Duck Crossing

At 5:30 this morning, while driving along a busy four-lane road, I spotted a Mallard duck. He sat, unmoving, in the middle of the oncoming lane. After stopping and putting on my four-way flashers, I hopped out and wrapped my jacket around him. There was blood on the pavement and a small amount near his nostrils, but he was alive. He freaked out, just a bit, on the floor of the passenger side of my car as I sped to the vet's, where I knew the emergency vet number was posted on the door.

I called, and they advised me to bring him in and they could euthanize him. Uh ... no. Not knowing the extent of his injuries, I couldn't do that. So I drove home and placed him in my back garden. I gave him some water, cooked rice and sunflower seeds. I have no idea if any of that interests him, but I hope it will tide him over until I figure out what to do.

I might call the OSPCA because they do take in wildlife, but considering what's been happening there lately, they might be a little too busy (more on that in a later post, but you can read a bit about it in the May 2010 posts on my other blog.) When I went out to take this photo (click to enlarge), I frightened him, and he flew into the cedar hedge, then bounced off. At least he's able to fly now, so perhaps he just needs some time to rest.

Update: The investigators have taken the duck away. I do hope they find he's just a little dazed, and he'll soon be back with his family. Hmm ... I must find out how and where they release ducks after they've been rehabilitated. I suppose, with all his natural duck homing instincts, he shouldn't have a problem. Should he?

Raiding the Henhouse

Until last year, Brazilian howler monkeys were believed to have been strictly vegetarian. That's when researchers spotted the primates investigating birds' nests and chicken coops. Although some of the howlers ate the eggs, most simply examined then returned them to the nest. Now, as interesting as the diet change is, I think it's even more interesting that the monkeys put the eggs back where they found them. I wouldn't have been surprised if the researchers reported that the monkeys tossed the eggs or played with them. Replacing them shows some kind of understanding and consideration I didn't expect. Perhaps by returning the eggs, the howlers were ensuring a new generation of egg-layers, and food for the future. Or maybe they were just being nice. Whole story here.

Winging it Across America

Last week, I watched Nova's "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies", which follows the 2000 mile migration of the Monarch butterfly. These amazing creatures are found throughout the world, but it's only in North America that they make such an arduous, obstacle-filled journey. I was saddened by our own miserable contribution to its decline, but uplifted by the butterfly's never-say-die attitude. I know, you're probably kicking yourself because you missed it, but wait! You can watch it online. It's informative and moving. I did learn that it takes four generations of monarchs to complete the journey. Enjoy!

Fledglings

Spring -- a good time to talk about those little feather dusters that you might see hopping around your yard. For the first few days after leaving the nest, fledglings are just learning to fly and may take their chances on the ground. If you're concerned the young bird might be in harm's way, place it in a shrub then leave it alone -- the parents are probably freaking out nearby. Check out this link for more information.

Learning to Climb

If you need a reason to smile and have a few minutes to spare, then check out this video. Two squirrels, a wall, and a little help from some friends -- it's my all-time favourite. Thanks to Nuclear Toast for pointing this one out.

Abandoned Nest

A robin built its nest in the crook of the downspout right outside our window, and my cat, Meeko, and I were excited -- we couldn't wait for the little guys to hatch. Unfortunately, even though the mother robin was attentive, there wasn't much she could do when a major rain storm took out parts of the nest. I searched the ground for the eggs, but they must have remained in their tattered home (I'm definitely not looking forward to taking down the nest).




The mother hung around for the next few days, peering over the edge of the roof, but, eventually, she abandoned the nest altogether. Meeko still looks out the window, expecting to see the robin. So do I.

Evacuation

Whenever I see construction under way, I think about the animals that may have been killed or left homeless by it -- the groundhogs or chipmunks living in the ground. Last year, they began some construction along Yonge Street (new sewer or water line -- I don't know which, but as long as the workers do, that's all that's important), and so dug a huge ditch alongside the road.

When the digging began, I pictured the poor creatures being scooped up by the machinery, their homes and, most likely, their lives lost. Once I got that picture in my head, I couldn't get it out. So I thought I'd share my personal little nightmare with you. There's nothing we can do about this as we have to maintain the infrastructure, and build new homes. One thing we can do is make our own backyards and gardens more inviting to some creatures. Something to think about.

And here's a piece of trivia for you: pictured above is Yonge Street which used to be known as the "longest street in the world", but lost that distinction due to a technicality. The street is about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) long, and runs from Toronto to the Ontario-Minnesota border. Just thought I'd pass that on, in case you're asked that question while playing an old game of Trivia Pursuit.

And so it begins ...

Canada's seal hunt has begun. I can't even bring myself to look for a photo to accompany this announcement.

Crafty Roadkill

Yes, the animals are dead, on the side of the road, but harvesting their body parts for jewelry, clothing and art is just wrong -- who buys this stuff? Please check out this story, and tell me what you think.

On My Way to Starbucks ...

