Many people don't realize, until they've actually been there, that the space shuttle takes off from the middle of a wildlife preserve. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is officially an “overlay” of the Kennedy Space Center, and has been since 1963. At the Space Center, you see vultures landing outside the exhibit halls and alligators swimming in the pond in front of an office building. One of the tour bus drivers calls the 5000 gators an “unpaid security system” and says they're doing a good job. (They're also the only part of the security system you're... Archive for the ‘Birds’ Category
Merritt Island: Earth and Space
April 28, 2009 — by Jane WangerskyBirds, Mammals, Reptiles
Many people don't realize, until they've actually been there, that the space shuttle takes off from the middle of a wildlife preserve. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is officially an “overlay” of the Kennedy Space Center, and has been since 1963. At the Space Center, you see vultures landing outside the exhibit halls and alligators swimming in the pond in front of an office building. One of the tour bus drivers calls the 5000 gators an “unpaid security system” and says they're doing a good job. (They're also the only part of the security system you're... Strangers in Florida
April 23, 2009 — by Jane WangerskyBirds, Fish
After only a couple of days in central Florida, we've seen a couple of kinds of exotic animals -- and I mean exotic, even for here.
Tilapia, for example, which are restricted by the government, have been brought in to control the algae in a pond near where we're staying. We saw two large males hovering over round nests hollowed out of the sand in the shallows. Well, we didn't know at the time that they were males, but after looking at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission site, I realized they must...
Turkeys for Everyone
March 11, 2009 — by Jane WangerskyBirds, Farming
While thinking about the question of urban chickens (and the danger of urban coyotes), I came across an interesting book Starting Right with Turkeys by G.T. Klein.
It was published in 1972, based on an earlier edition from 1946, and ultimately goes back to The “Have-More” Plan, a 1940s back-to-the-land manual by Ed and Carolyn Robinson.
The Robinsons believed everybody could raise their own poultry, fruit, vegetables, and even goats, and this book says, “Yes, you can successfully raise turkeys in your backyard.”
But if you think it’s just like raising chickens, G.T....
Where to Find the Perfect Pet
November 18, 2008 — by Rosanne LorraineAnimal Rescue Groups, Baby Animals, Birds, Cats, Dogs, Pet Adoption
So, you’ve determined that you’re mature, responsible, and caring enough to have a pet. Now, the next question is where is the best place to find a pet?
If you want a low-maintenance pet, such as a fish, bird, rodent, or lizard, the local pet store is your best bet. Not all stores are created equally, though. You may want to look around to find out which stores care for their animals best. Avoid pet stores that look run-down and dirty. Chances are the animals they keep aren’t healthy. Look for a well-lit pet store that with a knowledgeable staff that...
Squam Lake
November 13, 2008 — by Sam P.Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Zoos
I, being in middle school, recently went on a field trip to Squam Lake. It is an amazing place!
We went inside, and the host brought out three animals. The first one was a barred owl. It was gorgeous! Its face was snowy white, and its body was brownish.
The second animal was a mink. Its coat was glossy and a deep shade of brown. It was hilarious! The mink was very riled up. It kept jumping up and down the sides of the walls. Back and forth. Back and forth. Once it even got on the wire mesh roof! Everybody...
