happy with whatever shot I give you!!”

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Did I mention some of the birds at Guadalupe have an attitude!

“Hey, you want ‘tude, well kiss my ass”.

Carolina Wren found at Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch, TX in January 2023

Clearly we are at the end ha! Hope you enjoyed reading about one of my favorite photography backdrops. Take care everyone, while I continue to stress about the countdowns.

32 thoughts on “Woodwren Instruments”

      1. I posted a Rock Wren, Western Kingbird and Curve-billed Thrasher we saw on out on the lava fields this morning. All new birds for me. We have a Indigo Buntings hanging around making a lot of noise, but I cannot see the little boogers to photograph them. They are rare out here according to Merlin.

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        1. I need to go check that post out – actually I need to get caught up on several of your posts – can someone please tell me where the hell all my time is going since retirement! Those are all good birds, I still need to get the Western Kingbird for this year – they used to show up at a nearby electrical substation, but they didn’t return last year and haven’t seen them since. We are lucky enough to have large numbers of Indigos were we are, but as you say, not the easiest to get in the tin. I remember being in Texas and the locals going crazy over a female Indigo that had shown up – we can make a deal, I’ll send you a bunch of those if you can return the favor with one of your Western Tanagers.

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          1. I walked out the door on the way to work and there was an Indigo Bunting was on the top of the Chiltapa. I ran in and got my camera. Just as I was focusing it flow off. Stupid bird! , I’ll tell the next Western Tanager I see to head east.

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    1. Thank you B.! As I mentioned to Tim above, I was lucky enough this Wren decided to perch where my camera was pointed. Apologies for the “end” shot, I saw it in the tin and decided to go for the cheap laugh. As you know, here at Intrigued, we are all about the angles ha. Appreciate you stopping in B., have a great rest of the week.

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  3. I completely agree that this setting, with this lovely little wren, is just the perfect combination of colors and textures. You outdid yourself!

    I haven’t tried this park yet, though I’ve spent many vacations in and around the area; prehistoric ruins at Bandera, music at Kerrville, B&B’s in Boerne, fossils at Pedernalis Falls State Park, and so much more.

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    1. Thank you Sam – there are just those places that can make you look better than you are. Oddly enough, I have not been to any of those other places you mentioned – they were immediately added to my list when we are back in the area, appreciate the heads up. I think you would definitely enjoy this state park. I did forget to mention in the post that it can get overwhelmed pretty easy. Guessing it is a big pull from the San Antonio area. If you do decided to take it in, you might consider getting a reservation. The last two times we were there, they were turning people away, fortunately, we had camping reservations which automatically comes with admission to the park so no issues other than having to wait in a long line of cars before the check station. We have had similar congestion issues with Brazos Bend SP.

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      1. Yep, “floating the Guadalupe” in inner tubes and on inflated rafts is a popular activity during all but the chilliest times of year, so I can imagine the crowds can be significant, especially on weekends. Just FYI, I was not a birder when visiting the other locations I mentioned, so you’ll have to do your research before adding them to your bird trip itinerary. They would be fun breaks, though!

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        1. No worries, Linda is always looking for places to explore that do not necessarily involve my addiction (in fact I think she purposely looks for those), especially places that are not in the 1000 places to visit in the States before you die and off the beaten path books she is constantly pouring through. She recently dragged me to the Moody Mansion and the Bishop’s Palace last time we were in Galveston Island. Moody”s was a let down, but I did enjoy the Bishop’s tour.

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    1. If you only knew my absolute hatred for all things clown hehehehe. I was wondering why I was getting the heebie jeebies during this series and now you have hit the nail on the head. Have a wonderful week and as always, appreciate you dropping in.

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  6. If I ever make it to that place, I will look for that particular tree stump! You are right, it has a great color and texture and I also loved how the trunk highlighted the wren’s colors, and vice versa. It seems the wren spent a long time just perching there and taking in its surroundings.

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    1. That Wren was definitely hamming it up for me. The shots on the feeder poles actually came first – think it saw me and made its way over to the stump to walk the catwalk for me – if it had pockets it probably would have pulled out a disco ball to really play it up ha. If you are in the area, highly recommend taking in a visit – not the elevations you are used to, but the rock ledges are pretty cool and who doesn’t like a lazy river! Take care and as always, appreciate the drop in.

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    1. Thank you Sharon. Texas is definitely one of our favorite places to visit and I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t end up moving there in the coming years. Still exploring to see what other states have to offer, but so far, Texas is as the top of the list and SPI is usually our base for our winter snowbirding. Appreciate you coming by and have a great rest of your week.

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      1. A co-worker and her husband are looking to build in a town in the Texas hill county outside San Antonio. She has a family member already living there and her kids plan to try to get jobs down there or transfer with their current one. No state income tax is a big draw for people.

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        1. I can definitely see the no state income being a draw. The ONLY thing the broke state of IL has going for it now is they don’t tax retirement benefits which is a plus. The Texas hill country is quite beautiful. San Antonio itself was a bit of a disappointment, but we really are not city people anyway. Good luck to your coworkers.

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          1. It’s been years since I visited but I remember San Antonio had grown so much it’s so spread out. The river walk I remember as being a nice place to visit.I think NY may not tax retirements either, but so many are moving out I guess it’s not enough of an incentive to stay.

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          2. We hit the river walk a couple of years back – wow, has that really gone down hill. Once we made our way through the numerous homeless looking for handouts as we made our way to the walk itself, we were rather stunned at the upkeep and …more homeless. There were security guards trying to keep control, but we left there with a pretty bad taste – not only metaphorically, but literally as well as we stopped to eat at one of their supposed famous barbecue places, got seated and then no one would come back and take our order – 40 minutes, not a person came by while I stared at the hostess who was just gabbing with another employee – left and went to a Hard Rock that was there. Won’t be wasting my time in that area anymore.

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  8. I enjoyed the grizzled look of the stump compared to the neatly dressed wren. The parting shot was good too, knowing some of the Intrigued lore for that pose.

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    1. I think you will enjoy it, not to mention they have really nice “rocks” to add to your viewing pleasure. Just remember to look into reservations, would hate to have you get turned away. Thanks for dropping in, always glad to hear from you.

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