Week 40
Two deer browsing in the back yard, a few songbirds back after refilling the feeder. There has been no rain for about a month (since September 11-- now October 9). The deer are still up on the terrace eating the last bit of tomatoe plant leaves.
Providing sweet feed and corn, plus kitchen vegetable trimmings on an every other day basis.
20 or so turkeys walked through the back yard.
Week 41
Turkeys are back again, nice sized flock with healthy looking birds. We saw a fawn today, no spots, but perhaps the smallest fawn seen at this time of the year since we have been observing deer. It was less than half the size of a normal doe.
Still no rain. Still hot at 90 degrees every day.
Added two front end loaders of brush to the pile nearest the roadway.
Mowed about 5 acres of backyard to cut the broomweed to prevent reseeding. It was cut high to cut the broomweed, but not damage the tops of native grasses.
Scraped out of the ground several large cactus plants, reminding me that this fall we need to take big time action to rid parts of the property of small cactus growth.
Week 42
Still hot, still dry. Small bird population is beginning to shift to the fall/winter bird species. Many of the cardinals have moved on now that their brood has matured.
So far this fall, not as many deer have been observed. Concluded, though that deer counts don't mean a lot since there are others within a mile that feed the deer and so have pulled them away from here.
Week 43
Seems as if we are having a big problem with either one or two feral hogs tearing up the backyard. Had another shot at the big black beast the other morning with buckshot (no rifle rule here) but did not bother him as the distance was too great.
Not sure mentioned in an earlier post, but along in August last a family of mother and four feral cats moved into the area and stayed about a day. They, all but one runt cat, moved on to a neighboring ranch where they stayed for awhile until they were sent away to the animal control unit. The runt stayed with us and is now a house cat, no longer roaming the area.
Monday, October 5, 2015
September 2015 Activity
Week 35
This is the last week we have before leaving the ranch for some two weeks. Checklist completed, water troughs filled, feeders full, deer yard supplied with two days feed (no need to provide more, they just eat it all up in one day)
Week 36, 37, 38
Out
(Neighbor reported 4 inches of rain to us by email---great!)
Week 39
The deer and other wildlife seem to have given up dependence on me as there is nothing stirring. All the cardinals have disappeared, which is noteworthy as there are usually lots of them.
This is the last week we have before leaving the ranch for some two weeks. Checklist completed, water troughs filled, feeders full, deer yard supplied with two days feed (no need to provide more, they just eat it all up in one day)
Week 36, 37, 38
Out
(Neighbor reported 4 inches of rain to us by email---great!)
Week 39
The deer and other wildlife seem to have given up dependence on me as there is nothing stirring. All the cardinals have disappeared, which is noteworthy as there are usually lots of them.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
August 2015 Activity
Week 31
Still no rain, feeding birds and providing water via the front tank and birdbaths. Water in the bird baths disappears each night. Mostly deer are drinking it dry at night.
Aside from the cottontail rabbit, essentially no sighting of any wildlife--perhaps a deer or two every four or five days.
With these drought conditions and the mid-day temperature of 103 degrees, here is when it is important to have natural cover, dense shaded areas where the sun seldom shines, for wildlife to hunker down on the ground- the coolest spot for them to find until nighttime comes again. Undercutting brush eliminates all this important daytime cover. If one does not have natural heavy brush near the ground, the only alternative is to create it via half cut cedars and carefully stacked brush piles---brush piles that have a lot of open areas underneath.
Hooray, the bobwhite quail are still here.
Week 32
Rain today, the 15th of August-- brief shower in the morning, perhaps .50 inches.
Resumed feeding kitchen greens to the deer in the far back feedlot area. The deer hang so closely to this nightly feeding that they must be waiting for fresh food every night.
Week 33
The metal tub under the eave in the front is turning out to be popular with the birds and the Leopard Frogs during this dry weather. Especially, they both like the "beach" provided by the 2x6 on a slant into the water. Here are two photos, one of birds, one of frogs:
Week 34
Very dry on these specific acres, maybe more droughty than at the worst of two years ago.
Feeding the deer corn, sweet feed and kitchen vegetable scraps. The deer were selective on the vegetable scraps they ate last year, but this year, they eat everything provided.
