Spring in Austin Feels Like All Things Are Possible!

 Bluebonnets in the meadow behind our house.

 Big box store iris bulbs bought on clearance looking fabulous in the evening light. 

Pass a long oxalysis always brightens up any spot in the garden.  

 Scarlet Flax in the meadow. Threw some seeds in the fall and I'm so glad I did. I'm smitten. 

Vetch and bluebonnets in the meadow.

 Homestead verbena has been a heavy favorite of passing butterflies.

Prairie onion is prolific in the meadow this spring.

White Flowers of May

Yarrow in the south wall garden.

White water lilies in stock tank pond at twilight. 

The Truth of the Matter

Happy Spring, Happy Me

A few random thoughts:  April is the most promising of months.  This spring is so fabulous, I can hardly sleep. I'm completely falling in love with my camera again.  All I can think about is my garden. My back hurts and my nails look horrible.  I'm happy.  I hope you are too.

Owl Update: Pass the Cigars and the Kleenex

Today was the first sighting of a baby.  We won't be sure how many are in the box unless fortunate enough to see them leaving the nest.  The last brood we hosted had four young!

Sadly we haven't seen or heard the momma since Sunday evening.  Daily perched on the arbor in clear sight of the box, she vigilantly watched the goings on of the backyard. The poppa continues to sit in the photinia which also gives a clear view of the nest.  At dusk he leaves his roost to feed the young alone.

Momma (photo taken the Friday before she disappeared)

I fear she was prey to a great horned owl. My husband heard their nearby calls Sunday night when he was out in the yard with our dog.  I hope I'm wrong and she is just well hidden but given that I haven't heard her either, I fear the worst.

As my daughter says, they've all got babies with their beaks open and they've all got to eat.  She's right.  Still, I'm heartbroken.

Inside Austin Gardens Tour 2014 - May 3rd!

Austin bloggers were invited for a sneak peek of the annual Inside Austin Gardens Tour last week.  There's not much better than a beautiful spring day, friends, and inspirational gardens!

Sadly, my photographs didn't turn out.  I'm learning a new camera and had a setting out of whack.  No worries though, my touring companions had their cameras in fine tune.

From left to right there is Jenny of Rock Rose, Katina of Gardening in Austin, Caroline of The Shovel-Ready Garden, Robin of Getting Grounded, myself, Lori of The Gardener of Good and Evil (her garden is on tour!), Renee of Renee's New Blog, Vicki of Playin' Outside, Ally of Garden Ally, Pam of Digging, Linda of Patchwork Garden, Bonnie of Kiss of Sun, Suzie of Viva Verde, Diana of Sharing Nature's Garden and Laura of Wills Family Acres.

Aren't we a lively band of gardeners?  These ladies are so much fun and honestly, I never dreamed that blogging would bring me so much friendship.

For those of you close by, we are experiencing true Chamber of Commerce weather in Austin so grab your keys and camera and get out there.  Click through for all the details.  These gardens are true gardener's gardens.  Their passion, skill and determination is evident and you'll walk away with tons of ideas and knowledge. 

Wind Weary

:: faded bloom of Old Blush climbing rose :: after the storm ::

Owl Update :: There You are Regal Fella!

There were six days of no owl sightings, no familiar trills in the evening, nothing.  I was sure something horrible had happened.  I fretted and pondered, coming up with all kinds of ill fated scenarios. 

A few days ago while glancing up into the branches of the windmill palm I was rewarded with the sight of the male perched proud and regal.  I love his new digs as I can catch quick glimpses of him as I work around the garden.  He sits high above the garden within clear sight of the box and his mate.   I'm wondering if he changed the location of his perch because the photinia (in my neighbor's yard) bloomed and smelled to high heaven? 

The female has been noticeably absent.  I'm guessing she is now sitting on the eggs.  She emerges for brief moments to gather some fresh air and then she tucks back into the nest. 

