July 28 2007
- Continued to remove Johnson grass
- Transplanted Agave
Posted in 2007 Journal, Habitat
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