Make Way for the Falcons!

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Make Way for the Falcons!

Details: Created on Thursday, 03 February 2011 02:31; Published on Thursday, 03 February 2011 02:31; Written by Abe Connally

The Peregrine falcon isn't on the Texas endangered species list for nothing. In order to allow this beautiful bird room to nest away from human interference, Big Bend National Park will again be closing off certain areas from February 1 through May 31.

south_rim_from_afar According to an official press release, these areas include the Southeast Rim Trail and part of the Northeast Rim Trail from the Boot Canyon/Southeast Rim junction to a point just north of Campsite NE-4, as well as all Southeast Rim campsites and Northeast campsites 4 and 5. Technical rock climbing within ¼ mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will be off limits as well, at least until July 15. Those are all the restrictions so far, but changes might be made is the Peregrines' behavior or nesting sites prove different from where they've been in the past. In other words, we'll move to make way for the falcons.

There are less than a dozen of falcon nesting pairs in Texas that we know about. So don't blaim the park if this change ruins your vacation plans. National Parks were designed for this very reason—to help conserve the rugged beauty, tranquility, and general awesomeness of nature.

How much do you know about these magnificent birds?
First of all, Peregrines aren't ordinary little birds. The females (larger than males) can measure up to 2 feet in body length and nearly 4 feet in wingspan!Their diet? Other, smaller birds. How do they catch and kill other birds in mid air? It isn't so difficult when you're the fastest flyer in the world! That's right, Peregrine Falcons can reach speeds of over 200 mph. Imagine, a falcon could outrun a shotgun pellet!

Let's make a bit of room for the falcons and share some of Big Bend's beauty with them!

WEATHER ALERT!
If you're planning to travel to Big Bend this week, it might be a good idea to look at the weather forecast. It's pretty nasty out there right now, but it should be getting better by next week. That's Texas weather for you!

Worth a Thousand Words

There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.

Birding in Big Bend

Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.

Your Big Year is Here

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Video Collections

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.

Trails and Wildlife

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

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