Killing Time Leads to a Wonderful Find

by Michelle Lopez

While killing time between doctor appointments in Temple, I found a store called Wild Birds Unlimited. I decided to check it out since I am an avid birder and struck up a conversation with the lady working in there. I found out that she is also a Texas Master Naturalist, and we had great conversations.

We talked about the different ways we get volunteer hours and different projects we are involved in. I really enjoyed meeting her. She told me about a nearby pond that had migrating Roseate Spoonbills and White Ibis, and that there is also a Bald Eagle that hangs out around there.

I got super excited and decided to check it out on my way home. She drew me a map on some scrap paper and I found the location easily. I was excited to immediately find the White Ibis. I keep binoculars in my car for such an occasion, and tried to get some good pictures to share. I didn’t see any Spoonbills or an Eagle but I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful find.

I had another appointment today and decided to take the long way home so I could revisit the pond and hopefully see something new. Well, it was even better than the day before! I saw some White-Faced Ibis, American Avocet, and a Bald Eagle!  This really made my day. 

Killing Time Leads to a Wonderful Find

by Michelle Lopez

While killing time between doctor appointments in Temple, I found a store called Wild Birds Unlimited. I decided to check it out since I am an avid birder and struck up a conversation with the lady working in there. I found out that she is also a Texas Master Naturalist, and we had great conversations.

We talked about the different ways we get volunteer hours and different projects we are involved in. I really enjoyed meeting her. She told me about a nearby pond that had migrating Roseate Spoonbills and White Ibis, and that there is also a Bald Eagle that hangs out around there.

I got super excited and decided to check it out on my way home. She drew me a map on some scrap paper and I found the location easily. I was excited to immediately find the White Ibis. I keep binoculars in my car for such an occasion, and tried to get some good pictures to share. I didn’t see any Spoonbills or an Eagle but I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful find.

I had another appointment today and decided to take the long way home so I could revisit the pond and hopefully see something new. Well, it was even better than the day before! I saw some White-Faced Ibis, American Avocet, and a Bald Eagle!  This really made my day. 

The Cutest Ducklings

by Carolyn Henderson

A few days ago, I was observing birds at Orchard Park in Cameron, when the juveniles of the resident family of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks decided to show off their synchronized swimming skills. One wasn’t quite as synchronized as the rest! This gave me a good laugh.

The duck parents were nearby watching the shenanigans. These beautiful and interesting ducks (they roost in trees) are great parents, as all ducks tend to be.

Seed Library, Plus Household Adventures

by Catherine Johnson

Image from Pinterest

Today we met with Linda Burgess, coordinator of the new Little Free Seed Library project (here’s a link to an article explaining how they work and an article from Mother Earth News).  This project involves creating nice boxes for storing labeled native seeds that can be shared and exchanged. We hope to have more than one location in Milam County. The Wildscape will provide many native seeds for the project, as will members of our chapter.

Check the blog for updates on this project as we build it out. Share any ideas you may have for locations for the seed libraries.

Johnson Homestead Wildlife Update

At my house we are winding down the nature events. The Barn Swallow colony expanded this year, and there have been a record number of toads and frogs. I allowed a family of mice to live in a small section of my kitchen then successfully trapped and relocated them. We found them after they ate my daughter’s chocolate bars. 

We are rehabbing another leopard frog that was hit by a weedeater. One foot had to be removed, so he is learning to swim again. When it is cold,  I will put him in the yard next to our other frogs.

The picture with chairs, fans, etc., was an attempt to protect and keep cool a second batch of wrens at the house. 

Wren protection setup

We had few snakes but an over-abundance of fire ants. Lessons were learned for next year.