Of the two of us, Dodie is the nuturer of birds at our home. We have two bird baths, several humming bird feeders and other bird and squirrel feeders in our back yard.
From our kitchen window, she religiously keeps track. Binoculars are just steps away. I enjoy photographing them. Light from this window attracts moths, and Dodie is especially amused each night by a family of geckos who wait patiently on the screen to prey on them.
She also follows the different migration patterns to keep us ready. This includes butterflies (1/2 block away, is a fairly good size butterfly garden maintained by a restaurant and Historic rental cabins).
My favorite returning bird species annually are Painted Buntings, Spanish Mountain Bluebirds and the Cardinals.
Within fifteen minutes of home is the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera, Texas. So you can imagine all the horses, mules, and donkeys we see.
Also, within a 15-minute radius, we enjoy cibolo (buffalo), sheep, goats, ostriches, emu, rhea, pigs, cows and bulls.
Included are exotic animals, often free ranging, such as Axis deer, antelope, and so many more.
About once a week, Dodie and I walk half a block to the River Oaks Courts to dine. Along the way, it’s not unusual to see White Tail Deer and birds.
Among the rental cabins, we enjoy their Native Plant Garden. During certain times of each year, it attracts literally thousands of butterflies. We especially like the Monarchs.
A bit over an hour away, San Antonio is a fascinating city to explore with a rich history and the delightful River Walk area that is a magnet for dining and fun.
There are a wide variety of attractions to see in San Antonio, including museums, The Alamo, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Many attractions are within walking distance of the River Walk area, making it a great base to explore from.
The River Walk area is approximately 8 miles from the San Antonio International Airport and can be reached by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or renting a car.
San Antonio is also home to SeaWorld of Texas and Six Flags Over Texas’ own Fiesta Texas amusement park.
☆☆☆☆☆
IN GOD WE TRUST
Thanks for supporting independent true journalism with a small tip. Dodie & Jack
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CINDY LEAL MASSEY, TEXAS AUTHOR
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CLICK: PARK LANE by Rebecca Taylor
River Oaks Courts is a historic landmark riverfront property in Medina, Texas. Following a full renovation and restoration of the property and buildings, the Courts are once again open!
The property features 11 rental units for overnight accommodations, mostly native stone cottages.
Our onsite restaurant and bar, The Social Club + Kitchen, is currently open Wednesday through Saturday. The Art House Cafe & Gallery offers tea, coffee and house-made baked goods, in addition to featuring beautiful artwork by notable Hill Country and Texan artists. Our extensive Native Plant Garden is a delight for all that stroll its paths.
The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark.
Clever Journeys 
It’s all lovely! I’m drooling, and I live in vacationland Mecca. Great photos. Such colorful birds, too. Most of our summer ones have left. What’s left are blue jays, crows, chickadees, and
cardinals. Ducks and geese will leave soon. The leaves are wonderful, but you bet they’ll be gone by next week, so the warm splashes of color in your article are especially welcome.
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I’ve been through your area a few times and was mesmerized by the awesome beauty. Thanks
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I agree about MRO. Very nice place and anyone in the Medina area should stop by for a drink or stay in a cabin. The animals are such a blessing. So many beautiful animals in the Hill Country. It was a big part of my decision to move out here. Watching these beautiful creatures roam through my land is majestic. It is to bad there are people that exploit this for personal gain. I am all for wildlife management and helping these animals flourish. They don’t need much help as they have been here much longer than us. It just is very disappointing to know individuals abuse these animals. Especially the exotics. They make their house payments, pave private roads or buy a new car by trapping and selling them. That is not wildlife management. Exotics did not swim across the Atlantic on their own. They should be given just as much of a chance as indegenous animals.
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Well said. Totally agree.
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So glad you live in such a beautiful place. “Place,” and bonding to place, is apparently an indispensable aspect of psychological peace and spiritual tranquility, or so it seems to me. And when one’s place gets disrupted or destroyed, that is indescribably distressing. May God bless you richly in your [almost] heaven on earth.
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We appreciate your wisdom & Blessing.
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