Weeks 18,19,20, 21, 22
Bluebirds are raising a batch of birds. Important now to see that they have water, because the rain has been really short so far.
Water in the feeder tanks disappears each night, so we are getting a lot of visitors at night at the troughs.
See only 2 to 3 deer on occasions. No fawns observed yet. (early part of May).
Painted buntings have arrived. One pair has always nested in the area for the past 8 years.
There must be a fawn nesting somewhere close by as a doe keeps moseying around the area to the north in the middle of the day.
No mowing, in fact if we don't get some rain, there may be any mowing soon.
Watering new oak trees on regular occasions as we need the acorn production in future years.
Monday, June 18, 2018
April 2018 Activity
Weeks 14,15,16,17 of 2018
Holding off from mowing the greater portion of the grassland. The winter grass is doing well, but I need to see some progress of the warmer season grasses before I mow. We always need the seed and so it has to develop and mature.
Two more loads of brush to the pile nearer the road. This is a small pile located in the brushy area and may not offer good refuge as the larger pile to the west. Will have to evaluate it to see if it is worth continuing to build it.
Since the 2 inches of rain in March, we have had no other rain to amount to any good. Soil is looking dry and the grass is not developing.
Quail have arrived.
Bluebirds are staying, purple martins never show up. Barn swallows make many passes in the area, but the phoebes drive them off. Next to the mocking bird, these small birds are quite domineering.
Not much show from the 4 footed creatures such as skunk, raccoon and possum.
Holding off from mowing the greater portion of the grassland. The winter grass is doing well, but I need to see some progress of the warmer season grasses before I mow. We always need the seed and so it has to develop and mature.
Two more loads of brush to the pile nearer the road. This is a small pile located in the brushy area and may not offer good refuge as the larger pile to the west. Will have to evaluate it to see if it is worth continuing to build it.
Since the 2 inches of rain in March, we have had no other rain to amount to any good. Soil is looking dry and the grass is not developing.
Quail have arrived.
Bluebirds are staying, purple martins never show up. Barn swallows make many passes in the area, but the phoebes drive them off. Next to the mocking bird, these small birds are quite domineering.
Not much show from the 4 footed creatures such as skunk, raccoon and possum.
March 2018 Activity
I have modified the format so that there is posting of activity for the whole month, as it has seemed that there was not enough activity to make it worthwhile for a weekly posting.
Weeks 10,11,12,13 in March 2018
Seven large cactus plants pulled out and stacked on the brush pile. All these were taken out of the area to the west of the gully where the grass has more trouble than it does to the east side of the gully.
This area was really "beat up" when we first excluded the cattle from the area. The grass was so poor that the first Ag appraiser thought maybe that there was only rock on this hillside, that is, the soil was so thin that it would not support grass. Now, 5 years later, the grass is making a good comeback and looks pretty good. That's the reason for a bit more care to remove some of the cactus.
It is important to not remove all the cactus however, because these established stands of cactus provide good cover, especially for birds in the winter.
No quail sounds yet
All the kitchen vegetable scraps are going to the deer for feed, cutting back on the sweet feed.
Looks as if the bluebirds will nest in the box. THIS IS A FIRST FOR THIS SITE. It would be interesting to know why they nested here, in this new box, and never nested in any of the boxes in the past 7 years.
Nothing in the purple martin house yet. It would appear that purple martins do not find enough bugs in the area to make this there home.
Lots of bees on the rosemary bushes.
Had two inches of rain---needed it.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
February 2018 Activity
Weeks 6,7,8,9
Purchased a 40 lb bag of sunflower seed and a 50 lb bag of sweet feed. I am using sweet feed instead of corn since the hunters fill the deer up with corn, which is attractive to deer but not very nourishing.
Finished cleaning out the vegetable garden, moving all the compostable material to the compost pile. Whenever I add material to the compost pile, the animals (whoever they may be) pull it apart looking for anything good to eat.
The rufous sided towhee was back again. It appears that the name rufous sided towhee is out of date with the bird folks. Its now the eastern towhee or the spotted towhee. If the bird shows up again, we will try to make a specific species identification.
Cleaned out the purple martin house. Not sure why I keep attending to this because we have not seen a purple martin here in years.
Cold and dreary weather.
Bluebirds are investigating the nest box.
No quail sounds yet, seems as if they are late.
Rain is in short supply. The area has had rain, but spotty, so it misses us here.
Two front end loader stacks of brush to the brush pile.
Purchased a 40 lb bag of sunflower seed and a 50 lb bag of sweet feed. I am using sweet feed instead of corn since the hunters fill the deer up with corn, which is attractive to deer but not very nourishing.
Finished cleaning out the vegetable garden, moving all the compostable material to the compost pile. Whenever I add material to the compost pile, the animals (whoever they may be) pull it apart looking for anything good to eat.
The rufous sided towhee was back again. It appears that the name rufous sided towhee is out of date with the bird folks. Its now the eastern towhee or the spotted towhee. If the bird shows up again, we will try to make a specific species identification.
Cleaned out the purple martin house. Not sure why I keep attending to this because we have not seen a purple martin here in years.
Cold and dreary weather.
Bluebirds are investigating the nest box.
No quail sounds yet, seems as if they are late.
Rain is in short supply. The area has had rain, but spotty, so it misses us here.
Two front end loader stacks of brush to the brush pile.
January 2018 Activity
Week 1
Cold and dreary weather, seems to be keeping wildlife quiet
Spotted the band of turkeys that are known to rove the area.
Songbirds for the winter time seem to be the usual ones. Cardinals, an occasional wren, phoebe, titmouse, chickadee, some sparrows.
Vegetable scraps are eaten everytime and completely whenever we put them out. This is a dilemma for us, as we would prefer provide supplemental food for only those conditions when natural food is scarce. On the other hand, we need to keep kitchen waste out of the landfill. If we compost the vegetable scraps, the animals raid the compost pile so the end result is the same: the animals get the scraps.
Week 2
Deer season is coming to a close. Has not had any effect on the doe population, but we don't see the two bucks anymore. With the range of deer, if these bucks were killed on the neighboring ranch or on this one, its hard to tell, without conducting a query. Cold and damp, but ground still dry. Deer seem to need the food as they are grazing on the green grass next to the house.
Week 3
Hogs, raccoons, and skunks seem to be a minimal visitor in the last six months.. In fact the hogs have not made any appearance in the past six months.
Saw a rufous sided towhee scratching around in the grass. Both a male and a female were observed.
Heard the redtailed hawk again.
Week 4
Three loads of brush to the main brushpile. Considering building a new brushpile in another location.
Keeping the main water trough filled with water as the next nearest water is about half mile distant.
The cat spotted a small gray fox creeping through the high grass. She is a good observer. Glad to see a gray fox even though they seem to be hated by some and treasured by others.
