July 22 2007
- Bridge was flooded, but passable
- After 6 days, all hummingbird feeders were dry
- Saw young Rock squirrel
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Food
May 28 2007
Continued feeding hummingbirds. (Feeders need refreshing every 4 days in hot weather, it is especially needed when the color of the sugar mixture appears cloudy instead of clear.)
Emergent Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly seen on post at gate entrance
- Removed Johnson grass throughout yard area
- Transplanted Blackfoot daisy
- Cleared trail to river which was overgrown due to increased rains
- Removed ragweed from river bottom
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food
May 24 2007
Light scattered rain
Neighbors dog was loose and killed a lizard. It was severely scolded verbally.
Hummingbirds are very active
A chrysalis was found in town on parsley plant. It was removed, transported to watersto_jennystone and put in a net to observe.
Cowbirds:
- Seen at feeders (Brown-headed cowbirds are a parasite in songbirds nests)
- Plan for elimination (shooting if target is in a safe hunting area, also considered building a cowbird trap according to the directions found on TPWD website)
Caretaker's note: Here are some resources from Texas Parks and Wildlife to help landowners deal with cowbirds.
- Cowbird Description
- Cowbird Training Class - Trapping cowbirds requires training and certification.
- How to build a cowbird trap (PDF)
Caution is encouraged in trapping cowbirds, because it is possible to introduce even more cowbirds with a decoy than one might have naturally without the effort.
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Predator
May 17 2007
- Hung homemade birdhouse in tree behind house
- Erected road barriers to driveway to protect butterfly area near barn
- Used horticultural vinegar on poison ivy at steps to the river
- Removed beggars lice around house
- Monarch chrysalis at barn
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat, Shelter
May 06 2007
Treated 17 individual fire ant mounds housing winged ants and many eggs
Planted Lavender to deter deer browse next to Mexican buckeye (did not work, replaced cage in October)
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat