A Touch of Nature - June 2007
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Here At Bluebird Cove
We have had so many baby birds this year. I have literally lost count. I wish I had journaled them. I've been so excited that our habitat has provided for wildlife, especially since a lot of acreage nearby was destroyed last year for a development of homes and assisted living. Maybe that's why we have had so many crammed into our area.
I've been taking tons of photos. Yesterday I downloaded 244 photos and that was from 4 days. I get carried away having a digital, but only 69 of those were keepers. I don't put all of them on our gallery site.
Baby birds isn't all we've had. There's been plenty of evidence that the baby bunnies are nibbling away at many of the plants. I don't mind sharing, but this morning I found that Peter Rabbit had consumed all of the morning glories I had planted to climb the willow tree. Look at that sweet face ... do morning glories really matter when you want to be sure that little tummy is full?
You can see some of the baby birds and other critters in this year's Bluebird Cove 2007 Critters online gallery. If it's blooms you enjoy, I've been snapping away in the garden also. View the Bluebird Cove 2007 Garden gallery.
Our pond is producing some exciting things also. Besides our dominating Male Green Frog that is part of the nighttime chorus that lulls us to sleep, I discovered dragonfly larvae. Nice to know we're producing those beautiful creatures to flutter around with the butterflies. Our pond is only 4' x 8' so I get so tickled at how small a habitat you can build and still make a big difference for wildlife.
Get detailed how-to's at the National Wildlife Federation's website: www.nwf.org/backyard/
With all of that life about me, it's hard to think of the reality that wildlife has to struggle now and then. We named one of this year's baby squirrels, Scrawny Tail, because her tail dragged behind her and was barely an inch wide. That didn't keep her from enjoying the food and special treats she got. Read the entire Scrawny Tail Story on my Bluebird Cove blog.
Nature News
Animals Are Capable Of More Complex Thinking
A flurry of research is revealing surprisingly complex abilities among dogs, chimps, birds and many other animals long dismissed as having little intellectual or emotional life.
"Every day, we're discovering surprises about animals and finding out animals are far more intelligent and far more emotional than we previously thought," said Marc Bekoff, an animal behaviorist who recently retired from the University of Colorado. "We're really breaking down the lines between the species."
"What's surprising and shocking about this is that we thought this sort of imitation was very sophisticated, something seen only in humans," said Brian Hare, who studies dogs at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. "Once again, it ends up dogs are smarter than scientists thought."
Read the entire article here:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/03/AR2007060300960.html
Surrogate Mom for Owls
I've talked about The Wildlife Center of Virginia a number of times since we take sick or injured wildlife over to them. They work internationally with their training program and if we lived closer it would be my #1 volunteer pick. It's a 45 minute drive so in the interest of limiting my personal impact on the earth, I volunteer closer to home.
Many of you are customers at our pet food site, so you know your purchases help to support a number of organizations, like The Wildlife Center, since we give 10% of our gross pet income to animal-related causes. Let me take this moment to say "Thank You!" for shopping with us. :-)
Recently, a local news article mentioned The Wildlife Center because two baby owls there are being "fostered" by a resident non-releasable Great-horned Owl. Such stories are so heartwarming to me. This mama owl has been a surrogate to 10 other owls besides these two.
What an example of turning the seemingly bad events of life into good. We learn so much from the natural world and animals around us. Read the story online here:
earthwalk.fourwindslodge.net/columns/earthwalk-002.htm
Title This Photo
Here's a Tufted Titmouse that needs a salon stylist after a plunge in the pool. Post your great and funny titles so we can all giggle at them. Click the double arrows to the right for a second photo of the bird.
Gardening For Wildlife
Native Wildflowers
The photo is of our first leaf of a Mayapple that we planted last Fall. It makes me think of frogs camping out under it like a canopy put up in the forest for them. I planted it near the pond, just in case we had any dreaming frogs that desired such a canopy.
The common name refers to the May blooming of its apple-blossom-like flower. Although the leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous if ingested in large quantities, the roots were used as a cathartic by Native Americans. The edible ripe golden-yellow fruits can be used in jellies.
