Close Coyotes

The other day, my wife woke early, went on the porch, and saw a coyote about 300 feet from the house, lazily walking about, and it soon disappeared into the woods. She wasn't sure what it was, but she managed to get a photo, and after I examined it, I could tell it was definitely a coyote. 

A neighbor found a photo of what they described as a pregnant coyote on a game camara. It was in their yard, and their property is close to where I live. The coyote my wife saw wasn't pregnant, so there's at least two, but since I hear them hunting at night, there is a small pack, which now seems to be becoming more bold. 

We'll watch closely, and look for signs of them predating on the chickens. Small dogs will have to be kept close, and with the neighborhood now alerted, coyotes that venture close will find their boldness will be a mistake. 

It's Lovebug Season

In the South, small mayflies called lovebugs appear in the Spring and the Fall. Some season have few, and others have swarms that turn your car windshield into a grimy, streaked paste of black bug goop. Removing them can be a challenge, and if you wait a long time, the sun bakes them into a bug "concrete" that is hard to remove. 

This season is appearing to be a bad one. They're everywhere, and increasing daily. How long until this peaks remains to be seen, but even short trips lead to dozens on the grill and windshield. 

I've found dryer sheets are good. You wet the front of the car, get a bucket of water, and use the dryer sheets to rub on the bugs. Keeping things wet is important, so avoiding allowing things to dry is important. It doesn't take intense scrubbing. Constantly keeping the mess wet, with gentle rubbing removes the bugs, and prepares the car for a wash. Allowing things to dry leaves a residue, which is unsightly. 

So, here we go again. This is twice a year without fail, and will never go away.

Dealing With Crayfish/Crawfish/Mud Bugs

We have many crawfish in the yard. They create the mounds while digging out the holes they burrow. After a rain, the mounds appear, when the yard dries, I use a drag behind my four wheeler to spread the dirt out, and mow after dragging to preserve the life of the mower blades. There is no pesticide recommended for clearing them out, but an old man that lived next door when I was being raised, used calcium carbide pellets. He'd drop one in the hole, and then step on the mound to seal the hole. It worked, but after we found out the gas generated was flammable, allowing the gas to accumulate, and the introduction of a match, would yield a small explosion that delighted. We'd buy calcium carbide, a box of kitchen matches, and spend a good part of the day busy with our endeavor. 

Calcium carbide isn't on the shelf of hardware stores like in the past. It can be ordered, but the days of miner's lamps are long over. My dad rabbit hunted with one on an abandoned airfield when he was young. He said the pale light would mesmerize the rabbits, they'd stop to stare, and end up in a pot. 

So, I just drag the yard, watch the birds eat what they can after a rain, and put up with what some call delicacy. 

Feasting Before Their Travels

I've been watching the purple martins. With dragonflies in the thousands, a pond for water, and their young growing, they have enough food to prepare for their migration in September. They'll leave in large numbers and hopefully return next year. 

There are tons of purple martin photos on the internet. Some capture them as they fly, skim ponds for water, and feast for their sustenance during migration. I'm blessed with having them close enough to watch from my porch.  

Garter Visitor

While sitting on the porch the other evening, my wife noticed a small garter snake under her chair. Surprisingly, she didn't panic, and only shooed it away. It slithered from the porch, only to appear a little later. 

I knew why it was on the porch. The porch light attracts the little tree frogs, and the frogs attract the little snake. It will eventually find one, have its meal, and disappear for a few weeks. It will be back for another meal, and I consider it a welcome visitor. It's harmless, and hungry. It will never be big, and the larger snakes have a good source of meals on the neighbor's property. There are plenty of chickens for a meal, and if the snakes can make it pass the pigs, they might have a chick, or an egg, for supper.

It Was Loud

We had 4 inches of rain yesterday. The result was saturated ground and ponding. After the sunset, and night fell, the cacophony of frogs filled the air. The noise was beyond the point of distraction and drowned out just about any other sound. I listened for awhile, and after having enough of the "chorus", I went back inside to have some peace. It's almost hard to believe there are that many frogs locally, but their calls in the night verify their number.

Neighbor's Success

A neighbor mentioned he was planning on raising pea fowl months ago. Over time, I could hear them calling, which always reminds me of the old Tarzan movies. The female would wonder over with a juvenile, but the male would perch where he could see over the fence and not venture away from his area. 

