Birds In Our Backyard

So Hot and Dry!

2011-07-11T14:42:00.002-05:00

Our Lake behind the house is dry and the fish are all dead. The birds are suffering from no water so I put out seeds and water. So sad, but what can you do. I pray for rain everyday. Today we got barely a sprinkle but I praise the Lord that it is beginning to rain a little. Hopefully, soon we will get rain and lots of it. South East Texas is suppose to be very wet and lots of birds. I dread the Fall migration if this doesn't turn around soon.

2011-02-05T10:20:00.000-06:00

2011-02-04T14:58:00.000-06:00

Pine Siskin's at the Feeder along with American Goldfinches

2011-02-04T14:54:00.000-06:00

Birds on Champion Lake 1/10/11

2011-01-10T16:14:00.000-06:00

Observation date: 1/10/11
Notes: I have had no Goldfinches. Very unusual for this time of year.
Number of species: 19

Muscovy Duck (Domestic type) 1
Wood Duck 16
Mallard 5
Northern Shoveler 8
Great Blue Heron 1
Black Vulture 50
Turkey Vulture 3
Killdeer 2
Mourning Dove 1
Inca Dove 4
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 1
Carolina Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Chipping Sparrow 12
Northern Cardinal 7
Red-winged Blackbird 15
Common Grackle 20

Garrett Is Such A Cutie Pie!

2010-09-08T21:03:00.004-05:00

Garrett Started Day Care and Loves it!

Summer Time is Over and Fall Begins 2010

2010-09-08T20:58:00.003-05:00

Kahner plays T-Ball! Loved it!

2010-06-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

2010-06-02T15:23:00.001-05:00

Zoo Trip

2010-06-02T15:13:00.003-05:00

Ally and Kevin took Garrett and Kahner to the Zoo. Here are a few Pictures! So cute!

Birds of the Frio River and Uvalde

2010-06-02T15:06:00.005-05:00

Last month our Bird Club (LTVBC) went to the Frio to bird. We had a fabulous time. We saw about 110 specie of birds. Gary and I got about 9 new life birds.

February 2010

2010-02-20T20:03:00.004-06:00

Kahner is 5 years old and Garrett is 1 year old. I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. I'm trying to enjoy every minute with the children. I haven't updated the blog in a long while. This year has started out very busy. It is a joy this year instead of being so sad and upset last year. I have been baby sitting the little boys and they are a pleasure. Kevin's Mom had surgery and I have been filling in for her.

In March, I will be volunteering once again at the Boy Scout Woods on High Island for Houston Audubon. I hope this year the woods will be full of birds and lots of birds on the rookery. Take time to enjoy the birds this Spring.

Lone Star 09 2nd Best Type!

2009-10-28T17:42:00.001-05:00

2009-10-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

Garrett Is Growing so Big

14th Annual Canary and Finch Society Show 2009

2009-10-13T14:56:00.004-05:00

Well, I attended and helped manage my first bird show of the season. I was secretary for the finch side of the show. Cecil Gunby was the judge. We had 129 birds and 8 exhibitors. I was able to get a few of my canaries together to show. I won 3rd and 4th best in type and best old variety. It was a good start to the season. Our club Canary and Finch Society had a great show and we all enjoyed it. It is alot of work but I think it's worth it. Although, I didn't get to watch the type and color canary judging, it was a success. Linda Hogan judged the type and Armando Lee judged the color. Julio V. won the best bird in show and the Dorothy Eggers Award.

Hot Hot Summer

2009-08-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

I'm just trying to get everything to survive this summer. It is so hot that Champion Lake behind us is drying up. We have not had our summer rains in the past 2 years.

Garrett is Months old!

2009-05-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

My baby grandson is 4 months old. I can't believe time has flown by that fast.