I discovered a new site called, Celebrating Wildflowers, which helps to educate the public about the many values of native plants. The site activities emphasize:
* The aesthetic value of plants - a field of wildflowers is a beautiful sight
* The recreational value of plants - picking berries is fun for the whole family
* The biological value of plants - native plants support other life
* The medicinal value of plants - chemicals from plants help combat sickness
* The economic value of plants - plant material such as floral greens are commercially valuable
* The conservation of native plants - protecting and maintaining native plant habitat
My favorite area is "Why Garden with Native Wildflowers?" It saves time and money and natural resources to use native plants. We have been establishing our habitat with natives and it's been incredible to us how they require no care. They've been bred to survive on their own, but it's amazing to see it happen in your own backyard.
Visit the site to learn more:
www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/nativegardening/index.shtml
If you'd like to find native plants for your yard, the LBJ Wildflower Center site has a search where you can choose your state and soil and sun conditions and find which plant works. Check your area on their website:
www.wildflower.org/plants/
Healthy Pet Foods - Get Free Samples
All About Pets is offering free samples of Healthy Pet Net foods, treats and supplements. This is the brand of food we have been feeding our pets for years.
There is no wheat, corn or dairy to cause allergies and the ingredients and quality control is exceptional.
They have never had a recall because they use small suppliers for their ingredients. Check out the free samples for dogs and cats at All About Pets.
Going Green
Saving Forests
Amount of forest products consumed each year by every American is the equivalent of the amount needed to create a 100 foot tall tree that is 16 inches in diameter. (Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association)
Save forests. Determine to use less paper.
Junk Mail:
Get off the lists for junk mail and marketing phone calls. Get instructions and other tips at this website:
www.obviously.com/junkmail/
Printer Paper:
Although we rarely get junk mail, we receive enough paper that we don't file away, so we use that for printer paper. We haven't bought paper for our printer in 7 years. Sending letters on the back of mail also sends a message to friends and family to think creatively on how they can reduce their impact on our forests. We volunteer at various places and sometimes it's an opportunity to take away a pile of paper for your printer. In the act of asking for it, we've educated people to the idea of using it rather than trashing it or recycling it.
Note Paper:
Envelopes cut in half provide a good size for note paper. We have a small box/tray at each phone and store this note paper in them. Sometimes you get mail that can't be used for printers because it's wrinkled or part of it is printed on the back. We tear that up and use it for note paper also.
Correspondence:
Sometimes I want to send a postcard to keep in touch rather than a long letter. We use the greeting cards we receive for this purpose. The top or left side of the card is not written on, so it's easy to tear that part off and cut to the maximum size (4.25" x 6").
Magazines and Newspapers:
With the internet available 24/7 I find that most of what I used to have to dig for in shelved or stacked magazines can now be found in a few minutes, so we don't do magazine subscriptions. Sometimes we receive one as a gift and then I make sure it passes around to several people to make it more useful. Do your newspapers stack up before you "get to them?" If you don't read the magazines or newspapers you've got coming into the home, cancel them. They not only rob you of time and money, they do take trees to produce
Catalogs:
I keep a list of the places we like to shop and they are all online now, as most businesses are. We've cancelled all catalogs and when we shop we type in or mention on the phone that we do not want to receive promotional materials and catalogs. Besides saving paper and storage space, it sure keeps your budget more manageable. Be honest .... how many things have you ordered from a catalog that have NOT been what you thought they were going to be? How much space does that stuff take up in your home because you can't give it away after "wasting" the money on it?
The boreal forest where most of our songbirds breed is now being destroyed for catalogs. Yes, YOU can make a difference. Each one of us can over a period of time. Isn't it time for you to join in and have fun saving our forests with your own creative ideas.
Staples Adds Computer Recycling Program
Staples, Inc. is the first national retailer to offer computer recycling in stores every day. Staples' program allows customers to bring in used computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any U.S. Staples store, where the equipment will be recycled in accordance with environmental laws. The company will take back all brands whether or the products were purchased at Staples, and will charge only a $10 fee for large items.
