Nature Along the El Camino Real
Blog of the El Camino Real Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists, Milam County, Texas
by Catherine Johnson
We were without power for 56 hours. Gratitude goes to those who fix the utilities. Thanks to the campers and Hunter, we and 17 pets survived.
Outside was beautiful and treacherous; I fell twice on dog bathroom breaks.
I wonder if we will complain when the 100 degree weather is here.
by Larry Kocian
With all the snow that has fallen on a wide area of the region, it’s understandable that our wildlife does turn to us for their sustainable needs, like food, shelter, water. The birds are one such animal that look towards our gardens, birdbaths, bird feeders for nourishment and shelter.
One example I am sharing with everyone is one that surprised me and gave me great excitement. I got the family outside to experience this rare act of trust and absolute need between Nature and humans.
Early Monday morning (February 15), around 7 am, I ventured outside to tend to our domestic animals, to make sure food and water were available and to check on their wellbeing. The temperature was 7F and the wind chill of negative 20. Being outside was difficult and dangerous for prolonged periods of time. After caring for the dogs and cats’ needs, it was time to go to the feeders, after a warmup break inside.
As I approached the feeders, there were many species of birds, more than usual. I store my bird seed in a small, metal trash can. I set the can down by the feeders to fill them. Right away I noticed this particular species of bird that did not fly away. I was in aww and I thought what if I hold my hand out with feed so I could get the opportunity to feed a wild bird with my hands. This became a reality. Immediately, the birds flew to my hand, appearing not to fear me. I wondered if they knew me well enough that they trust me or are they that hungry due to the 8.6 inches of snow that fell overnight with blizzard-like conditions. I believe that it is both.
Throughout the year, I supply food, water, and shelter for many species of birds, both native and migratory. It is very exciting and fulfilling to be a part of their lives.
I videoed the excitement right away, capturing the moments where these birds came to me for food. At first, I thought these birds were some type of Warbler, as there were Warblers in the mix of the many species present. I learned later that these birds are Pine Siskins. After further research, I learned that every couple of years, Pine Siskins make unpredictable movements into southern and eastern North America.
I got my kids and wife to go outside and try to feed these birds and the excitement grew. We have been feeding them in this manner for two days now. What a great opportunity to have the chance to let a bird land on you, fearless, and feed out of your hand.
Pine Siskins
Sparrows
Cardinals
Warblers
Purple Finches
Silver Waxwings
Robins
Bluejays
Mockingbirds
Grackles
Mourning Doves
White-wing Doves
Woodpeckers
Tufted Titmouse
Chickadees
Carolina Warblers
Starlings
Brown headed Cowbird
by Linda Jo Conn
As I reported at the monthly chapter meeting, I was pleased with the participation and results of our first seasonal BioBlitz. We had 10 participants who have submitted 492 observations to date, which included 248 species. To view the observations, go to: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/ecr-seasonal-winter-bioblitz.
This was a low-key BioBlitz, promoting observations made at one’s place of residence to avoid travel and promote physical distancing during this time of COVID precautions. We enjoyed pleasant weather that encouraged outdoor time during the first part of the designated week, but it did get a bit disagreeable during the last days. Still, worthwhile observations were made.
Perhaps one of the first things noticed by plant observers was the lack of blooms. Yes, there were the typical cool-weather blossoms of henbit deadnettle, catchweed bedstraw, shepherd’s purse, and common chickweed, but also a lot of unidentifiable leafy green rosettes.
Lichens, particularly the orange colored hair lichens, were definite eye-catchers in the drab landscape.
Some plants such as the American Trumpet Vine were identified by last season’s seed pods
Other plants were given a general tentative ID and hopefully will be revisited when blooms appear later in the year.
We observed birds. A Red-Shouldered Hawk is perhaps checking out the nearby martin house.
We observed reptiles. Well, one reptile observation was made.
We saw mollusks,
And spiders,
and insects,
And other arthropods, such as this intact exoskeleton of a white river crayfish.
So, I thank you, sunasak, birdladymilam, marianmarie, eaneubauer, chenderson, dsorenson, potterswasp, jfcthornton, and debbi9, for participating in the BioBlitz.
I look forward to joining you at the spring iNaturalist seasonal BioBlitz, scheduled for May 20-26.
Happy iNat-ing!
by Carolyn Henderson
I went out at 7 a.m. to measure the snow fall for CoCoRAHs. I saw some tracks over my driveway, down my patio and across my back yard. I have attached pictures to see if anyone can identify the critter to whom they belong.
Please let me know, so I can accurately post them on iNaturalist. I’m guessing a raccoon or skunk. They seem too large for a squirrel or cat, and to distinct for an armadillo.
Sue Ann Kendall and Carolyn Henderson
The weather keeps giving us more and more to observe and learn from! We had a pretty significant ice storm, especially in the northern parts of Milam County on Thursday of this week. We’ve all marveled at the beauty of plants encased in ice, while also worrying about our trees, livestock, and furry friends out in nature.
The birds seem to be doing just fine, judging from how many Sue Ann has been seeing chasing each other around and somehow finding things to eat (bluebird and mockingbird battles have been fun, plus our loggerhead shrikes and phoebes are competing for bugs, like a daytime drama!). Egrets and herons are also finding some cold food in the ponds.
We’re sharing some of the photos we took, so we’ll have a record of our observations. Next up? More snow and colder temperatures than most of us can remember are coming in the next few days.
Here are Carolyn’s photos, including her CoCoRAHs precipitation gauge taken on February 12 at approximately 5:40 a.m.She left it sitting in the kitchen waiting for the ice inside to melt, so she could take a reading. Over two hours later, when she left for work, it had not completely melted.
And here are a few of Sue Ann’s photos. You can see more on her blogs from Thursday and Friday.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 