I know I’ve often written about Big Bend NP in Texas but I keep getting pulled back there. Compelling landscape, good friends and wonderful birds: what’s not to like? This visit followed much the same pattern as the others except we had managed to secure coveted Stone Cottage 103. Cottage 103 comes with a suite of guests; Mexican Jays, White-winged Doves, Green-tailed Towhee, Black-crested Titmice, Canyon Towhees and an extremely friendly Gray Fox. He/she was obviously looking for a handout, which is against park rules for good reason. We resisted the temptation to share our happy hour tidbits and the fox did not return, but for a magical hour or so, we had this gorgeous animal as our guest. It first sat on the porch wall but then went and curled up like a cat beside the porch. What a treat to be so close as to be able to scrutinize a fox from a distance of a few feet. I know this ease with humans comes from others disregarding park rules and feeding it. I can only hope such misplaced generosity doesn’t spell its eventual doom.
A Naturalist's Table 