Read entire news article:
www.greenercomputing.com/news_third.cfm?NewsID=35118
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils
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
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at Home
Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, 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 monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2000-2007 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
Here At Bluebird CoveWe have had so many baby birds this year. I have literally lost count. I wish I had journaled them. I've been so excited that our habitat has provided for wildlife, especially since a lot of acreage nearby was destroyed last year for a development of homes and assisted living. Maybe that's why we have had so many crammed into our area.
I've been taking tons of photos. Yesterday I downloaded 244 photos and that was from 4 days. I get carried away having a digital, but only 69 of those were keepers. I don't put all of them on our gallery site.
Baby birds isn't all we've had. There's been plenty of evidence that the baby bunnies are nibbling away at many of the plants. I don't mind sharing, but this morning I found that Peter Rabbit had consumed all of the morning glories I had planted to climb the willow tree. Look at that sweet face ... do morning glories really matter when you want to be sure that little tummy is full?
You can see some of the baby birds and other critters in this year's Bluebird Cove 2007 Critters online gallery. If it's blooms you enjoy, I've been snapping away in the garden also. View the Bluebird Cove 2007 Garden gallery.
Our pond is producing some exciting things also. Besides our dominating Male Green Frog that is part of the nighttime chorus that lulls us to sleep, I discovered dragonfly larvae. Nice to know we're producing those beautiful creatures to flutter around with the butterflies. Our pond is only 4' x 8' so I get so tickled at how small a habitat you can build and still make a big difference for wildlife.
Get detailed how-to's at the National Wildlife Federation's website: www.nwf.org/backyard/
With all of that life about me, it's hard to think of the reality that wildlife has to struggle now and then. We named one of this year's baby squirrels, Scrawny Tail, because her tail dragged behind her and was barely an inch wide. That didn't keep her from enjoying the food and special treats she got. Read the entire Scrawny Tail Story on my Bluebird Cove blog.
Nature News
Animals Are Capable Of More Complex Thinking
A flurry of research is revealing surprisingly complex abilities among dogs, chimps, birds and many other animals long dismissed as having little intellectual or emotional life.
"Every day, we're discovering surprises about animals and finding out animals are far more intelligent and far more emotional than we previously thought," said Marc Bekoff, an animal behaviorist who recently retired from the University of Colorado. "We're really breaking down the lines between the species."
"What's surprising and shocking about this is that we thought this sort of imitation was very sophisticated, something seen only in humans," said Brian Hare, who studies dogs at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. "Once again, it ends up dogs are smarter than scientists thought."
Read the entire article here:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/03/AR2007060300960.html
Surrogate Mom for Owls
I've talked about The Wildlife Center of Virginia a number of times since we take sick or injured wildlife over to them. They work internationally with their training program and if we lived closer it would be my #1 volunteer pick. It's a 45 minute drive so in the interest of limiting my personal impact on the earth, I volunteer closer to home.
Many of you are customers at our pet food site, so you know your purchases help to support a number of organizations, like The Wildlife Center, since we give 10% of our gross pet income to animal-related causes. Let me take this moment to say "Thank You!" for shopping with us. :-)
Recently, a local news article mentioned The Wildlife Center because two baby owls there are being "fostered" by a resident non-releasable Great-horned Owl. Such stories are so heartwarming to me. This mama owl has been a surrogate to 10 other owls besides these two.
What an example of turning the seemingly bad events of life into good. We learn so much from the natural world and animals around us. Read the story online here:
earthwalk.fourwindslodge.net/columns/earthwalk-002.htm
Title This Photo
Here's a Tufted Titmouse that needs a salon stylist after a plunge in the pool. Post your great and funny titles so we can all giggle at them. Click the double arrows to the right for a second photo of the bird.
Gardening For Wildlife
Native WildflowersThe photo is of our first leaf of a Mayapple that we planted last Fall. It makes me think of frogs camping out under it like a canopy put up in the forest for them. I planted it near the pond, just in case we had any dreaming frogs that desired such a canopy.
The common name refers to the May blooming of its apple-blossom-like flower. Although the leaves, roots, and seeds are poisonous if ingested in large quantities, the roots were used as a cathartic by Native Americans. The edible ripe golden-yellow fruits can be used in jellies.
