The great meteorologist Isaac Cline is quoted as saying: “Texas is a land of eternal drought interrupted occasionally by Biblical floods.” Here in Wimberley we can relate.
We must all be careful with water use. At the same time, I feel concern for the creatures that add something special to our rural/semi-rural community. I try to do what I can to help them survive these dire times. We did not have the usual crop of spring and early summer blooms to benefit wildlife, so I’m sure to keep my hummingbird feeders clean and full of fresh sugar water. My seed feeders are also filled regularly.
All creatures need water, and this summer many of their natural sources are completely dry. In my fenced backyard I have six small water features. They range from one hanging in a tree to another just a few inches off the ground. The water in one of my traditional bird baths attracts birds with the movement created by a water wiggler. This battery- operated device sits in the water and a small rotating spinner keeps the water moving. In another bird bath I have a solar fountain. The small fountain floats in the birdbath, and when the sun shines on it a sixinch high spray shoots up from the center. Outside my fence I keep a small wash tub of water for the deer. One day not long ago I had an opossum visitor.
When providing water for critters it’s important to not create a breeding ground for mosquitos. This issue is easily solved by using mosquito dunk. This product kills the insect’s larvae for 30 days. The first of each month I know it’s time to add fresh mosquito dunk to my water sources. We’ll make it through this summer and look forward to a wetter, cooler summer another year!
Written by Becky Denton, Texas Master Naturalist