Spotted 5 turkeys crossing the roadway. Their flocks seem to be smaller in size than usual, maybe they are getting to the mating season when they are loners.
Week 5
No activity this week.
Cold and dreary weather, seems to be keeping wildlife quiet
Spotted the band of turkeys that are known to rove the area.
Songbirds for the winter time seem to be the usual ones. Cardinals, an occasional wren, phoebe, titmouse, chickadee, some sparrows.
Vegetable scraps are eaten everytime and completely whenever we put them out. This is a dilemma for us, as we would prefer provide supplemental food for only those conditions when natural food is scarce. On the other hand, we need to keep kitchen waste out of the landfill. If we compost the vegetable scraps, the animals raid the compost pile so the end result is the same: the animals get the scraps.
Week 2
Deer season is coming to a close. Has not had any effect on the doe population, but we don't see the two bucks anymore. With the range of deer, if these bucks were killed on the neighboring ranch or on this one, its hard to tell, without conducting a query. Cold and damp, but ground still dry. Deer seem to need the food as they are grazing on the green grass next to the house.
Week 3
Hogs, raccoons, and skunks seem to be a minimal visitor in the last six months.. In fact the hogs have not made any appearance in the past six months.
Saw a rufous sided towhee scratching around in the grass. Both a male and a female were observed.
Heard the redtailed hawk again.
Week 4
Three loads of brush to the main brushpile. Considering building a new brushpile in another location.
Keeping the main water trough filled with water as the next nearest water is about half mile distant.
The cat spotted a small gray fox creeping through the high grass. She is a good observer. Glad to see a gray fox even though they seem to be hated by some and treasured by others.
Spotted 5 turkeys crossing the roadway. Their flocks seem to be smaller in size than usual, maybe they are getting to the mating season when they are loners.
Week 5
No activity this week.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
December 2017 Activity
Week 49
Hauled two loads of brush to the brushpile, keeping it low and full of voids for a good habitat for small animals.
Still putting out kitchen vegetable scraps for whomever comes to the dinner table. Not sure if more than the deer show up, but good feed for rabbits as well.
Water maintained in the big tub to the west. Keeps the deer from watering at the bird feeder in front.
Week 50
Still spotting the 4 or 5 does, but the bucks we had seen earlier are not evident.
Adding sweet feed to the kitchen scraps as animal feed.
Keeping the bird feeder full of sunflower seeds.
Spotty rain but the soil is dry.
We have chosen to hold off mowing until spring gets closer as the wildlife, all kinds, seem to make use of the deep old grass.
Week 51
Observed a small group of turkeys this week. No owls, no mice. We always seem to have one rabbit, but never two, wonder what keeps them going when there must be a number of predators for small animals like rabbits.
It has been more than a year since we have had hog damage. I know the neighboring ranch conducts night hunts for hogs, so maybe this has had an effect on our experience.
Bought 50 lbs of sunflower seeds.
Week 52
There is some evidence that there is a redtailed hawk in the area, from the sound of its call.
Kinda quiet week so far.
Hauled two loads of brush to the brushpile, keeping it low and full of voids for a good habitat for small animals.
Still putting out kitchen vegetable scraps for whomever comes to the dinner table. Not sure if more than the deer show up, but good feed for rabbits as well.
Water maintained in the big tub to the west. Keeps the deer from watering at the bird feeder in front.
Week 50
Still spotting the 4 or 5 does, but the bucks we had seen earlier are not evident.
Adding sweet feed to the kitchen scraps as animal feed.
Keeping the bird feeder full of sunflower seeds.
Spotty rain but the soil is dry.
We have chosen to hold off mowing until spring gets closer as the wildlife, all kinds, seem to make use of the deep old grass.
Week 51
Observed a small group of turkeys this week. No owls, no mice. We always seem to have one rabbit, but never two, wonder what keeps them going when there must be a number of predators for small animals like rabbits.
It has been more than a year since we have had hog damage. I know the neighboring ranch conducts night hunts for hogs, so maybe this has had an effect on our experience.
Bought 50 lbs of sunflower seeds.
Week 52
There is some evidence that there is a redtailed hawk in the area, from the sound of its call.
Kinda quiet week so far.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
November 2017 Activity
Week 45, 46,47,48
It appears I lost the November 2017 log made earlier, so this will have to be a gap in the log.
But, I do recall this. This is now getting on to hunting season and it appears that there is less hunting activity planned in these 1600 acres than in the past years. Several of the more avid hunters have left and non hunters seems to have replaced them. None the less, there are two big bucks that show up on occasions.
It appears I lost the November 2017 log made earlier, so this will have to be a gap in the log.
But, I do recall this. This is now getting on to hunting season and it appears that there is less hunting activity planned in these 1600 acres than in the past years. Several of the more avid hunters have left and non hunters seems to have replaced them. None the less, there are two big bucks that show up on occasions.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
October 2017 Activity
Week 40
Lot of coyote howls these last few nights. As long as the cattle people don't seem to loose any calves, its good to have a few coyotes around to get rid of the feral cats. The one feral cat we have seen in the past is not around anymore.
Our in-the-house cat seems to continue to have visitors at late night hours. They must look at each other through the glass at the front entrance.
Cleared out a number of large prickly pear cacti this week. I think they are growing faster than I am cutting them. All the refuse went to the brushpile.
Replaced two blue bird houses that have become worn out.
Week 41
Started a new brushpile this week. Same general location, but 100 yards apart.
Bought 6 gallons of diesel fuel.
Kestrels have returned, not sure to reside or to pass through.
Week 42
The feral hog activity has been very low the last few months. Someone must be hunting them.
Bit of rain, that's good
Week 43
Three loads of brush to the second brushpile. Working my way through three more big cacti.
Five deer in the south boundary working their way to the west. I think they circle around and end up at the watering trough on the west side. The water stays cleaner in that trough because the coons do not seem to mess with it.
Saw a whole flock of quail, perhaps 15 in the bunch. They were in the tall grass and I flushed them. Shows the value of tall grass---they seem to like it for cover.
Week 44
Forecast of rain, but no rain. The weather did turn colder, in fact, it was the first frost we have had this fall.
Kicked up two quail, so they are still around. Not certain if they stay all year.
Lot of coyote howls these last few nights. As long as the cattle people don't seem to loose any calves, its good to have a few coyotes around to get rid of the feral cats. The one feral cat we have seen in the past is not around anymore.
Our in-the-house cat seems to continue to have visitors at late night hours. They must look at each other through the glass at the front entrance.
Cleared out a number of large prickly pear cacti this week. I think they are growing faster than I am cutting them. All the refuse went to the brushpile.
Replaced two blue bird houses that have become worn out.
Week 41
Started a new brushpile this week. Same general location, but 100 yards apart.
