Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary – Page 2 – Nature Along the El Camino Real

Wild Wings Taking Flight!

October 13, 2024October 14, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall2 Comments

by Sue Ann Kendall

The Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary project is taking off! Our committee members are making so many contributions that it’s hard to keep track.

This is the final logo.

We held a committee meeting last week and got to work on getting our logo and signage planned out, decided to get some sturdy seating, and have planned fun new ways to encourage people to come and enjoy this peaceful oasis for themselveds.

*Bonus donkey sightings encourage visitors.*

We envision quarterly iNaturalist bioblitzes, evening bird walks, and monthly guided observations. This will be fun! And we decided on our official hours, which will be Thursday through Sunday, 8 am to noon. Visits can be arranged by texting a number we’ll share soon, as well.

*The current seating now has concrete pavers under it, so it’s more steady, and it’s been moved away from the feeders for better observation.*

At our monthly official observation day, Sue Ann and Ann heard or saw 25 different bird species. New birds included an American Kestrel and Broad-winged Hawk. Ann observed a Peregrine Falcon a few weeks ago, as well. They took the opportunity to take photos for the 2024 Texas Pollinator Bioblitz on iNaturalist, since there are lot of pollinators hanging around the sanctuary. It was also the best day to record birds, because it was the Big Day on eBird. Sue Ann made sure to record all the birds Merlin found, so they would go into the eBird count.

Be sure to check out our October Observations page to see what birds we saw and heard, and to check our totals page for a list of all 43 bird species we’ve observed since August.

But that’s not all. Committee member Gene Rek has volunteered to build some Leopold Benches, whish were devised by naturalist Aldo Leopold especially for bird watching. They are simple to build and very sturdy, which we have agreed we need to have for public seating. We are aware of liability issues, since we will be making the sanctuary available on the Texas Birding Trail soon. Sue Ann also has some heavy, durable benches she will donate, so Wild Wings will be all set for seating.

Forest Walk and Monthly Bird Count

September 14, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall3 Comments

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.

*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 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!

*Cathy the hen is much happier now that she’s in a hen house.*

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

September 12, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

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.

Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary Update: Hummingbirds, Caracaras, and Bird Baths

September 6, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall2 Comments

by Ann Collins

The Hummingbirds

I bribed my little sidekick (not really so little at a bit over six feet and weighing well over two hundred pounds. Anyway, he’s my baby boy, so he will always be “little” to me) to drive me out to Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary to refill the hummingbird feeders. Anthony/sidekick had hung the feeders and of course he “hung ’em high!” I couldn’t reach them, anyway!

The feeders had only a token amount of nectar, so it’s a good thing we went. When we filled them the week before, the hummers were all over them. no hummers were circling this trip. Just FYI, if you go out to the bird station and think the mix looks a bit off, please note that I do not use bleached sugar. If you have ever seen my sugar cane juice, you know it is a dark brownish yellow in color. The color doesn’t make a lot of difference as long as it isn’t colored red with Red 44. Please don’t ever put that poison in your nectar mix.

The hummers are migrating now, so please be faithful to keep your feeders clean and full at all times.

Ruby-throated are the most prevalent in our neck of the woods, but Black-chinned might visit if you have a more open area. You could see a Rufous during migration if you are so blessed.

The Caracara

Just before we turned in to Bird and Bee Farn, there was a Crested Caracara perched on the side of a cattle water trough across the road. He posed nicely for us. I say “he” but there is no difference between the sexes. The juveniles are brown with no distinctive white markings.

When we arrived at the gate to the bird station, a caracara came sailing in. There was another one in one of the tall oaks, and “he” can flying out, so we got to witness a bit of a back-and-forth chase. So special! They really are magnificent creatures, even if they do enjoy some freshly killed carrion.

*Caracara. Photo by Felipe Gonu00e7alves on Pexels.com*

Locally, some folks call the caracara a “Mexican Eagle.” Sorry, but they are not related to eagles at all. In fact, they aren’t related to hawks, falcons, or vultures, either. They seem to be in a class by themselves. They are birds of prey, so I guess that means they can kill if necessary. They are frequently seen feeding with vultures, so maybe they are opportunistic of just plain lazy.

