During that time I, of course, camped out in the woods and fields along the way. An injury forced me to leave the trail in August. My house had been pretty much closed up during that time so when I returned home I wasn’t prepared for what awaited for me.

(Black and Yellow Argiope by Leisa's Backyard Habitat)

Spiders! Everywhere. On the deck. In the house. In the shed. In the compost bin. Even in my car. I saw more spiders that first day at home than I had seen on my entire hike along the trail.

As silly as it is, I have to admit that I am a bit of an arachnophobe. Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to the small ones. I usually leave them alone or just pluck them away if I don’t want them in a particular place (like my steering wheel).

It’s just the big ones, like the Wolf Spider I found... Read On

If you are happy dealing with these conditions-- good for you. But, they aren't my cup of tea. I do my Christmas shopping on the Internet on websites I can trust such as WindStar Wildlife Institute's Nature Shop where all proceeds go to support WindStar's Environmental Education Programs--not overhead.

I happen to think that photographer Michael Smith is one of the best nature photographers. This is one of his Short-earred Owl photographs that you can purchase in our Nature Shop.

So we have made a number of products available to you featuring his wildlife photographs... Read On

Wildlife living in close proximity to people means more wildlife encounters.

As we develop the natural landscape, our homes, our pets and our cars put native animals at risk for injury. Do your part to minimize the damage. Our homes can be hazardous to wildlife. Window films with reflective coatings interfere with bird flight patterns, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries each year. (WindStar's Demonstration Wildflower Meadow by Tom Patrick)

There are other energy-efficient window alternatives to minimize wildlife injury. You can try placing the silhouette of a diving hawk on the window to scare birds from the area.Your Cooperative Extension office has patterns that may be helpful.

Our homes can invite wildlife into dangerous situations. As seen in the recent cartoon movie Over the Hedge, pet doors allow more than pets to enter your home. The onscreen havoc pales in comparison to some real-life adventures I have heard of when skunks and Raccoons also learn to use the pet doors to gain access to your home for food and shelter.

If you are considering this as a convenience option for your pet, perhaps you could limit... Read On

This is one of the most famous nature photographs ever created and originally was seen in a National Geographic Society birding book.

We have framed and unframed prints in 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 inches. The talented photographer, Michael Smith, frames and signs each print.

Find more Mad Bluebird and other nature gift suggestions in the Nature Shop