Still no rain, feeding birds and providing water via the front tank and birdbaths. Water in the bird baths disappears each night. Mostly deer are drinking it dry at night.
Aside from the cottontail rabbit, essentially no sighting of any wildlife--perhaps a deer or two every four or five days.
With these drought conditions and the mid-day temperature of 103 degrees, here is when it is important to have natural cover, dense shaded areas where the sun seldom shines, for wildlife to hunker down on the ground- the coolest spot for them to find until nighttime comes again. Undercutting brush eliminates all this important daytime cover. If one does not have natural heavy brush near the ground, the only alternative is to create it via half cut cedars and carefully stacked brush piles---brush piles that have a lot of open areas underneath.
Hooray, the bobwhite quail are still here.
Week 32
Rain today, the 15th of August-- brief shower in the morning, perhaps .50 inches.
Resumed feeding kitchen greens to the deer in the far back feedlot area. The deer hang so closely to this nightly feeding that they must be waiting for fresh food every night.
Week 33
The metal tub under the eave in the front is turning out to be popular with the birds and the Leopard Frogs during this dry weather. Especially, they both like the "beach" provided by the 2x6 on a slant into the water. Here are two photos, one of birds, one of frogs:
Very dry on these specific acres, maybe more droughty than at the worst of two years ago.
Feeding the deer corn, sweet feed and kitchen vegetable scraps. The deer were selective on the vegetable scraps they ate last year, but this year, they eat everything provided.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
July 2015 Activity
Week 27
In spite of showers, the ground is still dry. Not critical as green growth still occurring.
Saw the first fawn of the year, not here, but on adjacent land maybe a mile away. It was spotted yet and very small, seems as if it is late.
Six point buck observed today, horns all in velvet yet.
Lone turkey stalking the back yesterday---Still, not as many turkeys this year as years before.
No evidence of new hog damage now that the ground on this tract is hardening up from lack of rain. Am still on the lookout though.
Week 28
No rain and the condition is getting tight for water supplies. Keeping the two troughs filled with water, but the roaming animals seem to like the bird bath water best as they drain these each night.
No new evidence of the hog, perhaps the ground is too tough for rooting now that the soil is so dry.
Occasionally spotting the 8 point buck in the back, horns still in velvet.
Observed for the first time this year a fawn--yay!
Turkeys, roadrunners, owls all somewhat scarce at this time.
Cottontail rabbit greets me on the driveway every morning. Never afraid of me approaching.
Skunk walked through the back on two occasions this last week, almost at darkness.
Snakes are scarce this year.
Week 29
No rain, its starting to be critical again for the animals and plants. Its now become a daily routine to keep the bird bath full and the drinking tubs filled with water. I haven't put the game cameral out, but I suspect that the birdbaths and tubs are visited by a variety of animals during the night. I will place the game camera near a birdbath tonight, and then rotate it to the tub behind the big water tank.
Frogs have taken up residence in the tank under the eave, and disappear quickly when the roadrunner appears for its nightly drink.
Still no snakes, being the time of the year when they are pretty much holed up during the day and only prowl at night for food and water.
Week 30
Still no rain. Worst ground moisture condition since start of records on this land six years ago. Worst before was two years ago when the frost week was badly wilted, now the frost weed are dying.
Only wildlife activity seems to be at the watering trough in front and the bird baths---all water centered.
In spite of showers, the ground is still dry. Not critical as green growth still occurring.
Saw the first fawn of the year, not here, but on adjacent land maybe a mile away. It was spotted yet and very small, seems as if it is late.
Six point buck observed today, horns all in velvet yet.
Lone turkey stalking the back yesterday---Still, not as many turkeys this year as years before.
No evidence of new hog damage now that the ground on this tract is hardening up from lack of rain. Am still on the lookout though.
Week 28
No rain and the condition is getting tight for water supplies. Keeping the two troughs filled with water, but the roaming animals seem to like the bird bath water best as they drain these each night.
No new evidence of the hog, perhaps the ground is too tough for rooting now that the soil is so dry.
Occasionally spotting the 8 point buck in the back, horns still in velvet.
Observed for the first time this year a fawn--yay!
Turkeys, roadrunners, owls all somewhat scarce at this time.
