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By Scott Shalaway IF YOU LIKE to make a difference, I've got a project for you. Build a few nest boxes, and get them up before the end of the month. In return, you'll get to see a pair of cavity-nesting birds establish a territory, build a nest and raise a brood. Few backyard projects are more rewarding. (Clutch of bluebirds viewed when top of nesting box removed by Michael Smith. This photograph can be purchased in the Nature Shop) The supply of dead trees and natural cavities limits the number of cavity-nesters that inhabit any area. Providing nest boxes is a simple solution to this nest site shortage. But only cavity-nesters, not open nesters such as robins and cardinals, use nest boxes or bird houses. Only cavity-nesters have the strong feet and fearless disposition required to explore deep, dark nooks and crannies. The birds that use nest boxes vary with habitat. Eastern Bluebirds seem to be everyone's favorite cavity-nester, but they are limited to open country with a few scattered trees. Hay fields, pastures, cemeteries and golf courses are ideal bluebird habitat, and if there's a pond or wetland nearby, Tree Swallows may also use nest boxes in these areas. If your backyard is more wooded... Read On | ||||
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By Walter Scott BLOOMFIELD, IA-- Each spring, my wife has a cleaning attack. She cleans everything, whether it needs it or not. This means I must spend great amounts of time protecting my valuables that she feels are unnecessarily taking up space. (Wild Turkey decoy) Some things’ existences are easy to justify. The turkey decoy that has been in the top of the closet unused for almost a year needs to be there. It is only used once each year, for turkey season. Everything has to be somewhere. I have more difficulty hanging on to other prized possessions. The hunting hat on top of the gun case that has not moved for three years is a prime example. I now have a new hunting hat, but the old one is the one I was wearing when I shot the big buck with my bow. It has sentimental value and a person can never tell when a friend might show up and need to borrow a hat. Women are not too practical or sentimental when it comes to 20-year-old hats. The extra pair of boots in the closet do not leak too badly, and work perfectly fine on a dry day, unless a person tries to cross the creek. They should be saved in case of an emergency. I am not sure what that emergency might... Read On | ||
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Bill Thompson, III THIS WINTER, has been a bear. By the time you read this spring may have a firm grip on your local area, but as I write it's still winter here in southeastern Ohio. Each winter, spring seems a little slower to arrive than in past years. Or perhaps it's that I'm longing for it more as I get older. Here are my top 10 long-awaited signs of spring. These are, of course, the signs that I see here on my farm near Whipple, Ohio. Your signs might be totally different. But I hope these will help you think about, or become more aware of, your own signs of spring... Read On | ||
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Taking It Easy! The Big Brown Bat is a cave dweller that hibernates all winter, hanging motionless for weeks. Photo by Mike Fender/Indianapolis Star. The bat is relatively large in size, from about 4 to 5 inches in length and weighing 1/2 to 5/8 ounce. The fur is moderately long, and shiny brown. The wing membranes, ears, feet and face are dark brown to blackish in color. For more nature photographs, see the Gallery on WindStar's web site and Nature's Best Photographs Album in the American Wildlife Blog. | ||
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The Mad Bluebird Photo 5"x7" Print Double-Matted and framed-- $66 Also available in 8X10, 11x14, 16x20 Usually he's the "Bluebird of Happiness" but here he appears ruffled and disgusted with the onset of colder weather in this photograph by Michael L. Smith. This is one of the most famous nature photographs ever created and originally was seen in a National Geographic Society birding book. Each print is individually hand signed by the photographer. ORDER PRINT OUR GUARANTEE is unconditional and 100% money back, if, for
any reason, you are not satisfied. Find more nature products in the | ||
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Stewardship Is... Think about it for a moment! Yes, the American Indian had it right. They understood that "Mother Earth" took care of them and in return they took care of her, says Ron Patterson of Kentland, MI. Yes, Native Americans understood "Stewardship!" he says. They understood that our planet is a community, not a commodity. Taking only what they needed, nothing more. They knew it they didn't care for her, there would be nothing for future generations. Villages were often moved every few years, this allowed nature to replenish herself. Virtually everything was used or recycled. Animals were used for food, yet the hides made clothing and shelter. Bones were used as tools, so very little was wasted. Trees that were cut down to make room for gardens were used for lodging, firewood and tools. They didn't clear cut or let things go to waste. Yes, stewardship is more... Read On | ||
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That's it for this week. Be sure and sign up for the American Wildlife Blog for the latest commentary and please feel free to add comments of your own. Have An EXCELLENT Day in your WILDLIFE HABITAT! (WHOOPS!.)
 Tom Patrick Email: wildlife@windstar.org
Phone: 301-293-3351
Web &
Blog: http://www.windstar.org |
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