Saturday, December 11, 2010

Where am I?

Don't worry. I'm fine. Except this time of year–cold temps, blustery wind, brown leaves, no rain–gives me the blues. A lot. I'm already ready for SPRING! Plus, we've heard rumors that Central Texas might be in for another drought. (I pray not!) Also, my macro lens, which I use to shoot images in our Wildscape, is in the shop. The focusing motor started grinding. Not a pretty sound! Hopefully, it'll return before month's end.

About two weeks ago, a warm afternoon did entice us outside. We ate our lunch on the patio, then watered plants. I was amazed to see so much wildlife active. Like a young anole, lurking beneath the still leafy turk's cap. And several spiders, like a chubby jumping spider on the prowl on a limestone rock, and a couple of airborne spiders that landed on ME. Fuzzy, black caterpillars (probably Estigmene acrea) scooted through the grass (I saw some more yesterday). Several ladybugs and an odd-looking bug were crawling on the outside wall of our house.

In hopes yet again of attracting purple martins to our house next spring, I ordered decoys (James' suggestion) from Ebay this week. Sometimes it takes several years to start a new colony.
I won't give up!

Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!




4 comments:

Stephanie Suesan Smith, Ph.D. said...

I just finished a purple martin house for my mother for Christmas --she asked for it. I refer to it as Moby Dick because it is painted white and huge. I hope it attracts purple martins.

Sheryl Smith-Rodgers said...

Yes, purple martins are ONLY attracted to white houses. Has your mother hosted a purple martin colony in the past? Or does she already have one or some? Good luck to her! And you're a jewel for building her a house.

Marilyn Kircus said...

You might also want to play the tape - I think it is off a scout calling other martins to share the house. I have a friend in Houston who was trying to attract martins last year. I think a few came over from a nearby house and used hers.

Sheryl Smith-Rodgers said...

My problem is that I'M TOO LAZY to do the "dawn call" set up!! :-)

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