Evolving oasis

My daughter texted me a screenshot of a youtube interview of me she'd come across. I didn't recognize it by the screenshot, so did a youtube search for it. Turns out it was done in 2020 by some unknown visitor who followed me around with a camera. 

Before you watch it, I have to tell you how much has changed in 5 years. It starts with me repairing a  pulley wire to the hanging bird feeder that my son has since put a crank assembly on so I don't have to raise it by hand.

At 7:27 minutes in, it talks about the future water feature and how I wasn't excited about it. Since then, I adore the water feature and can't imagine the oasis without it.

Around 9 minutes in, it shows the big concrete tank, which is now collapsed and doesn't hold water for more than a couple weeks anymore.

A short whle later, I mention how I wish I was set up better for photography. That has improved with the new blind.

About 15 minutes in, I talk about how perhaps I water the trees more than needed. I since cut down and nearly lost some trees doing it, so that is no longer in question.

I talk about my son taking over the oasis when I'm gone. That is no longer gonna happen. So this video is a glimpse into the past, but otherwise pretty much out-of-date. Nevertheless, I'm sure some of you will enjoy watching it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-oZNiW0Pkg

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Update on brother: He's going home from the hospital today with a PICC line that he'll have to use to treat the staph infection, but he should have a good recovery. I'm remaining optimistic.

TOS Alpine meeting

The Texas Ornithological Society held its winter meeting in Alpine this past weekend, and a cold one it was! I went to the oasis Thursday afternoon to prepare for the Friday and Saturday field trips to the oasis, as best I could. I knew we were in for a cold and bird-less ordeal, but the birders couldn't have been happier or more cheerful! Such a great bunch of people! 

Most of them hadn't been to the oasis before and were able to check it off their bucket list.  A few even saw a lifer or two. And the photographers enjoyed being able to photograph some species up close. There are very few places one can do that.

In all, betwen both groups, only about 24 species were seen. No hummers, or anything of special interest. I guess it says something, if the oasis can be enjoyed when it's at its worst. And we didn't have a "blue norther,'" like could've happened. Very little wind, actually. Just temps in the 30s and 40s, which is brutal on me. Here's me sweeping off the bear unwelcome mat. I don't want the nails to get covered with dirt. That wouldn't deter a bear. I doubt one could reach the feeder anyway, but not taking chances. A bit awkward sweeping since my left shoulder doesn't work, and I dare not step onto the mat. I did that once and ended up with a nasty sore on my foot. (It would be ok, if I wasn't always wearing plastic crocs.)

My brother's finger was doing well until it got a staph infection. Don't know how it's all going to end. I'll let you know soon. He's having surgery on it Wednesday.

On the bright side, spring is gonna be here soon, and I'm ready for it! I miss the hummingbirds more than I miss the warm weather, which is saying a lot for me! Forty more days, but who's counting!

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UPDATE: Brother's infection responded so well to antibiotics that they canceled the surgery! He may leave the hospital soon.

Bad cold front predicted for this weekend starting Friday (Jan. 23).

Mulch time

Loading in Alpine (Dec 30)

 

Unloading at CMO (Dec 30)

January's nearly half over and it hasn't been totally uneventful. My 83 year old brother accidentally cut off two fingers in his table saw. That hit me hard. One finger has been reattached, and hopefully will become functional.

He makes and sells beautiful wooden bowls and vases. Here are a few examples. He hasn't quit doing them. It's his passion. And you know how passions are....

I'm finally over my bronchitis, but don't have much energy or appetite. Hopefully, I'll perk up later this week when the TOS annual meeting is held in Alpine, with tours coming to the oasis. Just hope some birds show up. It's been bleak birding this winter. I got a short respite on the 7th when Kym Morse and I had fun birding Candelaria in Presidio County.

Common Gallinules

I keep reminding myself that next month Lucifers might return. And if they don't come in February, they for sure will come in early March. Six more weeks doesn't sound terribly long to wait.