The Whitetail buck is a great game trophy. His instincts
and ingrained keen senses equip him to survive and
prosper in a harsh environment |
The on going search for water, in this case a natural
spring, attracts an opossum. |
Raccoon on a cattle-watering trough. These intelligent
animals are often seen and can nearly always overcome
man's attempts to keep them from stored foods |
A raccoon attracted to a "varmint" call.
The use of animal calls to bring wildlife to the visitor's
eye or camera is a great technique for wildlife viewing.
|
Squirrels abound since there is a rich food source
in the numerous acorns from Live oaks, Black Jack
oaks, and Post oaks, as well as nuts from our native
Hickory, Pecan, and Walnut trees |
Blacktailed Jack Rabbits dash across the ranch both
day and night but their speed doesn't make photography
easy |
Wild Turkeys in search of insects roam throughout
the ranch in family groups. They make a great wildlife
photographic opportunity, however, it is difficult
to approach turkeys for these pictures. Stealth, camouflage
clothing, and a turkey call certainly help |
Ringtail Cat is a reclusive nocturnal resident of
our ranch and although fairly numerous it is rarely
seen. |
The Whitetail doe is always alert and even a novice
taking the opportunity to study her soon concludes
she has an endearing personality and is an attentive
mother. |
The young Whitetail fawn is spotted, and matures rapidly
to take their place in the deer herd. |
A squabble among the "girls"
The inter-relationships in the deer herd are extremely
interesting as shown by infighting between these does.
Game watching is an enjoyable evening activity whether
one simply watches over a corn feeder or uses a game
"varmint" call to bring wildlife to the
camera.. |
Exotic game share the ranch with the Whitetail deer.
Axis are numerous and a welcome addition to the wildlife
mix |
Axis bucks are large and beautiful animals with magnificent
antlers and spotted hides |
Wild turkey inhabit the riparian woodlands and in
the spring make a glorious display. They are extremely
wary birds and can be seen and heard in the woodlands
along Sandy Creek where we have an old turkey roost.
|
Turkey hens warily move out of the way of an approaching
intruder with a camera. |
A corn feeder will always bring out raccoons for an
easy meal. Raccoons, Red and Gray Fox, Coyotes, Bobcats,
Squirrels, Cottontail Rabbits, Blacktail Jack Rabbits,
Badgers, and Opossums are among the interesting members
of the ranch ecosystem. |
