A Touch of Nature - 8/15/06

Hello Subscribers!

This issue has an entirely new format because I'm trying to simplify all the technology segments of my life. I hope you enjoy it. You can leave your comments at the bottom of the post.

I've just written on the Bluebird Cove blog about poke weed for wildlife. I've been amazed at the birds this year that are cleaning the berries off of this plant as soon as they ripen. I'm so glad we take time to allow a plant to grow and see if it's something we want to keep in our habitat here. We've discovered so many new options for free food for the birds.

The intricacies of Creation could entertain the mind for ages. Pondering the amazing feats that some species accomplish in their short life span should inspire those of us with a much longer life span to consider our days and what our priorities are.

Gypsy Moths

A female Gypsy Moth has wings, but they're too small to lift the creature into the air. Instead, the moth uses its wings to fan a chemical pheromone into the night sky; a pheromone so highly concentrated that it can be picked up by the sensitive antennae of a male seven miles away.

The male, which never eats, spends its adult life tasting molecules in the air for a hint of a female. When it detects one, it begins flying a zigzag course against the breeze. Each time it intercepts a molecule of the pheromone, it adjusts its course slightly until it finally reaches the female. After mating, the female releases a different chemical that neutralizes the attraction pheromone still left in the surrounding air. Read more about the Gypsy Moth at this website: www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recnum=BU0131

Bird Q&A

Question: My husband is building birdhouses for our yard. Many of the designs have a perch on the outside of the box, but I've heard this is not necessary. What do we do?

Answer: Birds do not need a perch and it encourages predators to get into the house and nest for the eggs or baby birds. It's not worth taking the chance for the decorative touch they add, so it's best to build without them.

Question: I've seen birds in my backyard in summer that seem to have their mouths open like dogs when they pant in the heat. Is there a reason for this?

Answer: Birds have their bill open when the temperatures are high. They cannot sweat, so to keep their bodies cool in the heat, they pant like a dog. It exposes its tongue to the air to keep its body temperature at a healthy level.

Nature's Bounty For Us

Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. We've been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them. It's been our full-time business since 1982. We'd appreciate you shopping with us.

Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic

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Gardening For Wildlife - Junipers

It's almost time for Fall planting and trees do very well going into the ground in Fall since they have that season plus Winter to establish their roots and be ready for the warmer weather. Now is a great time to put in some evergreens that will provide cover for the winter. Birds will roost in evergreens and also weather the winter storms. Here's some words from National Wildlife Federation's site:

When the wind sweeps hard out of the North in winter, piling the snow into drifts and bringing bitter weather, Ron Johnson knows what trees will be sought out by birds and other animals. “Junipers help pull wildlife through tough times,” says Johnson, an extension wildlife specialist at the University of Nebraska. Not only do native junipers produce abundant food for scores of species, their dense branches also offer crucial protection from both wind and cold. When spring finally comes, mockingbirds and other songbirds often shelter their nests deep inside these conifers.

According to Johnson, many types of trees and shrubs will provide one, or perhaps two, of these benefits. But junipers are one of the few plants that do it all. “They’re one of the top ten plants for wildlife,” he says, pointing out that even one juniper in your yard can give birds and small mammals a boost.

Read the entire article on their website: www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=79&articleID=1142

A Smaller House Allows More Time For Nature

In a nation where homes have been getting steadily larger for decades, Jay Shafer thinks "cozy" may be ready for a comeback. CBS News correspondent John Blackstone reports, Shafer builds and designs tiny houses - and lives in one himself.

"The small space is a symbol of something else," Shafer says. "I think it's a symbol of a desire for a more simple life."

The founder of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Shafer has become a sort of guru to a small house movement. For those who have little need for elbow room, he has a whole catalogue of tiny houses. At $20,000 to $40,000 apiece, he'll build and deliver them almost anywhere.

Take a look at his website: www.tumbleweedhouses.com

Green Cleaning

Nature's Sunshine Concentrate
MicroBest Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

Muse On Nature

A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible. ~Welsh Proverb

Pets Are Nature Within The Home

Pet Supplements Catalog by Health Topic

Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies

Nature's Heartworm Program

Healthy Pet Corner for Birds, Cats, Dogs, Horses, Rabbits and Reptiles

The Frugal Life - Living Well With What You Already Have

Living more simply is a great way to effect change in your own personal environment and it helps the planet. The Frugal Life website has lots of ideas on getting back to basics. They also provide a free newsletter twice-monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.

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© 2006 Donna L. Watkins

This newsletter may be forwarded but not posted on any website or used in any way other than for personal informational use.

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