From The Owl Pages:

Owls lay between one and thirteen eggs, depending on the species and also on the particular season; for most, however, three or four is the more common number. The eggs are rounded and white; there is little need for cryptic markings given the concealed nature of most nest sites, and the vigor with which they are defended. Incubation of the eggs usually begins when the first one is laid, and lasts, in most species, for around thirty days. During incubation, the eggs are rarely left alone. Female owls, like many other birds, develop a sparsely feathered area on their bellies called a brood patch. The almost bare skin has a higher density of blood vessels than other parts of the skin, providing a direct source of warmth when in contact with the eggs.

Momma owl is going to be putting that brood patch to good use the next couple of days.  We're experiencing a late cold front.  It's raining as I type (yay!) and the north wind is howling.  Lows are expected in the 30's-40's tonight depending on location.  My garden is usually a few degrees colder than the central city.  I'll be covering a few plants just in case. 

There's never a dull moment in a Texas garden.

The Invention of the Handle

Evening closes in gently.

A meandering country road snakes along the river carrying a couple, a long time married.

There are scarlet buckeyes in bloom and ephemeral beauties with slow beating wings nonchalantly gathering nectar...confident of tomorrow's abundance.

We give thanks for the invention of the
handle.  Without it there would be many
things we couldn't hold on to.  As for the
things we can't hold on to anyway, let us
gracefully accept their ungraspable nature
and celebrate all things elusive, fleeting, and
intangible.  They mystify us and make us
receptive to truth and beauty.  We celebrate
and give thanks.
Amen   {The Prayer Tree - Leunig}

An Alternate Point of View :: The Blanco River

Birding :: In The Backyard

Yesterday the male owl left the box giving the female a chance to catch some fresh air.  He perched in a nearby shrub where he had a clear view of the nest.  The squawking jays gave his position away.  The female took advantage of his departure and sat napping for the bulk of the afternoon.  She didn't seem concerned as I tidied the patio and kept an eye on her.  

She is bigger than the male and her markings look darker to me.  When she sits at the opening more of her body leans forward giving a better glimpse of her full head.  The male typically has his head pulled back more and his ears aren't as visible.  

female Eastern screech owl 2014

The female from the last family we hosted in 2012 was red and much easier to distinguish from the male who was gray.  She was a beautiful owl and had such a fierce, stern look about her. 

female Eastern screech owl 2012

Judging from the clarity of the photo from 2012, I need to clean my lens or else the window; or maybe both! 

Monday several dozen cedar waxwings swooped in and gathered in the tops of the live oak trees in the greenbelt.  There is a nasty Chinaberry tree back there too; maybe they are eating those berries?  Large groups congregate around the edge of the stock tank pond for a quick drink.  They are gorgeous birds.  You can learn more about them here.

Today I glanced up into the oaks while standing at the sink (my second favorite spot to watch the owls) and saw something big fly in.  My first thought was that it was one of the owls but it was actually a red shouldered hawk.  He sat high in the canopy of the tree scanning the entire backyard looking for something tasty.  After a few minutes and finding nothing of interest he moved on.  I think our yard is a regular stop after the incident I witnessed a few weeks ago.

While putzing around the garden I startled a rabbit (it startled me too) and it went running across the yard toward the fence.  As it darted toward what it thought was safety, a hawk swooped down from the trees above and nearly caught it!  Oh! My! Gosh!  I can't imagine what it would have been like to witness that carnage!  You know, if I'm being honest, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if the rabbit moved on... Don't judge.

Have you had any surprises in the garden lately?

I'm Like a Momma with a New Baby

Y'all I can't help myself.  I'm completely smitten with this guy.  I'm transfixed.  Maybe even a bit obsessed.  

He's visible from the kitchen, dining and family room windows.  Upstairs the best view is from my son's room.  Specifically, his bed.  Where I perch.  Constantly.  To take more photos.  

