Field Note No. 010
Ranch Journal
Wildlife & pollinators
Native plants, birds, wildlife, pollinators, and their seasonal presence.
Field Note No. 025
The Quail Calendar
Four to five quail in the afternoon, alongside memories of their seasonal visits over several years.
Read the noteField Note No. 031
The Evening Chorus
A toad was observed crossing the concrete surface near the house as evening settled across Hollow Thistle Ranch. The animal paused briefly before continuing its slow movement through the area, blending almost perfectly with the surrounding earth tones.
Read the noteField Note No. 032
Keeper of the Night Shift
A small toad was observed moving across the concrete near the shop during the evening hours. The animal paused periodically before continuing its slow progress through the area. Under artificial light its mottled coloration blended remarkably well with the surrounding concrete and soil tones.
Read the noteField Note No. 033
The Day the Swallowtails Returned
Two eastern tiger swallowtails were observed in bright afternoon sun: one dark female form and one yellow male, circling the rosemary and lantana. The female paused on purple blooms while the male crossed toward the fence line. This was the first confirmed swallowtail sighting of summer.
Read the noteField Note No. 034
Monarch observation
A monarch observation across June 16–18. A few June days held in the continuing record.
Read the noteField Note No. 035
White sandhill crane observation
A July 10 observation of a bird recorded as a white sandhill crane. A dated encounter to keep and return to.
Read the noteField Note No. 036
Blue Indigo
A large dark-colored snake, recorded as a probable Texas indigo snake, was observed moving through the front pasture at approximately 8:30 AM. Four photographs accompany the observation in the ranch record.
Read the noteField Note No. 037
When the Heat Changes the Rhythm
Birds near Dude at midday, followed by a note about heat, thinning forage, and rising feed costs.
Read the noteField Note No. 038
Quail at the Front Gate
Approximately seven quail were observed together crossing the driveway near the front gate. The record adds a late-summer observation to the earlier quail sightings.
Read the noteField Note No. 040
After the Rain
An evening return after rain to observe ground cover, exposed soil, small unidentified openings, and a mature tree. Differences across the ground raise questions about where the water went.
Read the noteField Note No. 041
Grackle Congregation — Rain, Foraging & Habitat Use
A larger-than-usual grackle gathering moved among the ground, mature trees, and utility lines after recent rainfall. A connection between rainfall and the activity remains a question for repeat observations.
Read the noteQuestions to
come back to.
Who is visiting, at what time of day, and in which season? A familiar visitor can bring a new question.
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