Every day, at 6:00 a.m., I drive to the local Starbucks to grab a coffee. I've been doing this for well over eight years, so am missing my morning routine while Starbucks undergoes renovations. In those wee hours, the town is quiet and the houses are dark -- the only movements are a few drivers making their way to work, and the wildlife making their way back home for the day.

One morning, as I drove along the road in front of the grocery store, a deer dashed out in front of me. I slammed on my brakes, and skidded to a halt only a few feet from him. He did a bit of a slip slide dance before racing off toward the parking lot. I kept thinking about him all day because I knew there was fencing all along the back of the store, barring his way to the forest.

Another morning, I noticed that the garbage can I'd put out front the night before was missing. I stood on the driveway for a moment, wondering who the heck would want to rip off a full can of garbage. It was a mystery that would be best solved after a coffee, so I hopped into my car and headed toward Starbucks. About ten houses down, I spotted my garbage can -- overturned, with bags ripped open and garbage strewn across the road. I picked up the slimy mess, shoved the can into my trunk, then took it back to my house. I envy the determination of the raccoon who rolled that garbage can down the street, and can only hope that the rewards were worth it.

The Lifespan of Animals

Last month, I read about the death of Debby, a 42-year-old polar bear at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Polar bears normally live to about 20 years of age in the wild, so Debby did all right. Though you do have to wonder if 42 years of captivity is better than 20 years of freedom.

So ... how long do animals live? How long does a grizzly bear live? Or a tiger? Or a hummingbird? Apparently, a bit longer than I expected. It's difficult to track just how old an animal can get in the wild, but here's some statistics gathered about those in zoos:

Grizzly bear - 32 years

Horse - 50 years

Chipmunk - 12 years

Tiger - 25 years

Swan - 102 years

Hummingbird - 8 years

I'm surprised at the possible life span of horses, chipmunks and swans. Does this mean the chipmunk that lives in my backyard will be relying on me for peanuts for another ten years? What will happen to him if I move?


If you're interested in reading about Debby, check this out.

Squirrels' Nests

I've always been curious about squirrels' nests -- those leafy abodes high in the treetops that look far too flimsy to keep their homeowners warm and dry. The nest is called a "drey", and is made from small twigs, leaves and other leaf-like material. The inside is lined fur and other soft material. Apparently, squirrels also build dens inside tree cavities such as old woodpecker holes. If I were a squirrel, I'd go for the den -- seems far more cozy.

I found this information on the Squirrel Rehab Website's fact page. There was also an interesting (and rather frightening) note about just what squirrels might use to build their nests:

Caution: Please use caution as to what you leave laying around your yard. We are getting in more squirrels every year that have their tails tied together with string, twine or fishing line. The mom will find any of these and use them to make the nest with. While growing up the babies usually get their tails tangled up in it and never get free of it. They will fall out of the nest still tied together. So please check around your yard and make sure that you do not have anything they could borrow to use in their nest that would be harmful to the babies.

Something to think about.

Completely unrelated -- we've already had snow here. I'm just not ready for another long, cold winter wrapped in blankets of the white stuff.

So Many Things Wrong

There are so many things wrong with the world. People starving, economy gone crazy, abused kids, war ... the list goes on and on. I wish I could change all that, but I can't. I can't even manage to put a dent in the amount of horrible things that happen to wildlife and pets, and there's plenty of that:

In Kelowna, British Columbia, the city's parks manager announced there will be a review of its "rabbit culling program". Why? Because an employee of the company contracted to eradicate the rabbits stomped a bunny to death when it didn't die after being shot by an air rifle.


Pesticides. Why do some homeowners believe lawns are more important than the health of our environment, wildlife and children? It's poison, people, and there are alternatives -- like getting down on your hands and knees, and digging out the darn weeds.


In the Northwest Territories, 44 dogs were left unattended by some idiot. They had to be euthanized. I can't even read the entire article, but if you're interested, you can read it here. I found it far too distressing.


I'm sorry for sharing this stuff with you, but I can't help but wonder how people can be so heartless and cruel?

It's Once Again Safe for the Chipmunks to Come Out

My neighbour called me yesterday, and asked if I'd seen the stray cat hanging around. Apparently, our stray has been killing many of the chipmunks -- in a most tortuous, play with them before eating kind of way. This made me jump off the fence that I'd been straddling. I had to take the cat into the OSPCA.

An officer dropped off a live trap in the afternoon with instructions to trap it between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00 when the centre was open. The cat visited us around 4:30 yesterday afternoon -- too late to take it in. This morning, I baited the trap and set it out where I'd previously fed the stray. He (I'm not exactly sure if it is a he or a she) came at 8:00 a.m. Despite the enticing aroma of food, he didn't fall for the trap. Instead, he rubbed up against me, letting me pat him. This was good news regarding his "adoptability" -- friendly, affectionate, but may have some trust issues considering what happened next.