He/she? has taken to sitting at the opening of the box during the day which leads me to think the box must be getting a bit crowded.  With momma and eggs?  I don't know.  Maybe with owlets?  It seems early for that though.  

The eggs take nearly a month to hatch and then the owlets are box bound for approximately another month.  You can be sure I'll keep you posted!  I just pray I'll get to take some photos of the owlets because they are the CUTEST things ever.

On the down side, I haven't spotted many anoles yet this spring.  My garden is usually thriving with their presence...  Having said that, I noticed this the last time we had owls nesting here and their population recovered. 

The folks that live here with me are pretty sure I need an intervention.   I claim there are much worse things I could be doing with my time.  

Winter :: Rescued Roses :: Blessings

While spring teased only a day ago, today is bitterly cold and a thunderstorm brews to the west, marching steadily this way.  Ice threatens and there is a day more to ponder the beauty that is winter.   Soup simmers on the stove and an early, bashful rose, rescued from the cold, absorbs warm sunlight on the kitchen counter.  Life is beautiful...winter is beautiful.
 

We give thanks for the blessing of winter:

Season to cherish the heart.

To make warmth and quiet for the heart.

To make soups and broths for the heart.

To cook for the heart and read for the
heart.

To curl up softly and nestle with the heart.

To sleep deeply and gently at one with
   the heart.

To dream with the heart.

To spend time with the heart.

A long, long time of peace with the heart.

We give thanks for the blessing of winter:

Season to cherish the heart.

Amen

The Prayer Tree - Leunig

Wordless Wednesday :: Gardenia :: Bring Them In!

To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat.  

                                                                                                                                       Beverly Nichols

What Hope and Yellow Have in Common

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.

                                                                                                                 ~ Bern Williams

Cemetary Iris

The first plant to bloom in my garden this spring ...

One Day. One Garden. Four Seasons.

Have you noticed some season shifting shenanigans in your summer garden?  Not that I'm complaining.  

This summer has been a dream compared to last.  We're at nine days of 100+ degree temps compared to thirty-nine during the same period last year.  You might recall we had ninety 100+ degree days in 2011.   Shudder.

The typically spring blooming abelia is looking lovely with small clusters of white flowers.  This dwarf variety shrub was a near casualty of last year's exceptional drought.  Taking encouragement from the winter rains, it rallied and is growing into a nicely shaped plant.

In even stranger news, daylily and purple oxalis are also blooming.  Purple oxalis in my garden is usually lush and pretty during the late winter and early spring.  The daylily is planted in the hottest part of my garden and I rarely see a bloom after May.  So many plants in confusion...

Ruby crystals grass is catching the morning light and my attention daily with its soft, feathery inflorescence.  This grass is new to my garden and I honestly expected it to be more of a spring/fall bloomer.  I'm thrilled to see it in bloom now though.  It's gorgeous and if it should decide to reseed throughout this bed, I wouldn't be disappointed!

Even the Japanese maple is holding on to a bit of its rich color.  These leaves usually go completely green by this time of year. The fringe texture of the maple leaves against the silver ponyfoot ground cover is so pretty.  Purple heart, in the top right corner, adds nice contrast to the silvery green of the ponyfoot. 

I've lived in Austin way too long to be fooled.  There is still plenty of summer ahead for sure.

Cicadas sing nightly and almost, but not quite, are able to drown out the summer sound of our Texas white noise (a/c units).   There is a harmonious chorus between the many cicadas and toads.

A sweet black-eyed Susan plays a game of peek a boo...probably with the bunnies that visit daily.

A true harbinger of fall, the American beautyberry is beginning to put on its brightly hued fruit.  And while I'm not one to wish a beautiful, relatively easy (so far) summer away, this latest development tells me that fall will soon be nipping at our heels. 

61 days soon to be exact.

How about you?  Are you seeing any unusual bloom timing in your own garden? 

