Week 49 Three nights with corn and sweetfeed in the deer feed lot. Seven does showed up just before darkness. Hearing a fair number of gunshots in the area at early morning and late day.
Cardinals still dominate the birdfeeder, but even their numbers have diminished.
Water tub under the eave in the front is really proving to be worthwhile in terms of continuous water supply and ease on me for refilling it. A leopard frog lived in the trough for at least a month -not sure how he got up and into it, but did take up residence. As it began to get colder, he would often sit on the rim looking out over the back yard thinking about how he would make a run to find a winter hideout before his "lake" froze over.
Week 50 One of the big bonanzas for the honeybees are the rosemary plants along side the driveway. For the last few days these plants are covered with their blue flowers and scads of bees are gathering their winter supplies of nectar.
This week, fed the deer and others 4 of the 7 days with corn and sweet feed, plus table scraps. Interesting in that they tend not to eat the vegetable scraps when their is corn present, but the next night, if I have not provided corn and sweetfeed, they take good care of the greens,
Week 51 We saw scarback on the road just outside the gate, so he is still alive and doing well, but did act strange. We were able to stop the car and look him right in the eye before he bolted away.
Deer fed three of seven nights with corn and sweet feed.
Bees still taking care of the rosemary flowers. Nearly one inch of rain last night late. 12.18.14
Week 52 Corn and sweet feed to the deer lot, along with kitchen scraps of vegetables. The vegetable scraps seem to be a big hit with the deer at this time of the year when forbs are so scarce.
The usual range of does in the feed lot---running anywhere from 3 to 5 per day.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
November 2014 Activity
Week 45 Very little activity this week. Fed deer three out of 7 nights, but saw no deer, just the evidence that the ate sometime after dark. Hunting pressure is keeping them down and out of sight.
Water plentiful and the two bins are full. Out of the area on the last two days of this week.
Week 46 Week starting off slowly, as have seen no deer whatsoever, even on the surrounding properties. New varieties of songbirds moving in, so should compile a new list of observations. Bought another bag of corn and sweet feed, plus a big sack of sunflower seeds. At the rate of deer eating the corn, it may be awhile to feed all that I now have.
On the 14th--big bodied 12 point buck with two does in the back yard--may have a photo.
Week 47 Still not a lot of activity in the field. Three of the 7 days fed the deer at the lower yard corn, sweet feed and kitchen vegetable scraps. (with vegetable scraps to the deer, glass, metal and paper to the recyler, we put the garbage can at the street for pickup once every two weeks)
Week 48 Two bucks jousting in the back yard again. One has a big scar on the top of his back, so lets call him scarback. Maybe we shall see him again. Four days feeding in the lower yard and the food disappearing means that something is eating it.
Water plentiful and the two bins are full. Out of the area on the last two days of this week.
Week 46 Week starting off slowly, as have seen no deer whatsoever, even on the surrounding properties. New varieties of songbirds moving in, so should compile a new list of observations. Bought another bag of corn and sweet feed, plus a big sack of sunflower seeds. At the rate of deer eating the corn, it may be awhile to feed all that I now have.
On the 14th--big bodied 12 point buck with two does in the back yard--may have a photo.
Week 47 Still not a lot of activity in the field. Three of the 7 days fed the deer at the lower yard corn, sweet feed and kitchen vegetable scraps. (with vegetable scraps to the deer, glass, metal and paper to the recyler, we put the garbage can at the street for pickup once every two weeks)
Week 48 Two bucks jousting in the back yard again. One has a big scar on the top of his back, so lets call him scarback. Maybe we shall see him again. Four days feeding in the lower yard and the food disappearing means that something is eating it.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 2014 Activity
Week 40 Had a chance for rain, but none received this week. Added sweet feed to the corn for deer feed. Provided food on 4 of the seven days this week.
A variety of birds are arriving at the watering and feeding stations. The cardinal population is down having had to do without sunflower seeds for the two weeks we were away from the house.
Six does at the feeding lot---sometimes six, but mostly its four does.
Spotted one buck at dawn this morning. Since we have not cut the grass at all this year due to droughty conditions all summer, the grass shows signs that the deer are using the area for bedding down at night. Matted grass in small circles are prevalent.
The water trough in the front of the house under the eave is providing clean water that seems to stay clear of algae---will leave it there for now.
Week 41 Provided corn and sweet feed for 4 of 7 evenings. Sometimes the deer "herd" is two does, sometimes 4 does, but never the 9 or so that we saw last year at this time. No particular activity out of coyotes and raccoons, but the turkeys are quite abundant this year. Acorns are down in some areas, plus they seem to pick up the corn scattered randomly.