Cottontail rabbit greets me on the driveway every morning. Never afraid of me approaching.
Skunk walked through the back on two occasions this last week, almost at darkness.
Snakes are scarce this year.
Week 29
No rain, its starting to be critical again for the animals and plants. Its now become a daily routine to keep the bird bath full and the drinking tubs filled with water. I haven't put the game cameral out, but I suspect that the birdbaths and tubs are visited by a variety of animals during the night. I will place the game camera near a birdbath tonight, and then rotate it to the tub behind the big water tank.
Frogs have taken up residence in the tank under the eave, and disappear quickly when the roadrunner appears for its nightly drink.
Still no snakes, being the time of the year when they are pretty much holed up during the day and only prowl at night for food and water.
Week 30
Still no rain. Worst ground moisture condition since start of records on this land six years ago. Worst before was two years ago when the frost week was badly wilted, now the frost weed are dying.
Only wildlife activity seems to be at the watering trough in front and the bird baths---all water centered.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
June 2015 Activity
Week 22
Rain, good for everything that grows, but maybe enough for now
Week 23
Only feeding is the sunflower seeds in the electric feeder. Deer and all others are self sufficient.
Modest crop of turkeys this year, perhaps the excessive rain affected the broods
Treated 43 mounds of fireants. They are especially busy with all this rain.
Its turning out that the metal bin under the eave in the front is proving attractive to wildlife. It appears that small wildlife is using it for drinking, and birds especially like the 2 x 6 board on a slant that serves as a bird beach.
Week 24
Oh no, hog damage in the downhill side. Discovered 4 rather large uprootings that were quite fresh.
Spotted the big black lone hog leaving the edge of the property one late evening. Will begin to post a watch for it.
Spotted the hog again one late evening and blasted away at it with No. 1 Buckshot (2 rounds), but didn't seem to affect his rather rapid race to security. Will continue to watch for more action. Filled in the holes dug to prevent further erosion.
No sightings the last three days.
Quail calls still prevalent. It appears this species had a good spring brood
No evidence of purple martins, and the barn swallows attempted nest building, but abandoned the effort.
A good crop of wrens in the two birdhouses under the eaves. Perhaps as many as 4 broods this spring.
Week 25
Still seeing some new hog damage, but never spotted in the act.
Quail still around, but have seen only one covey.
Turkeys seem to be doing well, but have not seen one fawn this spring and early summer.
Added more brush to brush piles in the front and the back. The many rains have really settled the brushpiles and compacted them---not good for wildlife.
Grey Fox population seems to be good; cotton tail rabbits seem to come and go, not sure if the foxes are harvesting them or the owls.
Week 26
Smattering of rain, but it appears to be getting a bit dry again. Keeping water supplies up and available. No feeding, the deer feed lot is now overgrown and the deer do not hang around like they used to do. That's good, the deer need to remain wild.
Six of the six planted oak seedlings, under the protection of wire, are all growing well. These are the Oak variations that landscapers use, and which appear to be productive acorn bearers.
Painted buntings are still here, they usually are one of the earliest to migrate away.
Rain, good for everything that grows, but maybe enough for now
Week 23
Only feeding is the sunflower seeds in the electric feeder. Deer and all others are self sufficient.
Modest crop of turkeys this year, perhaps the excessive rain affected the broods
Treated 43 mounds of fireants. They are especially busy with all this rain.
Its turning out that the metal bin under the eave in the front is proving attractive to wildlife. It appears that small wildlife is using it for drinking, and birds especially like the 2 x 6 board on a slant that serves as a bird beach.
Week 24
Oh no, hog damage in the downhill side. Discovered 4 rather large uprootings that were quite fresh.
Spotted the big black lone hog leaving the edge of the property one late evening. Will begin to post a watch for it.
Spotted the hog again one late evening and blasted away at it with No. 1 Buckshot (2 rounds), but didn't seem to affect his rather rapid race to security. Will continue to watch for more action. Filled in the holes dug to prevent further erosion.
No sightings the last three days.
Quail calls still prevalent. It appears this species had a good spring brood
No evidence of purple martins, and the barn swallows attempted nest building, but abandoned the effort.
A good crop of wrens in the two birdhouses under the eaves. Perhaps as many as 4 broods this spring.
