Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.....Duh.

As the death-grip loosens on this heat wave and we can all let out a long needed sigh of relief, we must remember the long term effects of this suffocating summer. Plants and trees have been lost and many will continue to be stressed until the rains come again. Populations in wildlife will plummet and take many years to return to normal. The soil has been deprived of water for so long that we will need torrential, flooding downpours to return it to its average saturation levels. Grasses and forbs that our livestock feed on are gone, forcing ranchers to sell off whole herds just to break even. The ever present threat of wildfire has reared its ugly head this summer, not soon to be forgotten. And most importantly, our lakes, rivers and aquifers are at alarmingly low levels.
I hope the 'take away' from this whole season for folks living in Central Texas, or all of Texas for that matter, is that water is the most precious natural resource we have. Without it, life would cease to exist. For those of us living in Texas, water cannot be taken for granted anymore, there are simply too many of us that depend on it. We, as Texans, can be sure of one thing...this type of weather pattern WILL repeat itself. Sooner than later, no doubt. Conservation is a choice we all need to pledge ourselves to. All of us must be mindful on our water usage no matter how mundane it may seem. It does add up.
One could certainly get political here and discuss future tax hikes on water, innovative water technology and conservation ideology, well drilling restrictions, industrial water consumption ect., ect. There are as many questions and concerns as points of view. But I ask each of you, 'what are YOU doing in your life to address this issue?' Think about it.
Now, just because you don't wash your car one month does that mean you can save a few acres of oaks? No. But what if 1000 people didn't wash their cars for several months? Think of all that water that could be used for something life sustaining. And no, golf courses are NOT life sustaining (- : Or, the next time you brush your teeth leave the water ON. Yes, that's right, leave it on. Fill up a bowl of water and then put it outside for the birds to drink. Wildlife, especially in Central Texas this year, are having to travel further and further away from their home ranges in order to locate water and food. This causes stress and population declines.
Or in the Spring, when you think about re-landscaping your yard, plant only native Texas heat tolerant species that require very little water. Lawns and gardens are the heaviest outlets for water usage for urban dwellers.

We've all heard it before: reduce, reuse, recycle. Pretty simple.

Conserving water by consuming less, wasting less and re-using more reduces costs and postpones or eliminates the need for expensive and environmentally damaging new dams or similar water projects. As well, water conservation is a cost effective way to meet increased water demands. A study by the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) surveyed various methods of procuring additional water, including de-salination of brackish water in area aquifers, piping water in from an East Texas aquifer, building new reservoirs on the Colorado river and dredging the Highland Lakes to provide more storage. The LCRA determined that each of these is substantially more expensive on a per acre-foot basis, than investing in an additional water conservation program.
The results of such a program are best illustrated by our neighbor to the south, the city of San Antonio. In less than 20 years, San Antonio lowered water usage, per capita, from 225 gallons per day to 130, through an aggressive water conservation plan involving a rebate program. For every $ spent on conservation, San Antonio saved $3 it would have spent on buying, treating and redistributing water.
And just in case you'd like to compare numbers, the most recent studies I found showed Dallas at the head of the pack at 244 gallons per day, Round Rock at 206 gpd, Ft. Worth at 192, Austin at 172 and San Marcos at 124.
As many of you know, I myself utilize a rainwater catchment system on my house. Of course, when it doesn't rain, the only thing I catch is dust. Early last month I was forced to purchase 1500 gallons of city water to put into my cistern, something I hadn't had to do in 2 and a half years. I will be receiving another delivery next week. After doing some basic arithmetic, I discovered that I utilized, on average 28.8 gallons a day. Now, full disclosure, I had to 'break-up' with my garden this summer early on ( I was giving so much and getting nothing outta' that relationship) so I saved quite a bit of water there. Being on a catchment system forces you to be very connected with your water supply and very aware of your water usage. I'm constantly discovering new ways to save 'just a little bit more'.

Climate models project that Central Texas will receive less rainfall in coming decades, as well as the tributaries to the west and northwest that feed our rivers. Furthermore, the amount of water loss due to evaporation is projected to increase as average temperatures rise. Add that gloomy statistic to the report that the Texas population is projected to double by 2060, one can see the potential for disaster. For the record, the populations in the five county Austin area (Bastrop,Caldwell,Hays,Travis and Williamson) grew by over 40% from 2000-2010. That's some rapid growth, folks.