Bought 6 gallons of diesel fuel.
Kestrels have returned, not sure to reside or to pass through.
Week 42
The feral hog activity has been very low the last few months. Someone must be hunting them.
Bit of rain, that's good
Week 43
Three loads of brush to the second brushpile. Working my way through three more big cacti.
Five deer in the south boundary working their way to the west. I think they circle around and end up at the watering trough on the west side. The water stays cleaner in that trough because the coons do not seem to mess with it.
Saw a whole flock of quail, perhaps 15 in the bunch. They were in the tall grass and I flushed them. Shows the value of tall grass---they seem to like it for cover.
Week 44
Forecast of rain, but no rain. The weather did turn colder, in fact, it was the first frost we have had this fall.
Kicked up two quail, so they are still around. Not certain if they stay all year.
September 2017 Activity
Week 36
Birds are apparently migrating as the usual crowd of songbirds have moved out and new migratory species are appearing at the water and feeder.
The deer herd is maintained at about 5, all does except an occasional buck. One fawn is among the group. The few number of fawns always amaze me as my experience at other locations would say that with five does, I should see at least 2 fawns
Still hearing the bobwhite, but far fewer calls.
I do not observe the gray fox anymore, so looks like mine has been done in.
Week 37
As reported earlier, have not seen any owls this year and only one redtailed hawk.
The raccoons are getting to be somewhat of a pest lately, they have discovered the sunflower seed in the feeder and realize that I have turned off the electric fence charger that was attached to the metal feeder.
We have been providing the deer and other small animals with water and kitchen vegetable scraps every other day. The vegetable scraps are a big attraction. Never once have the scraps been put out and not eaten by morning.
Week 38
It would be interesting if the same deer show up each day, or are the ones that show up randomly different. No way to tell. The well antlered buck was visiting this week.
The mouse population is near zero, in spite of loose sunflower seeds scattered around. Also, have not seen any rattle snakes this year--that's not all bad.
Got some rain to ease the dry soil.
Week 39
Hauled three front end loader loads to the main brushpile. I am trying to get this brushpile built so that it has plenty of room inside it for habitat--not been too successful yet as the weight of the pile keeps compressing it.
Bought more sunflower seed.
I have refrained from buying deer corn as it is basically poor nutrition, only an attractant useful to hunters.
Birds are apparently migrating as the usual crowd of songbirds have moved out and new migratory species are appearing at the water and feeder.
The deer herd is maintained at about 5, all does except an occasional buck. One fawn is among the group. The few number of fawns always amaze me as my experience at other locations would say that with five does, I should see at least 2 fawns
Still hearing the bobwhite, but far fewer calls.
I do not observe the gray fox anymore, so looks like mine has been done in.
Week 37
As reported earlier, have not seen any owls this year and only one redtailed hawk.
The raccoons are getting to be somewhat of a pest lately, they have discovered the sunflower seed in the feeder and realize that I have turned off the electric fence charger that was attached to the metal feeder.
We have been providing the deer and other small animals with water and kitchen vegetable scraps every other day. The vegetable scraps are a big attraction. Never once have the scraps been put out and not eaten by morning.
Week 38
It would be interesting if the same deer show up each day, or are the ones that show up randomly different. No way to tell. The well antlered buck was visiting this week.
The mouse population is near zero, in spite of loose sunflower seeds scattered around. Also, have not seen any rattle snakes this year--that's not all bad.
Got some rain to ease the dry soil.
Week 39
Hauled three front end loader loads to the main brushpile. I am trying to get this brushpile built so that it has plenty of room inside it for habitat--not been too successful yet as the weight of the pile keeps compressing it.
Bought more sunflower seed.
I have refrained from buying deer corn as it is basically poor nutrition, only an attractant useful to hunters.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
August 2017 Activity
Week 32
RAIN, we got rain, two whole inches. This was the first measureable rain at this location since April 15th. There is no other news this week. The animals and grasses are responding.
Week 33
Seven deer in the back yard, two were fawns. On the road at the front there was one fawn that was apparently just born as it was really small and wobbly on its feet.
Half bucket of vegetable scraps in the deer yard.
One cottontail rabbit.
Haven't seen the fox lately. Bird feeder is filled every other day. The coons seem to be leaving it alone this year for some reason.
Two loads of brush to the main brushpile
Week 33
Re organized the animal watering system to provide water in two spots. Moved the main trough from back by the water tank out in the open to prevent the cedars from dropping all the needles into the water--keeps it more clean this way. Converted a scap shopvac bucket into a water trough for a spot downhill, yet within reach of the hose.
Quail are still calling, in fact, flushed a covey of about 12 from the grass on the way to the mailbox.
Fox is not appearing lately
Week 34
Half bucket of vegetable scraps to the deer yard.
Birds are starting to disappear--this usually occurs this time of the year. The cardinals, being the most prevalent seem to go somewhere for about a month, then come back in the later fall.
Four deer in the back, this time one fawn
Quail are still calling, but the fox is nowhere around.
Week 35
Major disappointment. Heard that my neighbor dispatched a fox. Probably was my fox as it has not made its appearance lately. Recognized that these are predators, but they are a beautiful animal and we would have lost a valuable species if they were to be exterminated.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
July 2017 Activity
Week 27
Rain, we need rain badly. The drought monitor shows that Hays County is uniquely dry. The birds and four footed animals are getting desperate. The water in two bird baths disappears each night, and must refill the water bin on the west side every 4 or 5 days.
Kicked up a covey of half grown bobwhite quail from the tall grass to the east side toward the road. Maybe a dozen in the group.
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard farthest from the house to keep them away from the house and wild, but it seems to have no effect on their chewing on plants up near the house.
Game camera shows that we have one raccoon that visits the water source in the bird bath each night.
What a sight!, at about 6pm a grown gray fox came up to the bird bath and had a long drink of water.
Week 28
Buck in the back field this evening. Huge head of antlers, maybe a 12 pointer--no moss on the antlers.
Some animal had been popping the covers off the front drains. Set out the game camera and found that it was the raccoon. Not sure what he was looking for.
Bought 40 pound sack of black oil sunflower seeds and six gallons of diesel fuel.
Still holding off on mowing. Have not had any rain for a month and if we go back to the last rain of any amount, it was 10 weeks ago.
Scarcity of snakes this year- not sure why.
Absolutely no evidence of mice in the fields again this year. Have not seen their predator the owl, either.
Bobwhite are still calling.
Week 29
Not much changing re observations of wildlife. Really dry and providing water for all types of wildlife is the whole activity
Added two loads of brush to the main brushpile
Gray fox visited again, was standing on the rim of the bird bath for a drink of water.
