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
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food
New spring plantings:
Caretaker's note: Plant diversity is desirable to encourage a variety of animal species. Selections are made that are native to Texas. Plants that are deer resistant are left uncaged. Most flowering plants need to be caged to protect from deer browsing. One exception is the Blackfoot daisy (seen in the foreground of this photo).
In harsh conditions, no plants are safe from deer browse. Typically, deer avoid strong smelling leaves, like Rosemary, Lavender and Lantana.
Native plants require frequent waterings until they are well established in their new location, then they should do fine on natural rainfall.
Caretaker's note: Many frogs and tadpoles are found in the pond near the house. This juvenile has grown its legs, but the coloring on the back of its head is still in its youth phase.
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food
No freeze. Temperature was 70 degrees today
Posted in 2007 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food
Rain! Finally, 1 inch or more, a good slow soaking. Birds very active in drizzle after rain.
Planted Buffalo Grass and watersto_jennystone mix around edges of roads near house
Many hummingbirds (20 or more) - Ruby Throated, Black Chinned, Rufous. Continued to feed hummingbirds and keep ant guards full. Yellow jacket wasps visiting hummingbird feeders, but harassing hummingbirds. Put up wasp trap.
Caretaker's note: The cup of water hung above the feeder keeps ants out of the hummingbird food. The water guards also provide another drinking place for thirsty birds in the drought.
The hummingbird feeding mixture is 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar. Do not cook to dissolve, just stir very well and keep refrigerated. It is not necessary to add red dye to the feeding mixture because the red color on the feeder will attract the hummingbirds.
Observations:
Caretaker's note: Continued feeding stations. Animals benefit from supplemental feeding, black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for many species. Using 900 pounds a week
Posted in 2006 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food, Water
Caretaker's note: Supplemental feeding is a Wildlife Management activity. watersto_jennystone feed mix consists of Black oil sunflower seeds and milo. Thistle seed attracts goldfinches.
Posted in 2006 Journal, Food
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