Magical Moments
The Secret Garden: Hummingbirds & butterflies make High Island Roost a magicalplace
Jan 12, 2013 | 2:41 pm
Side yard at the RoostPhoto by Katie Oxford
Ruby-throated hummingbird in flight through American Beauty BerryPhoto by Katie Oxford
Where others had worked, tooPhoto by Katie Oxford
At Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary, Egrets and a Roseate Spoonbill tending theirhatchlings.Photo by Katie Oxford
Can you find the hummingbird?Photo by Katie Oxford
Last May, I found utopia. As journeys go – I found it on my way to someplace else.
I had traveled to Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary in High Island, Texas, during the peak season when eggs were popping open in their nests.
From an observation deck overlooking a small island, I watched roseate spoonbills and egrets busily tending their hatchlings. On the bank below, an alligator lounged as motionless as a log.
It’s when I was leaving here that I discovered the little utopia. A thimble-like plot of land, directly across from the entrance to the Boy Scout Woods.
In another part of the sanctuary, I walked on wooden planks to a gazebo surrounded by long vistas of lush green marshland. The Gulf waters beyond.
It’s when I was leaving here that I discovered the little utopia. A thimble-like plot of land, directly across from the entrance to the Boy Scout Woods that looked straight out of the book, The Secret Garden. Nestled smack in its bosom was a cottage with a sign. The Roost.
Across the front in full bloom was a row of American Beauty Berry. Hummingbirds, I couldn’t count them all, dashed about feeding. I was mesmerized. I grabbed my camera and crouched down in a ditch near by. The rest was like watching the movie, Fantasia.
Only this was real.
Hummingbirds darted in and out – from every direction – feeding on the berries – probably laughing too, I thought, at this human holding a camera. How humorous. They buzzed away sounding like The Jetsons. Seemingly saying, “Now you see me - now you don’t!”
I drove home to Houston that afternoon but the place kept calling to me. A few weeks later, I returned to The Roost – happy to see that so had the wildlife.
This time, I trespassed. I slipped quietly inside the front yard and found a rock to sit on. Hummingbirds zoomed. Butterflies flickered. Ants worked below. Everything small was feeding on something and it was beautiful.
Later, I moved to another spot on the west side of the house and read where others had worked too but had written their names on wood.
I still think of the place. I see the details of that day and I’m not the human holding the camera. I’m an ant or a purple berry.
Living there in a thimble of life. Harmony.
Burger Chop Tater Tacos, winner of the Savory category at the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards.Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas
Fletcher's Chocolate Corny Dog, winner of the Sweet category at the 2026 Big Tex Choice AwardsPhoto courtesy of State Fair of Texas
Tropical Coca Fresca, winner of the Sippers category at the 2026 Big Tex Choice AwardsPhoto courtesy of State Fair of Texas