Two summers ago we built a water impoundment levee on the low end of the farm. The purpose of this area was to catch farm runoff, provide a settling pond for that runoff and to provide a wetland habitat for wildlife. We are starting the third growing season for wild millet and other native grasses in the moist soils area and the wildlife response is beyond my expectations.
- Moist Soils Area Spring 2012
Here you can see the area after water has been drawn down about 18″ to avoid conflicts with planting that occurs to the right of the photo. Planting (cotton) has been done but plants are not yet up. Water will have to be further drawn down as the season progresses to allow native grasses to grow to produce food for waterfoul.
Below, you can see some of the birds that I photographed in the last couple of days. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a Stilt on our place so that pic was a very special one. The Blue Grosbeak is one that is not that common as it is only the 3rd time I’ve seen them here. The other birds are pretty common but still a lot of fun to see.
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- Moist Soils Area Spring 2012
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- Black Necked Stilt stalks some food
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- Blue Grosbeak
The last photo of the blue bird is lovely! The contrast of blues with the splash of green is wonderful!