by Carolyn Henderson
These grackles reeally know how to enjoy a bird bath. Hope you enjoy them, too!
Sorry. The video disappeared. We are working on it.
Try this link.
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
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.
We had few snakes but an over-abundance of fire ants. Lessons were learned for next year.
Forest Walk and Monthly Bird Count
by Sue Ann Kendall
This month’s bird count at the Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary took place on September 14. Ann Collins, Sue Ann Kendall, and Phyllis Shuffield not only looked for birds with their eyes, binoculars, and ears, but they practiced their Merlin Bird ID skills. We identified 25 different birds in the two hours we spent at the sanctuary. Highlights were a juvenile and adult male Eastern Bluebird and a chatty Downy Woodpecker. Merlin identified other new birds, Alder Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Lark Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper, and White-breasted Nuthatch. These are all plausible birds to have around this time of year in Milam County.
The group decided to take an informal forest walk in the wooded part of the sanctuary (not an official Shinrin-yoku walk, since we were identifying plants and birds. It’s quite pretty back there, where a creek often flows when it’s wet outside. We found some late wildflowers, such as Marsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata) and Late Boneset (Eupatorium serotinum). We observed lots of berries for the birds, including many coralberry plants (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus). There was evidence of animals who hang out in the sanctuary, especially deer who had been there very recently judging from the fresh scat and urine.
Ann and Phyllis refilled some of the hummingbird feeders, which were primarily being used by the local honeybees of Bird and Bee Farm and a few butterflies. There are now many feeders, and it appears that the birds (primarily Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice) are eating out of them all. There were dozens of Northern Cardinals flying around, but they were not coming to the feeders.
Since our last visit to the bird sanctuary, the intrepid Gene Rek has put in more raised beds and planted some new shade-loving plants in them, including beautyberry and Turk’s cap. They have drip irrigation to help get them established. The new bird bath is still working great, too. There’s lots of progress being made.
And as a bonus, Sue Ann left with two new Cochin hens! It was a good morning at the Wild Wings sanctuary!
We made a page that lists all the birds we’ve seen since we started observing here. Please let one of us know if you come out and see a new bird!
Work at the Wildscape and Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary
by Catherine Johnson
We took another bench to Wild Wings Sanctuary that we secured for $5 from Facebook Marketplace. Note for the future: be prepared to pick up the free or nearly free items the day they are listed.
While at the sanctuary, we saw bees, hummingbirds, and chickadees. Cindy found a new water fountain, as well, and more drip lines have been installed.
Then we worked in the Wildscape to keep improving pathways and seating areas. We are also planning where more native trees will go. The weather is great now.
Small native trees pictured are Texas Kidneywood, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Button bush. The cat is sleeping in Buffalo Grass. Soon to be added are Texas Redbuds and Possumhaws.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 