Week 25
Still seeing some new hog damage, but never spotted in the act.
Quail still around, but have seen only one covey.
Turkeys seem to be doing well, but have not seen one fawn this spring and early summer.
Added more brush to brush piles in the front and the back. The many rains have really settled the brushpiles and compacted them---not good for wildlife.
Grey Fox population seems to be good; cotton tail rabbits seem to come and go, not sure if the foxes are harvesting them or the owls.
Week 26
Smattering of rain, but it appears to be getting a bit dry again. Keeping water supplies up and available. No feeding, the deer feed lot is now overgrown and the deer do not hang around like they used to do. That's good, the deer need to remain wild.
Six of the six planted oak seedlings, under the protection of wire, are all growing well. These are the Oak variations that landscapers use, and which appear to be productive acorn bearers.
Painted buntings are still here, they usually are one of the earliest to migrate away.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Semi-Annual Bird Species Count
Birds observed in 2015 to this date (May 10)
- Barn Owl
- Grackle
- Cowbird
- Cardinal
- Mourning Dove
- Bobwhite Quail
- Carolina Wren
- Barn Swallow
- Ruby Throated Hummingbird
- Crow
- Vulture
- Cara Cara
- Roadrunner
- Scrub Jay
- Painted Bunting
- Red Tailed Hawk
- Scissor Tailed Flycatcher
- House Finch
- English Sparrow
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Whitewing Dove
- Peruque
- Bluebird
- Summer Tanager
- Mocking Bird
- Chicadee
- Rio Grande Turkey
- Cuckoo
- Raven
- Titmouse
May 2015 Activity
Week 18 All is stable and quiet this week.
Week 19 Rain, rain, not much volume, but everyday is rainy. Good for the soil to get some deep-down moisture built up for a change.
Deer have been scarce at dusk and early morning, but tracks prove they are on the prowl all night long. Many spots in the long grass where they have bedded down for the night.
We will begin to work on the areas of excessive cactus growth, with the tractor, as soon as the ground dries out a bit.
Quail calls still prevalent in all directions from the house.
Week 20 More rain, all is quiet
Week 21 More rain, ground wet. Mowed track through the center of the south side to provide a place to walk--the needle grass is just too tough to walk through.
Hauled two front end loaders full of brush to brushpile no. 2. One of the loads was from uprooted prickly pear cactus that was growing too thickly in one area.
Quail still here. Wrens have fledged.
We had to electric fence the Mexican Plum tree to keep the deer from browsing the terminal buds. Most often, we see just three does. We have not seen any fawns yet.
Week 19 Rain, rain, not much volume, but everyday is rainy. Good for the soil to get some deep-down moisture built up for a change.
Deer have been scarce at dusk and early morning, but tracks prove they are on the prowl all night long. Many spots in the long grass where they have bedded down for the night.
We will begin to work on the areas of excessive cactus growth, with the tractor, as soon as the ground dries out a bit.
Quail calls still prevalent in all directions from the house.
Week 20 More rain, all is quiet
Week 21 More rain, ground wet. Mowed track through the center of the south side to provide a place to walk--the needle grass is just too tough to walk through.
Hauled two front end loaders full of brush to brushpile no. 2. One of the loads was from uprooted prickly pear cactus that was growing too thickly in one area.
Quail still here. Wrens have fledged.
We had to electric fence the Mexican Plum tree to keep the deer from browsing the terminal buds. Most often, we see just three does. We have not seen any fawns yet.
Friday, April 10, 2015
April 2015 Activity
Week 13 Placed one front end loader full of brush on the front brush pile.
No evidence of feral hogs on this property, but neighboring properties are experiencing some damage to plantings.
Week 14 We seem to have heard the painted bunting, but have not seen it. The barn swallows are back in the same nest built last year.
No reports of quail yet.
Four oaks are up and leafed out. These are the monterrey-looking oaks that produce a lot of acorns.
Week 15 Yes, did hear the Painted Bunting, now showing up at the water trough in front.
And, yes, quail are back in good strength according to their calls from different directions at the same time, so perhaps have several nesting pairs.
Water situation looking good, so none of the wildlife need any special attention regarding water or food, as the rains are producing edible forbs in good supply.