Spotted two foxes racing across the back yard on the 10th.
Rain, small as it was, fell on the 11th (3/4 inches)
Week 42 Big observation on the 13th. Two bucks with rather nice racks were sparring in the back yard.
This went on for about 15 minutes, then one gave up and slowly walked away.
A variety of birds are arriving at the watering and feeding stations. The cardinal population is down having had to do without sunflower seeds for the two weeks we were away from the house.
Six does at the feeding lot---sometimes six, but mostly its four does.
Spotted one buck at dawn this morning. Since we have not cut the grass at all this year due to droughty conditions all summer, the grass shows signs that the deer are using the area for bedding down at night. Matted grass in small circles are prevalent.
The water trough in the front of the house under the eave is providing clean water that seems to stay clear of algae---will leave it there for now.
Week 41 Provided corn and sweet feed for 4 of 7 evenings. Sometimes the deer "herd" is two does, sometimes 4 does, but never the 9 or so that we saw last year at this time. No particular activity out of coyotes and raccoons, but the turkeys are quite abundant this year. Acorns are down in some areas, plus they seem to pick up the corn scattered randomly.
Spotted two foxes racing across the back yard on the 10th.
Rain, small as it was, fell on the 11th (3/4 inches)
Week 42 Big observation on the 13th. Two bucks with rather nice racks were sparring in the back yard.
This went on for about 15 minutes, then one gave up and slowly walked away.
Still no bucks at the feed lot.
Corn and sweet feed, plus kitchen vegetable scraps on the deer lot 3 of the 7 days this week.
Feral cat showed up at the water trough. Not exactly in favor of feral cats but we do need some offsets on mice and snakes. So, for now, let it be.
Week 43 Provided sweet feed and corn at the deer lot on 6 of the 7 days this week. Deer activity definitely down at this location. It may be because I am getting some food competition from those who put out feed at their deer blinds. Food, tho, is always gone by the next morning.
Mowed another stretch of the back field as a band of turkeys (perhaps 20) moved through and they certainly prefer mid cut grass to the tall uncut grass.
All the watering spots are getting well used, surprisingly, the one in front of the house is popular, not only with the birds, the feral cat, but with the leopard frog as well.
Hoot owls are back in full force with their early morning hooting.
Week 44 Sweet feed and corn in the feedlot on 5 of the 7 days this week. However, never see any deer during early morning or late evening hours. Feed is always consumed though.
No evidence of feral hogs all this late summer and early fall. The trap was moved to the Purgatory Creek area for a spell.
Water supply holding up as we got a bit of rain.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
September 2014 Activity
Week 36 No rain, so continuing to provide water for all animals. Also, corn and kitchen vegetable scraps to the feed lot 4 of the last 7 days.
Two "never before" observations this week. One was an Argerope spider had caught a songbird in its web by the front window and was devouring it. Second was a road runner who had captured a songbird and was eating it. I know that road runners are carnivores, but I did not know they could/would catch songbirds for food.
Week 37 Leaving for New Mexico this week, so have set up an emergency supply of water for animals in case there is no rain while we are away. Its the long water tub under the eave, filled with water from the tank, with a "beach" into the water built from a 2x6 piece of lumber. It should suffice for the time we are gone.
Week 38 Out
Week 39 Back home late this week. Received 1.7 inches of rain while we were out of town, so the water situation was eased somewhat. Placed a quart of corn in the deer lot and 6 does showed up for the event. Two of the does have tan colored coats, and four have very dark brown coats. The dark brown ones may be developing their winter coats, but why the difference? No bucks.
More corn and kitchen vegetable scraps at the feed lot, 4 does and one buck showed up about dusk.
Had to despatch a diamond back rattlesnake. It was on the front porch and just outside the front door. Not sure why it chose that place to rest except it is close to where the bird feeder is located and the mice there are quite numerous.
Two "never before" observations this week. One was an Argerope spider had caught a songbird in its web by the front window and was devouring it. Second was a road runner who had captured a songbird and was eating it. I know that road runners are carnivores, but I did not know they could/would catch songbirds for food.
Week 37 Leaving for New Mexico this week, so have set up an emergency supply of water for animals in case there is no rain while we are away. Its the long water tub under the eave, filled with water from the tank, with a "beach" into the water built from a 2x6 piece of lumber. It should suffice for the time we are gone.
Week 38 Out
Week 39 Back home late this week. Received 1.7 inches of rain while we were out of town, so the water situation was eased somewhat. Placed a quart of corn in the deer lot and 6 does showed up for the event. Two of the does have tan colored coats, and four have very dark brown coats. The dark brown ones may be developing their winter coats, but why the difference? No bucks.
