Rain has returned to the Ouachitas, and even the trees look happier and plumper for the moisture that’s soaking into the soil. Arkansas is far from being out of danger, with rainfall for most of the state is running 12 to 16 inches below normal. However, the rain has given the state’s firefighters a much-needed break from wildfires and the rest of us a much-needed break from 100-degree temperatures.
STRING OF PEARLS — The white waterbirds in flight through the valley after the passage of a thunderstorm. They were large and long-necked like herons, but am unsure whether herons flock in flight this way.WATER! — Fog rises from the valley after a thunderstorm dropped about a quarter-inch of rain before sunset.
The rain was too late to stop this tree from shutting down and losing its crown. Compare the shot below to one from an earlier post on July 1.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE — This oak had begun its shutdown a couple of weeks ago and had completely shed its leaves by July 9. If the rain continues steadily, the tree may re-leaf. Some of the hickories have been shedding their nuts and persimmons have dropped unripe fruit to conserve as much water and energy as possible.
12 to 16 inches is a lot of rain to be without, over six months (I know, because 12 to 16 inches is the average annual rainfall of where I grew up). It’s terrible to see the trees shut down like that, but how glorious to see the earth and animals singing, at even the smallest relief from the drought. Beautiful shots of the valley.
What a beautiful way to express what we are seeing — “the earth and animals singing” — and that is surely how it feels here. Thanks for putting it so well!
The (Urban-Wildlife) Interface 
12 to 16 inches is a lot of rain to be without, over six months (I know, because 12 to 16 inches is the average annual rainfall of where I grew up). It’s terrible to see the trees shut down like that, but how glorious to see the earth and animals singing, at even the smallest relief from the drought. Beautiful shots of the valley.
What a beautiful way to express what we are seeing — “the earth and animals singing” — and that is surely how it feels here. Thanks for putting it so well!
🙂
I really enjoyed those first two pictures:
I like the caption for the top photo – “String of Pearls” !
I second the above for liking ‘String of Pearls’ – lovely image. Z
Thank you! They were a beautiful sight — there’s a certain grace these large birds have in flight. It was almost as if they were sailing.
Great pictures and captions, draws one in.. 😉
Thank you! We are very grateful for the rain and the images were icing on the cake!
Very nice work.
I love your photographs, especially the second one!
Thanks so much! Hard to resist a scene like that!