Archive for January 2009
January 16, 2009 | 
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The truth is, I knew very little about geese until I researched this post. I had just been photographing geese and other waterfowl a few days ago, and then we all heard about the airplane that ran into a flock of geese. It seems a fitting time to share my photos and observations. Read the rest of this entry »
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I have often spoken of the two organizations that Birder’s Lounge supports, both dedicated to the rehabilitation of wildlife injured by humans and human activities. The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) is one of these organizations, and they are seeing a strange and terrible influx of sick and dying pelicans. Read the rest of this entry »
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What is a Naturalist? Wiktionary defines this as:
naturalist (plural naturalists)
- (dated) A person committed to studying nature or natural history.
- (philosophy) A person who believes in the tenets of naturalism.
If you find yourself spending most of your free time pouring over books about flora and fauna, spending hours out in nature, or seeking out and contemplating the life in a man-made environment – you may have the heart of a naturalist. Read the rest of this entry »
This is my BIG frog pond – as opposed to my first, small frog pond that I wrote about in an earlier post. Do you like the edging? Mr. Green Thumbs (my neighbor, I mention him from time to time) says that there is nothing as permanent as “temporary.” I’ve had my “temporary” pond edge for a few months, so I decided to play weekend warrior and fix it. I took pictures along the way, as well as a few things I found under the logs. 
Read the rest of this entry »
I am pleased to announce that Birder’s Lounge is launching a year-long campaign, “Do Something!”, to help birds and animals injured or displaced by humans.
Here’s MY pledge: I will do (or continue to do) all of the good things listed below in 2009. In addition, I will pledge $1 for each of these activities that YOU do in 2009. I will display a running total of the dollars I have pledged, and at the end of the year, I will donate the funds to the two Birder’s Lounge charities: (International Bird Rescue Research Center – IBRRC; Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation – WRR)
Isn’t it fun to do something good?
I sincerely hope I (nearly) go broke trying to keep up with you!
Commentary:
As a people, we are steadily claiming more and more land for our homes and activities. We are the dominant species on the planet, and to a large extent, other species live or die at our discretion.
Humans compete with other species for food, shelter, water and air. Our claim on these vital survival elements sometimes leads to the contamination or elimination of these same vital elements that are available to other species.
Some humans commit a grievous insult to other species by taking them from their natural habitats (or the habitats left to them), and keeping them as pets. Or putting them in a cage for display. Or worse – killing them for sport.
I am the first to admit that many of these ideas can be clouded by circumstance and intent. Hunters may kill other species for sport, but in doing so, help balance a population that may otherwise starve. Children thrill in the discovery of animals at a zoo. There are many homes with loving owners who take very good care of their non-domesticated pets.
Some of you may be saying saying, “Ok, I get it. What do you want me to do about it?”
Glad you asked!
I hope you will join me in one or more of these activities this year:
- Help raise awareness that everything we do affects the well-being of other creatures
- Give some of your own habitat back to nature
- Engage children in outdoor activities that help instill a sense of wonder and excitement about flora and fauna
- Plant a NATIVE tree on your property
- Reduce or eliminate your use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
- Visit a state park, national park, or wildlife refuge
- Identify and learn about one bird that you are unfamiliar with
- Donate to an organization that is dedicated to protecting and preserving habitats and wildlife
