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.
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.
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.
Eastern Bluebird. Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels.com
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 head into the woodsThe pasture behind the woodsMarsh FleabaneLate BonesetVelvet ant, not sure which kindCedar elm leaves are fallingDeer evidence
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.
Bird feeders and the seating area
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.
Drip irrigation and beautyberryTurk’s cap
And as a bonus, Sue Ann left with two new Cochin hens! It was a good morning at the Wild Wings sanctuary!
Cathy the hen is much happier now that she’s in a hen house.
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.
New bench and birdbath.
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 