This morning started the second site visiting for the LBJ Quail Survey. The goal is to visit each survey point three times a season.
Cottonwood Lake was not the first survey point. However I couldn’t resist a shot of the moon.
Another moon shot and we heard our first Bobwhite at the very first survey point. This might be not a wild one though but possibly a pen-raised one released. I only say this because dogs are trained near by. Never the less it was a great start!
Next stop and the sun was getting higher. As I unlocked the gate to get in, I heard the next Bob! Then when we made it to the spot we heard another in the opposite direction. Yahoo two for this point! Do you see the photobombing dragonfly?
The prairie is really looking spectacular!
Then as we were leaving, a cat. And not the kind you want to see on the prairie where the ground nesting birds live. 🙁
At the third stop we heard two more Bobs! The Three-awned grass (Aristida) was displaying it awns. 🙂 Indeed everywhere we went, the prairie was lush with beautiful grasses and forbs.
This plant had me stumped. Normally when I come across it, the leaves are much wider. So what is it, Texas Slimpod (Amsonia ciliata var texana). Thanks to Claire and Abby for helping with the ID!
So how did the survey go? The post title says it all. 🙂 At three of the six points we heard a total of five lovely Bobwhites calling. Music to our ears! A very successful morning! And this was the most I had heard in a few years in one morning! Furthermore if you have a prairie near by, now would be excellent time to soak in the wonders. 🙂
I first thought the dragonfly was a drone. Great news about the quail. I guess all the rain has helped the prairie
I thought it was airplane when I glanced at it on the computer. LOL.
Hooray for Claire and Abby! Super sleuths!
It was definitely a great day.
Super news! Congratulations!