I discovered a new site called, Celebrating Wildflowers, which helps to educate the public about the many values of native plants. The site activities emphasize:
* The aesthetic value of plants - a field of wildflowers is a beautiful sight
* The recreational value of plants - picking berries is fun for the whole family
* The biological value of plants - native plants support other life
* The medicinal value of plants - chemicals from plants help combat sickness
* The economic value of plants - plant material such as floral greens are commercially valuable
* The conservation of native plants - protecting and maintaining native plant habitat
My favorite area is "Why Garden with Native Wildflowers?" It saves time and money and natural resources to use native plants. We have been establishing our habitat with natives and it's been incredible to us how they require no care. They've been bred to survive on their own, but it's amazing to see it happen in your own backyard.
Visit the site to learn more:
www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/nativegardening/index.shtml
If you'd like to find native plants for your yard, the LBJ Wildflower Center site has a search where you can choose your state and soil and sun conditions and find which plant works. Check your area on their website:
www.wildflower.org/plants/
Healthy Pet Foods - Get Free SamplesAll About Pets is offering free samples of Healthy Pet Net foods, treats and supplements. This is the brand of food we have been feeding our pets for years.
There is no wheat, corn or dairy to cause allergies and the ingredients and quality control is exceptional.
They have never had a recall because they use small suppliers for their ingredients. Check out the free samples for dogs and cats at All About Pets.
Going Green
Saving Forests
Amount of forest products consumed each year by every American is the equivalent of the amount needed to create a 100 foot tall tree that is 16 inches in diameter. (Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association)
Save forests. Determine to use less paper.
Junk Mail:
Get off the lists for junk mail and marketing phone calls. Get instructions and other tips at this website:
www.obviously.com/junkmail/
Printer Paper:
Although we rarely get junk mail, we receive enough paper that we don't file away, so we use that for printer paper. We haven't bought paper for our printer in 7 years. Sending letters on the back of mail also sends a message to friends and family to think creatively on how they can reduce their impact on our forests. We volunteer at various places and sometimes it's an opportunity to take away a pile of paper for your printer. In the act of asking for it, we've educated people to the idea of using it rather than trashing it or recycling it.
Note Paper:
Envelopes cut in half provide a good size for note paper. We have a small box/tray at each phone and store this note paper in them. Sometimes you get mail that can't be used for printers because it's wrinkled or part of it is printed on the back. We tear that up and use it for note paper also.
Correspondence:
Sometimes I want to send a postcard to keep in touch rather than a long letter. We use the greeting cards we receive for this purpose. The top or left side of the card is not written on, so it's easy to tear that part off and cut to the maximum size (4.25" x 6").
Magazines and Newspapers:
With the internet available 24/7 I find that most of what I used to have to dig for in shelved or stacked magazines can now be found in a few minutes, so we don't do magazine subscriptions. Sometimes we receive one as a gift and then I make sure it passes around to several people to make it more useful. Do your newspapers stack up before you "get to them?" If you don't read the magazines or newspapers you've got coming into the home, cancel them. They not only rob you of time and money, they do take trees to produce
Catalogs:
I keep a list of the places we like to shop and they are all online now, as most businesses are. We've cancelled all catalogs and when we shop we type in or mention on the phone that we do not want to receive promotional materials and catalogs. Besides saving paper and storage space, it sure keeps your budget more manageable. Be honest .... how many things have you ordered from a catalog that have NOT been what you thought they were going to be? How much space does that stuff take up in your home because you can't give it away after "wasting" the money on it?
The boreal forest where most of our songbirds breed is now being destroyed for catalogs. Yes, YOU can make a difference. Each one of us can over a period of time. Isn't it time for you to join in and have fun saving our forests with your own creative ideas.
Staples Adds Computer Recycling Program
Staples, Inc. is the first national retailer to offer computer recycling in stores every day. Staples' program allows customers to bring in used computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any U.S. Staples store, where the equipment will be recycled in accordance with environmental laws. The company will take back all brands whether or the products were purchased at Staples, and will charge only a $10 fee for large items.
Read entire news article:
www.greenercomputing.com/news_third.cfm?NewsID=35118
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils 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
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at HomePet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, 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 monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2000-2007 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
posted by Donna at 2:58 PM
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