A Long Illness with Recovery in Site

2009-05-06T17:21:00.003-05:00

It's been a long 4 months. My Daddy has been ill with Acute Necrotic Pancreatitis. He went home just over 2 weeks ago. Mom, Nancy, and I have been taking care of him at the Hospitals in Houston, TX. I think he is on the mend. He couldn't eat for almost 3 months. He seems much better and stronger. I think he is just glad to be home, as is Mom.

Kahner and Garrett

2009-01-08T17:02:00.000-06:00

Kahner is very proud of his new baby brother. He loves him very much.

Garrett Alexander Krengle

2009-01-08T17:01:00.001-06:00

Garrett Alexander Krengle
7 lbs. 9.2 oz. 19 1/2 inches long

Garrett is our new grand baby! We are so proud of Allyson and Kevin.

Nancy (my sister) and her family, Haley, Linsi, & Jimmy

2009-01-02T20:43:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Champion Lake in the Winter

2009-01-02T17:13:00.000-06:00

Birding on Champion Lake Jan. 01

2009-01-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

Old River CBC

2009-01-02T16:56:00.001-06:00

Gary and I went on the Old River CBC (Christmas Bird Count) for the Houston Audubon again this year. It was Monday December 29th. We saw 74 specie of birds and lots of distruction of habitat from Hurricane Ike. The whole group saw over 122 specie of birds. This picture was taken at a backyard feeder. The gentleman drove up while we were watching birds at his feeders. He was nice and asked us to come up and few the birds from the porch. On the feeder was chipping sparrows, pine warblers, goldfinches, and carolina chickadee's. We had a nice day. It was a beautiful blue bird sky. We walked almost the whole day. I was a tired bird watcher after the get together at Iguana Joe's for the final count.

Kahner, Gary, and Lisa Christmas 08

2009-01-02T16:47:00.000-06:00

Christmas Evening at Holmes'

2009-01-02T16:24:00.000-06:00

My beautiful children. We had a wonderful time opening gifts and eating good food. We had turkey and dressing with sides. Kevin made a wonderful chocolate cake called Better Than Sex Cake and Krengle ears cookies.

2008-12-11T10:48:00.000-06:00

Our Resident Red Shouldered Hawk

2008-12-11T09:13:00.001-06:00

Our resident Red Shouldered Hawk watching a little Kinglet. Cold and hungry!

2008-12-11T09:11:00.000-06:00

SNOW IN OLD RIVER

2008-12-11T09:08:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving with Family

2008-11-29T14:46:00.002-06:00

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. I ate with my Family. Nancy, Jimmy, Haley, Linsi, Matt, Allyson, Kahner, Chris, and Mother and Daddy. Mother fixed her really good cornbread dressing with all the fixings. I baked a spice pumpkin cake. Jimmy fixed the most yummy Turkey on the planet. It was soooo good. We all had a good time talking and catching up.

Gary had Thanksgiving with his Family. Me and the kids went back and forth from Sheppard's to Holmes's. I was pretty tired by the end of the day. Holmes's had ribs and fixings. I fixed lemon bars for their feast with a salad. Gary's Dad was very weak and did not feel well. Kahner really enjoyed playing with his little cousin Gracie. She is just a few months older. All of Gary's brothers came and their wives and children. The only one missing was Maggie.

I am very Thankful for my family. All of my Family. I am especially thankful for my loving husband and my children and grandchildren. God is good.

Lisa

Fall on Champion Lake

2008-11-28T15:47:00.000-06:00

Cattleya Orchid

2008-11-28T13:07:00.001-06:00

Fall

2008-11-26T22:37:00.000-06:00

NCBS Bird Show, Lansing, MI

2008-11-26T15:04:00.005-06:00

I went to the NCBS Bird Show with Debbie E. this past week. It was a lot of fun and always learn alot when I go to the National. The area was beautiful and too cold. Debbie and I traveled by car from Detroit to Lansing, MI. There were beautiful barns and pretty houses all the way there and back. I'm glad to be home but it is always nice to get away.

I bought 5 birds at the National and they are all doing well. Hopefully, they will produce nice little ones for next year shows. I will post pictures later.