I know many of you have received recent rains. Cousin Julie in New Braunfels informed me of some good soakings that passed through last week. As well, friends and family in Ft. Worth told me of storms that brought rain too. Unfortunately, Rockmoor received virtually nothing from these passing clouds and it is as dry as ever here. And it goes without saying the fire danger is still extremely high. So please be reminded as you visit Rockmoor in the coming months to be very cautious. Something as innocuous as a charcoal grill or driving your truck in an open field of tall grass can have disastrous results now. We will need several good rains before the burn ban is lifted.

On a happy note, today is indeed the first day of Autumn! (September 23) and we can all look forward to some much needed cooler temps.

Until next time,

Sally Anne

One of a kind

Several years ago when I was searching for a site to build my house on I was keeping in mind things like: close to an existing road, near power lines, flat spot, good drainage, ect., ect. I wasn't thinking diversity of trees. Well, maybe I was hoping the area had something beside cedars. A nice giant live oak or pecan would have been ideal but since those are more likely to flourish near a streambed I was going to have to settle for a lesser tree, such as a red oak or shin oak. (our easement restrictions forbid construction, rightfully so, near a water source) A lovely red oak is certainly a beauty to behold, especially in the fall. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had chosen a spot at Rockmoor that happened to be the home of the biggest madrone tree on the property(at least in my scouting around)
The Texas Madrone(arbutus texana) is one of the loveliest, native ornamentals in the state. And it happens to be quite rare. While it lacks the ubiquity of our state tree, the pecan, and the grandeur of an old growth live oak it makes up in attention grabbing beauty. It is truly a welcome sight in a sea of cedar in the Hill Country. It is a multi trunked, 20-30 foot, evergreen tree, that favors the moist rocky soils and limestone based caliche of the Edwards Plateau. The thick, papery,peeling bark of the tree is its most distinguishing characteristic, for it reveals a polished red inner bark. In my 'Native Plants of Texas' book by Sally and Andy Wasowski, it is noted the change in bark begins each fall "when old skins peel away to reveal the soft cream colored new bark. The color then changes to peach to coral to Indian Red to chocolate and then peels away to start the process over".
Not only is the bark an eye catching attribute, but each Spring it blooms tiny bell shaped white blossoms that scent the air with a wonderful fragrance. Followed in the fall by bright, glowing orange/red edible berries. Birds of many species savor the delectable berries as do other wildlife. The berries are edible to humans as well, reportedly rich in vitamin C and zinc. Deer will even browse the dark green leathery foliage. I heard the young madrone referred to as 'deer candy'.
Botanically speaking, the madrone is a member of the Heath family, Ericanae. As such, it is related to blueberries, cranberries and azaleas. The Texas Madrone is one of more than a half-dozen species of madrones found primarily in California, New Mexico, the Mediterranean, Mexico and Guatemala. The Texas version is considered by many to be the same as the Mexican species which derive its name from the latin word, 'arbutus' meaning 'strawberry tree'.
Many scientists consider the Texas madrone to be a 'relict', or a species from an earlier time that managed to survive even after the surrounding environment had undergone significant change. Which is easily believable to me, being that the madrone looks unlike any other tree in Texas I've seen.
Because the inner layer of bark has such a smooth, pinkish, red/brown appearance the madrone earned many nicknames over time, some rather humorous. Most notably, Naked Indian tree and Lady's Leg. In Mexico the madrone is often referred to as Manzanita.
The wood is hard and heavy, but actually rather brittle and not very durable. Historically, the wood was used in making tool handles, stirrups, mine timbers and such. The Kickapoo Indians favored the madrone wood to make their deer calls. The tree's striking bark, which is high in tannins, was once very much valued in the tanning industry. In Mexico, both the leaves and bark were used at one time as astringents and diuretics. The roots were used in dyes as well. The 'Useful Wild Plants of Texas' book mentions the Tarahumara Indians of northern Mexico, using the berries of the madrone to produce and alcoholic beverage called 'tesguino' and using the fragrant blossoms to flavor their tortillas.
If you'd like to plant a madrone in your backyard so you can harvest your own berries for some homemade tesguino, think again. The madrone is notoriously difficult to transplant, much less germinate from seed. I read about one study that started out with 10,000 madrone seeds planted in carefully controlled greenhouse conditions. Only 2, of the 10,000 seeds germinated and became established. Madrone seedlings require very exacting soil and moisture requirements. Too little water at the outset and too much water later can spell doom for the madrone. Efforts at transplanting are difficult in part, it is thought, to the tree's tiny fibrous root system. As a result, madrones remain uncommon in most parts of our state and next to impossible to find at a local nursery. I did, however, learn of a fellow in Kerrville that specializes in madrones and has actually been very successful in propagating them.
The madrone grows extremely slow and can take over a century to attain an adult height of 20-30 feet. The one by my house has two 28" trunks that reach close to 20 feet tall, with a canopy spread of about 30 feet. The Texas Forest Service records the state champions as a 27 footer with a 38 foot canopy and 93" trunk, as well as a 45 footer, with 30 foot canopy and 70 inch girth. Both of these trees reside in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend, where I have seen many large madrones before. They actually are able to flourish at altitudes of up to 3000 feet.
Kevin, our land manager with the City of Austin Wildlands Division, once told me that where you see a big madrone there are usually smaller ones within a short distance on the same elevation. I have been unable to find any documented studies of this claim. However...there are indeed about 6 smaller madrone trees within a short distance of the 'mother' tree. I've also explored the areas around other madrones on the property and have found the same to be true. Kevin has mentioned to me many times that madrones are "very special trees worth keeping an eye on and protecting." He reminded me of how very lucky Rockmoor is to be home to this rare, beautiful tree.
With that in mind, this 'no-end-in-sight' drought has me concerned for the well being of my big madrone behind my house. Several smaller limbs have died and the leaves are most definitely showing signs of stress. Although the madrone is extremely heat tolerant, this year's record breaking heat is taking its toll. I will most certainly have to start watering soon. But then I am reminded of the drought of 1950(much worse than current condition) and suppose my madrone was around then and it survived.

