Drought’s Imperative

The drought drags on.  In Central Texas, we have broken a record and have now counted 70 days of triple digit weather.  The stock ponds do not exist, and the surrounding lakes are at 45 percent capacity.  The land is parched.  None of this is news to us who endure it.

The consequence to wildlife is severe.  There is little or no natural food available.  While migration of our avian friends has begun, speculation is that possibly many birds will simply pass this region by, opting for a chance at better fair along the coast.  Those of you who are feeding need to continue feeding; many should consider taking up feeding.  Those who are may be the difference in so many visitors’ journeys.  And you may well be rewarded by some fantastic (perhaps, unusual) sightings.

Keep your feeders full and clean.  Fill them daily.  A clean feeder deters the spread of disease among of avian friends.  They are under severe stress. Therefore, let us not add to their plight with the spread of disease.  For an easy cleaning feeder, please examine the one above.  It is the latest innovation from Droll Yankees—part of their “ring pull” series.  The central rod pulls out releasing the ports so the entire cylinder can be easily cleaned with a bottle brush.  Reassembly is just as easy.

Same should be said for your birdbaths.  Water is a key attractant to all wildlife in good times but is imperative now.  It is the only substitute for this drought. Clean water will be a life saver.

A Trip Around the Sun

I have just been congratulated for completing another trip around the sun.  I am fortunate.  Yet, I am also aware that I live in the fast lane.  You see, this vehicle upon which I travel not only is remarkable; it’s fast.  Kepler pointed out that Spaceship Earth and the other planets travel in elliptical orbits.  Earth’s average distance from the sun is some 93 million miles.  Of course, we all know it takes 365 days for one trip.  Put it all together and we are traveling at 66,661 mph—life in the fast lane.

On my walk this morning, a trail through the piney woods, I am again reminded of the diversity and complexity of life on this third planet from the sun.  I have to be careful not to slow down too much or often to admire a Downy Woodpecker or Summer Tanager.  It slows my heart rate and defeats the exercise benefit of the “walk”.  Yet, I do pause and am rewarded.  On other days and other trails I cross paths with deer or rabbits and even snakes.

So, I begin another trip around the sun and continue my walks on the flight deck of Spaceship Earth.

Bob-O-Link

Photo by Bill Ravenscroft

I remember my first sighting of this species.  We had taken a working vacation to Minnesota.  While one of us was attending a meeting, I was out birding.  Yes, I got the better deal.  I chase a male bird across a field, hoping to get a little closer and hence a better look.  Never did.  But I was close enough to get an ID such that I could add to my life list.

The bird pictured above, however, was sighted this summer at Richland Chamber Wildlife Refuge in Texas.  We see more of these birds in Texas.  I don’t know if I am more attentive or if they are making the trip because of other reasons and conditions.

The male is unquestionably identifiable with its golden nape.  There are those who speak of a straw colored nape.  Not I; it’s golden. That nape, the black front, white scapulars and rump has a way of chopping up the bird.  I can see how this might aid in the bird’s survival in the open grassy fields it so enjoys.

Fire is something feared by a good many of us.  However, fire suppression is working against populations of Bob-O-Links.  Fire suppression on Midwestern prairies is allowing for succession of  grassland to a more forested environment--something to think about.

Rio Grande Revisited

I am standing in my yard watching my garden wither, my Turk’s Cap, Lantana and all else dry out and wither under this most severe drought.  We are under watering restrictions where we live. 

Yet, my thoughts these days find me on the banks of the Rio Grande enjoying the cool of the morning.  Early July found us one morning standing on the banks near Salineno in hopes of sighting Wild Muscovy Ducks, big Ringed Kingfishers and the small Green Kingfisher.  We were not disappointed.



This bird also greeted us that morning, the Bronzed Cowbird.   Well, he definitely presented his red eye to us.  Perhaps, you might agree with me that he is more handsome than his cousin, the Brown Headed Cowbird, though I suppose there are those of you who harbor no mercy for any species whose name includes cowbird.

Brood Parasitism is common in the cowbirds.  Bronzed Cowbirds have been recorded parasitizing gnatcatchers, Olive Sparrows, Kirkland’s Warblers, and Black Capped Vireos.