On the fence
Are you on the fence? I’m not and I have voted BUT this is not about that. The following is about stuff on the fence, my barbwire fence!
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64332Bbeetle2Bon2Bbarbwire2BLoggerhead2BShrike.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
The Loggerhead Shrike was quite busy storing its cache on the fence. This beetle was still twitching so it was very fresh.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64362Bbird2Bpoop2Bon2Bbarbwire.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Maybe the Loggerhead Shrike’s poop? If it is not, then another bird’s perhaps. Song and Chipping sparrows have arrived here.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64372B2BPraying2Bmantis2Begg2Bcase2Bbarbwire2Bhome.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Praying Mantis’ egg casing or ootheca as it also called, attaches to the wire.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64402B2BPraying2Bmantis2Begg2Bcase2Bbarbwire2Bfence2Bpost2Bhome.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Praying Mantis’ egg casing on the T-post
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64412Begg2Bsac2Bcocoon2Bbarbwire.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Orange egg sac nestled by the barbs
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64482BLovegrass2Bon2Bbarbwire.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Lovegrass (Eragrostis species) caught on the fence.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64492Bgrasshopper2Bbarbwire2Bwith2Bspider2Bdining2BLoggerhead2BShrike2Bcache2Bhome.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
The Loggerhead Shrike finds a grasshopper to cache. In fact, along this one stretch of fence, there 8-10 grasshoppers and as many of the beetles as well.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64502B2B2Begg2Bcase2Bbarbwire2Bfence2Bpost2Bhome.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Maybe a spider’s egg sac.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64522Bbeetle2Bon2Bbarbwire2Bwith2Bspider2Bdining2BLoggerhead2BShrike2Bcache2Bhome.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Here is the another beetle of the Loggerhead Shrike’s cache. A small spider is taking advantage. With the beetle already stuck, it makes a easy catch for the spider.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_64632Bdeer2Bfur2Bon2Bbarbwire.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Often times, the deer leaves a bit of hair behind when jumping the fence. Ouch.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_6476.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Greenbriar (Smilax bona-nox) latches on.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_6478.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
Crustose lichens grow on the anchor post.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_E6481.jpg?resize=376%2C640&ssl=1)
Bold Jumper (Phidippus audax) makes a meal of a smaller spider.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lookingout.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_6487.jpg?resize=480%2C640&ssl=1)
A convenient place to hang my homemade nestbox.
Glad you have a shrike this year!
That shrike is giving you a lot of entertainment.
So tell us how you made the log bird house. Is there a hatch to get inside and clean it out? How did you hollow it?
Kathy
Kathy,
The nest box was made from a cedar log we had. I cut the log into 15-18 inch lengths. Then I cut that in half lengthwise. Next I carved out on each half a hollow. The insides were about the same size as woodpecker's hollow. I put it back together with screws and I believe a little caulk. Then I drilled the entry hole. I can not get back in the box to clean them out. I made 2 of them and this one has last 20 years. This nest box has successful fledged a family every year. I let them do their own housekeeping as they would do in nature. The box has out lasted all the store brought board nest boxes.
Kathy,
Forgot to say I carved the hollow out with either a woodcarving chisel or a a grinder. Too long ago to remember.