The pine trees on the grasslands are not native to Wise County. They were planted by the Forest Service in the 1960’s. So the lands were purchased between 1933 through 1946. Afterwards, the Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) managed the lands. Then in 1960, nineteen national grasslands were officially transferred to the US Forest Service. The grasslands in Wise County was originally named the Cross Timbers National Grasslands. In 1974, the name was changed to Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands. Twenty national grasslands exist today.
Gazing up! The Loblolly Pine trees (Pinus taeda) whispered in the wind. Indeed, what stories could they tell?
Of course some have succumbed to time. These white shelf fungus, reminded Jeanne of her grandmother’s chenille bedspread.
Next, a limb must have broken off. And it appears that needles tried to make a comeback!
Pilated Woodpecker holes! Certainly, they are easier to see on the fallen tree.
Here the woodpecker did not go deep. Just looking for food or a test hole?
Next, a broken branch!
Meanwhile, we were hearing a bird calling. I was not familiar with it. It sounds vaguely like a Belted Kingfisher, but softer and not as fast. Success! We finally saw the culprit…the Red-headed Woodpecker. I do not see them a lot and never have heard their rattle calls that I recalled before.
To sum it up, we got to the heart of the matter which is that the pine trees have a story to tell. The orange center was cool too!
I LOVE photos that look up at a bunch of tall trees and the perspective of them as if they all angle in over you.
Red-headed! gosh it has been a long time. I had seen a few in northern Collin County long ago then they seemed to disappear. Also up in far eastern Oklahoma. Great find! I would suggest you put it up on ebird.
Hope the mushroom leather catches on. Theyre making “leather” from salmon sperm also. Or so i read.
Agree with judy, the mushroom leather is fascinating. Looks like a beautiful day out for you, too!
Judy and Claire, I agree it would be neat if the mushroom leather catches on for sure. or the salmon sperm…very interesting
I LOVE photos that look up at a bunch of tall trees and the perspective of them as if they all angle in over you.
Red-headed! gosh it has been a long time. I had seen a few in northern Collin County long ago then they seemed to disappear. Also up in far eastern Oklahoma. Great find! I would suggest you put it up on ebird.
I see the Red-heads here and there. I still see them but they are usually whipping by as I’m driving 😉 And thanks!