Lisa

LTVBC Trophies for outgoing officers

2008-11-06T17:48:00.002-06:00

Here are the trophies done for members of LTVB. Gary and I sandblasted them yesterday.

Kahner with his new Great Dane (Arnie)

2008-10-28T18:15:00.000-05:00

Kahner loves his new puppy, Arnie. Kahner lost both his old Great Danes this Fall and last Summer. Cletus was 9 years old. Marley was 7 year old.

Alligators in the back yard!

2008-10-28T18:07:00.000-05:00

Since Hurricane Ike, we have had lots of alligators on the bank behind the house. Champion Lake had serge water in it. That means that Salty water is in the fresh water. The Refuge officers call it "Black Water". It is not good for the wildlike but kills the bad weed in the lake. We are lucky the lake was dry so the serge did not come up the bank.

2008-10-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

2008-10-27T11:04:00.000-05:00

2008-10-27T08:44:00.001-05:00

I rode to Plano with Debbie and we had a terrific time. It nice to share with someone on such a long drive. I planned to go to Tulsa to the bird show but my allergies and my body was tired. I am going to Temple.

Lone Star Canary Club puts on a good show. Cindy Crow and I tried to sale a few little birds. Cindy sold enough to pay for her side of the table but I sold no timbrados. Neither did Debbie. I believe that we are being black listed by the other women club members. I'm sorry that sort of thing goes on. Cindy and I had a great time sitting there talking and laughing. Debbie had to work the show area and was having a really hard time trying to keep the judge straight and the stewards kept leaving her to do it all. By the end of the day our birds had no water but a few ribbons.

I don't think I will try and sale birds there next year. If we even go next year? Have a good week!

Bird Shows

2008-10-10T20:33:00.001-05:00

I'm currently getting ready to go to Bird Shows. I love the birds. Especially the canaries. The Canary and Finch Society was suppose to host their 13th show this weekend. We worked hard (canary board) to get the show as for as we did but Hurricane Ike shut the hotel down until repairs are done. I'm planning on going to Lone Star Canary Show, Tulsa, Temple, and National.

I hope everything works out Okay. The weather is so nice and the temperature is a relief from the hot and humid days we have had this summer. Please keep Bill and Mary in your prayers. They are still out of their home and so is Charlene Saunders. I don't know if Bill and Mary will go back after their house is fixed. It is such a shame that people have gone through such horrific changes. Over and out......

Hurricane Ike

2008-09-23T16:55:00.000-05:00

Well, we got hit hard by Hurricane Ike. We have trees down but no damage to our house. Thank goodness! We have no utilities and we do not know how long it will take to get them back. We have been living with Ally for the past 6 days and with Gary's brother 5 days before coming back to the Houston area. We hope that our friends are doing Okay and did not suffer terrible damage to their homes and lives. I wish all my friends hope and comfort during this time. My prayers go out to Bill and Mary Hearn as they rebuild their lives and home. Also, to Charlene Saunders.

Gary and I are blessed to have come out of this with only minor damages. Thanks to Bob and Glenda who opened their home to us, our birds, and animals. Hannah gave up her bed for us to sleep in. Thanks Hannah! Special thanks to Allyson and Kevin as they have rescued us once again.

Summer is winding down!

2008-08-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

Well, we have had a good summer. Gary has worked most all this summer except for the few days in Washington state. He has been gone most of time either in his car or looking at the computer screen grading papers. I don't know what to do with him now that he has a few days off before school.

Gary brought home a summer cold over 4 weeks ago. He got over it fairly quickly but Ally and I have really had a time getting rid of this bugger. It has settled in my lungs and head. It is absolutely miserable. I went to the Dr. today to get meds so maybe I will be better soon.

We have been counting Chimney Swifts on Thursday evening at the Rice Dryers in Dayton, TX. They are such amazing creatures. Last night a coon climbed down and sit in the window were the swifts go in. I think he wanted a snack. We counted over 400 last night.