*They are regal birds, for sure. Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Pexels.com*

A black crest adorns their heads and part of their beak is orange-red, giving them the appearance of having a red face. The chest, tail, and wing tips are white, so they are often descrivved as “white on all four corners.” They are the only species of caracara in the US, but there are probably more to the south of us.

The Bird Bath Saga

There is a lovely little bird bath at the santuary that the rain chain drips into. We had hoped to be able to keep a steady drip for the birds to have a safe souce of water for drinking and bathing. It’s barely a couple of inches deep, but the heifers or raccoons think Gene put it out exclusively for them. Sadly, they dismantle it and knock the bowl on the ground so that the rain chain just makes a damp spot on the ground. Cindy and Catherine have been diligently seeking a larger, heavier one to put in its place. Lots of dead ends and “sorry, you’re too late” have put quite a damper on the search. Of course, we want one cheap or free.

Update: I just heard from Cindy, and she actually has one for us! Yay! Good job! I know the birds will be happy, too. Pay attention to their tweets for the next few weeks.

Please come for a visit and sit a spell. Even if the birds are still shy, there is always a cool breeze and blissful quiet.

Wildscape and Bird Sanctuary Celebration

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall2 Comments

by Sue Ann Kendall, with help from many

Last Monday our chapter hosted a welcome celebration! Can you believe our Milam Wildscape is five years old now? Just think of how many hours of volunteer work have gone into making the Wildscape the sanctuary it’s become, and think how many people have been inspired to go home and start their own little wildscape!

*El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalist Chapter members at the celebration.*

Twenty-two people attended, as reported by Wildscape founder Catherine Johnson. After food, drinks, and welcome ice cream (it was hot), the attendees met around the fountain at the Wildscape, where they learned inforrmation about the Sturgeon Super Blue Moon that was rising later in the evening.

Those who have worked so hard on the Wildscape received recognition for their amazing contributions to the project, and everyone got goody bags and light-up star necklaces, perfect for the occasion.

Catherine Johnson receiving a certificate of appreciation from Carolyn Henderson, Chapter President.

The next part of the evening focused on our birding station, where its permanent name, Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary, was announced by Ann Collins. I was honored to have one of my suggestions chosen for the name. Ann shared her thoughts, which are reprinted below, and showed off the extensive additions to the site that the Wild Wings team have been creating.

After the dedication of the bird sanctuary, the attendees returned to the Wildscape, visited, and watched the beautiful moon come up.

Thank you to Pamela Neeley, Janice Johnson, and Rosie Johnson, and Linda Burgess for photos.

Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary Dedication Remarks by Ann Collins

Four years ago, Gene Rek, Cindy Rek, and I began exploring the possibiity of creating a bird station at Bird and Bee Farm. Unfortunately, I had a very unscheduled emergency brain surgery. Needless to say, lots of things got put on the back burner! We did choose an absolutely gorgeous spot for the station.

Well, four years passed and we revisited the idea and had another look at the site. then Gene, Mr. Energy, got to work while I fell and broke my wrist, which was another setback for me, but it didn’t stop Gene. Lnda Jo Conn things I arrange my setbacks so othre people will step in to do my work. Maybe so, but folks did get excited and got to work for me!

Gene made a road to the site, ran a water line for a water source, built a fence, mowed, set up raised beds for native plants, and all sorts of other things that I couldn’t have done anyway! Catherine Johnson searched tirelessly online for benches for lounging while birding, and she found the most adorable vintage bench, rocker, and table. She got them cleaned up and installed. Thank goodness they are somewhat hidden away or I fear they might be stolen, they are that cute! And we got a birdbath “pilfered” from Rose’s garden (named after Gene’s mom), which is a favorite target of the cows, who knock it over.

Suna Kendall contributed a couple of bird feeders and has spent quite a bit of time canvassing the birds. She’s a kind of a computer nerd and knows her way around them. I’m more of a luddite myself, but I greatly admire her skill. She is putting a bird list on our blog for each month. Check it out, and check out our new web page chronicalling our activities!

(You are welcome to share any cool birds you observe – Suna)