Week 16 The Wildlife Plan for the next five years has been approved by the Central Appraisal District. There were no big changes made to the Plan submitted 5 years ago. New plan puts a bit more emphasis on native grasses, clearing some prickly pear where it is getting to dominant, and continued building brush piles.
Since deer supplemental feeding has stopped for the year, deer are less visible, which is good--they need to stay wild.
Week 17 All is quiet except for the grass which is growing like wildfire. This is definitely the best spring grass growth we have had since we started the wildlife plan 6 years ago. Three factors are important here: Timed mowing to make sure seed has matured, ample rain, no cattle grazing on the front half. It is too early to check for results of hand sewing of the on-site collected native summer grasses in the previous two years.
No evidence of feral hogs on this property, but neighboring properties are experiencing some damage to plantings.
Week 14 We seem to have heard the painted bunting, but have not seen it. The barn swallows are back in the same nest built last year.
No reports of quail yet.
Four oaks are up and leafed out. These are the monterrey-looking oaks that produce a lot of acorns.
Week 15 Yes, did hear the Painted Bunting, now showing up at the water trough in front.
And, yes, quail are back in good strength according to their calls from different directions at the same time, so perhaps have several nesting pairs.
Water situation looking good, so none of the wildlife need any special attention regarding water or food, as the rains are producing edible forbs in good supply.
Week 16 The Wildlife Plan for the next five years has been approved by the Central Appraisal District. There were no big changes made to the Plan submitted 5 years ago. New plan puts a bit more emphasis on native grasses, clearing some prickly pear where it is getting to dominant, and continued building brush piles.
Since deer supplemental feeding has stopped for the year, deer are less visible, which is good--they need to stay wild.
Week 17 All is quiet except for the grass which is growing like wildfire. This is definitely the best spring grass growth we have had since we started the wildlife plan 6 years ago. Three factors are important here: Timed mowing to make sure seed has matured, ample rain, no cattle grazing on the front half. It is too early to check for results of hand sewing of the on-site collected native summer grasses in the previous two years.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
March 2015 Activity
Week 9 Time has come to cut way back on supplemental food. All wildlife, especially deer are now able to forage for themselves---any more food just makes them tame. We can not do that.
Seems like there has been a big increase in deer population. Of course it is difficult to make that conclusion because the deer from surrounding areas may just be visiting more often. Next door at Summer Mountain, many residents feed deer all year long. It shows the effect with the tame natureof the deer and the large population there.
Field mice seem to be prevalent this year in the grass out in the fields. Good food for the owls.
Purple martin house is up, but no activity.
Getting short on ground water again, but the forecast for today (8th) is promising.
Inspected the brush pile created by the half cut dead juniper from last year. This is a rather open brush pile and the grass has grown up in it so that it really provides good habitat.
Two more front end loader loads to the brush pile in the front left corner.
We heard a red tailed hawk this week- with its shrill call.
An oriole was at the bird feeder. Put out a half grapefruit to see if that attracts them.
We have seven oak trees (of unknown species) starting from acorns. They too are looking for warmer weather. When warmer weather comes, they will be transplanted inside cages. These acorns came from some trees alongside Hwy 123 in the city. We were attracted to these trees due to their huge production of acorns---good food for wildlife.
Week 10 Rainwater troughs are all full and seem to be used very little by wildlife--except the birds as they always use the nearby supplies of water.
New $20.00 bag of sunflower seeds. Birds at the feeder seem to be mostly cardinals, but some finches as well. Spotty observation of deer.
Observed big two stripe skunk in mid day. It seemed healthy and rambled off to the north.
Week 11 Planted 5 oak trees of the "unknown" species--the ones from acorns from planted trees alongside Hwy 123. Will continue try to identify them. In all places where these small plants were placed, they now have cages over to protect them from deer browse.
Water situation in good shape.
Added two front end loaders full of brush to the front brush pile. Have not yet started the selective prickly pear cleanup.
Still have not heard any quail calls and have not seen any birds since those seen back a month ago.
Week 12 Half grapefruit disappeared, not sure to where. Doe cautiously appears near 6 pm to the north side in a loitering mode--Must have a fawn stashed away somewhere nearby. Supplemental food has been deleted. Deer observations are way down as a result.
