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Tom’s Backyard

06/10/2021 by mconnally

Tom Shackelford, 2018 – President

We spend time in our back yard almost every day and sometimes I am quick enough to snap a shot with my phone.  Two years ago I took out about 1/4 of the grass and am attempting to get native grass and wildflowers to grow instead.  It is slowly starting to change and it seems that nature has started to assist with the remodel.  There is a definitely a more robust and diverse population than a few years ago.

It appears that a new family has taken up residence in the vacant house in our back yard.  It may get a bit crowded.

  • Male Bluebird Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Bluebird Nest Photo by Tom Shackelford

The welcoming committee is making up its mind.

  • Borwn Thrasher Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Cottontail Rabbit Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Flicker Bird Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Green Anole Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Indigo Bunting Photo by Tom Shackelford
  • Mallard Duck Couple by Tom Shackelford

While others are looking the other way.

Coopers’s Hawk Photo by Tom Shackelford

Editor’s Note: While talking to Tom about his backyard wildness, he said when the female blue bird first came to inspect the house, she tried several times to get in but couldn’t. He laughed and said that after seeing the clutch, he understands her inability to enter quickly or comfortably.

Filed Under: Flora and Fauna, Shaking of the Trees Post Tagged With: Birding, Birds, Native Grasses, Shaking the Trees, STT 21, Tom Shackelford, Wildlife

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