April's Fine
Feathered Friend
We can hear the Chachalacas all over town, announcing the arrival of spring, or at least the South Texas version of spring! Many of our migrating bird populations are heading north, but the native Chachalacas are staying put and getting “paired up”.
Many people hear the loud call of the Chachalaca and think that is their only call, when actually it is one of many! Their loud call is usually to announce a danger: like an opossum, hawk, cat or other predator in the area (humans?). We have also noticed they make those calls when a siren is going by in the neighborhood! When they are safely resting in our yard, their voice is a sweet, soft and melodic “what~what” sound.
Sitting with chick in the fiddlewood.
Banana time!
It is always a joy to see them come out in April to introduce their little ones to the yard. They show them where oranges and bananas come from 😉 and where to get a cool drink. They also eat on native plants such as, the fiddlewood tree and lantana. In our experience, they have had up to five sets of little ones in a year, depending upon the survivability of each clutch. The little chicks are very well camouflaged, with their striping of browns, buffs and blacks…finished off with a little cream color on their belly. As they grow their adult coloring becomes more olive green, with a beautiful glisten in the sunlight.
In this area of South Texas, it is encouraging to see that they can survive in our urban areas and backyards, thanks to so many people providing native plants and monte for them.
The top picture is of mom and dad with two chicks from their first batch, and the three smaller ones are about three weeks old.
We absolutely love living in their yard!
#backyardhabitat
Adult feathers are coming in!
​It's been suggested, and we love the idea, to incorporate and use all the colors represented in the pictures above into your creation... flowers, water, leaves!
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So, here are a few Lamb's Loom shop yarn suggestions for your project! Come by and get yours, or give us a call and we will ship to you...and as always, feel free to dive into your own stash! ☺