Till next time,
Stay cool and pray for rain.

Sally Anne

First time visitor at Rockmoor

I've lived in Austin long enough to know how uniquely 'weird' it is. There are so many quirky, odd aspects of this city that truly make it one-of-a-kind. For the past few years, I've heard this tale of 'wild tropical parrots' that dwell in the downtown area and are often spotted by delightfully surprised onlookers. Being an amateur birder myself and having never seen one of these wild 'parrots' I thought perhaps I had fallen prey to another urban legend. Several friends of mine swore that, no!, they did indeed exist and can be spotted with a sharp eye all over town. I had pretty much given up on finding this exotic feathered creature. Until Monday.
I have a morning ritual that includes feeding the chickens and dogs, watering the garden, and filling up the various bird feeders I keep. Usually when I go out to fill up the bird feeders all my feathered friends fly away in a panic thinking me some giant raptor that is going to attack them. I have about ten different species of avians that frequent my feeders on a regular basis and every so often will find a new, unusual one out there grabbing a snack. So, much to my surprise as I'm pouring birdseed into my tube feeder I look up and gasp. Not even four feet away away from me is an electric, neon green and yellow parakeet!! The kind one sees in a cage as someones beloved pet. What!?? At first I immediately assume it has escaped the confines of a tiny cage and found its' way to my bird sanctuary. Then I recalled the famous 'parrots of Austin' and quickly went inside to consult with my bird books and the ever faithful Internet for a positive ID. After a few minutes of searching, there was no doubt that what I had perched in my cedar tree was indeed a Monk Parakeet. There are, I learn, about 700 of these birds living in and around the downtown area of Austin.
A native of South America, the monk parakeet started appearing in North America in the late sixties. One story I read says that they were imported as pets and a crate of them was dropped and busted open at the Kennedy Airport in New York releasing dozens into the wild. These 'escapees' quickly established a wild population on Long Island. They have been reported in several different states but Florida and Texas are home to the largest populations in North America, with Austin boasting the largest breeding population in the state.
The Austin birds may have come from an intentional release in the late 80's or early 90's. The 'legend' claims a woman named Janet Giles released 19 monk parakeets when they simply became too much for her to take care of, near Zilker Park. And from there the birds began establishing themselves all over the downtown area. According to the Travis Audubon Society, there are about 720 parakeets that live in the Austin area. I've heard about giant nests that they construct. Apparently they build very large, dome-shaped twig nests and are often occupied year round. They nest communally, yet construct separate entrances and chambers for each pair. How cute! A nest 'condo' may house up to 20 pairs of birds, sometimes more.
Many folks keep these birds as pets as they can be very animated, social and apparently good 'talkers'. An ornithologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife states that monk parakeets are on the top ten common caged birds people keep. And under optimal conditions a monk parakeet has a lifespan of 25-30 years. Not as long as a larger parrots(up to 75!) but certainly longer than the family Fido. I read, as well, that in captivity they bond closely with one person and are known for their loyal nature. Which reminds me of my Grandfather's pet parrot Stoop, who was not particularly nice to anyone. Except my Grandfather.
The monk parakeet gets its name, because compared with other parakeets, they are rather 'un-flashy'. Well, you could have fooled me. Because this bird certainly stands out among all the other birds at the feeder including the male Painted Bunting which looks as if he rolled in a rainbow. The Monk Parakeet is most certainly eye catching.
It's quite unusual that this bird has opted to stop by my feeder and bird bath. But even more curious is that he's been here for 5 days! I mean to say, he has not left the cedar tree that the feeders are hanging on. Every single time I look out the window or walk by he's still there just perched. He must be amused by all the avian activity that goes on out here. (And that fact that he has an endless supply of water and seed) Perhaps he just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and decided to take some vacation in the Hill Country at Rockmoor Bird Sanctuary. Where the feeders always full and the bird bath never runs dry.
I'll keep everyone posted on our little green friend and report if I find any macaws or pelicans in the near future.