More corn and kitchen vegetable scraps at the feed lot, 4 does and one buck showed up about dusk.
Had to despatch a diamond back rattlesnake. It was on the front porch and just outside the front door. Not sure why it chose that place to rest except it is close to where the bird feeder is located and the mice there are quite numerous.
Monday, August 25, 2014
August 2014 Activity
Week 32. Four deer, no fawn in sight. Two bands of turkeys walked through at nearly the same time indicating a good turkey year. Quail are quiet, but did observe one covey attacking the mustang grapes by the driveway entrance. Watering, but not feeding.
Week 33. No rain, grass very dry. Burn ban is on. Keeping the water troughs with ample water. Bird baths now need refilling daily as the crowd comes by at night and drinks from them. Might set up a camera to see who they are.
Week 34. The ground is very dry. The grass is gone for the time being, but the stand of brown grass shows plenty of places where deer have bedded down for the night. Never see them, as they must get on the run before daybreak. Often see three or four heading up their trail to the north in the early hours. Observed a covey of quail this week.
Week 35. Started feeding corn this week in the feedlot. Water troughs are frequently filled.
Received 0.20 inches of rain, enough to provide some more water for the wild ones. Placed one of the water tubs under the front eave to catch rainwater---this is for the birds and deer while we are not here and the birdbaths run dry.
Interesting thing about "processed food". No wild animal ever will eat people food such as cookies.
Week 33. No rain, grass very dry. Burn ban is on. Keeping the water troughs with ample water. Bird baths now need refilling daily as the crowd comes by at night and drinks from them. Might set up a camera to see who they are.
Week 34. The ground is very dry. The grass is gone for the time being, but the stand of brown grass shows plenty of places where deer have bedded down for the night. Never see them, as they must get on the run before daybreak. Often see three or four heading up their trail to the north in the early hours. Observed a covey of quail this week.
Week 35. Started feeding corn this week in the feedlot. Water troughs are frequently filled.
Received 0.20 inches of rain, enough to provide some more water for the wild ones. Placed one of the water tubs under the front eave to catch rainwater---this is for the birds and deer while we are not here and the birdbaths run dry.
Interesting thing about "processed food". No wild animal ever will eat people food such as cookies.
July 2014 Activity
Week 27. Four deer, one fawn. Not feeding, but adding water to the troughs every day.
Week 28. Five deer, one fawn. Band of turkeys walked through heading toward the oak grove. Not sure where the turkeys are getting their water. Quail are quieting, they nests must be fledged by now.
Week 29. One inch of water this week. With the hot weather, ground is getting quite dry and the summer grasses (warm weather stuff is not doing well) are not showing up. Last year, we had an abundance of natural seed from side oats, grama, etc, but this year looks grim.
Week 30. Deer not showing up at the feeder but are drinking lots of water from the trough. Birds are desperate to stay near the birdbath. Even hawks and road runners visit the birdbath for drinks.
Week 31. Three deer, one fawn--fawn is getting to near adult size but not quite. No evidence of bucks in the pack. Quail are now silent.
Summary Comment: Settling in for some hot and dry weather. Need to begin looking at feeding again. Watering is a necessity.
No sign of the live oak acorns planted in among the cactus. Perhaps the cactus has a negative effect on germination or growth.
Week 28. Five deer, one fawn. Band of turkeys walked through heading toward the oak grove. Not sure where the turkeys are getting their water. Quail are quieting, they nests must be fledged by now.
Week 29. One inch of water this week. With the hot weather, ground is getting quite dry and the summer grasses (warm weather stuff is not doing well) are not showing up. Last year, we had an abundance of natural seed from side oats, grama, etc, but this year looks grim.
Week 30. Deer not showing up at the feeder but are drinking lots of water from the trough. Birds are desperate to stay near the birdbath. Even hawks and road runners visit the birdbath for drinks.
Week 31. Three deer, one fawn--fawn is getting to near adult size but not quite. No evidence of bucks in the pack. Quail are now silent.
Summary Comment: Settling in for some hot and dry weather. Need to begin looking at feeding again. Watering is a necessity.
No sign of the live oak acorns planted in among the cactus. Perhaps the cactus has a negative effect on germination or growth.
June 2014 Activity
Week 23. Grass is looking good from the recent rains. Food for wildlife should be adequate, but still keeping water troughs filled with just enough water to avoid getting full of algae.
Observed 6 deer today, along with the fawn. One deer looks bigger than the rest, might be a buck, but can't tell from a distance. All the vegetable gardens are now temporarily fenced, but the deer appear to be reaching over, trimming the tomato plants. Not feeding. Note: we walk a fine line between feeding the deer when necessary and yet not making pets of them. Still they like to hang around the house it seems.