Week 30
Same routine, all focused on water and scraps of vegetables. Flowers are about all dried up, so bought a humming bird feeder to provide food and water for the three birds we have here
Week 31
No rain, so the routine is unchanged. I am guessing that we are providing water for possums, skunks, raccoons, all kinds of birds, deer, fox and whatever else shows up from the smell of water in the tank, pails, poultry waterer and birdbaths. It appears more dry here on this very location than it was during the drought of a few years ago.
Four deer in the back, one was a fawn.
Week 29
Not much changing re observations of wildlife. Really dry and providing water for all types of wildlife is the whole activity
Added two loads of brush to the main brushpile
Gray fox visited again, was standing on the rim of the bird bath for a drink of water.
Week 30
Same routine, all focused on water and scraps of vegetables. Flowers are about all dried up, so bought a humming bird feeder to provide food and water for the three birds we have here
Week 31
No rain, so the routine is unchanged. I am guessing that we are providing water for possums, skunks, raccoons, all kinds of birds, deer, fox and whatever else shows up from the smell of water in the tank, pails, poultry waterer and birdbaths. It appears more dry here on this very location than it was during the drought of a few years ago.
Four deer in the back, one was a fawn.
June 2017 Activity
Week 23
Beginning to get dry again, Bobwhite quail still singing and several hen turkeys seen wandering through the back. Must have a nest somewhere near.
Holding off on mowing to keep some cover.
Hauled two more loads of brush to the main brushpile in the back west area.
Week 24
Beginning to get dry again, Bobwhite quail still singing and several hen turkeys seen wandering through the back. Must have a nest somewhere near.
Holding off on mowing to keep some cover.
Hauled two more loads of brush to the main brushpile in the back west area.
Week 24
Deer (maybe just one) are a major problem with the vegetable and flower garden. Building a fence to keep them out.
Also, have a feral cat that shows up on occasions, perhaps once per week.
Week 25
Added about 30 gallons of water to the west end water bin for deer and others. Have not seen the hen turkeys for a few days, perhaps the chicks have hatched.
Put out the chicken watering can (galvanized bucket that self fills the water trough) on the east side to help the quail.
Have not seen any deer, but evidence of their being in the garden at night shows up.
Week 26
Built the fence to 8 feet high and closed all the crawl through places that may have been letting in the deer.
Adding vegetable scraps in the far deer yard. Scraps are eaten every night.
Have not seen any evidence of hogs in the last 3 or 4 months. Perhaps it is too dry in this particular place right now.
Hauled one load of brush to the brush pile
No evidence of nests in the purple martin house, so that now comes down for the winter.
Barn swallows show up, but is too dry for them to find mud to build nests, so they leave.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
May 2017 Activity
Week 18
Still some evidence of deer in the garden. Not sure where they can get in, but plugging all the holes, no matter how small.
Starting to work on the cactus problem on the west side.
No deer in the feedlot during daylight hours.
First sighting of the painted bunting, but I think they arrived earlier because we could hear them, but not spot them. They, especially, like the water provided.
The purple martin population here, again, is zero. Wonder why. At one time, we were going to build a fake chimney for chimney swifts, but cancelled that project for the reason of not seeing any martins.
Week 19
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard have ceased, they scraps no go on the compost pile as the deer are getting to be pests up around the house.
Deer is on the left. This doe looks to be pregnant.
Week 20
Deer have gone from being assisted with the task of living to now being persona non grata. The garden has essentially been stripped of everything except the pole beans, and the zinnias. We have raised the fence to 8 feet in height. Now testing if they can still get in to the produce.
Hen turkey parades around the front yard in the evening, but have not seen any evidence of a nest yet.
No sign of hogs lately, maybe it is too dry at this time.
Keeping the bird feeders and birdbaths full. The painted buntings are back and really take to the water.
Week 21
The leopard frog is back in the water tub in the front under the eave. In spite of this water tub being out of the bounds of the wildlife acreage, it is still a boon to all the wildlife, as it has something for everyone, including the ramp for the birds.
Hen turkey is still around
Raccoon visits often at night, but seems to do no damage that is visible, but then, who knows if the raccoon has found the turkey nest?
Week 22
Hauled two big loads of brush to the main brush pile in the western end of the tract.
Strangely, we have not seen a roadrunner yet this spring. Will do a bird census in the next week or so.
Still some evidence of deer in the garden. Not sure where they can get in, but plugging all the holes, no matter how small.
Starting to work on the cactus problem on the west side.
No deer in the feedlot during daylight hours.
First sighting of the painted bunting, but I think they arrived earlier because we could hear them, but not spot them. They, especially, like the water provided.
The purple martin population here, again, is zero. Wonder why. At one time, we were going to build a fake chimney for chimney swifts, but cancelled that project for the reason of not seeing any martins.
Week 19
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard have ceased, they scraps no go on the compost pile as the deer are getting to be pests up around the house.
Deer is on the left. This doe looks to be pregnant.
Week 20
Deer have gone from being assisted with the task of living to now being persona non grata. The garden has essentially been stripped of everything except the pole beans, and the zinnias. We have raised the fence to 8 feet in height. Now testing if they can still get in to the produce.
Hen turkey parades around the front yard in the evening, but have not seen any evidence of a nest yet.
No sign of hogs lately, maybe it is too dry at this time.
Keeping the bird feeders and birdbaths full. The painted buntings are back and really take to the water.
Week 21
The leopard frog is back in the water tub in the front under the eave. In spite of this water tub being out of the bounds of the wildlife acreage, it is still a boon to all the wildlife, as it has something for everyone, including the ramp for the birds.
Hen turkey is still around
Raccoon visits often at night, but seems to do no damage that is visible, but then, who knows if the raccoon has found the turkey nest?
Week 22
Hauled two big loads of brush to the main brush pile in the western end of the tract.
Strangely, we have not seen a roadrunner yet this spring. Will do a bird census in the next week or so.
April 2017 Activity
Week 14
Garden fence is up, now hoping that the deer do not dare to cross the breezeway to get to the garden.
Two loads of brush to the pile. We are now concentrating all the brush in one pile as a series of small piles seem ineffective as a refuge.
Week 15
Turkeys are still coming through the property, but in smaller groups. Probably in getting set up for the nesting season.
First roadrunner showed up, first in a long time.
Small bird activity seems down from last year.
Week 16
Deer seem to be getting into the garden, some blossoms are disappearing at night.
Two more loads of brush to the big pile
Water tanks are all full
Two does this week.
Lone turkey wanders through the south side about every other day. Must have nest nearby
Week 17
No report this week.
Garden fence is up, now hoping that the deer do not dare to cross the breezeway to get to the garden.
Two loads of brush to the pile. We are now concentrating all the brush in one pile as a series of small piles seem ineffective as a refuge.
Week 15
Turkeys are still coming through the property, but in smaller groups. Probably in getting set up for the nesting season.
First roadrunner showed up, first in a long time.