Sally Anne

Drought. And critters.

If you follow this blog, then you're aware that I haven't posted in a while. I was hoping to have a second installment of the 'Wildflower Report' a few weeks ago. However, as I patiently awaited the Spring rains to arrive I began having a sinking feeling that La Nina wasn't about to let that happen. The second round of wildflowers never really materialized. According to the National Drought Monitor almost over half of Texas is experiencing 'Exceptional' drought conditions. The 'Exceptional' category is the most severe. It follows 'Extreme' if that puts it into perspective. 75% of all Texas counties are under burn bans.
The Hill Country is not faring well at all. Along with lack of rain, temperatures this Spring have been running much warmer than normal. Soil moisture is very low, stock pond levels are dropping at an alarming rate and evaporation rates are very high. The long range weather forecast indicates rainfall will likely remain below normal through Spring and early Summer as the storm track generally stays to the North of Texas (good news for all you Ft. Worth/Dallas folks)
Even if wetter conditions return as a result of increased tropical storms this summer, I've read we would need to see more than 5-6 inches of rain to just saturate the ground enough to have any significant runoff.
The Texas Forest Service and area fire departments have responded to over 9000 wildfires this 'fire season' that have burned more than 2.2 million acres and destroyed 400 homes. And just this morning, it was announced that the City of Austin has officially cancelled their Fourth of July fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, something that has never happened in the 35 years the city has been putting the event on. In fact, all public firework display permits have been denied.
Last week, the private land adjacent to the Travis County Park I work at caught on fire due to a faulty insulator on a utility line and burned over 200 acres, including some in the Park. The land is remote with little road infrastructure, not unlike parts of Rockmoor, and was difficult to control due to the challenge of accessing the flames. Two helicopters doing water drops, over 15 fire vehicles and members of the Texas Forest Service, with three giant bulldozers in tow, were called in to tackle the fire.
As if the Oak Hill fire earlier in the Spring wasn't enough to scare me, witnessing this wildfire up close really hit close to home. The dry junipers and water starved grasses are like gasoline awaiting even the tiniest spark to set it aflame. So very dangerous right now.

