February 04 2013

• Began removing deep sticky muck from the bottom of man-made pond and also removed invasive non-native water plants. Water and muck was sprayed onto high ground away from the pond drainage area.
• Saw Eastern Phoebe returning to nesting site on the back porch.

Posted in Census, Habitat, 2013 Journal

January 30 2013

• Refreshed Hummingbird feeders for the Rufous Hummingbird that seems to be overwintering here.
• Saw a Tom Turkey near the house on the road.
• Saw Woodpeckers
• Saw many Finches

Turkey Vultures roosting at river bottom area

Posted in Census, Food, 2013 Journal

January 27 2013

• Continued clearing Juniper dead branches and mulching it to put onto roads for erosion control.
• Fed Raccoons dogfood
• Saw and rescued 2 small Geckos, both male and female who were hibernating in an old sheet.
• Saw Canyon Wren looking for a nest site at the house, there are 3 Wren nest boxes.

Posted in Census, Erosion, Food, 2013 Journal

January 24 2013

• Continued to spread Christmas tree mulch onto trails and driveways
• Saw a Black Crested Titmouse looking into every opening of the Purple Martin House system

White Wing Doves resting on Purple Martin bird house

Posted in Census, Erosion, 2013 Journal

January 18 2013

• Refreshed Hummingbird feeders
• Saw Woodpecker
• Spread Christmas tree mulch onto walking trails.
   

Caretakers note:
 Every year in early January, the City of Austin invites citizens to bring their used Christmas trees (with tinsel removed) to Zilker Park where it is all mulched with large shredders. The public is invited to come and collect the mulch on a first come first serve basis. Caretakers collected 2 trailer loads.

.

Trailler loaded with Christmas tree mulch ready to spread on trails and parking areas to reduce erosion.

Posted in 2013 Journal