"A Native Wildlife Ranch"
by Mary Jo Bogatto
Kindred spirits met on Cactus Creek Ranch, Sat. March 8, 2014. I had the pleasure of a visit from John and Gina Hess and got to tell him how much I enjoy his email that arrives through the TMN list server. His wife, Gina, asked me which one I had read first. I’ve been reading John's email through the TMN list server since 2012. The first one I read was on April 6th and started, "I found this feather along the trail a couple of days ago." Then he continued to teach, ponder, and entice me with his beautiful writing and photos of natural things that I indulge myself with daily. This wonderful biologist can state the obvious, the romantic and the scientific at the same time. His life partner is his number one fan, elegant, sophisticated, and focused on the importance of giving back to this world. They have promised to return to CCR and visit again. How important it is to connect with others who feel the same way about nature, people with love and compassion for the outdoors. If we continue sharing recipes and ideas, they are sure to nurture the future.
John’s website is http://brawleycreek.com/artist.htm .
His new book can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/The-Gal%C3%A1pagos-Exploring-DarwinsTapestry/dp/0826218377 .
Here’s a lovely quote from him:
Arriving at CCR, Gina and I found a rare bird. A woman who has given herself to a small bit of land and now belongs to it rather than the other way 'round. We feel the same way about our much smaller 30 acres in Missouri, Brawley Creek, but the dimensions don't really matter in this context. I'm currently working on a book about our little spot. It is a long way from done, but I have found the soul of it and the photos and text will follow in due time. I mention it because I've given a lot of thought to the relationship between humans and the land they occupy, and how satisfying it is to know one place at a deeper level. Her love of the land explains, I think, the instant attraction we felt for Mary Jo and for CCR. What a marvelous place she is tending." – John Hess
Also, that day CCR had a visit from Jim Foster, an outdoor writer and photographer, former resident of RGV. He and his wife moved to Idaho but continue to visit. Jim does public speaking events on photography and the outdoors.
His website is: http://jimfosteroutdoorsphoto.com/.
Look for his new book, Birding Trails Texas – The Texas Gulf Coast. This book lists and gives directions and information on the top birding locations from the Louisiana Border to the Mexican Border on the Rio Grande. Watch for it – He is in Texas in 2014 on a Speaking and Book Signing Tour.
That same morning, Rio Grande Valley bird bander, biologist, and teacher, Mark Conway, banded 39 birds on CCR with the help of the following volunteers: · Phil Nelson · David Junkin