The mild temperatures and wonderful rains of July became just memories in August when high pressure returned to Central Texas and the Canyon in August. We recorded just .43” of rain, and experienced 24 days in excess of 100 degrees 16 @ 105 or greater. The hottest day was August 21st when the thermometer reached 115.3 degrees.
Because of the heat, and the fact that Georgean had cataract surgery on both eyes, we did not host any events in August. Instead, we concentrated on maintenance projects like pressure washing and re-painting the residence during the relatively cool mornings and spent the afternoons inside. Georgean worked on art for the 2025 Valentine and Paul completed a small 300 watt solar electric system that now powers all of the cameras and monitors for the Chimney Swift towers.
We ventured out again in the evenings to watch the Chimney Swifts, and the roost grew from 101 to 199 birds by the end of the month. To partly make up for not hosting any on-site events, we went ”Live” on Facebook at 8:00PM beginning the last few days of the month to share the swifts, and we have continued that practice most evenings, although we bumped the starting time up to 7:30 PM: https://www.facebook.com/paul.kyle.16100
We observed 34 species of birds during the month including Mississippi Kites, which were new for the year.
Sadly, we had to build a “Fox Excluder” for the Perch after the resident Grey Fox (featured in last month’s Notes) decided to climb onto the roof and investigate the Chimney Swifts as they went to roost. Having a fox on our roof is something we never could have imagined. She still comes around for kibble and seed tossed out by the birds but is no longer allowed on the upper deck.
This fall we plan to get back to hosting events including Birding by Ear and a possible new concert and art show with Up Around the Sun. Check the TAS Calendar. We will also be restarting our habitat workdays as the temperature moderates. If you are interested in volunteering at Chaetura Canyon, please contact us:
Best Regards,
Paul and Georgean Kyle
Sanctuary Stewards
kyle@chimneyswifts.org
