Since this process is a leave-it-alone-and-see-what-happens sort of thing, it occurred to me (right after Regina suggested it) that some observations might be in order. So here goes:
We seem to have fewer butterflies and dragonflies this year. That is perplexing. Part of the purpose of this process was to increase these numbers, but I guess they haven’t read my blog posts, or maybe it has been such a long time between posts they have forgotten what this is all about. Seriously, we have no idea why this reduction has happened. It may coincide with the reduction in wildflowers, which is also perplexing.
There was a family of skunks on our driveway, moving from one pasture to another. It is encouraging that some wildlife have found this environment to be conducive to birthing babies. Actually, we don’t really know if they were born here, but at least they felt comfortable here. And they can be assured that we will not bother them. I even saw a small skunk in our back yard a couple of nights ago. I gave him/her plenty of time to decide where to go.
The pear tree growing in our pollinator area has put on an enormous amount of fruit this year. It’s too bad we don’t particularly like to eat these pears. The grasshoppers, however, find the leaves to be one of their favorite meals. They have literally stripped the limbs bare, which makes it much easier for the birds to get to the pears. It dawned on me that we may have created a very large bird feeder. The birds like the grasshoppers, as well as the pears. You’re welcome.
As a part of our continued interest in participating in environmental data collection and reporting, I have joined an organization called CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network). I purchased a special rain gauge and located it in the space between our house and the arena – away from any buildings or trees. This rain gauge can measure rain to .01 inches. That is much more precise than my old Lowes gauge. Each day, at a specific time, I report how much rain has fallen in the last 24 hours, even if there is .00. It is important to keep record of where rain has fallen, as well as where there has been none. Plus, I don’t have to keep the totals in my little book – CoC0RaHS does that for me.
Getting back to the fauna observations, it seems that I have seen more Texas Spiny Lizards this year. They are very shy little guys, but every now and then, one will stop and pose for a quick photo.
The Bewick’s Wrens gave us two clutches and the Eastern Bluebirds gave us three clutches in our bird houses. The Bewick’s Wrens used the house that is close to the side porch, and the Bluebirds used the house under the big Pecan Tree. Every time I would go out to use the grill, which is located on the side porch, the mama Bewick’s Wren would sit in a nearby bush and fuss at me.
We also had three sets of Mallard ducklings. Naturally, the Red Tailed Hawk thinks these are very handy little snacks. Thankfully, he/she doesn’t get all of them. Although this happens all the time in nature, it still is difficult to watch.
All in all, we feel like our process is showing some success. At least we are happy to be on this path.
Waking of the Bear 
LOVE it! Hope you guys are still well. What a mess we are all in. And no end in sight! All is well here—or as well as we can make it. Chase’s girls are packed and planning to move back to their campuses. We all expect that to be a short part of a semester. But it seems important for them to try.
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Hi Sis. Thanks for reading my blog. Things are good here. We are starting to get more heat, even though the summer has really been rather mild this year.
Interestingly enough, I too am seeing many fewer butterflies this year in the suburbs of Dallas and wonder why. If anything, my little cottage garden has even more flowers that they might find enticing. Thankfully the birds keep coming, and I get a lot of amusement watching the little anole lizards playing in the garden and posing for photos. And just this year I learned that the little lizards will return night after night to the same leaf or stem to sleep. I discovered this one night when I found a lizard sleeping on a lily leaf. (Thank you Google for making me a little smarter about things such as this.) And in the dark of early morning, she would still be there. Because she chose a lily leaf to sleep on, I named her “Lily”! I guess the light of day is her alarm clock and then she disappears. In these troubled times, I go to nature to find peace and sanity! It behooves us all to do all we can to promote nature, even if we just have a small garden outside our back door. https://www.flickr.com/photos/88326925@N08/50067453681/in/album-72157672837202401/
Every day, Regina and I say how lucky we are to be in this place. For us, our natural habitat is our sanctuary. I am starting on-line training as a Texas Master Naturalist on August 18. Regina is already a member, and in fact, is co-coordinator for the training program with the Elm Fork Chapter. Since you love nature so much, you should look into this program in your area. There is likely a chapter in your area. Thank you for your comments.
Good for you for doing that! And Regina too! Being that I have just hit the 3/4 century mark, I think I am getting a bit too old to do that, but will surely benefit by those of you who do.
Don’t try to use the age excuse with me. I will turn 78 two days before the training begins.
It’s comforting to learn you’re both well and active with your on-going project(s) of giving back to nature. Marlies and I are also safe and well, largely because we stay separated from the folks in our town, friends and relatives. John C. Campbell has been shut down for the year, and though they plan to re-open in January, I have chosen not to return. So too, with all the regular venues across the country I normally visited annually. I virtually have come off the road and business will be whatever happens on my website. At 83 there are other seasons yet to be experienced.
In the interim, we have taken to expanding small garden and added a couple more trees to the property along with bird feeders and a bird box permently occupied by house finches. Though our property is relatively small, it’s amazing the variety of visitors we get: raccoon, dear, rabbit, squirrel, possum, ground hog, chipmunk, skunk, and a broad selection of birds including a coopers hawk and a red tailed hawk.
Seems to me that a lot of people are discovering or rediscovering nature during this situation. That seems to be the safest place to find activities that are meaningful. Thanks for the comments. It is always great to hear from you.
No way! I can’t believe you will be 78! Way to go Troy!!