My Sunflower Crop

I wonder what this stringer would have looked like if I would have had some help?

My arms are tired...

White Ibis

We have had 6.3 inches of rain in the last three days. I spotted these White Ibis in a dead Oak tree the base of which is in my largest stock tank. There were all kinds of water birds feeding in the water that was overflowing around the spillway. It is not often that I see these at the ranch so I thought I would share them with you.

Chow Time

Hungry Bucks

Quail

Two hens and one rooster, quail should have a good hatch this year. There are plenty of bugs and lots of cover for them to raise large coveys.

Mother, "Mammaw", is 97 today!

While I was in San Antonio visiting with Mother this morning Lindsay phoned from Singapore to wish her Happy Birthday.

Just after Lindsay's call she was wished Happy Birthday by Lex. She really enjoyed her conversation with both. When asked how old she felt she said I feel like I'm about fifty. We all know she enjoys visiting with family more that anything else she can do. Needless to say she was really smiling today.

Out checking on ranch things...

I got caught on my own camera. I'm out checking feeders and cameras just after a morning shower.

Cormorant

This Cormorant, Anahinga, or "Water Turkey", appears to be saying his prayers. Actually, he is drying off after swimming underwater and catching I'm sure his gullet full of minnows. Sandra and I were out driving the ranch in the "mule" when we spotted him. Sandra snapped this picture and did a great job wouldn't you agree?

Bucks

Catfish feeding on the surface brings the alligator up looking for a catfish meal..

Catfish swirls...

Blue catfish coming to the surface to feed...

Where is the High Fence?

There is a good crop of sunflowers along with everything else. It should make for some great quail and dove feed.

Basketflower

This is another one of Sandra's favorites.

Turkey Hen on her roost...

The turkey hens are scattered and probably this one has a nest of eggs she is tending.

Deer Update

Cactus Flowers

I thought I would show some of the different colors of cactus flowers. If I had to guess I would say about eighty-five percent of the flowers are yellow.

This one is a deeper yellow.

Then I would guess nearly fifteen percent of the flowers are shades of orange. They seem to bloom a bit later.

Many times you will see different colors on the same plant.

Some are a deeper color of orange.

This red is really rare. My guess is less that one half of one percent.

You put your nose in, you put your nose out...

Do the hokie pokie and you turn yourself about

Roadside flowers

Sandra took these pictures of winecups mixed in between these yellow flowers.

Winecups are her favorite wildflower.

Twins, Zach and Josh Swierc receive First Holy Communion

Steven and Theresa come forward with Josh and Zach to receive their First Holy Communion.

Receiving First Holy Communion!

The First Holy Communion Class of Holy Trinity Catholic Church---12 new Communicants, 4 girls and 8 guys!!

Josh (left) and Zach (right) at Shorty's for a celebration luncheon holding their First Holy Communion gifts---St. Christopher medals from Nanny Swierc; First Holy Communion prayer crosses from Uncle Sammy, Aunt Peggy and Jerret Swierc; and "My First Catholic Bible" from Aunt Sandra and Uncle Freddy Poth!! WAY TO GO, GUYS!!!

Hungry Boys