A Touch of Nature - July 2007

Here At Bluebird Cove

If you need some giggles, read the titles subscribers have put to this picture of Randal (with mask) and the mower. I just happened upon him and snapped the photo without him even knowing it last year. I love reading the funny titles people come up with. What a joy to laugh! Have a look and laugh!

Did you know that Brown Thrashers have "whiskers?" Last month we were delightfully entertained by a Brown Thrasher that fell in love with his own reflection on our front porch. Although Brown Thrashers are generally very secretive and shy, this bird was smitten with his reflection in the glass. He didn't seem to mind my taking photos at all. It was a wonderful day that I will cherish for a very long time.

I've put some on the site gallery so you could title them with all your ingenious titles .. there are plenty of odd expressions for your creativity. Title the photos in this album entitled, Romanced By A Brown Thrasher. I'll put the link in the next issue so everybody can enjoy the titles.

Bluebird Cove Blog

These are the new posts since the last issue of this newsletter:

Black-winged Damselfly

Five-lined Skink

Eastern Gray Tree Frog

Knowing More About Nature

So Many Kinds of Bird Beaks

Have you wondered why there are so many shapes and sizes of bird beaks? When we first began birding, one of the identifying characteristics was to determine whether the bird was seed-eating (with a rather chunky beak) or bug-eating (with a rather slender and pointed beak). But now I know there's a whole lot more going on than that!

Here's a site that shows you the varieties of beaks and what kind of tool they resemble. The beak of a bird must be adaptive to the food it needs and it will also tell you what type of habitat the bird will be able to survive in. There's also a lot of fun quizzes and puzzles on this site: www.normanbirdsanctuary.org/beak_adaptations.shtml

The Story of Antlers

Antlers are naturally shed by deer, elk and moose. They are bony outgrowths that develop from and are attached to two protuberances called pedicles on top of the skull. While antlers are growing they are covered by a furry skin covering called velvet. The growing antlers and the velvet are supplied with oxygen and nutrients by a network of blood vessels. Growth and hardening of the antlers is completed in late July or August.

In August, increased production of testosterone cuts off the blood supply to the antlers and velvet. The velvet dies, dries up, and peels away. Further removal of velvet from antlers occurs during the rut. Among the testosterone-induced rut activities of the male, which begin in late August or September, is the thrashing of antlers against sapling trees and shrubs which rubs off the velvet and polishes the antlers while staining them.

The reduced daylight of winter diminishes testosterone production, this causes the shedding of antlers. Mature males shed them in February-March and younger males may retain theirs until May. New antlers begin to grow within days after old ones drop.

Get more facts from the site where this information came from and also look at their chandeliers and lighting options made from shed antlers: www.antlerchandeliers.com/pubFiles/facts.asp

Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils

Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. Our family's been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them.

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.

Being Green

Want To Buy Green But Don't Know Where To Buy?

Check out the National Green Pages, Co-op America's publication to help you find green sources for just about everything on the planet. Remember GreenPages.org or visit this website. www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/

Pets Are Part of Nature at Home

Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies

Nature's Heartworm Program

Healthy Pet News

Healthy Pet Corner

Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats

Gardening For Wildlife

Don't Cut the Grass

Feel guilty about not cutting your lawn? You shouldn't! What would happen if you let the lawn go? One couple did that 26 years ago and they've got an incredible habitat that developed over the years. This year due to illness they weren't even able to mow right around the little farmhouse. View a photo essay about what showed up while the mower was parked:
www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek070508.html

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.

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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.