Catch up

As I was approaching the oasis this morning, a bear was departing. As usual, he left fresh scat at the oasis. But no damage, and no bird seed in the scat.

Another trunk of that cottonwood tree is in imminent danger of falling. It was erect two days ago and now it's leaning precariously. Shouldn't do damage if it falls into the dry dragonfly pond. It might clip the edge of the big Live Oak. If it stays up until my son gets here in a few days, he can attach a rope to it and guide the fall to where it won't damage anything.

I watered for a few hours this morning, then after lunch I sat at the back water drip to see what was showing up in the heat of the day. Here are a few photos I snapped of the action.

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Hepatic Tanager

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Bullock's Oriole

Townsend's Warbler

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, It's unusual for this time of year. Seems to be molting.

A week or so ago I took off the sheet covering my couple dozen stored extra hummingbird feeders to discover mice had gotten into them, and left them covered in droppings, and whatever. I had to take them all in and clean them. A big job at a time when I was overwhelmed with migration and birders and watering. No wonder it escaped mention at the time!

The Texas Ornithological Society wanted a photo of me with my Dennis Shepler Birding Ambassador award so my son took one for them. Here it is. (I'm even wearing the shirt Dennis designed for me.)

 

I think that about catches me up.