Eastern Screech Owls ~ A Party at Casa de Cat

The day has come, sadly.  The screech owls left the box last night.  But oh what a party they had!  And oh how they surprised us!

Picture the four of us tightly perched on a twin size bed, faces pressed to the window, watching as one of the owlets appeared only to be pushed from the box by another owlet trying to get a better view.  We stared with rapt attention and rapidly beating hearts, wondering what would happen to this now vulnerable baby.

Fortunately, my husband placed the box in such a way that there is a limb where the owlets can perch directly below the opening of the box.  The momma flew in with what appeared to be a baby rodent, surveyed the situation, didn't seem too concerned then hovered at the opening to feed the nesting babies. 

Yes, I said babies...there are four!  Steadily, with the exception of one, we watched as the others bailed from the box.  We fretted, cooed and marveled as if they were our own offspring!

By this time, it was dark but I managed to get a {quite blurry} photo of the four of them.

The antics of these four cuties was so entertaining!  We watched for a good hour.  Three were out and exploring their expanded world while one unsure squirt hung back and watched from the safety of the box.

One bold fellow lost it's footing and fell from the perch, landing among the elephant ear.  My husband exclaimed that the leaf actually caught and slowed the fall.  That demonstrates just how light they are.  My daughter and I ventured outside to see if it was okay.  We tip-toed around in the dark, scanning the beds to no avail.  We stopped near one of the trees and I jumped when I realized the owlet was clinging to the side of the tree trunk at waist level!  My daughter was a mere 12 inches from the baby!

In my excitement I snapped a photograph.  In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have.  My daughter and I wondered at how the light from the camera may have bothered it's eyes.  I hope not too much.  It had a lot of work ahead of it to get back up into the canopy of the tree.  It was a straight, vertical ascent.

At this writing, two juveniles are with the momma roosting high in the oak, while at least one is still in the box.  I'm not sure if the fourth is in the box or off with the papa...I haven't seen either of them today. 

The indistinguishable gray fuzzies behind her are the babies. 

Last one in the house?  Oh, have I mentioned how much I'm going to miss these guys?

Here is a great link for detailed information on their habits.

A Serious Pest to Monarchs: The Tachinid Fly

Elation ensued when this monarch caterpillar was spotted last week on milkweed in the front yard.  Earlier in the month monarch butterflies were spotted visiting the milkweed and depositing their eggs.   

Imagine my delight when I discovered the caterpillar had situated itself in the window by the front door to transform itself into a chrysalis and then a butterfly.

What luck.  The perfect view of the transformation from inside and outside!  I was overjoyed.

Until I came back the next morning to photograph the process and found this...

There is a serious predator in the garden this spring.  The tachinid fly is a parasitic fly that uses the monarch caterpillar as a host.  This bristly, big eyed, slow moving fly stealthily approaches the unsuspecting caterpillar and injects it's fertilized and incubated egg into the caterpillar.  The egg then hatches inside the caterpillar and the first instar begins to feed on the monarch slowly killing it from the inside out.  Monarch caterpillars are not the only victims, other caterpillars fall prey to this fly as well.

Jenny of Rock Rose solved the mystery.  We were chatting Saturday at the monthly Austin bloggers Go-Go and I explained that when the caterpillar began to dry out a silky string was hanging from it's head.  She did a little research and forwarded a link to me about the tachinid fly.

What really bums me out is that I didn't dispose of the caterpillar the way I should have and will most likely have more of the pest in my garden.  I learned a valuable lesson.  When something strange happens, no matter how busy you are, investigate.

Proudly Passing Out Cigars ~ Eastern Screech Owlets!

The proud parents:   Momma owl still watchful and protective as ever.

Papa owl still on security patrol nearby the box, always vigilant.

And making their debut in the garden: owlets!

Enjoyed my tea on the patio early this morning, delighting in the sound of gentle trills from the owls.  The first photo was taken two days ago, mid-day.  The second and third, this morning at dawn.  I'll be getting up early tomorrow too!