Week 24. Another 1.5 inches of rain. Plenty of raccoons showing up at the birdbath for water each night. Observed two rock doves, noted for their under wing colors. Interesting observation of a mockingbird. He was hovering over the ground and it turns out that he was harassing a snake, and eventually ran him off the edge of the mowed area into the cactus. No wonder the Mockingbird is called the junk yard dog of birddom.
Week 25. Visitors all week, no activity
Week 26. Another bit of rain; 0.9 inches. Three deer observed passing through the tract on the way to the north.
Summary of bird observations, year to date:
Observed 6 deer today, along with the fawn. One deer looks bigger than the rest, might be a buck, but can't tell from a distance. All the vegetable gardens are now temporarily fenced, but the deer appear to be reaching over, trimming the tomato plants. Not feeding. Note: we walk a fine line between feeding the deer when necessary and yet not making pets of them. Still they like to hang around the house it seems.
Week 24. Another 1.5 inches of rain. Plenty of raccoons showing up at the birdbath for water each night. Observed two rock doves, noted for their under wing colors. Interesting observation of a mockingbird. He was hovering over the ground and it turns out that he was harassing a snake, and eventually ran him off the edge of the mowed area into the cactus. No wonder the Mockingbird is called the junk yard dog of birddom.
Week 25. Visitors all week, no activity
Week 26. Another bit of rain; 0.9 inches. Three deer observed passing through the tract on the way to the north.
Summary of bird observations, year to date:
- Cardinal
- Mockingbird
- Carolina Wren
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Titmouse
- Rock Dove
- Bobwhite Quail
- White Winged Dove
- Mourning Dove
- Vulture
- Owl
- Red Tailed Hawk
- Chickadee
- Painted Bunting
- Eastern Phoebe
- Road Runner
- Scrub Jay
- Purple Finch
May 2014 Activity
Week 18. Observed 4 does.
Week 19. First of the house wrens fledged and what a ruckus the barn swallows made about this, as their brood fledged at the same time. Barn swallows would not let the wrens in to feed their young while the barn swallow birds were trying to fly.
Also, big problem with sparrows attempting to raid the nest of the wren. Finally had to shoot one of the sparrows.
Big event just about at darkness. Mother gray fox and two pups were foraging on the wild pile in the back yard (wild pile is the name for the big pile of rock and cactus that was left from the septic system work--we decided to keep it for safe haven). Well the fox was searching for something, and we believe one or more of the young wrens were in the pile and making some noise, because the fox was certainly looking for something, with its ears erect. Anyway, they left for parts unknown.
Three inches of rain this week, really needed it. Grass in the background of the photo shows its in fair shape. Its all spring or winter grass.
Week 20. Easy week, with the rain of last week. Watering not needed and deer have plenty to eat. Deer sightings have really dropped off now that I am not feeding them.
Quail are still around and calling.
Week 21. Four deer, one fawn. First fawn sighting of the spring.
Week 22. Same four deer, one fawn. Fawn production seems to be down from what it was, say, 5 years ago. Hunting pressure has been increased over this time on adjacent properties.
Another good spell of rain. Water in good shape, at least for the next few weeks.
Our one per year cottontail rabbit is still around. Interesting in that we only see cottontails here, but half mile away, there are jackrabbits and no cottontails.
Summary Comment: All wildlife appears normal,with enough water from rain and food from good spring growth.
Week 19. First of the house wrens fledged and what a ruckus the barn swallows made about this, as their brood fledged at the same time. Barn swallows would not let the wrens in to feed their young while the barn swallow birds were trying to fly.
Also, big problem with sparrows attempting to raid the nest of the wren. Finally had to shoot one of the sparrows.
Big event just about at darkness. Mother gray fox and two pups were foraging on the wild pile in the back yard (wild pile is the name for the big pile of rock and cactus that was left from the septic system work--we decided to keep it for safe haven). Well the fox was searching for something, and we believe one or more of the young wrens were in the pile and making some noise, because the fox was certainly looking for something, with its ears erect. Anyway, they left for parts unknown.
Three inches of rain this week, really needed it. Grass in the background of the photo shows its in fair shape. Its all spring or winter grass.
Week 20. Easy week, with the rain of last week. Watering not needed and deer have plenty to eat. Deer sightings have really dropped off now that I am not feeding them.
Quail are still around and calling.
Week 21. Four deer, one fawn. First fawn sighting of the spring.
Week 22. Same four deer, one fawn. Fawn production seems to be down from what it was, say, 5 years ago. Hunting pressure has been increased over this time on adjacent properties.