Small bird activity seems down from last year.
Week 16
Deer seem to be getting into the garden, some blossoms are disappearing at night.
Two more loads of brush to the big pile
Water tanks are all full
Two does this week.
Lone turkey wanders through the south side about every other day. Must have nest nearby
Week 17
No report this week.
March 2017 Actvity
Week 10
Down, now, to only a few cactus which we will retain for the tunas they make for the wildlife. Sometime this year, we need to move this eradication effort to the west side to get rid of more cactus where they are in thick groves. Everytime I go to clearing a large grove of cactus, many small birds fly out, making me think they are using these thickets for refuge from harsh weather.
Week 11
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard. Five does now feeding. There may have been some harvesting of the does this last season, as the average number of does that show up at the kitchen scraps table is down about 3 does from preseason counts.
No evidence of purple martins at the martin house.
Plenty of nesting activity by the titmice and the wrens.
Barn swallows keep being driven out by the phoebes. The phoebes took over the swallow nest two years ago and as of now, have not given it up.
Week 12
Big winds, tornado like, swept through last night and took down a big tree on the north side and one on the very south side.
No wildlife activity to note.
Week 13
Feed to the deer yard, four does showing up, maybe one buck.
No snakes observed yet this spring.
Decided to erect a deer fence to protect the vegetable garden next to the back of the house. Deer are always nosing around up close to the house at night in spite of their being afraid of us. (we keep them being afraid of us)
Down, now, to only a few cactus which we will retain for the tunas they make for the wildlife. Sometime this year, we need to move this eradication effort to the west side to get rid of more cactus where they are in thick groves. Everytime I go to clearing a large grove of cactus, many small birds fly out, making me think they are using these thickets for refuge from harsh weather.
Week 11
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard. Five does now feeding. There may have been some harvesting of the does this last season, as the average number of does that show up at the kitchen scraps table is down about 3 does from preseason counts.
No evidence of purple martins at the martin house.
Plenty of nesting activity by the titmice and the wrens.
Barn swallows keep being driven out by the phoebes. The phoebes took over the swallow nest two years ago and as of now, have not given it up.
Week 12
Big winds, tornado like, swept through last night and took down a big tree on the north side and one on the very south side.
No wildlife activity to note.
Week 13
Feed to the deer yard, four does showing up, maybe one buck.
No snakes observed yet this spring.
Decided to erect a deer fence to protect the vegetable garden next to the back of the house. Deer are always nosing around up close to the house at night in spite of their being afraid of us. (we keep them being afraid of us)
February 2017 Activity
Week 6
Mowed some of the grass to knock down the high dead stuff and clear the way for new growth in the spring. Removed two very large cactus and put on the brush pile.
The deer are getting to be a menace up around the house in spite of feeding and watering 100yards away.
Week 7
Big, perhaps 20, turkeys wandered through the back side of the property. Two males present.
Sufficient rain, but not a lot.
Week 8
Finished mowing for the winter, but still have a few cactus to take out.
Inspected the brush pile. It seems to be compacting more than it should in order to provide a good refuge for small animals.
Still, no evidence of mice in the area at all, such a change from a year ago. No mice, no owls.
Week 9
Bought a new bag of sunflower seeds. It appears that the gang of cardinals are much smaller this year. Maybe they found something better.
Table scraps to the deer yard.
We went through a real lapse in hog damage, but now, this week, there has been a lot of uprooting in the south side of the property. Perhaps twenty holes now need to be refilled.
Weather okay, no additional water needed.
Mowed some of the grass to knock down the high dead stuff and clear the way for new growth in the spring. Removed two very large cactus and put on the brush pile.
The deer are getting to be a menace up around the house in spite of feeding and watering 100yards away.
Week 7
Big, perhaps 20, turkeys wandered through the back side of the property. Two males present.
Sufficient rain, but not a lot.
Week 8
Finished mowing for the winter, but still have a few cactus to take out.
Inspected the brush pile. It seems to be compacting more than it should in order to provide a good refuge for small animals.
Still, no evidence of mice in the area at all, such a change from a year ago. No mice, no owls.
Week 9
Bought a new bag of sunflower seeds. It appears that the gang of cardinals are much smaller this year. Maybe they found something better.
Table scraps to the deer yard.
We went through a real lapse in hog damage, but now, this week, there has been a lot of uprooting in the south side of the property. Perhaps twenty holes now need to be refilled.
Weather okay, no additional water needed.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
January 2017 Activity
Week 1
Have not seen the buck since the photograph was taken in mid December. Perhaps he did not make it through the hunting season.
Deer fence around the garden seems to be doing its job. Only tracks seen seem to be from a housecat.
Three deer seem to be the usual at the feedlot.
Cold!
Strange, but for just one day during a warm spell, the leopard frog showed up in the water tank at the front. It was there just one day-----probably read the weather forecast.
Cleaning out the purple martin birdhouse, getting it ready for the spring.
Week 2
Built 11 purple martin birdhouses, and 7 wren houses to give away. Prices for cedar seem to have gone up, it now costs about 3 $ per bird house to build these. Now up to number 22 with the wren houses, and 280 with the bluebird houses. Now looking for some interested recipient.
Week 3
The Spring Lake Garden Club is the recipient of the batch of birdhouses.
Not a whole lot going on in the way of wildlife, so no observations.
Week 4
Three does in the far back side of the property. Feeding mostly kitchen vegetable scraps. Have not seen much of any other wildlife. Some evidence of raccoons, but only occasionally.
Added two loads of cactus to the brush pile.
Week 5
Three more loads to the brush pile. Trying to keep the height of the pile down so that it does not compact. Compacted pile offers no refuge for small animals.
Vegetable scraps on the feed yard, with 3 does participating.
Have not seen the buck since the photograph was taken in mid December. Perhaps he did not make it through the hunting season.
Deer fence around the garden seems to be doing its job. Only tracks seen seem to be from a housecat.
Three deer seem to be the usual at the feedlot.
Cold!
Strange, but for just one day during a warm spell, the leopard frog showed up in the water tank at the front. It was there just one day-----probably read the weather forecast.
Cleaning out the purple martin birdhouse, getting it ready for the spring.
Week 2
Built 11 purple martin birdhouses, and 7 wren houses to give away. Prices for cedar seem to have gone up, it now costs about 3 $ per bird house to build these. Now up to number 22 with the wren houses, and 280 with the bluebird houses. Now looking for some interested recipient.
Week 3
The Spring Lake Garden Club is the recipient of the batch of birdhouses.
Not a whole lot going on in the way of wildlife, so no observations.
Week 4
Three does in the far back side of the property. Feeding mostly kitchen vegetable scraps. Have not seen much of any other wildlife. Some evidence of raccoons, but only occasionally.
Added two loads of cactus to the brush pile.