Last week, the female, and the juvenile, wandered into the yard. Along with the female were two chicks, which are not hatchlings, but definitely young. I went to get them some bird feed. They followed me to the can where we keep the feed, and as I turned to throw some feed, the mother snatched a bite from my hand.  

So, now they visit, peck for spilled bird food, and wander through the yard. I have to look before I let my dog out, since he will chase them, and the younger birds haven't yet learned to fly. They're interesting to watch, and I wonder if they'll avoid any predators or the dogs in the neighborhood. Hopefully so. I like them more than the chickens, ducks, and geese that wander through. 

Thinking About Alligators

 For some reason, I was thinking about alligators this morning, and remembered some times I spent in the marsh back in the early seventies. At that time, alligators were newly placed on the endangered species list, and even today, with their numbers rebounding, they're a protected species. 

Back then, I would go with my brother, and friends, to go fishing in the local marsh. Part of the marsh was impounded with levees, which was fresh water, and the majority of the marsh was a salt water marsh, with an entirely different fauna, except for the alligators. There were many alligators. They thrived in both habitats, and required wariness when in the marsh. While they were usually afraid of humans, large females could become aggressive when protecting their nest. If they happened to attack, and you were alone, they could hold you in a death spin until you drowned. After that, if you weren't found, they could feed on your deteriorating body. Rotting meat being much more tender, eating a person was an easier task. 

Maybe they were endangered, but considering what I saw, I have a suspicion their numbers were probably smaller than when they were originally counted, but never to the point of endangerment. Doing so allowed the species to grow in numbers, protecting the species allowed hunting permits (taxes for more public sector employees) and with government inclusion, opportunities for grants, with other slush funds for politicians. I may be wrong, but I might be right. I'll probably never know, but after watching the antics of government entities, I have a feeling I am probably right.

What Tomorrow May Bring

 Local forecasters are predicting the possibility of up to 4 inches of snow by Wednesday morning. Time will tell, but it's clear this morning and it looks like the temperature will bottom out at 22 degrees. We're supposed to reach around 40 degrees today, which may happen, but the low this morning is around 3 degrees lower than the forecast from yesterday, and we may not reach that temperature. Clouds will approach today, and if early, we might get colder, nastier conditions than forecast. Pipes are protected and the light is on in the well house.

As I looked around this morning, I observed a turkey that I've never seen before. It's a young male, and I have no idea which neighbor had an escapee, but if it's like the two peacocks that appeared last month, it will stay close and we'll have a new member of the local group of fowls that roam for food. They assimilate where there is the possibility of food, and I can't blame them for wanting to stay with freedom. 

Today is when the poo hits the fan. We'll see if the cold in D.C. keeps the protesting critters at bay, but I have a feeling some will make an effort to actually do the job they're being paid to perform. Regardless, if I was Trump, my speech would be short, I would make it in a secure area, and ignore the chattering from the peanut gallery. If he's true to his word, there will be Executive Orders appearing like flies at road-kill.

Visitors Last Week

Last week, we had temperatures hovering between just below freezing to the upper thirties. Cloudy, and some light rain, it was uncomfortable outside, but much better than around 100 miles to the north, where there was freezing precipitation. As I was watching the pond, I was amazed at the number of small birds flying just above the water and almost hovering over a shallow section. It appeared they were feeding; much like the purple martins in the summer. 

There were hundreds of the small birds, which made me go for my binoculars to observe them closer. That's when I spotted their color. Their backs were blue, their chests were white and they had a black mask at their eyes. I had never seen the birds before. A little research on the web led to discovering what they were: tree swallows. 

I found this picture on the internet on the iNaturalist page. Whoever took the photo caught the colors, which in the gray of winter days is brilliant against the dark backgrounds. 

The birds stayed for a few days in numbers, and a few are still hanging around. According to what I read, the species winters along the Gulf Coast, and the flocks can be large. The one I observed was, and brightened a day of miserable weather. I don't know what they were feeding on, but they spent hours over the same spot. Either they consumed all there was to consume, or they left for another spot to feed.

Up With the Roosters

According to most people, "up with the roosters" means to wake up at dawn. Roosters don't wake up at dawn; they wake up at 3:30 am, scream at the top of their lungs, and every rooster within earshot does the same. That, and it's not the "cockle doodle doo" as heard in cartoons. Some do, but they're the minority. Some will make you wonder if you should call 911 and report a murder. Others sound as though they're gargling corn, or are three pack a day smokers. All continue for hours; regardless of the weather. So, now you know you have been told something that isn't true. You're welcome.