Another good spell of rain. Water in good shape, at least for the next few weeks.
Our one per year cottontail rabbit is still around. Interesting in that we only see cottontails here, but half mile away, there are jackrabbits and no cottontails.
Summary Comment: All wildlife appears normal,with enough water from rain and food from good spring growth.
April 2014 Activity
Week 14. Cutting back on supplemental feed, as there seems to be enough forb material for deer. Deer showed up but they found nothing, good time to wean them from assistance.
Week 15. Killed rather large rattlesnake by the front door. The attraction for snakes at the front door must be the proximity of the bird feeder and mice. I recall three years ago, there was a small rattlesnake that was observed coiled up in a tight coil at the base of the feeder, waiting, I presume, for mice.
This must be the week for snakes to make their grand entrance after being holed up all winter. Two large bull snakes hang out in the back yard by the stone wall. We see them every day, and hope they clean out the mice.
Week 16. One half inch of rain this week. Beginning to really need more. Bluebonnets are doing well with this rain. Deer are not visiting regularly to the feed lot, but seem to drinking from the trough by the big water tank on a nightly basis.
Bought tank sprayer for attacking the fire ants. $20.00 Lowes.
Week 17. Very little activity this week. Birds we normally see are back, especially the painted bunting and the bobwhite quail. Quail should have another good year from the sound of all the calling.
Looks like another bum year for purple martins. On one occasion, saw some martins that flew by the pm house, but did not stay. Same story on bluebirds. Wondering whether the prolonged drought has anything to do with poor martin and bluebird nesting in the area.
Week 15. Killed rather large rattlesnake by the front door. The attraction for snakes at the front door must be the proximity of the bird feeder and mice. I recall three years ago, there was a small rattlesnake that was observed coiled up in a tight coil at the base of the feeder, waiting, I presume, for mice.
This must be the week for snakes to make their grand entrance after being holed up all winter. Two large bull snakes hang out in the back yard by the stone wall. We see them every day, and hope they clean out the mice.
Week 16. One half inch of rain this week. Beginning to really need more. Bluebonnets are doing well with this rain. Deer are not visiting regularly to the feed lot, but seem to drinking from the trough by the big water tank on a nightly basis.
Bought tank sprayer for attacking the fire ants. $20.00 Lowes.
Week 17. Very little activity this week. Birds we normally see are back, especially the painted bunting and the bobwhite quail. Quail should have another good year from the sound of all the calling.
Looks like another bum year for purple martins. On one occasion, saw some martins that flew by the pm house, but did not stay. Same story on bluebirds. Wondering whether the prolonged drought has anything to do with poor martin and bluebird nesting in the area.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
March 2014 Activity
Week 10. Ground is getting dry and now having to provide water for birds, animals, etc.
Corn, sweet feed and kitchen greens go in the feedlot. Now, deer do not show up until just before dark, making it difficult to count. Perhaps there were as many as 8 there at times this week.
Week 11. One inch of rain this week, that helped but not a lot. Still having to provide water and feed most days this week. Herd of deer ranges a lot from 3 to 9. No bucks.
Week 12. No rain. Continuing to provide water and feed to the feedlot.
Week 13. No rain. Feeding and watering continues. All sorts of tracks showing up at the water tank by the big tank. Raccoons, deer, possum, cats, etc.
Summary Comment: Drought is beginning to show its effects again. The grass started out good, but is showing some signs of dryness.
Corn, sweet feed and kitchen greens go in the feedlot. Now, deer do not show up until just before dark, making it difficult to count. Perhaps there were as many as 8 there at times this week.
Week 11. One inch of rain this week, that helped but not a lot. Still having to provide water and feed most days this week. Herd of deer ranges a lot from 3 to 9. No bucks.
Week 12. No rain. Continuing to provide water and feed to the feedlot.
Week 13. No rain. Feeding and watering continues. All sorts of tracks showing up at the water tank by the big tank. Raccoons, deer, possum, cats, etc.
Summary Comment: Drought is beginning to show its effects again. The grass started out good, but is showing some signs of dryness.
February 2014 Activity
Week 6. Tiny bluebonnets beginning to show up. No deer all this week, food is eaten at night tho, and tracks are all around the feed lot. Sweet feed and corn distributed 4 of seven days.
Week 7. Three deer in feedlot at late evening just after the "food truck" arrived. They seem to now know when to show up. No buck deer.
Week 8. Grass growth looks promising so far this late winter. Cardinals have all moved back in and at the feeder. Six of seven days deer feed in the feedlot. Cottontail rabbit showed up again.
Week 9. Created a very small brush pile in front near road, small for rabbits, etc.
