OK...let's try this again!
Got the Zen Machine back ($178 later, ugh) after bending a spindle shaft and snapping a drive belt. In almost ten years of mowing, first time that's happened. Not sure how, probably a tough branch or thorny one from a mesquite that got caught up in the belt. At least it's back and THIS time, they cleaned it!
It was a normal time and distance (well maybe a bit longer) but the the weather was cool and breezy and it was a fun time like I enjoy. I didn't solve all the world's problems but I came close, LOL!
Here's a different angle. This is at the point of our our driveway meeting up with 2nd Family's driveway. You can see our barn waaaay down there at the end. This is still a few acres from the road (which is behind me from the angle I was taking the picture).
And this was fun...at one point during mowing, I rounded a trail and was startled to see a covey of quail!
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| Texas Quail, image via pinterest.com |
There must have been a couple dozen! They were too quick to get a picture. In all the years we've had the property we've never seen quail. Oh sure, with the acreage we have, there are bound to be some since we're not there full time to see them but it was still a nice surprise. They all flew off of course with the noise of the mower except for one that just ran everywhere. As I rounded a corner, it would run in front of me, then I'd see it later, running down a trail.
Such beautiful and unique birds. I know when hunting season opens, people love them but we'll be happy to just let them roam the property. We need to find out what they like to eat and put something out to keep them around.
Suggestions?
All in all, it was a good day, finally, back on the Zen Machine. Remind me of this though come August when it's a struggle just to get out there in 100+ temps.
Tomorrow an update on the garden and other things growing.
How exciting to haven seen some quail on the property. If there is water supply and some coverage of vegetation & shaded areas you just may seen more of them.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you don't live on the farm now, but maybe sometime soon in the future; you could raise quail on your property by having an enclosed fenced area with an enclosed top to keep other critters out would be ideal. About like raising chickens but they would have to have shade and little houses for them to go into.
Would be something to think about once you do move out to the farm.
http://agrilife.org/texnat/files/2017/02/2017-Frank-ea-Quail-habitat-EWF-096.pdf
https://104homestead.com/keeping-quail-ground/
DeleteI didn't know that was a thing. Cool! Thanks!! They are pretty fur sure.
DeleteHow exciting to see some wildlife at your Farm! Quail are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in the country on my dad’s farm, there were lots of quail. There were some pasture and hay meadows and lots of grain crops. They ate the seeds from the natural grasses, berries, and insects and they also visited the grain crops. I loved to sit on my back porch and listen to the quail in the pasture whistling their Bob-White calls.
With the food and cover from your acres of natural grasses, trees, and berry patches, they have an excellent habitat at your Farm. You could attract them closer to the house with birdseed, chicken feed, or game bird feed.
I’m glad your Zen Machine is back and running. Zen time is so important! It was the perfect weather for it.
I didn't get to hear them but they sure were a sight to see. It's weird we've never seen them before. I hope they are going to hang around. I never thought about the berry patches. I'll look into some game bird feed too. Thanks! And yes, Zen time is so needed sometimes and this weekend was GORGEOUS!
Deletewe used to feed the quail cracked corn. they love it! they are beautiful and i am happy to say i've never eaten one!
ReplyDeleteCracked corn? Awesome, thanks! We'll have to remember that. And yeah, we've had some quail, only once I can remember, but no, we just want to have them around for their beauty. That's all. :-)
DeleteCarole West, of Garden Up Green knows a whole lot about raising quail. You might want to scan her blog for more information.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the cool breezes while they last!
Oh thanks for that! Bookmarked and off to read! And oh yes, the cool breezes are not going to be around much longer at all. Sigh.
DeleteOh dear - the only recipes I have for quail result in you eating the wee things. But - is lovely that you want to have them there for their beauty. Quail were introduced to New Zealand - as were Humans! Stay safe, take care, Michelle in Wellington, New Zealand, XX
ReplyDeleteWell, we HAVE eaten them I mean if someone else has done the deed, we couldn't let them be wasted (and they were delicious) but yes, they are very pretty. It's just something so different that what we normally see. Like our trees, so many on our property are exactly the same, when we stumble across something different a pretty, we like to enjoy it for what it is.
DeleteGreetings to you in NZ!!! A place we've always wanted to visit (along with AU). From what I've seen on shows, documentaries, etc, NZ is stunning in its beauty.
Your property is beautiful. When I bought my plants, I also purchased grass seed because my backyard is pretty sad. Quite a bit of it is coming up now, and I'm so pleased.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Grass seed will work wonders. Just needs watering and patience. Your yard will be grassy in no time. Then you'll have to have it mowed.
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