Well, wish me luck getting rid of this cold. I'm ready to get rid of it!

Trip to Seattle, Washington

2008-07-09T17:38:00.000-05:00

Gary and I made a trip to Washington to go birding and see whales. We saw a lot more than birds and whales and had a wonderful time. The trees are just magnificant and the forest is glorious. Gary got to see a banana slug. He has wanted to see one since he found out about them in college. I was just amazed at the beauty that was everywhere. Ferns, trees, birds, old logs with new life on them, eagles, sea shore, and everything was so clean. I loved it but it was a little too cool for this native Texan. I like it hot.

We topped it off with a trip to the Glass Museum in Tacoma, WA. It was a great trip!

Friday Harbor, WA

2008-07-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

Father's Day weekend!

2008-06-16T09:35:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful weekend. We had our bird club over for a planning meeting on Saturday. The Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club. We had about 20 or more members here to plan what we are going to do for this coming Bird Club year. Lots of food and friends. Very nice group of people. We all enjoyed the evening very much.

Sunday, we went to Buna to be with our Dads for Fathers Day. Mother fixed a wonderful meal and Daddy grilled some very good steaks. I had a very nice visit with my folks but I missed my sister Nancy. She is in Austin shopping. I know she is having a good time with her kids. Hope to see you soon, Sister.

It is getting very hot here in Old River. Yesterday evening we had Ally, Kevin, and Kahner over for Hamburgers and Hot Dogs. Gary really loves and enjoys Kahner.

I've attached a picture of a Mississippi Kite that was eating a bull frog. Oh Yum!

Lisa

Tagged

2008-06-14T12:28:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Nancy's Creations. Here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Post 6 unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag people at the end of your entry.

Well here it goes about the unimportant things about myself.

1. I love flowers and the smell of flowers.

2. I love the hot summer time.

3. I love the smell of bacon and coffee in the morning.

4. I love to have a good time with friends and family.

5. I love the green colors after a spring and summer rain.

6. I love baby birds that have just hatched.

Lisa

Birds In Our Backyard: Picture of Back Yard#links

2008-06-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

http://www.nwalkerscreations.blogspot.com/

Picture of Back Yard

2008-06-05T20:12:00.000-05:00

It's very beautiful this time of year when the weather gets very hot and humid!

New Cages for the Avairy and Prothonotary Warbler

2008-06-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

Well today I put together 1 box of new cages for the avairy. It was hot work but got it done. I have another box of cages to put together but I will wait until next week. Gary got pictures of the prothonotary warbler going in and out of his nest box feeding his young. He is so quick and active that Gary had a hard time getting a good picture.

Canary Breeding Season 2008

2008-06-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

Well my canaries have not done as well this season as I had hoped for. We made a lot of changes to the avairy and I thought that I might have a really good breeding season. I think the weather was a little too cool and damp for the birds. I had a lot of clear eggs and dead chicks. I learned alot this year and hope to have a better season 2009.

Swallowed Tailed Kite in Flight

2007-12-23T15:09:00.000-06:00

Swallow Tailed Kite

2007-12-23T15:04:00.000-06:00

Christmas Parties 2007

2007-12-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

Well, yesterday was a wonderful day. We had Christmas with Mother's family (The Smith's) then we had Christmas with my family (The Sheppard's). So many wonderful memories always flood the mind when we all get together. We are still making memories with the new grand kids and sharing each others homes every year. Lynda and Butch have a wonderful place. I wish I could have walked their place and visited with all the critters.

The children all enjoyed each other and so did the adults. At around 4:00 pm we (my family) went over to Mothers and opened more gifts. We had lots of food, fun, and presents. Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-23T13:57:00.000-06:00

Red Shouldered Hawk sitting on the fench in the back yard.

2007-11-26T13:35:00.000-06:00

This is my new Norwich Canary Cock. Very Nice size cock with a large scull and wide eyes. I bought the bird thinking it was a hen but a cock is nice if I had a nice big hen to go with him.