Three deer at the feedlot just before dark. From trails, they seem to have a circular route from the feed lot toward the front of the property, up through this tract and onto the tract to the north, going in a direction where there is more cover and no homes.
Summary Comment. As more homes get built here and with new owners being interested in clear cutting much of the undergrowth, its beginning to look like our tract is an oasis of sorts.
Throughout this month, regular feeding sweet feed, corn and kitchen green scraps have been scattered in the feedlot.
Week 7. Three deer in feedlot at late evening just after the "food truck" arrived. They seem to now know when to show up. No buck deer.
Week 8. Grass growth looks promising so far this late winter. Cardinals have all moved back in and at the feeder. Six of seven days deer feed in the feedlot. Cottontail rabbit showed up again.
Week 9. Created a very small brush pile in front near road, small for rabbits, etc.
Three deer at the feedlot just before dark. From trails, they seem to have a circular route from the feed lot toward the front of the property, up through this tract and onto the tract to the north, going in a direction where there is more cover and no homes.
Summary Comment. As more homes get built here and with new owners being interested in clear cutting much of the undergrowth, its beginning to look like our tract is an oasis of sorts.
Throughout this month, regular feeding sweet feed, corn and kitchen green scraps have been scattered in the feedlot.
January 2014 Activity
Week 1 Saw first buck deer of the season--maybe eight points, smallish frame.Three does.
Sweet feed and corn in the feed lot. Water in trough. Kitchen greens as well, as they usually eat all of these scraps (except mushrooms).
Week 2. no deer this week for some reason.
Week 3. Three does back, no buck, so maybe he is on someones wall by now.
Week 4. Very cold, had to break the ice on the top of the water trough so animals could drink. Not much activity on any front.
Week 5. Deer in feedlot all days of this week feeding on kitchen greens, sweet feed and corn.
Summary comment: Very cold, quiet month, not much activity of wildlife. Still pestered with a lot of mice. Snakes are hibernating, but where are the owls?
Sweet feed and corn in the feed lot. Water in trough. Kitchen greens as well, as they usually eat all of these scraps (except mushrooms).
Week 2. no deer this week for some reason.
Week 3. Three does back, no buck, so maybe he is on someones wall by now.
Week 4. Very cold, had to break the ice on the top of the water trough so animals could drink. Not much activity on any front.
Week 5. Deer in feedlot all days of this week feeding on kitchen greens, sweet feed and corn.
Summary comment: Very cold, quiet month, not much activity of wildlife. Still pestered with a lot of mice. Snakes are hibernating, but where are the owls?
Expenditures for 2013
6.21.2013......Tractor Supply.....sunflower seed...................................................$24.99
9.3.2013........Tank Depot..... rainwater collection tank for non potable use......$685.00
11.1.2013......Tractor Supply.. deer corn............................................................$13.00
11.13.2013....Tractor Supply.... sunflower seed, sweet feed................................$28.78
9.3.2013........Tank Depot..... rainwater collection tank for non potable use......$685.00
11.1.2013......Tractor Supply.. deer corn............................................................$13.00
11.13.2013....Tractor Supply.... sunflower seed, sweet feed................................$28.78
December 2013 Activity
Week 49: Corn and sweet feed for deer. Some activity at the bird feeder (the usual suspects). 6 does. Still no buck deer which surprises me.
Week 50: Added to brush pile no. 4 across gully. This is the fourth brush pile built.
Sweet feed and corn for deer lot.
Week 51: Corn and sweet feed daily to feed lot. Water added to trough.
Planted several pounds of native side oats seeded in areas where there is a deficiency of sideoats grasses. This is seed harvested from grass on this site.
Week 52: Corn and sweet feed daily to feed lot. Water added to trough
Summary Comment: Additional water tank helps to supply water to the animal trough. We facilitate the bird watering by adding a sloped 2x6 into the trough for birds to access the water surface.
Still no evidence of any feral hogs, which probably is the result of heavy trapping in 2010 through 2012. (more than 100 hogs trapped in those three years).
Week 50: Added to brush pile no. 4 across gully. This is the fourth brush pile built.
Sweet feed and corn for deer lot.
Week 51: Corn and sweet feed daily to feed lot. Water added to trough.
Planted several pounds of native side oats seeded in areas where there is a deficiency of sideoats grasses. This is seed harvested from grass on this site.
Week 52: Corn and sweet feed daily to feed lot. Water added to trough
Summary Comment: Additional water tank helps to supply water to the animal trough. We facilitate the bird watering by adding a sloped 2x6 into the trough for birds to access the water surface.
Still no evidence of any feral hogs, which probably is the result of heavy trapping in 2010 through 2012. (more than 100 hogs trapped in those three years).