The call of the painted bunting was heard (perhaps), but did not observe.
Seems like there has been a big increase in deer population. Of course it is difficult to make that conclusion because the deer from surrounding areas may just be visiting more often. Next door at Summer Mountain, many residents feed deer all year long. It shows the effect with the tame natureof the deer and the large population there.
Field mice seem to be prevalent this year in the grass out in the fields. Good food for the owls.
Purple martin house is up, but no activity.
Getting short on ground water again, but the forecast for today (8th) is promising.
Inspected the brush pile created by the half cut dead juniper from last year. This is a rather open brush pile and the grass has grown up in it so that it really provides good habitat.
Two more front end loader loads to the brush pile in the front left corner.
We heard a red tailed hawk this week- with its shrill call.
An oriole was at the bird feeder. Put out a half grapefruit to see if that attracts them.
We have seven oak trees (of unknown species) starting from acorns. They too are looking for warmer weather. When warmer weather comes, they will be transplanted inside cages. These acorns came from some trees alongside Hwy 123 in the city. We were attracted to these trees due to their huge production of acorns---good food for wildlife.
Week 10 Rainwater troughs are all full and seem to be used very little by wildlife--except the birds as they always use the nearby supplies of water.
New $20.00 bag of sunflower seeds. Birds at the feeder seem to be mostly cardinals, but some finches as well. Spotty observation of deer.
Observed big two stripe skunk in mid day. It seemed healthy and rambled off to the north.
Week 11 Planted 5 oak trees of the "unknown" species--the ones from acorns from planted trees alongside Hwy 123. Will continue try to identify them. In all places where these small plants were placed, they now have cages over to protect them from deer browse.
Water situation in good shape.
Added two front end loaders full of brush to the front brush pile. Have not yet started the selective prickly pear cleanup.
Still have not heard any quail calls and have not seen any birds since those seen back a month ago.
Week 12 Half grapefruit disappeared, not sure to where. Doe cautiously appears near 6 pm to the north side in a loitering mode--Must have a fawn stashed away somewhere nearby. Supplemental food has been deleted. Deer observations are way down as a result.
The call of the painted bunting was heard (perhaps), but did not observe.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
February 2015 Activity
Week 5 Steady routine of reduced corn and sweet feed, plus vegetable scraps to the deer yard. Those attending range from 3 does to 6 does. Added to the brush pile no. 2 in the back field, placing brush and cactus cleanup such that there is a lot of internal space for habitat.
No reply from TP &W on the question of whether to mow last years dead grass or let it stand for the quail. Disappointed in no response.
Week 6 Cleaned and erected the purple martin house this week. Recall that no purple martins have taken up residence since this house was put up two years ago.
Decided to limit the barn swallows to one nest---if this is possible--due to their aggressive nature regarding the smaller birds, such as the wrens. Moved the wrenhouse away from the barnswallow nest on the house wall.
Usual routine of feed at the deer yard. Point to note, saw two bucks with the antlers still intact. Must be getting close to antlers falling off.
Added more brush to brush pile no.2. We will put a few more cactus on this pile, then move to another site for adding another brush pile.
Week 7 Good news: We encountered a state game warden at the SMCISD STEM fair and asked the question about quail habitat for our land, asking him the question of mowing. He did not know the answer but buttonholed a biology professor from TSU who happened to be nearby. He was knowledgeable and gave us all we need to know about quail on this land. Four key points: (1) Don't mow if there is room for the birds to run along the ground without mowing (yes there is). (2) Provide brush piles with loose structure for nesting (yes there are, and will build more) (3) Don't knock down old, loose structure prickly pear cactus as they provide nesting sites. (good advice as we were about to take many of them down). (4) Don't bother to feed the quail purchased seed or commercial feed as studies have shown no effect on quail nesting success or population growth.
Week 8 Feed to the deer yard pulled in 10 does tonight. Most ever. I guess that is because all the hunters have stopped feeding for the season and this is now the only welfare feeding spot. One buck with antlers.
Getting dry again, need some rain.
Built a level platform for the phoebe to see if that helps them build a nest in their favorite spot by the garage.
