What we do know, is that we have a tremendous variety of birds, and we seem to be in the migratory path of many species.  For example, every summer we have a fair amount of different kinds of humming birds staying with us for the season, and one day in the fall, we estimated maybe 50 or more humming birds stopped on their way south and spent a couple of days with us.  I was running myself ragged trying to keep up with them boiling sugar water and filling the five feeders I have hanging along the porch!  As quickly as they showed up, they disappeared along with all of our regular renters, except one who stayed behind a little longer. We always wondered why.

We seem to be a stopping place for vultures heading south.  They roost in the trees and the many caves that adorn the Caprock wall surrounding the canyons behind the house.  One year was particularly spectacular - the sky would be black with vultures sailing the up-winds in search of food.  They stuck around for a month or so before they too headed south.

With our grazing and range management which promotes plant vigor and increased grass production, we see many ground nesting birds coming in that we didn't see much of previously.  Quail are on the increase for one, and so are many other species.  The two playa lakes up on top that are now receiving 105 days of rest from grazing with maybe 2 - 3 days of grazing before being rested for 105 days again, are now creating their own wildlife habitat, with increased plant growth around the lakes, inviting many different bird species.

We think you will find many bird species on our close to 7,000 acre ranch, with its diversity ranging from the Llano Estacado and the Playa Lakes on top, the rugged Caprock with its' caves, canyons and ridges, to the more open grass-lands down below.  

To help us in identifying what we have, we will offer a "Contest" to all birdies coming this year - the person that can identify the most species will receive a free weekend stay at the ranch!   

The cabin, which is the old homestead house, dates back to the early 1900.  It can accommodate up to 5 people; it has 2 separate rooms with 2 beds in one and three beds in the other, plus each has an old Wagon-wheel sofa which can be used as an extra bed.  Each room has its own kitchen and bathroom. The 2 rooms have a connecting door which allows for a larger group to be together or two separate groups to lock the door between them.  The whole cabin rents for $150/night plus tax.  Separately, the larger room with the fire-place rents for $100/night and the smaller room for $75/night. Two night minimum. There is a seating area outside with a charcoal grill for your enjoyment.

Blue Herron

Burrowing Owl

Quail

Road Runner