[tn-bird] Re: [Fwd: Yards as a wildlife hazard? (other than windows andcats)]


Yes, in fact, I do. If you have water gardens or even large buckets of
water outside for dogs or what have you, be sure to put something in the
water that would allow any unfortunate creature to climb out, should it
fall in. I found five-lined skinks, and even a mouse drowned in my dogs
"tank" until I put in a piece of driftwood that the little critters, even
bugs, can use as a lifeline. I had  a friend who came home to find two of
his puppies drowned in his water garden. A big rock would have saved them,
perhaps.

Also, if you ever bring in a cocoon or chrysalis to watch the moth or
butterfly emerge, be sure not to leave it in a jar unattended. If the newly
emerged insect can't climb up on a stem and let its wings hang while fluid
pumps through them for expansion, the wings will dry and harden in a
useless crumpled mass, and it will never be able to fly. A very poignant
description of this happening has haunted me ever since I read it in one of
Annie Dillard's books 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek' .  At least I think it was
in that, book or one of her others. By the way, if you've never read
'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek', it won a Pulitzer Prize a few years back, and is
a journal of her observations and musings as she explores the outdoors, and
has permanently altered my world view. I see and understood more about the
larger picture, not just ecologically, but philosophically since I found
her writings. 'For the Time Being' is slower reading, but does an amazing
job of bringing home concepts of time, life, and death.  My very favorite
of hers is 'An American Childhood'....much lighter read, and anyone who
lived a childhood full of curiousity and fearless exploration of their
world, especially the outdoors, will identify! Sometimes I would just shut
the book for a moment to enjoy laughing a few minutes more, or to savor a
thought she crystallized.  What a writer!

Sorry, this turned into a book review!

Carol Reese
Ornamental Horticulture Specialist -Western District
University of Tennessee Extension Service
605 Airways Blvd.
Jackson TN 38301
901 425 4721 email  jcreese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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