The Battle For Territory

This year brought new arrivals. We've always had fire ants, but what are known as "crazy ants" have arrived. They don't bite (at least I've never been bitten) and are tenacious foragers. Their big problem is their attraction to electricity. They'll fill a junction box, or a circuit board, and eventually short it out. I've experienced their destruction on a project where they filled the computer on a changeable message board, and the only repair was complete replacement. 

So, I spray them when they're around the house, carefully watch outside electrical appliances, and have to accept they're here to stay. One good thing is they will overwhelm fire ants. Where last year mounds were all in the yard, this year hasn't revealed but a few. Still, they're an invasive species, and I don't like having to deal with them.

Watching the Purple Martins

 About two years ago, when the martin house pole broke in a strong wind, it was completely cleaned, and relocated to a new location. I wasn't expecting any purple, since the starlings, and sparrows, had taken it for their own, but there was always the chance they would come. They did.

The martins are something watch. They eat insects, and the height they fly determines where the insects are found. Some days they fly at around 100 feet. On others, they skim right above the grass. Either way, they can fly for hours in large lazy circles, avoiding each other, and gorging on insects. 

I like them best when they are skimming right above the ground, and pass by at eye level as they feed. With the pond available, they skim the surface for water, and go back to their search for food. Mosquitoes are one of their favorites, and regardless of how many they eat, it never seems to make a dent in the swarms. It's their buffet, and their pleasant chirps fill the air in the quiet before sundown.

The martins arrive in early Spring, and leave in the early Fall for their trip to South America. Their arrival, like their departure, is abrupt. One day there are many, in a few days the number drastically decreases, and they're soon gone. I miss them. Their beautiful plumage is brilliant in the setting sun, and watching them is a pleasant way to spend the evening on the porch.

 

New Arrivals

 Earlier in the week, my wife noticed two new ducks in the pond. A little research revealed they're Black- bellied Whistling-ducks. I've seen them about 40 miles to the south, but only in one spot. From what I know, they're not real common in our area, but their numbers are increasing, and I'm thinking they are looking for new foraging areas. 

This morning revealed six, which makes me think there are more about, but some are still too shy to land. We'll find out in the next few days, but I have a feeling those here will stay for the food thrown to the geese. Hopefully, we don't end up with so many we have to chase them away.

               

A New Daily Visitor

 Abou two months ago, when the drought was still accented by brutal heat, I was out watering the roses and filling the bird bath. I'd moved to the bird bath, when I noticed the peahen by the fence around the roses and slowly working her way toward me. Thinking she might be thirsty, I sprayed enough on the ground between us to make a small puddle. She immediately made her way to the puddle and started drinking. 

A few days later, I was watering again. I watered the roses, went to the bird bath to fill it, turned, and was surprised by the peahen standing only about three feet away. I filled the bird bath, and she kept following me. Thinking she was hungry, I went to the small can we keep the bird food in, scooped out a small pile near my feet, and she immediately came to eat. 

Since then, she comes almost daily. She announces she's near with a  noise I can only describe as that of a peahen. I go to the can, scoop her out a small pile of food, and she's content. If she decides to stay longer, I'll break up a slice of bread for her eat. She'll get very close, but not too close. 

I don't know how long this will last, but the neighbor is contemplating a peacock for her as a companion. I wish he would, and they can both come over for a meal.

Maybe They Decided to Move

Scientists discovered a super-colony of penguins. According to the article, the scientist are surprised by this, since this species appeared to be dwindling where previously studied.  Penguin crap covered rocks exposed by satellite imagery led them to the colony.

I wonder if the reason the penguins were dwindling is because they were moving away from the helicopters, motorized vehicles, constant dabbling by humans, and the fact humans are sometimes not very good neighbors?

Since penguins can't talk, and scientists will justify their meddling, the answer may never be known.

Weather Change

Locally, as the winter weather gives to spring weather, we have days where the warm air is a welcome relief from cold, damp conditions, and days where the cold returns for a short time. It plays havoc on sinuses and leads to some interesting observations.

Yesterday, robins filled the yard. With rain, and warm air, insects were emerging. Included were earthworms escaping the water, and the feast continued all day. The robins will soon leave, and only a few will stay for the coming summer.

