Big Bend National Park: Land of Dramatic Contrasts and Scenic Grandeur — John Shaqi
Big Bend National Park: Land of Dramatic Contrasts and Scenic GrandeurScott, W. Ray
History
Big Bend National Park: Land of Dramatic Contrasts and Scenic Grandeur
Scott, W. Ray
Big Bend National Park (Tex.)
Among the lesser peaks of the Chisos Mountains, many of the names are
closely related to resemblance or legendary origin. Crown Mountain,
Pummel Peak and Mule Ear Peaks are formed in the image of their
namesakes. Legends of a lost silver mine center around Lost Mine Peak,
supposed to be the scene of mining operations by the early Spanish
explorers. Historical episodes of the Spanish Conquistadors, legendary
stories of the Apache Indians and the drama of bandits, rustlers and
Texas rangers of the Wild West, have all made a definite contribution
toward the fascination of the Big Bend country.
[Illustration: PUMMEL PEAK—From the plains, Pummel Peak in the
Chisos Mountains, rises to form the replica of a massive saddle.]
[Illustration: ANTELOPE—The natural habitat of the antelope is along
the grassy slopes of Big Bend’s foothills, while mule deer roam the
plains and the flag tail deer live in the higher elevations of the
mountains.]
The Chisos Mountains have been classed as a biological island due to
their isolation from other mountain groups or ranges. While the Chisos
are erroneously considered as the southern extremity of the Rocky
Mountains they are widely separated by a vast expanse of desert and
plains. This factor has influenced the types of wildlife that are
prevalent in this area and many species are more closely related to the
Sierra Madres in Mexico than to the environs of the Rockies. The
flagtail deer, mountain lion and black bear are found at the higher
elevations in the Chisos Mountains, while mule deer, antelope and
javalina frequent the foothills and plains. Due to excessive hunting
before Big Bend was established as a National Park, antelope and big
horn sheep had completely disappeared from the area. Antelope have been
restocked in recent years and are gradually on the increase. Along the
Rio Grande beaver and badger comprise the principal types of wildlife.
Many rare species of birds found in Big Bend include the Colima warbler,
aplomade falcon, Inca dove, white-necked raven and golden eagle. More
common types are the orioles, tanagers, cardinals, hummingbirds,
thrashers and wrens.
[Illustration: THE GOLDEN EAGLE—Rocky spires and crags in the high
elevations of the Chisos Mountains provide an ideal setting for the
Golden Eagle.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account