While still early for the egret migration to the rookery at Taylor’s Murphy Park, you’ll find birds there all year long.   Tonight’s photographs are from two evening visits there this week.   Allergies, combined with lifelong sinus issues, made going five minutes from home a good fit, simply  unfolding a portable chair and watching flight patterns.   It’s a comfortable place to be.  No driving,  No annoyed motorists.   Just, cormorants and Great Egrets.  

Whenever visiting this friend’s ranch in Circleville, it’s hard to ignore the resilient little mesquite tree standing atop a hill.  Knowing the sunset would align nicely, a photo was taken.  Tonight, however, for the first time,  the cows moseyed under the tree to graze.  The post begins with a wide view of the scene, for context.  You’ll have seen something similar in earlier posts.  Cows were an additional treat.  The offering ends with a Waxing Crescent  moon, at 8.2% visibility.    This is a really cool tree.

Since it had been a while since photographing New Sweden Evangelical Lutheran Church, a short drive from Taylor was in order Tuesday evening.   The hope was for a nice sunset, but the sun didn’t align so well.   But there are other options for this church founded by Swedish immigrants in the late-19th Century.   Mentioned in earlier posts, but the first sight of that 104-foot tall spire in 2009 was remarkable, seen from far away on the prairie landscape.   With the skies looking dandy, a short drive west to the church cemetery was in order.  It’s about a mile from the church.   The cemetery is included here.  It’s been said this is the most photographed church in Texas.  Who knows if that’s right, but the church, and that cemetery are wonderful to see.

No special theme tonight, just things seen on recent outings around the prairie.  Skies, of course, might be considered thematic.

Just north of Taylor, along County Road 366, you’ll find a long-retired truss bridge spanning the San Gabriel River.   The truss bridge was replaced years ago by a more utilitarian bridge, mostly concrete.  Thankfully, the original bridge remains.   Granted, it has some delicate areas on its surface, boards either missing or deteriorating with time.   A couple of years ago word began to spread that the bridge would be dismantled.  It’s good to still see it.   The view of the river from the bridge is a study in elegance and serenity.   When the weather is good, and fish are biting, you’ll find anglers wading through the water.   Not this time though.   County Road 366 is a busy road, getting more so as growth continues.  The long exposure taken on this evening might give you that sense.    It’s a divine place.

Sometimes  interesting scenes are found outside the local grocery store.

The opening photograph, taken late this week,  was a surprise.   The intended subject was not this horse, but a curious nature brought her close. Those elegant eyes merited a photograph.  After a few moments she wandered on.  The other two photographs were taken early Saturday morning in the same pasture.  It seems that horse has a friend.  They have a wonderful landscape  to embrace.  

Fourteen photographs taken during daily walks this week in Taylor, Texas.  Walk photos are usually done quickly, but a little extra time was spent observing a squirrel being pursued by a hawk in Murphy Park.   The hawk got very close to the squirrel.   In a nearby tree, two other hawks kept an eye on things.   Maybe it was the camera’s presence, but the birds decided to leave the squirrel alone.  It was an interesting drama.   The hawk in flight, however, was photographed on a different morning.   Other photos are the usual, all with a small Olympus camera.  Watch out for geese.  One bit the photographer’s leg.  Geese have anger issues.

Down time  for a tractor near  sunset tonight in Taylor.  Not far from home.  

The only that would’ve stopped this morning’s 31st Annual Cupid’s Chase in Georgetown was a serious electrical storm.   Thankfully, that didn’t happen, allowing several hundred runners and walkers to finish either a Fun Run or 5K race.   The event is sponsored by Friends of Georgetown Parks & Recreation.    They put on a fine event.    Nine photographs are included here.  Perhaps the Williamson County Sun will offer more, but these are favorites.   Road race events have been fun for over 50 years.   An 85-year-old gent is pictured in three shots.   He was wonderful and outgoing.  “I’m 85-and-a-half!” he quipped.  An aunt congratulating her 9-year-old nephew is a good moment.  Nephew ran both races, aunt did the 5K.   One that resonates is ta mother and daughter as they finish the 5K race together, congratulated by a nice-sized cheering section.   Mom and daughter were emotional, but in a positive way.