June 2016 Activity

Week 22
Hauled two loads of brush to the main brush pile.  The rain this spring collapsed the pile to such an extent that only small animals can now seek cover there.
No deer seen this week, wonder why.
Wet weather has helped the grass (and weeds).
All the water sources are full of water, so we set for a while.

Week 23
Even though we had a lot of rain this spring, its beginning to look dry again.
Two deer spotted this week on two different days.
Painted buntings are still here, looks as if they had a successful nesting season this year.
Still hearing the bobwhite quail in the mornings.
As mentioned before, there seem to be less songbirds this year.
No nesters in the purple martin house, not even blackbirds or sparrows.

Week 24
Strange that we have seen no fawns this year, not one, even on adjoining properties.  Neighbor reports seeing a mountain lion, maybe that is the cause.
Keeping the bird feeders and bird baths full.  The water in the birdbaths is what seems to keep the painted buntings to returning every year.
No mowing yet, as TPWD advisor says the best time is the fall when all the grass has gone to seed.

Week 25
Made a grass seed production survey this week.  Of course the Texas winter grass covers several acres and has done well.
Other grasses that have produced some seed are: love grass, windmill grass, and a few others, but the sideoats don't seem to be set to produce any seeds.  Need to wait and check later.
Two deer again this week, but, wow, are they wary.  That's good, don't want them to be domesticated.
Put another load of brush on the main brush pile.

Week 26
Getting noticeably dry again, will pay particular attention to the watering holes in the two main places.
Native grasses are set for a big failure in seed crop unless we get some rain.
Inspected the back 10 acres to determine the condition of grass and habitat in that area that is grazed.  It looks quite good relatively as the grass on the whole ranch has lessened the grazing pressure on this end of this tract.