Fall 2018
Fall at The Fat Rancher’s place brings many changes to the hobby ranch.
Many of the songbirds and hummingbirds migrate and we await the return of the American Robin which usually grace our ranch during the winter.
The tarantulas start moving around looking for love.
“For a short time in the spring (and to some extent in the fall), usually after a rain, male Texas brown tarantulas (Aphonopelma hentzi complex) leave their burrows and hidey-holes in search of–what else?–romance. In some parts of the state dozens of spiders may be seen at once, especially at night along lonely west Texas highways.” (Mike Merchant TAMU)
The Deer get randy, and the predators get restless.
“While other native wild cat species are struggling to survive in Texas, the bobcat’s secretive nature, highly developed physical capabilities, and ability to adapt to changing conditions have allowed it to thrive. It can be found throughout the state and is especially abundant in the South Texas brush country. However, its shy nature and the fact that it is most active at night keep it from being seen by most people. One way to tell if a bobcat is in the area is by the scratches on tree trunks where the cat sharpens its claws and the climbing scratches on frequently used lookout trees.” (From Texas Parks and Wildlife)
And the cows are feeding on the hay newly regrown by fall rains.