Week 5
Three more loads to the brush pile. Trying to keep the height of the pile down so that it does not compact. Compacted pile offers no refuge for small animals.
Vegetable scraps on the feed yard, with 3 does participating.
December 2016 Activity
Week 49
Same conditions for the wildlife.
Loaded two more tractor loads of brush to the main brushpile. This brushpile is compressing so rapidly that I often wonder if it serves the wildlife as a refuge.
Four deer, the regular does, show up to feed whenever I put out the feed, perhaps twice per week. Its good to see that these deer still act wild and afraid of any human activity.
Week 50
Finally got a picture of the buck:
Week 51
No observations this week
Week 52
Three more loads to the brushpile, stacking it so as to maintain some open areas.
We have not heard the coyotes in some number of weeks. Squirrels and opossums have been rather scarce, and the raccoons are seldom seen. Not sure why the change in numbers.
Same conditions for the wildlife.
Loaded two more tractor loads of brush to the main brushpile. This brushpile is compressing so rapidly that I often wonder if it serves the wildlife as a refuge.
Four deer, the regular does, show up to feed whenever I put out the feed, perhaps twice per week. Its good to see that these deer still act wild and afraid of any human activity.
Week 50
Finally got a picture of the buck:
You can tell its almost dark when I caught him just coming from the water trough on the west side of the property.
Week 51
No observations this week
Week 52
Three more loads to the brushpile, stacking it so as to maintain some open areas.
We have not heard the coyotes in some number of weeks. Squirrels and opossums have been rather scarce, and the raccoons are seldom seen. Not sure why the change in numbers.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
November 2016 Activity
Week 44
Good bit of rain, the ground seems okay for fall perennial growth. We have not seen any bluebonnet plants emerging yet.
Roadrunner made an appearance at the glass in the front entrance, seeing itself as a reflection was puzzling to its brain.
No hog evidence in the last six months--someone must have shot the big boar that was digging up this place a year ago. The damage continued even after we shot the one we did, thinking that would have ended the digging.
Pulled up about 4 large cacti and hauled same to the brushpile.
Week 45
We have decided to enclose a small portion of the back yard to prevent deer from getting all the flowering shrubs and our vegetable plantings. Even though the feedings have been several hundred feet distant from the house, plus we make every effort to scare them from the property, the deer have gotten way to bold at night. Cost will be about $300.
Have not heard much in the way of hunting activity.
Hand harvested a lot of Indian Grass seed and rescattered the seed in other areas. There are now several stands of this large grass and so the reseeding is paying off,
Not much sideoats to harvest this year, and an average amount of little bluestem seed.
Bought a bunch of native flowering seeds fro Wildflower Seed in Fredericksburg ($35). Will now scatter this in the area for both our viewing and the enjoyment of the wildlife.
Week 46
Deer fence is up.
Most wildlife signs are very quiet---but we did hear a pack of coyotes that were within a hundred yards of this location.
Saw a large king snake, one of the few snakes seen this year.
Week 47
Deer activity unchanged. Feeding kitchen vegetable scraps perhaps twice per week, with 4 sometimes 5 does showing up.
Saw a big buck in the back yard. Only one this year.
Songbirds seem to have departed for the year.
Raccoon activity is less this year than last year at this time.
Week 48
The buck deer makes a rather regular appearance. Hope to get a picture one of these days.
Not much sound of hunting activity this year based on gunshot reports.
Saw one flock of turkeys, maybe about 12.
Water seems to be needed these days as the trough by the big water tank is continually drawn down.
Bought new bag of sunflower seeds.
Provided kitchen scraps and sweet feed to the deer yard. The does seem to show up only at near dark time.
Good bit of rain, the ground seems okay for fall perennial growth. We have not seen any bluebonnet plants emerging yet.
Roadrunner made an appearance at the glass in the front entrance, seeing itself as a reflection was puzzling to its brain.
No hog evidence in the last six months--someone must have shot the big boar that was digging up this place a year ago. The damage continued even after we shot the one we did, thinking that would have ended the digging.
Pulled up about 4 large cacti and hauled same to the brushpile.
Week 45
We have decided to enclose a small portion of the back yard to prevent deer from getting all the flowering shrubs and our vegetable plantings. Even though the feedings have been several hundred feet distant from the house, plus we make every effort to scare them from the property, the deer have gotten way to bold at night. Cost will be about $300.
Have not heard much in the way of hunting activity.
Hand harvested a lot of Indian Grass seed and rescattered the seed in other areas. There are now several stands of this large grass and so the reseeding is paying off,
Not much sideoats to harvest this year, and an average amount of little bluestem seed.
Bought a bunch of native flowering seeds fro Wildflower Seed in Fredericksburg ($35). Will now scatter this in the area for both our viewing and the enjoyment of the wildlife.
Week 46
Deer fence is up.
Most wildlife signs are very quiet---but we did hear a pack of coyotes that were within a hundred yards of this location.
Saw a large king snake, one of the few snakes seen this year.
Week 47
Deer activity unchanged. Feeding kitchen vegetable scraps perhaps twice per week, with 4 sometimes 5 does showing up.
Saw a big buck in the back yard. Only one this year.
Songbirds seem to have departed for the year.
Raccoon activity is less this year than last year at this time.
Week 48
The buck deer makes a rather regular appearance. Hope to get a picture one of these days.
Not much sound of hunting activity this year based on gunshot reports.
Saw one flock of turkeys, maybe about 12.
Water seems to be needed these days as the trough by the big water tank is continually drawn down.
Bought new bag of sunflower seeds.
Provided kitchen scraps and sweet feed to the deer yard. The does seem to show up only at near dark time.
October 2016 Activity
Week 40
Mowed about half the areas of dense ragweed, but left some for the quail. Incidentally, a quail flew into the glass of the front entranceway and died.
Cut some cedar branches and hauled same to the back brushpile. The brushpile is getting to look more healthy and capable of providing shelter.
Short of rain, but not critical.
Saw a few turkeys on the road in front, but not a large group.
We have removed the electric fence charger from the bird feeder ( it was there to discourage raccoons) and so far none have returned to feed on the sunflower seeds
Week 41
Sending some vegetable scraps from the kitchen to the deer yard on an every other day frequency. The deer really go for these green scraps.
Deer herd is down this year, or someone else has their attention, not sure which. Never see more than four at a time.
Leopard frogs are still in the tank under the eave of the front roof. Sometimes there are three of them, sometimes none. I think they keep surveying the weather outlook to determine when they should leave and find a rock to hide under for the winter.
Week 42
Spot of rain, so all the tanks are now full again.
Deer herd is small, but they are pesky, even to the extent of climbing up onto the terraced garden in the back yard and eating everything in sight.
Have seen no hawks this year and have not seen nor heard any owls either---strange. Mice are still in very few numbers.