Planted a huge number of acorns (half shumardi and other have liveoak) in various protected places. We did this last year with no noticable results, but maybe with the right rainfall, it will be successful this spring.
No reply from TP &W on the question of whether to mow last years dead grass or let it stand for the quail. Disappointed in no response.
Week 6 Cleaned and erected the purple martin house this week. Recall that no purple martins have taken up residence since this house was put up two years ago.
Decided to limit the barn swallows to one nest---if this is possible--due to their aggressive nature regarding the smaller birds, such as the wrens. Moved the wrenhouse away from the barnswallow nest on the house wall.
Usual routine of feed at the deer yard. Point to note, saw two bucks with the antlers still intact. Must be getting close to antlers falling off.
Added more brush to brush pile no.2. We will put a few more cactus on this pile, then move to another site for adding another brush pile.
Week 7 Good news: We encountered a state game warden at the SMCISD STEM fair and asked the question about quail habitat for our land, asking him the question of mowing. He did not know the answer but buttonholed a biology professor from TSU who happened to be nearby. He was knowledgeable and gave us all we need to know about quail on this land. Four key points: (1) Don't mow if there is room for the birds to run along the ground without mowing (yes there is). (2) Provide brush piles with loose structure for nesting (yes there are, and will build more) (3) Don't knock down old, loose structure prickly pear cactus as they provide nesting sites. (good advice as we were about to take many of them down). (4) Don't bother to feed the quail purchased seed or commercial feed as studies have shown no effect on quail nesting success or population growth.
Week 8 Feed to the deer yard pulled in 10 does tonight. Most ever. I guess that is because all the hunters have stopped feeding for the season and this is now the only welfare feeding spot. One buck with antlers.
Getting dry again, need some rain.
Built a level platform for the phoebe to see if that helps them build a nest in their favorite spot by the garage.
Planted a huge number of acorns (half shumardi and other have liveoak) in various protected places. We did this last year with no noticable results, but maybe with the right rainfall, it will be successful this spring.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
January 2015 Activity
Week 1 Seems as if the harvest of deer is quite large this year. None on this tract, but know of at least 10 bucks killed within half mile radius of this location. Wildlife in general is in good shape this year, opposum, raccoon, field mice, (squirrel population is down since I rigged the bird feeder with an electric fence charger), fox (havent seen any, but have heard them bark, coyotes (needed to keep the piglets under control).
Week 2 Corn and vegetable scraps in the feed lot. Need to think about cutting back, getting ready for spring. Plenty of water, as the water troughs hardly have any use at this time.
Winter bird population is at a low point. Hardly see any birds except a few cardinals and lots of mockingbirds (they never used to stay here all year, but now do).
Week 3 Deer spotted were the usual 3-5 does, but did see two bucks which means they escaped the hunting season. No coyotes heard. A few, but not many, red tailed hawks showing up.
Corn and sweet feed to the deer lot on three of the five days.
Feral cat seems to show up about once per week.
Week 4 Person in charge of the community hog trap says he has caught about ten hogs so far this new year. For some reason, we never see any sign of hogs here--but on the alert nevertheless.
Vegetable scraps and corn to the feed lot on two days this week.
Reports of night hunting of hogs on the adjacent ranch to the north. From the gunfire, sounds like they had lots of targets. Planning on setting a day aside for bird count.
Week 2 Corn and vegetable scraps in the feed lot. Need to think about cutting back, getting ready for spring. Plenty of water, as the water troughs hardly have any use at this time.
Winter bird population is at a low point. Hardly see any birds except a few cardinals and lots of mockingbirds (they never used to stay here all year, but now do).
Week 3 Deer spotted were the usual 3-5 does, but did see two bucks which means they escaped the hunting season. No coyotes heard. A few, but not many, red tailed hawks showing up.
Corn and sweet feed to the deer lot on three of the five days.
Feral cat seems to show up about once per week.
Week 4 Person in charge of the community hog trap says he has caught about ten hogs so far this new year. For some reason, we never see any sign of hogs here--but on the alert nevertheless.
Vegetable scraps and corn to the feed lot on two days this week.
Reports of night hunting of hogs on the adjacent ranch to the north. From the gunfire, sounds like they had lots of targets. Planning on setting a day aside for bird count.
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