Caretaker's note: This is a sign that the fire ants are less numerous than before and under control. Have not seen (or felt) chigger bites for 10 years before.

Caretaker's note: The large 15 ounce feeders do better in the deep shade. Also experimented with city chlorinated water instead of rain water and the feeding solution seemed to last longer.

Caretaker's note: Cowbirds are a predatory species on songbirds previously discussed in a 2005 Journal entry. A few have been seen in the spring during nesting season but efforts to find them and shoot them failed. This 2007 photo shows the young cowbirds being introduced to a water source by their adoptive parents, the cardinals. Cowbirds are so named because they tend to be found near cattle operations. Historically, they adapted their predatory behavior to follow buffalo as they roamed to new grazing areas.

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.