On a lighter note, this severe drought has also created quite another annoyance for me and my two loyal canine friends. My dogs have been suffering through a flea infestation like no other I have ever seen. Many dollars on preventative medications, flea shampoos and consultations to the vet have only recently helped the situation. My vet says she has never seen a flea season this bad. Ever. She explained that the drought has brought more wildlife closer to humans. These wild animals are seeking water and, most often, bring fleas with them that we would otherwise never see. Interesting concept, certainly makes sense to me.

I have certainly seen an increase in nocturnal visits to my garden recently and whatever it is fancies the green leaves of my pepper plants. I rabbit-proofed my garden several years back and hadn't had a problem until a few weeks ago. It appears a very hungry rabbit/rabbits are seeking out anything leafy with moisture and my garden has suddenly become the hot spot for succulent greens. Which is sad, because my peppers, a very heat tolerant plant, look as if they are dying every morning when I give them water. These are desperate rabbits if they have succumbed to nibbling on dry pepper leaves.

I've also noticed an increase in snake activity around my place. Don't worry, not any 'bad' snakes. Yet. Several rat snakes have been in close proximity of my house. Just this morning I received quite a scare as I discovered a rat snake inside the little wooden dollhouse next to my front door(!) (for inquiring minds the snake preferred the 'loft' of the dollhouse as opposed to the first floor) I've no doubt that he had either already consumed the frog that lounges carefree in the dog's water bowl every evening or he had a sinister plan to join the frog for a dip when the sun went down. I guess I'll find out tonight if Mr. Frog is a no-show.

Anyone that has seen my chicken coop knows how much attention I paid to building it and making certain there were no holes big enough for a snake to get in and steal my eggs. Or worse! So last week, I noticed a big critter, most likely a raccoon, had tried to dig his way in under the entrance door, the only place on the whole coop that doesn't have wire buried underneath. Smart raccoon. Anyway, he pulled away a small piece of tin and moved a sizable rock that was blocking the gap. I suppose after a while he realized how futile his efforts were and gave up on dining on a chicken. That's the good news. The bad news is, he left a big gap for another, slithering critter, to get in. So once again, I got quite a start when I went into the coop last week to gather my morning eggs and there was a checkered garter snake just hanging out amongst the birds waiting for an egg to drop. Being the resourceful country gal I like to think I am, I grabbed the biggest barbecue tongs I could find, a five gallon bucket and some gloves. Voila! Snake outta' the coop. Apparently however, the snake must have really bonded with his new-found feather friends because he tried, in vain, to re-enter the coop for about 15 minutes after I released him. I observed him intently to make sure he didn't find some nook or cranny I had overlooked. Finally he slithered off without an egg snack.

It's a virtual wildlife show around here.

It's truly amazing to me that my chickens even lay eggs in this persistent heat. I've taken to bringing them a big chunk of ice everyday (a gallon water container cut in half and frozen in the freezer the night before) and they just LOVE it! They peck at it non-stop and then settle in next to it to cool off. It eventually melts and they have cool water to drink.

So who knows what critter/critters will visit my house in the coming weeks in search of water or food. If only it would rain! My outside thermometer, in the shade nonetheless, reads 99.1 at this moment. And just for the record, Summer doesn't even start until June 21st. Awesome. As well, the Austin area is forcasted triple digits all next week. With no cloud cover.


Anyone have a margarita machine they want to get rid of? Or a snow cone stand? Or a swimming pool?

