Why Turning Off Lights Really Matters

Switching off lights and other basic energy-saving actions are so simple they may seem ineffective.  However, a new study shows that it has a much bigger impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions than previously thought; estimates of emissions saved may be up to 60 percent too low.  Read the story and get ideas for saving energy at Science Daily.

Rehab for Oiled Birds

What happens to birds caught up in the Guf oil spill- and is it enough to simply clean and release them?  Delve into the issue here.

After the Spill:  Habitat Restoration

While there aren’t as many reports and images of the toll of the recent oil spill disaster in comparison to the Exxon-Valdez disaster, birds are still suffering. Despite the clean-up efforts, birds were still largely affected regarding the recent oil spill disaster. The Audubon society’s annual Christmas bird count will hopefully provide a more accurate account of the damage. Read about it here.

Water Footprint Calculator

You may have calculated your carbon footprint, but have you considered estimating your water usage?  Surprisingly, only 5% of your daily water use comes through taps and toilets.  To use the calculator, and learn where the rest of your daily use is coming from, check out this site.

Crazy As A Bedbug?

I’m not sure where that expression originated, but it means nutty or a bit insane, and it describes how I feel about bugs. I’m crazy about bugs. The more I know about them, the crazier I am about them. Bugs are the easiest wildlife to find. They tell you a lot about the health of ecosystems as large as Yosemite or as small as your own backyard, patio, or window box.

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Bird Journal:  All About Me

Aviculturist Diane Grindol shares the Bird Journal she developed to help new bird companions learn about their bird.  This journal also serves as a great resource when someone else needs to care for this very special bird.  Diane hopes this will help other aviculturists help their clients.  Breeders are invited to download and provide this journal free of charge.

Click here to download the Bird Journal in PDF format.

Off Leash Dogs and Nature: Your Opinion, Please

I spent the weekend near Camp Sherman in Central Oregon’s glorious Metolius Recreation Area.  At the Camp Sherman store on Saturday, in addition to Stephen Shunk’s (http://www.paradisebirding.com) van full of birders, the parking lot bulged with dog-filled vehicles. Lengthy tongues dripped with the anticipation of companions’ returns, and another chance to leap into the cold river.  Along the river, off leash dogs careened uncontrolled with excitement up and down the bank, looking for anything that moved…insect, mammal or another dog until exhausted, the dogs dropped into the river for a cool swim.

I thought about what effect our off leash dogs have on the wildlife.  Not that I’m concerned about the effect of a few dogs on a particular Saturday during the “busy season” on the river, but in general, what should those of us with dogs and a love of the trail do about protecting the places that we love.

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Balboa Park, San Diego, CA March 2008

Dick Seignious, a faithful correspondent from San Diego share his wonderful photographs of birds with his friends.  Because he’s a generous guy and loves birds more than almost anyone, he’s agreed to share his experiences with ThisWildLife.com. 

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Practically Science: Heat

When autumn cools outdoor temperatures, we practically hairless humans heat our homes to keep warm and wear extra clothing when we go outside.

What is heat, anyway?

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Raccoons in my yard

One of my neighbors was bitten by her dog during a fracas with four raccoons. Now she’s determined to trap the raccoons and relocate them. Guess what?  When those four raccoons go, four more will move into the area to take their place.

The bite, the fight, the fright, none of this was necessary. Why did it happen?  Dog food on the deck.

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