November 2013 Activity
Week 45: three does, one young doe. Starting to feed deer as green stuff is getting more scarce. Water in soil is adequate for grass, but no pools for wildlife, so beginning to add water to the trough for supplemental water.
Week 46: Good flock of turkeys went on through the fields in the rear of the house. Maybe 15 total.
Trying a new technique on establishing oak trees. I collected over 100 acorns and planted them inside prickly pear mounds. The expectation is that they will sprout and be protected from deer browse when they sprout. Check next spring.
Week 47: Humming birds have left. Many songbirds have left, but the cardinals will be here forever. Corn and sweet feed in the feed lot for deer.
Week 48: Sweet feed and corn nearly every evening for the deer, they seem to need this food now. 8 does show up for the feed. Have not seen any bucks this year so far. One inch of rain which helped to fill the tanks.
Summary Comment: All in good shape.
Week 46: Good flock of turkeys went on through the fields in the rear of the house. Maybe 15 total.
Trying a new technique on establishing oak trees. I collected over 100 acorns and planted them inside prickly pear mounds. The expectation is that they will sprout and be protected from deer browse when they sprout. Check next spring.
Week 47: Humming birds have left. Many songbirds have left, but the cardinals will be here forever. Corn and sweet feed in the feed lot for deer.
Week 48: Sweet feed and corn nearly every evening for the deer, they seem to need this food now. 8 does show up for the feed. Have not seen any bucks this year so far. One inch of rain which helped to fill the tanks.
Summary Comment: All in good shape.
October 2013 Activity
Week 40: In Michigan this week.
Week 41: Built another brush pile in the back, on the portion of land not grazed by cattle. Note on cattle grazing: With the adequate rain, the back portion of the tract is not nearly as heavily grazed in the past, so we are getting some good grass buildup there.
Week 42: Four does, one fawn. Hummingbirds still here feeding off two feeders. Seems from the count like we had three nesting pairs.
Week 43: Keep seeing the quail. From all observations it appears that we had two nesting pairs and now two rather large coveys of quail, perhaps 10-15 in each covey. They are not calling at this time, like they did in the spring.
Week 44: Deluge of rain on Halloween night. Up most of the night diverting water from around the house and off to each end. More than 9 inches fell in only a few hours. Ravine in the back yard was a roaring river. As to deer, we saw 8 individuals this week, not sure why they showed up here as we have not yet started fall feeding.
Summary Comment: All is well with water and grass cover. Will think about starting fall feeding of deer next month.
Week 41: Built another brush pile in the back, on the portion of land not grazed by cattle. Note on cattle grazing: With the adequate rain, the back portion of the tract is not nearly as heavily grazed in the past, so we are getting some good grass buildup there.
Week 42: Four does, one fawn. Hummingbirds still here feeding off two feeders. Seems from the count like we had three nesting pairs.
Week 43: Keep seeing the quail. From all observations it appears that we had two nesting pairs and now two rather large coveys of quail, perhaps 10-15 in each covey. They are not calling at this time, like they did in the spring.
Week 44: Deluge of rain on Halloween night. Up most of the night diverting water from around the house and off to each end. More than 9 inches fell in only a few hours. Ravine in the back yard was a roaring river. As to deer, we saw 8 individuals this week, not sure why they showed up here as we have not yet started fall feeding.
Summary Comment: All is well with water and grass cover. Will think about starting fall feeding of deer next month.
September 2013 Activity
Week 36: Six does, one fawn. Plenty evidence of raccoon around the water places and eating the tunas off the cactus. For some reason, no grapes this year on the wild mustang vines. Perhaps the cold spring did them no good.
Bought a 1500 gallon tank to take the overflow from the main rainwater tank ($685 from Tanks For Less in New Braunfels.
Week 37: 4 does, one fawn.
Week 38: In New Mexico
Week 39: In New Mexico
Summary comment: All wildlife doing well, but way too many mice, plus two wood rats. Probably like the bird food. Difficult to keep them out of the garage and house attic.
Bought a 1500 gallon tank to take the overflow from the main rainwater tank ($685 from Tanks For Less in New Braunfels.
Week 37: 4 does, one fawn.
Week 38: In New Mexico
Week 39: In New Mexico
Summary comment: All wildlife doing well, but way too many mice, plus two wood rats. Probably like the bird food. Difficult to keep them out of the garage and house attic.
August 2013 Activity
Week 32: Birds are consuming a lot of sunflower seeds, but the freeloaders like squirrels and raccoons are discouraged from raiding the birdfeeder because of the electric fence charger connected to the bird feeder. Works well, instructions on setup available to all.