Today, unusual visitors visited. Usually miles to the south, I'm guessing the heavy rain yesterday, and bitter cold a few weeks ago, led to a reduction in food at their usual habitat by the coast. A cold front came during the night, and this morning I found the visitors. The visitors? Boat Tail Grackles.

Boat tails are usually found near the coast. They closely resemble the great tail grackle, but are smaller, and the tail of the male is noticeably different. Their behavior is similar, and their calls are almost identical, but it's obvious they rarely cohabitate the same locations.

The crackles are helping our chickens with their morning scatter of feed. I'll have to add more during the day, since the flock of grackles is fairly large, and it's obvious they are hungry. They'll move on during the day, and tomorrow there might not be any to be found.

Gizzies

Before you look up the word in the urban dictionary, or on Facebook, this doesn't have anything to do with a television show, or clueless ass-clowns.

My back porch is a smorgasbord for reptiles, and amphibians. At night, the light attracts hundreds of bugs, with the majority of those that don't leave at morning being June bugs. I think their exuberance for the light leads to collisions with the bulb, or the side of the house. Regardless of the reason, there are usually around a dozen each morning dead, or dying on the porch.

Green tree frogs will perch on the patio door window for their nightly feast. I assume they eat just about anything that will fit in their mouth, which can be anything from moths, to strange looking insects right out of a science fiction movie.

Toads will wander from their hiding spots, and wait on the ground by the steps for their meal. While they appear clumsy, and slow, their speed is phenomenal. The catching of an unwary insects is faster than the blink of an eye, and the size compared to the toads is sometimes astonishing. It may take a few minutes for the toad to finally complete its meal, with plenty of mouthing, and crushing, to swallow a bug that may be wider than their head.

The frogs, and toads, are gone by first light, which leaves the "gizzies". The word gizzie is from my wife. It's her term (and now mine) for the anole lizards so common where I live.  They vary in size, but they are territorial, and the smaller lizards usually defer to the larger, unless it's a male and female. They have a tolerance for each other to a point. Eventually, one, or both, will wander away, and a new lizard will take over a territory on my back porch; sometimes finding a sleeping spot in a plant. They'll crawl into their spot at sundown, and not budge until morning light.

As I wrote, every morning leaves about a dozen June bugs on the porch. Within a few hours, they're gone, and currently, I assume its "Fat Boy" that's enjoying the feast. Fat boy? That's the name my wife gave a medium sized lizard that occupies the porch by the steps. With its stomach bulging, it lounges in an asparagus fern, while it digests breakfast. Judging by the stomach bulge, I'm thinking Fat Boy is eating a substantial amount of the June bugs.

One other denizen wanders to the porch to feed: a large red-headed skink. It will eventually arrive, quickly eat, and is gone back to the cooler ground under the porch, or in the shade. I've never seen ti eat, but considering it's timing, and the shrinking amount of June bugs, it's only logical to assume it's taking its share.

Eventually, when the weather turns cooler, the June bugs will be gone, and the smorgasbord will end. At that time, the critters that eat them all summer will semi-hibernate, and only appear on a warm, sunny day, if at all. The cacophony of night creatures ends, and the only sound at night is the wind in the trees; the sound pleasant and relaxing; broken only by the call of a night bird.

Now, They Must Move On

The woodpeckers raised two healthy males this season. Early last month, they came with a parent, which would give them food, while teaching them to learn to feed. It was endearing to watch, but over the last few days, I noticed a change.

Since the young birds were now independent, and will feed without help, the parents are establishing their territory. They'll chase the young birds away from the oranges, or feed. The young birds still sneak in for a morsel, but are chased away, when caught at the task.

It's time for the young birds to move on. They'll be around, but the constant attacks by the parents will eventually extend their range, and they'll be more comfortable where they're not harassed by those that brought them to this earth. They'll establish their own territory, and eventually find their own mate.

It's been interesting to watch. Last year there was only one fledgling, and it was gone quickly, which made me wonder if it was the victim of a cat, or hawk. This year brought a larger family, and more opportunities to observe the habits of the red belly woodpecker. Their tenacity is amazing, and their fierce nature while feeding leaves most birds, even blue jays, wary of approaching, and unable to budge them from their feed.

Saving The Planet - A Few Birds at a Time

Google, and some California energy companies, own a solar power facility that has the distinction of causing birds to ignite as they fly into the concentrated sunlight. 

The irony is thick with this one. I guess we have to kill them to save them.