Wild Tales

Building Birdhouses

Kim Ashby — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:02:03 +0000

If you love wildlife, you probably have birdhouses somewhere in your yard.
Man-made birdhouses can be a boon to wildlife -- for instance, eastern bluebirds became an endangered species decades ago as our land became deforested and also as cedar fence posts around farmlands were replaced with metal fencing. Bluebirds like to nest in vertical, hollowed-out wood along
the edge of an open area, and old wooden fence posts were ideal for their purpose. When conservationists realized the reason for bluebirds' decline, a movement was started to build birdhouses and place them at appropriate heights around fields and open areas. As a result, the number of these beneficial birds has rebounded in recent years.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Wildlife Gardening: Shelter for Staying Warm, Dry and Safe

Kim Ashby — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 04:18:39 +0000

If you want to keep the squirrels out of your attic and the mice out of your crawlspace, give them a place of their own!

If your yard is barren and your house is the only structure in sight, you can't blame wildlife for seeking shelter in your home. However, if you have a lush property of hardwoods, evergreens, shrubs, grasses and flowers surrounding your home, wildlife is much more likely to use these familiar, natural sources as shelter and nesting sites.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Bird Feeders

Kim Ashby — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:06:39 +0000

You may choose to supplement your wildlife's natural diet with various types of birdseed and other critter feeds. If you use bird feeders, keep them clean by periodically soaking and scrubbing them in a dilute bleach solution.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

NC Native Plants for Wildlife

Kim Ashby — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:38:56 +0000

Ready to plant a wildlife garden? First focus on getting your trees and shrubs in the ground; later, you can plant flowers and grasses between them.

Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs; it gives them plenty of time to establish their root systems before summer heat and drought sets in. After
planting, water them weekly in dry weather for their first year. Once they're established, native plants rarely require watering.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Food for Nurturing Nature - Plants

Kim Ashby — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:33:37 +0000

A wildlife garden offers three essentials to creatures: water, food and shelter. The more natural these items are, the better for your wildlife and environment. An essential ingredient of a wildlife garden is... plants!

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Opossum Smiling at You? Smile Back!

Kim Ashby — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 03:29:26 +0000

Many people falsely assume opossums carry the rabies virus. When confronted by a human, who is naturally viewed as a potential predator by an opossum, most possums will "grin" to show its formidable set of teeth, drool, growl and probably play possum all in the hopes that you will think it sick or dead and leave it alone. While it is true that any mammal can get rabies, the possibility of healthy opossum carrying rabies is extremely rare. Scientists believe the opossum's low body temperature (94-97 degrees) makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in the opossum's body. According to the NC Division of Public Health 2008 Rabies Report, between 2004-2008, there were only 2 cases of rabies involving opossums. It is suggested that both these possums were sick and running fevers when they contracted rabies.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Glue Traps

Kim Ashby — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:25:14 +0000

Due to the presence of children or pets, who could potentially be harmed, many people do not want to set snap traps. Poisons are too toxic to use safely inside your house. Unfortunately, the glue trap is often viewed as an acceptable alternative for eliminating unwanted pests from a home.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.

Keeping Out Unwanted Guests

Kim Ashby — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 05:03:59 +0000

There is now less wild, open spaces for animals to live than was once available. As human populations continue to grow and our suburbs expand, wildlife habits are now found in our own backyards. Cities and suburbs are home to many kinds of wildlife, which don't simply adapt, but thrive. Skunks under decks, squirrels in attics and raccoons in chimneys are just a few of the too-close-for-comfort encounters people have with wildlife.

Original post blogged on b2evolution.