Early Morning Ant Activity

Honestly, just because I wrote about ants here and here, I don't really have a special interest in them -- they just seem to be making an appearance more often (though, thankfully, not inside my home).

For the past few days, around 6:30 in the morning, thousands of ants have been exiting their nest under my front walkway (click on the photo for a creepy close up). They race around, seemingly without any purpose other than to get a bit of fresh air before the heat of the day sets in. By 8:30 a.m., the ants have returned underground. But how far underground do they go? Check out this plaster cast of an ant colony in Wikipedia. Anyway, it looks like my ants have done some major excavating, and I wouldn't be surprised if the walkway begins to sink -- I'll have to sweep in some sand this summer before my interlock begins to heave.

Timber!

The town recently cut down a tree on my neighbour's front lawn because of root damage. Only in the past few years had the 20-year-old elm stretched its limbs far enough to provide a wonderful canopy of shade. Kind of sad, but residential trees live a very precarious existence, their lives hinging on the whims of humans.

My concern was the chance that birds or squirrels had nested in the tree. For awhile, I debated whether to ask the men if they'd found a nest -- did I really want to know? Well ... of course I did.

They told me they always check before cutting, and if a nest with young is found, they'll wait a few weeks until it's vacant. Unfortunately, sometimes they don't see the babies and nest until it's on the ground. At that point, apparently there's nothing they can do. That's the part I didn't want to know (I'm notorious for sticking my head in the sand). Luckily, there was no nest in this tree.

Fixing A Hole Where The Rain Gets In

The other day, I pulled a small weed/plant/green thing from between the interlock leading to my front door. As soon as I did, a bunch of ants raced out. I'm sure if I could see their little faces, they would show looks of concern and confusion, and they would be yelling, "What the hell just happened to our roof". The ants immediately set to work, gathering nearby grains of sand and filling the tiny hole. Within five minutes, the hole had disappeared. You'll definitely have to click on the picture to see them.

There seems to be a lot of ants around. Last year, they'd made a home in the mailbox. This year, they've invaded my compost bin. Apparently, the ants help aerate the pile, so I won't worry about them, but I dread using it because the nest appears to be right where I'd shovel out the compost. I've always been surprised that I enjoy gardening so much because there are so many creepy crawlies lurking in the plants. But we seem to have come to an understanding -- they leave me alone (stay out of my hair), and I leave them alone.

A Time for Animals

BP oil spill, negligent and abusive pet owners, hunters and poachers, fur-wearing fashionistas, and all the other brain-spared people of the world -- maybe it's time for humans to move out and let animals and nature have a chance. Yes, there's many of us who do care (especially the wonderful readers of this blog), but there just doesn't seem to be enough of us. With these disheartening thoughts, I knew I needed something to lift my spirits -- hope you enjoy:

Animals nurturing animals

Heartbreaking

It's taken me almost a month to write about this because ... well, because it's so horrendous. The SPCA, where I volunteer, experienced a ringworm outbreak they were unable to contain. After a few months of temporary closures and massive cleaning attempts, the vets recommended that the animals be euthanized.

Euthanized. For ringworm.

Initially, it was reported that 350 animals would be put down. But after protesters descended on the shelter, and community vets offered facilities for the animals, the centre had a change of heart. Still, 100 animals were euthanized.

I have gone through so many emotions, but despair ranks highest. The shelter has appointed an outside investigator to figure out what went wrong (I can tell you what went wrong -- they needlessly killed animals). As well, they've had experts come in to go over their protocols.

Understandably, there are a lot of angry people out there. Yet, I'm bound and determined to continue volunteering. There have been a few comments on my other blog that tend to disagree with my decision, but I can't walk away from the future animals who come into the centre. I also want to show my support of the wonderful staff who are devastated by the loss of the beloved animals in their care.

Man, just writing about this makes me cry.

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?

Bird Brains

I say "bird brains" with the utmost respect because I believe most birds are pretty darn smart. Unfortunately, we humans are in the habit of putting windows in places they don't belong. If you look closely at the photo (click to enlarge), you'll see the outline of the crow that flew, with great force, into my living room window. I'm sure he was a little stunned, but he did fly away. He must've seen the sky through the dining room window, at the opposite end of the room from this one, and headed for it. I now keep the dining room drapes closed. Poor guy.

And, last week, I saw a robin do something unexpected. He was eating the shelled peanuts I'd put out for the chipmunks and squirrels. The bird chomped on the peanut with his beak, then gobbled down the tiny pieces . I've never seen robins eat anything but worms. Perhaps the lack of rain has affected the worm supply, or I've just never paid enough attention.

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.

Break Time is Just About Over

I've been a bad blogger, lately, haven't I? My only excuse is that my mind is mush and I needed a break. Is it possible that, after almost three years, I've simply run out of animal-related ideas? No, couldn't be. Until I get it together, here's a picture of my cat, Meeko, in our backyard. Doesn't she look shiny and sleek?

The Latest Scoop on Fashion

At a recent technology trade fair, inventor, Karl Friedrich Lenser, unveiled his dog poo necklace. Made from his Jack Russell's feces and microwaved until diamond-hard, the necklace may just be the next big fashion trend. At least, that's what the inventor hopes:

"I saw when it was in the microwave that it becomes hard. It becomes beautiful and it is like a jewel. People always have a tendency to be individual. If they see it they want to have it. I am sure it will become a fashion."

Two thoughts on this: I hope he didn't use the office microwave, and what the heck possessed him to microwave poop in the first place?

It's a bit like a pet rock, isn't it? If this does take off, why buy one when you could easily pick it up from your yard? Note: the necklace pictured here is not made of poop. At least, I hope not because it belongs to me.

Protecting the Rights of Animals

Switzerland is leaving other countries in its dust when it comes to the rights of pets. In March, they'll hold a referendum on whether domesticated animals should have the right to be represented in court by lawyers. The country already has a law protecting guinea pigs and goldfish from being kept without mates as they are considered social animals. Although extreme, I think the Swiss have the right idea.

In Canada, the SPCA does its best to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but the courts appear unwilling to get on board. Yesterday, while volunteering at the animal shelter, I met two cats who had been found in a taped-up box, at the side of the road -- someone had left them there to die in the cold! I've always believed that "what goes around, comes around", so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

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!