Cardinals have taken their fall vacation. Every year they depart for about a month and then return. Where they go is not clear.
Lots of what I would call June bugs hatching out
Week 43
Not much activity, by either the wildlife or ourselves.
Mowed about half the areas of dense ragweed, but left some for the quail. Incidentally, a quail flew into the glass of the front entranceway and died.
Cut some cedar branches and hauled same to the back brushpile. The brushpile is getting to look more healthy and capable of providing shelter.
Short of rain, but not critical.
Saw a few turkeys on the road in front, but not a large group.
We have removed the electric fence charger from the bird feeder ( it was there to discourage raccoons) and so far none have returned to feed on the sunflower seeds
Week 41
Sending some vegetable scraps from the kitchen to the deer yard on an every other day frequency. The deer really go for these green scraps.
Deer herd is down this year, or someone else has their attention, not sure which. Never see more than four at a time.
Leopard frogs are still in the tank under the eave of the front roof. Sometimes there are three of them, sometimes none. I think they keep surveying the weather outlook to determine when they should leave and find a rock to hide under for the winter.
Week 42
Spot of rain, so all the tanks are now full again.
Deer herd is small, but they are pesky, even to the extent of climbing up onto the terraced garden in the back yard and eating everything in sight.
Have seen no hawks this year and have not seen nor heard any owls either---strange. Mice are still in very few numbers.
Cardinals have taken their fall vacation. Every year they depart for about a month and then return. Where they go is not clear.
Lots of what I would call June bugs hatching out
Week 43
Not much activity, by either the wildlife or ourselves.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
September 2016 Activity
Week 36
Labor day weekend, not much activity on this end.
Week 37
Mowed a few test strips to see how the grass competes with the weed. Dilemma: Quail like the seeds of the ragweed, but I do not. So, cut some of the ragweed before it sets seed or not.
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard, as well as water. Deer look healthy.
Still no owls observed, as well as no mice in the grass fields. Hummingbirds still here. Quail have stopped calling, but still here no doubt. A few warblers showing up at the feeder.
Week 38
Most of the "predators" have been scarce so far this season; seldom see evidence of skunks, squirrels are scarce, never seem to hear coyotes anymore, raccoons show up in the birdbath water on occasions.
Same number of deer show up when there is food in the deer yard.
Week 39
Good rains. Grass is starting to show some seed generation activity. Some really nice stands of windmill grass and sideoats in the near rear yard. Also, some evidence of indian grass in stands that were seeded in the past years. These are stands that have been started from the main stand of grass that has existed by the martin house for some years. The indian grass is distinctive to say the least.
Pulled out two more big mounds of prickly pear. PP fruit production seems scant, but enough for food for the wildlife.
Hauled three loads of Palo Verde limbs from the cleanup I did on the county roadside where the slough goes under SB Drive--put them on the big brushpile in the back.
Not seen any bucks yet.
Labor day weekend, not much activity on this end.
Week 37
Mowed a few test strips to see how the grass competes with the weed. Dilemma: Quail like the seeds of the ragweed, but I do not. So, cut some of the ragweed before it sets seed or not.
Kitchen scraps to the deer yard, as well as water. Deer look healthy.
Still no owls observed, as well as no mice in the grass fields. Hummingbirds still here. Quail have stopped calling, but still here no doubt. A few warblers showing up at the feeder.
Week 38
Most of the "predators" have been scarce so far this season; seldom see evidence of skunks, squirrels are scarce, never seem to hear coyotes anymore, raccoons show up in the birdbath water on occasions.
Same number of deer show up when there is food in the deer yard.
Week 39
Good rains. Grass is starting to show some seed generation activity. Some really nice stands of windmill grass and sideoats in the near rear yard. Also, some evidence of indian grass in stands that were seeded in the past years. These are stands that have been started from the main stand of grass that has existed by the martin house for some years. The indian grass is distinctive to say the least.
Pulled out two more big mounds of prickly pear. PP fruit production seems scant, but enough for food for the wildlife.
Hauled three loads of Palo Verde limbs from the cleanup I did on the county roadside where the slough goes under SB Drive--put them on the big brushpile in the back.
Not seen any bucks yet.
Monday, August 29, 2016
August 2016 Activity
Week 31
Still no rain, so continuing the watering of the troughs and feeding kitchen vegetable scraps to the deer( and whoever else comes to dine).
Quail still here, but have not seen the painted bunting lately
Observed six turkeys, full grown,
Hauled two buckets of brush to the main brushpile.
L. Frog shows up in the water tank, but then disappears for awhile. You can tell when its about to go gallivanting, as it sits on the rim of the tank for some time before leaping off.
Mowed some strips through the tall grass, most of which the tops are dead, so that animals can move more freely.
Week 32
Still no rain.
Deer show up whenever I put vegetable scraps (now added sweet feed to menu) to the deer feed lot.
Pulled up 4 big prickly pear cactus and put them on the brush pile.
Still have not seen a fawn, nor have seen any bucks yet this fall.
Week 33
Rained this week, crisis may have ended. My assessment of the drought conditions here is that the drought was about as severe as it was back during the height of the area drought a year ago.
Quail still here, buntings have left, other songbirds are reduced in their populations.
Week 34
Skunk odor all around this morning, but this has been kinda rare. Hardly ever note the presence of skunks. Raccoons are diminished in population as well, mainly since I have electrified the bird feeder. Putting kitchen vegetable scraps in the deer yard for the 4-6 does that show up for the feed.
Week 35
All the grass responded to the small amount of rain that fell.
Hauled two loaders of brush to the pile in the back. Observed a flock of turkeys this afternoon, they were about 12 in number. Observed deer for most days this week, there being about 6 in number. Not sure where this small deer came from, but it is the first one observed that has obviously born this year. No spots.
Have not seen any bucks yet, their horns should be showing by now.
Still no rain, so continuing the watering of the troughs and feeding kitchen vegetable scraps to the deer( and whoever else comes to dine).
Quail still here, but have not seen the painted bunting lately
Observed six turkeys, full grown,
Hauled two buckets of brush to the main brushpile.
L. Frog shows up in the water tank, but then disappears for awhile. You can tell when its about to go gallivanting, as it sits on the rim of the tank for some time before leaping off.
Mowed some strips through the tall grass, most of which the tops are dead, so that animals can move more freely.
Week 32
Still no rain.
Deer show up whenever I put vegetable scraps (now added sweet feed to menu) to the deer feed lot.
Pulled up 4 big prickly pear cactus and put them on the brush pile.
Still have not seen a fawn, nor have seen any bucks yet this fall.
Week 33
Rained this week, crisis may have ended. My assessment of the drought conditions here is that the drought was about as severe as it was back during the height of the area drought a year ago.
Quail still here, buntings have left, other songbirds are reduced in their populations.
