May 26 2014

•  1.75 inches of rain!
• Observed erosion control efforts

Posted in Habitat, 2014 Journal

May 25 2014

•  Saw very small interesting ants on the sidewalk about 2.3 millimeters long

Very small ants: Forelius pruinosus.

Caretakers note: Caretakers learned through communications with entomologists and with the help of Bug Guide the name of these very small ants.They are common in much of America. They are not fire ants and they are not crazy ants.These tiny ants apparently nest in cracks in the sidewalk. They are noticed because of their movements in and out of tiny cracks. They travel along trails on the pavement into fissures leaving no evidence of the excavation. There is much variation in the coloration of the abdomen. They do not seem to have stingers. It is surprising how much foot traffic and watering they endure. It is good to see a different species of ants than the imported invasive fire ants.

Closer view of the ant: Forelius pruinosus

Posted in Census, 2014 Journal

May 24 2014

• 0.62 inches of rain!
• Saw many Gulf Fritilary Butterfly caterpillars
• Set 4 caterpillars in butterfly cage to observe

Posted in Census, Habitat, 2014 Journal

May 22 2014

•  Refreshed Hummingbird feeders

Gray Fox is being harrassed by a Black-crested Titmouse because Fox is in its bird seed feeding area.

Caretakers note: The new feeding station for the Fox has been moved across the road to avoid conflict with birds and Rock Squirrels. The Rock Squirrels squeek very loudly when Fox is nearby and hurry for cover under the porch.

Caretakers report:

Fox may have a den under the Tuff Shed, but it is not known for sure. 

At 3 o'clock the Rock Squirrel families were playing in the yard and we thought it may be dangerous because Fox had come out at 4 o'clock yesterday. A can of pet food was opened and placed on a metal plate across the driveway where it could still be seen. In ten minutes she was at the plate at 3:10 pm. This was early for her to come out.

Perhaps the wind was blowing the food scent in her direction. 3 o'clock is earlier than it has been seen before. Fox is generally nocturnal, but has been coming in to the birdseed earlier and earlier as the demands of her kits seem to increase. Whatever, the plan worked. Fox got fed and did not frighten the Rock Squirrels to get to her snacks. The Squirrels make the most fearful SQUEEK!!!! when they see the Fox. They did not say anything today.

We need to set up turf for different animals. 

We will arrange stones to make hide-outs for the Rock Squirrels. These will also be good places for the Squirrels to use as a look out post.

Posted in Census, Food, 2014 Journal

May 20 2014

Gray Fox eating birdseed and a plate of pet food offered by Caretakers.

Posted in Census, Food, 2014 Journal