Till next time,
Stay cool,

Sally Anne

Wildflowers, Part I

If you live in Central Texas and ever venture outside these days, which I certainly hope you do, then you are fully aware that it hasn't rained around here in some time. And... it's rather warm. In fact, if this weather pattern continues until the end of the month (anyone wanna' bet?) then Austin, Texas will have just experienced its' warmest April on record since record keeping began in 1854! The average temperature this month is a whopping 8.4 degrees above normal. And while we're on the topic of numbers and weather, the past 7 month period of October through April will most likely turn out to be the 3rd driest on record, with only 5.31" of rain during that period. Now, if you know me, you know I tend to be a bit obsessed about weather. I'm constantly glued to the weather radar screen like some people are to their favorite TV show. Yes, I wear a wristwatch that indicates barometric pressure drop and temperature. I have three outdoor thermometers, one of them digital and measures relative humidity. I have a rain gauge and a wind vane. Total geek.
Now in my defense, I do work outdoors all day long, every day, with little respite from the elements and like to be informed. My water source at my house comes from whatever the sky feels like sharing and is collected in a tank alongside my home. And I have a righteous garden that is not very happy right now. So, my obsessive/compulsive disorder about weather is understandable.
All this dry, sunny weather is great for outdoor weddings, backyard barbecues and painting your new deck. However, this weather pattern has deprived me and many other nature lovers from one of our favorite things about Spring in the Hill Country. Wildflowers.
The state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet, which was out in full force last Spring has been a virtual no-show this season. I have yet to spot even a single one at Rockmoor this year. In fact I have to really pay attention and look closely to find any wildflowers at all! The good news is, I have found some and want to share them with you. It goes to show that even in a prolonged drought as we are currently in, Texas wildflowers are adaptable and amazingly resilient.
So this is a sampling of what I found at the ranch in the month of April. It's ironic that I found a few Rain Lillies (the white one pictured above) as their fragrant blooms usually only pop open a few days after a heavy rain. We've only had trace amounts of rainfall at Rockmoor this past month. There is a slight chance for rain this coming weekend so I have my fingers crossed.
I'll post more pictures in Part II soon. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Sally Anne

Too close for comfort

Hello everyone
Unless you've been living under a 'proverbial' rock these days then you are aware of the remarkable wildfire season the state of Texas is experiencing right now. All but two counties in the state have had significant fires with over a million acres damaged and over 170 homes destroyed. The perfect storm of low humidity, hot, dry weather patterns and high winds have created ideal conditions for wildfires to take over. And take over they have.
If you haven't already learned, the Oak Hill area of Austin experienced a major wildfire outbreak in a subdivision neighborhood last Sunday. Eleven homes were destroyed and twelve more severely damaged. The fire covered more than 100 acres but thankfully no one was injured. Damage has been estimated at 5 million dollars. The neighborhood, near Scenic Brook Dr., off Highway 290 is surrounded by 'urban wildlands', as they are called. Large, dense thickets of cedar and mixed oak woodlands surrounding residential homes. Reports from local media have cited the fire was caused by a homeless man, camping out in the nearby woods, cooking over an open fire. He wasn't paying attention and an ember flew from the fire and caught quickly in the nearby vegetation. The fire then rapidly grew in a matter of minutes and wasn't completely extinguished and 100% contained until 3 days later. In the meantime, the area was evacuated and many families lost their homes.

As the crow flies, this fire was approximately 2 miles away from Rockmoor. It is rather unsettling to stand on one's balcony and see huge clouds of smoke so close to home. And knowing that you are surrounded on all sides by thick cedar breaks which are highly, highly flammable. Reality check.

Travis County saw three other fires on that very same day and resources were pushed to the limits. The following day all Travis County Park employees (of which I am one) were told to refrain from using any big equipment, chainsaws, mowers, ect. to prevent a spark until further notice. The Park that I work at saw a fire just three days before the big one in Oak Hill caused by the spark from a sub-contractor using a welder. It caused about an acre of damage in less than 20 minutes. This sub-contractor was not utilizing the proper safety precautions and the Fire Marshall who arrived on the scene slapped him with a fine that could possibly reach upwards to $30,000 (!!!) The authorities in Travis County are treating the matter fire hazard very, very seriously.

So the moral of this story should go without saying. Please, please be very careful when visiting the ranch this fire season. Travis County has been in a burn ban for a while now and will most likely continue until weather patterns change. Just three weeks ago when I hosted a backyard barbecue for some friends I started a small ambient campfire, like I always do, to have for folks to sit around. After a few minutes of watching the high winds carry off some embers from my tiny fire I decided that this 'was a very bad idea' and decided to put it out. I like to think of myself as some savvy outdoorswoman but that was a bad judgment call on my part.

I shudder at the thought of a fire getting out of control at the ranch. There is really little that we can do. The best defense that we have for a fire is prevention. Hands down. If you are visiting the ranch this season and will be engaging in any activity that has potential for creating a fire just use some common sense and exercise extreme caution. Avoid tossing cigarette butts carelessly, have water close by, have a fire extinguisher handy (and know how to use it!) and have another set of 'eyes' watching out for stray sparks or embers. Better still, just refrain from whatever activity it is that might create a possible fire hazard until we receive some decent rainfall around here.

