Egrets do love cattle.   I suppose that’s why some  are called Cattle Egrets, not Great Egrets or Snowy Egrets.    On a recent outing near Coupland, birds and bovines shared a recently-harvested cornfield.   The cows chewed on stalks, their feathered buddies staying close by for anything leftover.    Even when there’s not a nicely-cleared field, egrets will stay close to cattle for the insects that constantly hover.   Egrets are partial to bugs.  I’m thinking the cows appreciate the help.   In that last shot, there’s an egret patiently waiting for that calf to get to the other side.   Just some scenes from the Blackland Prairie, friends. 

Something not posted from Monday night’s rainy weather.   I’m partial to the black-and-white, but could be swayed.   This is in Bell County, Texas.

These aren’t rain photos, just images made possible by the presence of moisture.   All were made this afternoon and evening.   The opening photo of the Texas Longhorn seemed more suited to black-and-white.   The cow photo is near Taylor, others around Bartlett.   Thank goodness for rain, but praying that flooding doesn’t become an issue.

When I took that long road trip east a few weeks ago,  the absence of windmills was pronounced.     I missed seeing them.    This one’s always on my radar.  

Let’s be honest.   All photographers return to favorite places.    I’ve taken photos of this scene a few times over the years.   This version was made just after the first significant rain in 50-plus days had moved through, leaving us with a gentle and inviting light.    On places like this, I’m careful to avoid identifying the specific site.    The image was made from the road that runs by the pond. I know photographers who take licenses to trespass on private property, giving us all a bad name.

The last two days I’ve been photographing the Taylor International Barbecue Cook-Off, held at Murphy Park.   The event began in 1978, attracting 74 teams this year.  A recent addition to the cook-off was a grilled-cheese sandwich contest, geared for the kids.  Speaking of kids, my Huck Finn moment was the shirtless young fellow strolling through the park with dad.   I like that.  Every time I cover this happening, I yearn for a way to convey the aroma that encompasses the entire park.  Watching the judges’ faces is quite a hoot, too!

Hauling a load of hay home along a county road east of Taylor on a recent evening.   That cotton is about ready.

Even though we’ve had much-appreciated rain the past two days, our water levels will likely remain low for a while.   These photos were made before the first rain moved in this week at Taylor’s rookery.   This was the first time I’ve seen the egrets walking in the water, not roosting in nearby trees.   Note that these birds are in the middle of the lake.  It’s that shallow right now.      Driving by there tonight, it’s obvious the rainfall hasn’t made a dent in the water level.  Maybe it will over time.

From Thursday evening, a view of sunset beyond Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Wuthrich Hill, Texas.   We felt the rain yesterday.  More is forecast for the next several days.     That’s great news.   Rain can harm, but also heal.

The ground continues to look dry and parched, but we’re happy with any rain we receive.  After this afternoon’s storms, I drove through the Wuthrich Hill area, finding a subtle rainbow, fading  quickly.   More rain is forecast for Friday.   Fingers crossed.