Posted in 2009 Journal, Census, Habitat
Competitive birder visited in hopes of finding a broad tailed hummingbird. Instead saw a Rufous hummingbird.
Caretaker's note: A "competitive birder" is one who competes with other bird watchers to find the first species in a certain area in the season. It is a friendly competition that experienced bird watchers use to sharpen their skills at identifying birds.
Learned that Johnson grass has value for wildlife. King Ranch bluestem has no wildlife value.
Hackberry trees are valuable for cavity nesting birds and the sugarberries are an important wildlife food.
Posted in 2008 Journal, Census, Habitat
Caretaker's note: 2008 is a year of extreme to exceptional drought in Central Texas. Supplemental watering helps to keep last years new plantings alive. All new plantings are native species that are selected to be drought tolerant, but it does take a few years for new plants to become established to withstand harsh drought conditions. There were no new plantings this year due to the drought. To conserve water, it is advised to water early in the morning or late in the day.
Posted in 2008 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food, Water
Added large juniper stumps around bird feeding area to provide security for small birds and animals and deter deer.
Posted in 2008 Journal, Census, Habitat, Predator
Swanflower found and saw the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly laying eggs on it. This is how caretakers were able to identify the Swanflower that is well camouflaged in native grasses.
Caretaker's note: Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies have been found for many years on the land. The Swanflower is the host plant for this species. The Swanflower looks very much like any other grass, but on closer examination has distinct characteristics. It is also known as the Dutchman's Pipevine, because of the unusual flower shape that is similar to a smoking pipe.
Posted in 2008 Journal, Census, Habitat
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