With that said, stay tuned for 'Wildflower Report' coming soon.
Till then, be safe. And pray for rain!

Sally Anne


*photo G. Dada, Austin American Statesman*

Diamondbacks are NOT a girl's best friend

The first Spring after moving into my house I became acquainted, most reluctantly, with one of my 'neighbors' in an early afternoon encounter. I was busily doing laundry upstairs, windows and doors flung open, enjoying the perfect Texas weather. I soon heard both of my dogs barking and didn't think much of it. After a few minutes of this incessant noise-making I stepped outside to quiet them and perhaps catch sight of what they were so focused at. A squirrel, a lizard, a perched buzzard, I thought. As I gave a 'What's going on out there you two? Hush!" they ceased their distressed 'woofs' and I then could clearly make out the unmistakable buzzing sound. I flung myself frantically down the stairs and immediately called the dogs inside with a stern parental voice. Once they were safely inside I walked, in shorts and flip flops no less, casually over to the offended neighbor, "Ok, Mr. Snake, that's much too close. Where are you?" I scrutinized the area where the dogs were a few times. Nothing. I moved a little closer. My eyes scanned the area at least three or four times before I saw him. I then met the gaze of the biggest rattlesnake I have ever seen. My heart jumped. It didn't look real, it was so enormous. I then uttered something that isn't appropriate for all readers. One can imagine.
He was rattling and hissing and coiled and, well, pissed off! He was also much too close to my front porch, to my dogs. I was about to kill a rattlesnake. It wasn't the first one I had killed, there had been two before. But they were smaller. And not quite so evil looking.
Now, anyone that knows me, knows that I am an animal lover and have a very healthy respect for all creatures. Even the ones that scare us and can harm us. I lived several years in Grizzly country for goodness sakes! However, the thought of having this prehistoric looking, venom laden reptile slithering around my house where my dogs nap was not an image I was ok with. If I had seen him on the road, or at the creek, anywhere but 15 feet from my front porch, I would have let him quietly pass. But he wasn't. So...he died. He turned out to be just under 6 feet long. Yikes!
With that said, as a child, visiting Rockmoor I never saw a rattlesnake, or any snake for that matter. I only remember the mason jar full of rattles at the farmhouse that came from the unfortunate victims of Uncle Dee's shotgun no doubt. But when I was younger I didn't know where to look. Now I do. And I see them all the time. Are you getting creeped out yet?
Texas has ten different species of rattlesnakes, more than any other state, except for Arizona. The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is the most common in these parts and chances are if you've seen a rattlesnake at the ranch it was the Western Diamondback. The Crotalus Atrox, as it is scientifically known, falls in the family of 'pit viper'. These are distinguished by their triangular head and small pits under their catlike eye pupils. Pit vipers are usually characteristically thick bodied with short hollow fangs that lie flat in the upper jaw but swing down when the snake opens the mouth to inject venom in prey. The distinctive diamond pattern of the Western Diamondback runs the length of the snakes body serving as a very effective camouflage. Of course, the tell-'tail' (pun intended) is the set of rattles at the base of the snake's spine. These rattles are made up of keratin, the same stuff that makes up fingernails in humans. In prime conditions, snakes shed their skins every 6-12 weeks and each time adding a 'button' to the base of their rattles. This, in turn, replaces the terminal sections that periodically break off. It has been calculated that the rattles cycle between 40-60 times a second when the snake has them in use. This speed produces the high buzzing sound that is so eerily familiar. Once you hear it, you'll never forget it.
At this time of the year, rattlesnakes are most active during the day (April and May) when milder temperatures prevail. However, June through August, rattlesnakes put an end to their diurnal (daytime) activities and seek shelter in the oppressive heat of the day. During these months you are more likely to see a rattlesnake early morning or evening. Just about the time you're taking a walk around the ranch. How convenient.
In Texas, breeding takes place in both Spring and Fall when numbers of diamondbacks are found in close proximity. The female gives birth to about 10-20 young, all born alive. They don't hatch from an egg, which is a commonly held belief. These young snakes leave the mother almost immediately, within hours, and are born with one button at their tail and are fully capable of administering a venomous bite. Many people believe that the bite of a juvenile snake is more venomous because the younger snake does not have as much control over the flow of venom. Makes sense to me, but I can't find the scientific proof to back that up. And I have no intention of testing that theory out. These babies will average 3-4 feet in length when they mature, however there are documented reports of some closer to 8 feet long.
