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Dec 10, 2023Liked by Christopher Brown

Did you happen to notice the nifty relo of several massive trees at the northeast corner of Dalton Lane and Old Bastrop Highway where the giant tilt walls are being erected? They are still on the property but moved to areas that are planned greenspace I presume.

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Dec 10, 2023Liked by Christopher Brown

Hi Geoff!

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I did not—I was by there a few weeks ago and missed that. Will have to go check it out. Making room for an office park or warehouse, I guess? So many great old oaks along 183, which helps one imagine it as the ancient trail it must be, with the river crossing section part of the Camino Real de los Tejas. Thanks for the heads up!

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Dec 17, 2023Liked by Christopher Brown

Great essay, as always. There are pecan trees in a new story that I've been wrestling with this week, as it happens. And thanks for the kind words!

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I look forward to reading that when it’s done!

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Dec 10, 2023Liked by Christopher Brown

You are rolling well with those changes, but some of it - all over this place we call home - comes across as maniacal. Was out in Utley last night and the developments in the eastern Travis County farmland are dramatic. FM 969 is a danger zone. Onward...

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969 really is dangerous these days, and the industrial traffic around Tesla is extra insane. But still tons of beautiful wild spots back in there. We need to get out for a ramble soon!

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Another great essay, Christopher. Your vulture pic is so good, too. I was at Roy Guerrero this morning and spotted a crested caracara perched atop a tall tree right next to a vulture. Never seen that before. Teamwork?

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Dec 11, 2023·edited Dec 11, 2023Author

Thanks so much, Jesse! The caracara and black vultures hang out often. I see them together in Roy G. all the time, often hanging out on telephone poles. Here's a video I got a couple years ago of vultures and a caracara fighting over an armadillo carcass: https://vimeo.com/428842901

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Well, I knew you'd have a good answer. Looks like the falcon was holding his own despite being outnumbered.

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