Oasis work day

My son and I went to the oasis to water and service feeders. No exciting birds yet, but quite a few birders. Of course, many of them are getting their lifer Lucifers, so that's exciting for them. The Lucifers are busy doing courtship displays, too. Here's a female waiting for a male to do his display to her. She didn't have to wait long, but it was a sloppy display and didn't meet with her approval.

The Texas Claret Cup was blooming at the oasis today. Here's a lovely photo my sister took of one on top of our mountain above the oasis.

I'm only posting this next photo of a pair of Mexican Ducks because it shows how badly the big tank is deteriorating. Nothing can be done about it either. 

But I console myself that the oasis will still be a magnet to birds as long as it has feeders, a water feature, and some native vegetation. Lucifers and other desert specialties come to the feeders.  I'm not going to spend the rest of my life stressing over it. Just gonna enjoy as much as I can for as long as I can.

Trying to keep up

Lucifers were nearly two weeks late arriving at the oasis this year. Here's a photo by Dan Richards of the first arrival, still not finished molting in spite of being late.

Times have been hectic lately what with one thing and another. And time is not kind. Not only are the inground tanks at the oasis hopelessly decaying, but our bodies are too. My oldest son had to have major surgery this week, less than two years after my daughter had that brain tumor removed. My knees do not work anymore and my jaw is still hurting while chewing. No idea if that'll be permanent or not. Gonna call the dentist Monday. He has been closed for spring break. 

Today my grandson celebrated his 50th birthday. That makes me pretty ancient. 

But I'm just grateful to still be around and in as good a shape as I am.

Here's my 18 year old great-grandson. It all boggles my mind. Or maybe it's old age that boggles my mind.

Oasis today

My son and I went to the oasis this morning to service feeders. The weather was perfect. While there I saw a dead bat that doesn't look familiar. I'm not real familiar with bats at all, but sure don't recall seeing one with such big ears. Anyone know what kind it is?

It was disappointing that no Lucifer Hummingbirds have arrived yet, but I did see an Anna's. Maybe it'll nest here this year.

I'm doing pretty well with my teeth. Still can't chew steak. Enjoyed an apple, but a bit painful on the jaw. Gotta build muscles back up. Even chewing macaroni is a treat versus drinking it!

A couple of days ago I got my first Jeff Davis County (at Musquiz Lake) Eared Grebe.

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UPDATE: Bat identified as Western Mastiff