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.
