New experience today. For the last several years we have heard a dove like sound, always descending in tone, about 4 calls in series. Well, today the sound was coming from the top of a tree nearby, so we moved into the area and with the binoculars, searched for the source of the sound. Hah, it was a roadrunner, sitting high in the tree perched along the length of the branch and making this sound. Turning to the birdbook, this is now confirmed as the roadrunners mating call---very unlike his vibrating like call one normally hears.
Week 10
Replaced the cattle trough under the front window with the plank leading into it. Although this is "outside" the wildlife area, it nonetheless is a very important wildlife feature as it has a guaranteed water source in the even we are away---plus the birds really like the wooden "beach" for accessing the water. The leopard frogs have not made their appearance lately.
Regarding the species we list in our wildlife plan, its easy to focus on deer because they are big, they are visible and they are always in the news. But, deer have an amazing ability to take care of themselves and adapt to surroundings. We are more concerned with habitat for all the species, including the lowly mouse.
On the subject of mice, they are nowhere to be found this spring so far. Not a good sign
Week 11
The hen turkey does not reappear lately, hopefully the brood is hatched and we will see the small birds soon.
Hearing coyotes on one occasion lately, but coyote evidence is way down this year compared to last year. Don't know if there are trappers in the area, but there could be as there are large ranches nearby.
Cardinals are reappearing.
Have not seen bluebird one yet this year. Evidence of bluebirds keeps dropping year after year.
Week 12
The purple martin house has been up for almost two months and no sign of purple martins, even those that just cruise through the area. The barn swallows showed up briefly to check out their nest of previous years, but found mother Phoebe sitting on eggs in the nest. Like good birds, they left and did not bother the nesting Phoebe.
Strange, no deer observed this week.
Week 13
Estimate of annual cash costs for wildlife:
Black oil sunflower seed .......$40.00
Diesel Fuel ............................$54.00
Feed corn................................$18.00
Wood for bird nestboxes........$52.00
Fireant killer...........................$26.00
Estimate of annual labor hours for wildlife:
Average of 6 hours per week x 48 weeks...288 hours.
Variety of birds seems low this spring.
Observed regularly:
- Cardinals
- Titmouse
- Carolina wren
- Mockingbird
- Vulture
- Phoebe
- Lesser goldfinch
Observed on occasion:
- Raven
- Red Tailed Hawk
- Roadrunner
- Turkey
- Cara Cara
- Chicadee
- Barn Swallow
Not observed so far this year (but have in the past):
- Parouque
- House finch
- Painted bunting (late?)
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