Week 33: Only two deer, one fawn. In spite of not encouraging deer to be around the house, they are pesky with regard to chewing on ornamental plants. Tracks of deer even on the back porch terrace gardens.
Week 34: Rain this last week so all rainwater tanks are full.
Week 35: Built three bluebird houses, gave to Spring Lake Garden Club for their annual sale. No. of bluebird houses built so far (last ten years) 232.
Summary comment: adequate rain. Grass doing well. However, of the wildseed purchased from Wildseed Farms and planted last fall (Butterfly weed, gay feather, drummond phlox, purple coneflower, red corn poppy, blue gramma, and sideoats grama) only scattering of poppy and blue gramma showed up this year. Failures: No nesting purple martins, no nesting bluebirds.
Week 33: Only two deer, one fawn. In spite of not encouraging deer to be around the house, they are pesky with regard to chewing on ornamental plants. Tracks of deer even on the back porch terrace gardens.
Week 34: Rain this last week so all rainwater tanks are full.
Week 35: Built three bluebird houses, gave to Spring Lake Garden Club for their annual sale. No. of bluebird houses built so far (last ten years) 232.
Summary comment: adequate rain. Grass doing well. However, of the wildseed purchased from Wildseed Farms and planted last fall (Butterfly weed, gay feather, drummond phlox, purple coneflower, red corn poppy, blue gramma, and sideoats grama) only scattering of poppy and blue gramma showed up this year. Failures: No nesting purple martins, no nesting bluebirds.
July 2013 Activity
Week 28: 4 deer (does) one fawn. Killed rattlesnake by the bird feeder.
Week 29: More rain (1.5 inches Monday, 1 inches Tuesday). Good for all, grass, trees, wildlife.
Week 30: No activity in the fields, but bird feeder and bird bath are busy.
Comment: one can always tell if there is adequate water in the fields for animals as the birdbath water is not consumed each night during periods of adequate rainfall.
Week 31: House visitors, no activity.
Gate added to the stone wall which separates no cattle zone from the rest of the tract, replacing pallets which will now be used to make refuge for small animals on the cattle side of the tract.
Summary: All is well, water adequate, food adequate.
Week 29: More rain (1.5 inches Monday, 1 inches Tuesday). Good for all, grass, trees, wildlife.
Week 30: No activity in the fields, but bird feeder and bird bath are busy.
Comment: one can always tell if there is adequate water in the fields for animals as the birdbath water is not consumed each night during periods of adequate rainfall.
Week 31: House visitors, no activity.
Summary: All is well, water adequate, food adequate.
June 2013 Activity
Week 23: Little activity. Deer herd smaller than last year, typically 3 does and one fawn. Have cut back on food for deer as there are plenty of forbs. However, the deer are pesky in that they go into the vegetable garden and eat the tops of plants. Will have to buy fencing to keep them out.
Week 24: Observed four does and one fawn. Ample rain this week, 1.5 inches in the gauge.
Week 25: One flock of turkeys roamed through the back. One gray fox raced through the backyard about 10 am one morning.
Week 26: Bird observations over the last week: abundance of cardinals, titmice, painted bunting (2 pair) barn swallows, whitewing dove, road runner, redtailed hawks, many resident owls (not sure species), lesser goldfinch. And above all else. bobwhite quail, again this year. That makes two in a row. All are nesting on this land.
Week 27: Deer observed 3 does, one fawn. Deer are bedding down in the tall grass in the backyard about 100 yards from the house.
Summary comment: Rain adequate, so food, water and cover are in good shape, usual songbirds are nesting, wildlife and grass growth look promising. No feral hogs on this tract. Did observe two feral cats. Plenty of raccoon evidence around the birdfeeder and climbing into the birdbaths.
Week 24: Observed four does and one fawn. Ample rain this week, 1.5 inches in the gauge.
Week 25: One flock of turkeys roamed through the back. One gray fox raced through the backyard about 10 am one morning.
Week 26: Bird observations over the last week: abundance of cardinals, titmice, painted bunting (2 pair) barn swallows, whitewing dove, road runner, redtailed hawks, many resident owls (not sure species), lesser goldfinch. And above all else. bobwhite quail, again this year. That makes two in a row. All are nesting on this land.
Week 27: Deer observed 3 does, one fawn. Deer are bedding down in the tall grass in the backyard about 100 yards from the house.
Summary comment: Rain adequate, so food, water and cover are in good shape, usual songbirds are nesting, wildlife and grass growth look promising. No feral hogs on this tract. Did observe two feral cats. Plenty of raccoon evidence around the birdfeeder and climbing into the birdbaths.
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