3600 Lakeview Drive , Cottonwood Shores, TX 78657(Burnet County)

We observe the life cycles of the whitetail deer, and after having broadcast deer corn to the herd over several years, many have practically become pets. They understand the call, Corn!, and come running. They are familiar with my voice and are so comfortable and secure, they mostly bed down at night near the house. Some will eat the corn within a foot or two of my hands. Every family will love this! With a full 180 degrees view of the Texas Hill Country from and the lake the back porch, its a front-row seat to the changing weather and seasons. Spectacular sunrises, sunsets, thunderheads, and spectacular stars and the Milky Way on dark, clear nights. Oh yes, you will want to stay here and watch the fireworks on those special holidays.

Throughout the year, there's a constant parade of native Texas animals, birds, and butterflies. Then there are the migrating waterfowl, including white pelicans, Canadian geese, ducks, cormorants, and egrets. The regular residents include hawks, and in the last two years, some eagles have taken residence in one of the tallest pecan trees I've ever seen.

The native lantana blooms from Spring until the first hard freeze, feeding more butterfly species than I can count, but the predominant connoisseurs are the black tail swallowtails. Its fun to watch them go from caterpillar to the chrysalis they form on the porch posts and trees and the butterflies emerge, drying their wings for a while, and then heading for the lantana and other flowers. The migrating Monarchs fly through as well. The hummingbird feeders we put on the porch attracts hundreds of the tiny creatures every year until they migrate in early October.

Perhaps the biggest and most spectacular show every year is the wildflowers that surround the house and open spaces. Beginning with the bluebonnets, the gaillardia and countless different yellow composites join the visual symphony. The white prickly poppies and purple thistle tower over the rest, and make great perches for the insect hunters like swallowtail and mockingbird. I have occasionally spotted and photographed rare painted buntings.

It is truly like living in a wildlife preserve on a river and refer to the comprehensive list we've compiled of all the creatures who live and visit here. Let's not forget the oversized fenced and irrigated garden for your fresh organic vegetables! Perfect for a family to teach gardening for generations to come! During COVID19 this would be a perfectly safe, healthy haven!