I ran downstairs, grabbed my own cat's carrier and put food in it. He may have been wary of the metal trap, but he walked right into the plastic carrier. He meowed, loudly and piteously, for the entire 20 minute ride to the OSPCA. But now he's safe -- he'll be checked over, given a flea treatment, then put up for adoption. Of course, I cried after dropping him off. I want only the best for him, but I also want the local wildlife to be given a better chance at survival. I'll try to follow his progress, and give you updates.

Thanks to all for your advice!

California Wildlife

While vacationing in California, I was always on the lookout for wildlife (click on photos to enlarge):


17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, winds through a lush forest and along a rocky coastline. How wonderful it must be to live here. We stopped at Bird Rock, home to sea lions and ... well, lots and lots of birds.



A sign along 17 Mile Drive advises visitors not to feed the animals, but this squirrel looks like he does all right.



In Muir Woods, a deer ventured close to the trail for a drink. Like a pack of hungry paparazzi, tourists snapped at the bit of fur visible through the leaves.



Sea lions or seals? I'm not sure, but these guys in San Francisco are a noisy, comic bunch.



Question: We wondered why is the rock along the coast is white? Is it bird poop? I'm not quite sure what that speck is in the middle of the photo -- a bee, a helicopter, Superman?

Wild China

Wild China is a six-part BBC documentary on the people, wildlife and history of China. Here in Canada, the series is being shown on CBC's The Nature of Things, and is narrated by David Suzuki.

Apparently, the biggest problem the producers had was trying to find wildlife to film. But over 16 months and many miles, they succeeded in putting together a fascinating series. Highly recommended.

Of course, it's the Olympics that made the entire production possible -- the BBC was given unprecedented access to remote areas within China. And we can also thank the upcoming Games for the recent Chinese government ban on selling dog meat in restaurants.

Canadian Loonies and Toonies

Yesterday, July 1st, was Canada Day, celebrated with parades, fireworks, the whole shebang. Canada is only 141 years old -- still a baby compared to our cousins across the pond. Anyway, I thought I'd share a few money facts about this great country:

The beaver is our national animal, and is featured on the back of our nickel. The animal's importance to this country stems from the value of its pelt when Canada was first explored.

The loon is featured on the Loonie, our dollar coin that's been in circulation for about 20 years. There is nothing quite as lonely as the sound of this water bird when you're sitting by a lake up north. Apparently, the loon mates for life. I like a bird that can make a commitment.

On our two dollar coin, the Toonie, there's a picture of a polar bear. I just hope these magnificent animals can survive global warming and all the other crap people have thrown at the Earth.

And yes, "Loonie" and "Toonie" are the official names of the coins. Only in Canada, eh?

Fate of the Animals

The History Channel's documentary, "Life After People", gives viewers an idea of what might happen to our world if humans suddenly disappeared -- forever. I find this sort of thing fascinating, so much so that I based my fantasy books Key to Aten and Return to Aten on just such a premise. Of course, in my books, some humans did survive -- the reading would have been terribly dull without a few people sprinkled about.

Back to the documentary:

If you get a chance, do watch it. It's a bit frightening to discover how nature would cover up all traces of our existence, and interesting to know the fate of the animals.

What People Want

It's interesting and helpful to know what brings people to my blog, so occasionally I check the search terms readers use. By far, the most common inquiry is "how to get rid of stray cats". That search will take them here and here (Note: the second link is far more useful). I had no idea there were that many unwanted cats in the world. The worst search string is "how to poison feral/stray cats". It's so upsetting to know that people are actually considering this option. I do not, under any circumstances, condone poisoning an animal.

Disheartening as it is to discover that people are looking for ways to kill an animal, I'm happy to report that many folks are looking for ways to help sick pets, feed bunnies living in their backyards, or ideas on how to keep their pets entertained.

A few other memorable searches:

"What to do when dog eats thong"
I have no idea. In fact, I can't recall ever using the word 'thong' in my blog.

"Wearing fur for bugs"
???

"Alcoholic names for pets"
This is searched quite often, so don't be surprised if you meet a Chocolate Martini or Bloody Mary next time you visit the dog park.


I hope that no matter what brings readers here, they will return to share some of their own stories and comments.

Update July 8, 2008: Yesterday, someone discovered my site with the search "is rabbit safe to eat from the backyard". I wouldn't recommend it. I don't think the rabbit would either.

This is What Happens When You Let Your Mind Wander

I'd always been curious as to why zebras hadn't been domesticated. Other than the jail house duds, they look pretty much like horses, so wouldn't it be handy to saddle one up before making the long trek across the African plains?

After a bit of research, I've discovered that zebras are near-impossible to tame, and their body shapes are different from horses, making them difficult to fit a saddle. I kind of like the fact that zebras have successfully maintained their freedom.


On the other hand, why did anyone even consider domesticating a Madagascar hissing cockroach? They can grow to three inches long, are wingless, live up to three years, and make great pets for young children. I just can't imagine bringing a cockroach into my home.


As pets or tools (and let's face it, we do use them), animals play important roles in our lives. And yet, many people continue to abuse them. Do you think they'll revolt one day, take over the world before we completely screw it up?