Rattlesnakes aren't aggressive in the sense that they 'will come after you or drop from a tree and attack a person'. In fact, rattlesnakes are poor climbers and one almost never sees them in trees. They favor the rocky slopes and outcroppings. And they won't attack unless they feel threatened or are suddenly surprised. I've gazed for long periods of time up close at a rattlesnake and he didn't seem to mind. But as soon as I got a little too close for comfort he quickly coiled up ready to defend. And be careful around a fully coiled rattlesnake for they are able to strike at a distance equal to half their body length. Of course, common sense goes a long way. NEVER put your hands or feet somewhere that you can't see.
I heard an amusing statistic in my Wilderness First Responder first-aid class once that I always thought was funny. "90% of all snake bites occur in the middle of the day, involving a 20 something male, intoxicated, in the presence of a female." Who knows if that's true, but fellas, don't try and impress the ladies with your snake charmer abilities. Never try and handle a rattlesnake. They may not be aggressive, but they are highly defensive.
And what do you do in the extremely unlikely case that you get bit by a rattlesnake? Go to the hospital fool!! Don't try any fancy tourniquets or incisions to try and suck the poison out, you will likely do far more damage that way. Get medical attention as soon as you can. You need to be administered antivenom. It is highly, highly unlikely that you will die. Most deaths with rattlesnakes involve very small children, very elderly or ill people. And those cases involved individuals who were many hours away from definitive care. (Seton Southwest off 290 is approximately 12 minutes away from the ranch-fyi)
The venom of a rattlesnake contains both neurotoxically active peptide components and a larger complement of enzymatic fractions that destroy blood and tissue. It is a hemotoxin (toxic to the blood) and can work as an anticoagulant. Interestingly, rattlesnakes are not immune to their own venom and can kill another rattlesnake if it is bitten.
Rattlesnakes have few natural predators so they tend to flourish in numbers. Birds of prey, such as hawks or owls, have been known to swoop down on a rattlesnake and make a meal, but it is not a common occurrence. On the other hand, rattlesnakes feed on rodents, frogs, lizards, small birds, and even small rabbits and squirrels. They often don't need to eat but once every two to three weeks and their annual water intake equals roughly their body weight.
There are two snakes in this area that are often mistaken for a rattlesnake, thus, inadvertently, killed because they are thought to be venomous. The Rat snake and the Bull snake are often confused for a rattlesnake due to their similar skin patterns. And to create even more confusion both of these snakes, when stressed, tend to vibrate their tail, giving the impression of their venomous counterpart. Yet, they do not have rattles. Even though both of these snakes has the ability to bite, they are not poisonous. I see Rat snakes fairly often around the ranch. This is a good thing because they help control the rodent population. When I hear the argument that we need rattlesnakes to keep the mice and rats in check, I remind them that there are other, non-poisonous, alternatives. A few years back I started noticing signs of a mouse (or mice) in my house. I often, quite often, keep my door open in nice weather and much to my surprise, or shock I should say, I found a rat snake piled up behind a framed picture in my kitchen. Finding a snake in one's house is never a pleasant experience and not one I care to repeat. However...after the shock wore off and a few days passed I noticed that the mice 'problem' disappeared. I think that 'ol Rat snake sensed food and saw an open door and just made himself at home. (like the mouse, I guess) And then slept off his meal in my kitchen. And much better to have a Rat snake in the house than a rattler. And even better to not have either!!
So not all snakes are 'bad' snakes. In fact, most are good and shouldn't' be killed just because it's a snake. And if you do happen upon a rattlesnake at the ranch, just give it a wide berth and don't make it feel threatened. It doesn't want to be around you anymore than you want to be around it, trust me.
Now that I've completely made everyone paranoid, I promise my next entry will be on something a little more harmless.

Till then,

Sssssssally Anne