Week 34
Skunk odor all around this morning, but this has been kinda rare. Hardly ever note the presence of skunks. Raccoons are diminished in population as well, mainly since I have electrified the bird feeder. Putting kitchen vegetable scraps in the deer yard for the 4-6 does that show up for the feed.
Week 35
All the grass responded to the small amount of rain that fell.
Hauled two loaders of brush to the pile in the back. Observed a flock of turkeys this afternoon, they were about 12 in number. Observed deer for most days this week, there being about 6 in number. Not sure where this small deer came from, but it is the first one observed that has obviously born this year. No spots.
Have not seen any bucks yet, their horns should be showing by now.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
July 2016 Activity
Week 27
Dry, no rain in sight.
No deer seen, even in the early hours. There is some evidence of deer bedding down in the long grass near the paths cut with the mower. They seem to like the long grass near a runway. But they must be very wary as we never see them.
Quail are still here. Saw two fly the other day, but no evidence of a whole covey
We have heard turkeys in the direction of Purgatory Creek, but have not seen any on this property.
Painted buntings are still here.
Week 28
Dry, have continued the emphasis on providing water.
Now we know there are deer here as they completely cleaned out the remains of the tomato garden,
No evidence of any noticeable grass seed production yet.
Cleared two big Prickly pears an put them on the brush pile
We plan to start a project for studying why only live oaks seem to grow here and no others. Over the last three years we have planted what seems like hundreds of red oak and burr oak acorns, and only two have germinated and are still alive. There is interest in these other oaks as they are big crop producers, good for wildlife.
Quail are still here.
No deer spotted this week and no obvious evidence of skunks, raccoons, or squirrels. Most have been attracted to the bird feeder at night, but since we re-installed the electric fence charger to the feeder, they have been discouraged.
Week 29
Received good feedback from Blake who works for TPWD on the oaks question. Studies have shown that red oaks and burr oaks just flatly do not like the conditions here in the uplands of the Edwards Plateau. So, that being the explanation why planting acorns from these two trees was unsuccessful, we will now switch to Post Oaks and Blackjack oaks. Now, need to find some acorns from those trees.
Still dry, still watering the tanks.
Week 30
Quail still here, but in fact, we need to see from literature if they ever leave, or do they just go silent.
Deer are eating the scraps in the feed lot, but still only three, sometimes two does. We have not seen any bucks yet this late summer.
Saw 8 full grown turkeys yesterday.
Heard faint sounds of coyotes, but they were so far away, it was difficult to be sure.
Dry, no rain in sight.
No deer seen, even in the early hours. There is some evidence of deer bedding down in the long grass near the paths cut with the mower. They seem to like the long grass near a runway. But they must be very wary as we never see them.
Quail are still here. Saw two fly the other day, but no evidence of a whole covey
We have heard turkeys in the direction of Purgatory Creek, but have not seen any on this property.
Painted buntings are still here.
Week 28
Dry, have continued the emphasis on providing water.
Now we know there are deer here as they completely cleaned out the remains of the tomato garden,
No evidence of any noticeable grass seed production yet.
Cleared two big Prickly pears an put them on the brush pile
We plan to start a project for studying why only live oaks seem to grow here and no others. Over the last three years we have planted what seems like hundreds of red oak and burr oak acorns, and only two have germinated and are still alive. There is interest in these other oaks as they are big crop producers, good for wildlife.
Quail are still here.
No deer spotted this week and no obvious evidence of skunks, raccoons, or squirrels. Most have been attracted to the bird feeder at night, but since we re-installed the electric fence charger to the feeder, they have been discouraged.
Week 29
Received good feedback from Blake who works for TPWD on the oaks question. Studies have shown that red oaks and burr oaks just flatly do not like the conditions here in the uplands of the Edwards Plateau. So, that being the explanation why planting acorns from these two trees was unsuccessful, we will now switch to Post Oaks and Blackjack oaks. Now, need to find some acorns from those trees.
Still dry, still watering the tanks.
Week 30
Quail still here, but in fact, we need to see from literature if they ever leave, or do they just go silent.
Deer are eating the scraps in the feed lot, but still only three, sometimes two does. We have not seen any bucks yet this late summer.
Saw 8 full grown turkeys yesterday.
Heard faint sounds of coyotes, but they were so far away, it was difficult to be sure.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
May 2016 Activity
Week 18
We contacted the TPWD local expert to visit and advise on some questions. Key questions are brush management (cut or no cut) grassland management (mow or no mow, or mow on what schedule), grass seed most effective in this area, and selective cactus removal.
Song bird population is way down this year. Observations to date:
We contacted the TPWD local expert to visit and advise on some questions. Key questions are brush management (cut or no cut) grassland management (mow or no mow, or mow on what schedule), grass seed most effective in this area, and selective cactus removal.
Song bird population is way down this year. Observations to date:
- Cardinals are about half of a normal year.
- Very few sparrows, no blackbirds, no hawks
- One pair painted buntings
- Two pairs nesting wrens
- One pair phoebes. (note on the phoebes: they successfully took over the barn swallow nest from last year and even ran off the returning swallows.
- One nesting pair of titmouse
- Turkeys seem okay as we hear them a lot.
- Still hear the quail, but have not seen any
- Poor will sings most evenings
- The roadrunner is scarce, but then we saw them only in droughty times coming for water at the trough.
Deer are limited in number. Never see more than three. And, have not seen any fawns this year so far. All this may be explained by the fact that neighbors seem to be feeding them, something that should not be done in this wet weather when so much natural food is available.
Week 19
Very quiet, the wet weather has a suppressing effect on all the wildlife---it seems
Have not seen but one snake this year so far, and that was a coachwhip. Encouraged it to go find some mice.
Week 20
Two loads of brush to the main pile to the west. Pile keeps settling due to decay, etc.
Its about time to take the purple martin house done for cleaning and refurbishing. There has been no activity in this bird house this year.
Its about time to take the purple martin house done for cleaning and refurbishing. There has been no activity in this bird house this year.
Plenty of giant swallowtail caterpillars on the dill.
Provided information to the community about preserving (not mowing) the antelope horns milkweed and, it appears as if the message was taken seriously.
Planning a second round of prickly pear cactus removal, after consulting with TPWD
Week 21
Plenty rain, everything is growing wildly. All the wildlife have enough water and brouse so that they are "on their own" for awhile.
Occasionally detect that skunks and raccoons have visited overnight.
Turkeys are heard frequently.
No deer seen all this week on this property, but have seen some on adjacent lands.
Week 21
Plenty rain, everything is growing wildly. All the wildlife have enough water and brouse so that they are "on their own" for awhile.
Occasionally detect that skunks and raccoons have visited overnight.
Turkeys are heard frequently.
No deer seen all this week on this property, but have seen some on adjacent lands.
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