Bird Watching: Wilson's Warbler & Least Flycatcher (signs of fall north TX), 1 by debnes_dfw_tx

debnes_dfw_tx wrote:
Yes your probably right resin, a youngster, my guess would be Sharp-shinned.

Hi Frank!
You asked about the changes.. here goes> the short version, lol.
For quite some time I have been hosting butterflies here, providing certain larval plants. This year I added some 30 new caterpillar host plants, mostly native when possible. Also planted at least 50 different tried and true nectar plants as well. (We removed a big tree from the back yard to make the expansion.)

The bird station was moved back there last fall too, right under my window where I can look out when it gets icy cold. We kept the bird seed, nut and fruit stations there and my regular birds have been loving it. All the plants brought in so many insects, which also invited some really nice birds. They love the challenge of finding the live bugs and different caterpillars I miss. (Can't possiblly cage 100% of.) DH put in a 16x14 deck with a gazebo for me to work the caterpillar cages and observe the garden.

It will take some time to get all the weeds under control (by pulling up and digging), and everything like I want it, but it is shaping up very well as a small wildlife sanctuary. I kept the gnarley rosebushes for the birds to dash into when the hawks come by, along with the 15 year old Chinese Privit (evergreen), in the corner that gives a nice sap for many of the small winter birds. In spring it is white with blooms.

It has been a super little classroom for DH, the kids and me. I have been anticipating the fall/winter crowd, and their reaction to everything we've done. Seeing Wilson's, and the lil flycatcher come through and stop a while was a good sign for what to hope for. :-)

D
Will post a few pics..
Here is one of the sections with herbs in front, (parsley, dill, fennel, & rue), milkweed, huisache daisies, hollyhock, passionvines, frostweed, texas mistflower, and other varius wildflowers.
It's not for show, it is for wildlife.. and they like it rugged and natural.