It normally takes 24 hours for the Lubbock playa overflow system to flow (by
gravity) out to Yellowhouse canyon...the discharge outlet is just west of the
Brazos bridge on FM400. The whole bottom is flooded meaning that I have
‘lake-front property’ for a day or two and the cattle are somewhat confused and
disoriented! This is the most water we’ve had in a coupla years. The painted
buntings ARE out in force! Quite a few blackchins and Turkey vultures also.
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On May 25, 2021, at 5:37 PM, Sheri Anderson <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I saw the flood warning come across my phone for Ransom and Buffalo area so
decided to stay
in town.
Sounds like a great birding day!
Sheri
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On May 25, 2021, at 5:32 PM, James Crites (Redacted sender "jrcrites" for
DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi All,
I had an interesting late morning/early afternoon visit to the canyon today.
It was fairly birdy. Painted Buntings are in full force with 12 sightings,
six males and six females. I had a beautiful male Summer Tanager and he
was singing for all to hear. Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were calling. I
also had a Bell’s Vireo singing his distinctive little song. And I had a
Red-headed Woodpecker along the paved stretch of road, he was flying from
pole to pole.
I always park near the crossing of county roads and walk a bit. Water had
been flowing over the road on the stream crossing but was receding. It was
still fairly high so I parked up the hill in case there was a rise. By the
time I got back to the car, water was lapping at the top of the culvert. I
drove the county roads for about an hour and when I came back the road was
flooded with 6 to 12 inches of water. I guess it takes a while for flood
water from Lubbock to make its way through the lakes to the lower canyon.
While driving back to Lubbock on CR 835 (East 50th) I estimate there were 40
to 60 Mississippi Kites flying over the field near those buildings that used
to be convenience stores. Still migrating?
Enjoy birds!
Jim Crites
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