Setophaga chrysoparia
(Golden-cheeked Warbler)
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4CTX is committed to furthering the health of Central Texas ranchland. This includes the planting of native grasses, controlled cutting of juniper woodland, and stocking fish. 4CTX has partnered with researchers in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University in their studies of the impact of fire ants on wildlife. Their work led to the publication of "Red Imported Fire Ants Can Decrease Songbird Nest Survival" by Andrew Campomizzi, et al. in 2009, among other publications.

Andy will be leading our bird-watching tour on April 27, 2013. Central Texas is on the main migratory route for birds returning north after wintering in the south. Hopefully we'll see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo in addition to a number of other species.


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Fred Bryant at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M Kingsville also has some good things going in the area of wildlife research.

  • To learn more about Caesar Kleberg and the history of the King Ranch, click here.
  • For information on on-going research on wildlife habitat and management, especially white-tailed deer and quail, click here.

Cirsium texanum (Texas thistle) Opuntia humifusa (Prickly pear)
   
 
Erodium texana (Filaree)
 
Preston Faris, owner of the Feed My Sheep Ranch in Sonora, Texas, and former county extension agent, pointed out this low-growing plant with purple flowers. Cows like to graze on it, and the flowers are light-sensitive, opening late in the day and closing in the morning.
Quercus sinuata var. breviloba (Shin Oak)
The Spanish goat delicacy.
   
 
Pogonomyrmex barbatus (red harvester ant)
 
It's good to see the red harvester ants back. For a long time, they were disappearing thanks to the encroachment of the imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). But now there are fewer fire ant mounds, and the circular hills of the big red fellows have returned.
   
 
Seed pod of Proboscidea louisianica (Devil's claw)
 
Another vestige of dry weather is the presence of Devil's claw seed pods. Before the fruit dries out, it is fleshy and, evidently, can be eaten like okra.
Coryell Creek (photos by Suzy Mayhew)