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.
