Christmas is almost here!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!


I know it has little to do with animals, but here's one of my favorite carols of all time.

Away in a manger
no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus
lay down His sweet head.

The cattle are lowing
the Baby awakes
but little Lord Jesus
no crying He makes.

I love Thee Lord Jesus
look down from the sky
and stay by my cradle
'till morning is nigh.

Dog Breed of the Month: The Whippet

Pictures can be found here. Whippets are affectionate, lively, and sweet. They are calm, quiet, and devoted. They are also sensitive, so they should not be roughly treated. They are good with children as long as there is no roughhousing. As always, to avoid small dog syndrome, whippets need a firm and consistent pack leader.

They are good with other dogs, but will chase (and kill) cats and other small animals if given the chance. Household cats that they know and are accustomed to will, however, be left alone.

Whippets are very fast and agile. They need regular opportunities to run on open ground (in a safe area) and need a daily walk. As said before, they love to chase small animals so a fenced yard and a leash is essential.

They are prone to stomach and skin problems, but have a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. They have a short, smooth coat so they are easy to groom. They are average shedders, and their coats are virtually free of "doggie smell".

Whippets are sensitive to the cold, so dog sweaters are advised. They are calm indoors so they will do okay in an apartment as long as they get a lot of exercise.




info source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/whippet.htm

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is the day to give thanks for everything.
Thanks for food,
family,
friends,
possessions,
everything!

Plus, you get to eat mounds of food.

:D

And the mascot of Thanksgiving is, of course, the turkey.


Pictures of turkeys can be found here.

Turkeys are native of the forests in North America. The domestic turkeys are decedents of the wild ones. Domestics are the kind we eat on Thanksgiving.

Females lay about 18 eggs at a time, and they hatch after a 1 month incubation period. Turkeys eat seeds, berries, acorns, and small insects.



Happy Thanksgiving, and try not to "gobble" your food too fast!


Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_turkey
http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/turkey.htm

Dog Breed of the Month: Mastiff

Pictures can be found here. These big, powerful, (slobbery) dogs are gentle giants. They are guard dogs, though they rarely bark. They need to be socialized well, and also need a calm and confidant owner.

Mastiffs are one of the heaviest breeds of dogs; their weight can exceed 200 pounds. They live about 10-12 years. Mastiffs are prone to bloating, and their owners must watch out for hip displysia among other ailments.

These dogs like to be lazy, but they do need a daily walk at least. They will do okay in apartments since they are pretty inactive indoors. Their short, smooth coat is easy to groom, and Mastiffs are average shedders.

Overall, Mastiffs are sweet, intelligent dogs that are very affectionate.


info source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/mastiff.htm

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My! (and a monkey to boot)

A man named Terry Thompson, owner of a wild animal farm, released 56 exotic animals into the Zanesville, Ohio area, after which he killed himself. Authorities have killed or captured all the animals except a macaque monkey who is still at large. It is possible that the monkey has been eaten, however.
Schools all over were closed, and people advised to stay inside while the round up happened. Signs appeared that read "Caution Exotic Animals". One lion got hit by a car (that would have been one colossal road kill), but was only injured.


Source:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-10-18/exotic-animals-loose-ohio/50821092/1

Catch up: September's Breed of the Month

Hello, dear readers. Due to a busy life, I had no time to do much posting in September. Very sorry about that! So to make up for it, here's September's Breed of the Month:

Pictures can be found here. Chihuahuas are very tiny, very adorable dogs who love affection. They are very brave, and they are intelligent and loyal. But like all small dogs, they need a firm "alpha" to show them who's boss. If a dog thinks it can run the show, it can develop aggression.

Though it is tempting to carry these cute little dogs around, they need exercise just as much as a larger breed does. A nice long daily walk is perfect for this. Also, an off-leash romp in a fenced area is good for their stimulation.

Chihuahuas are very susceptible to poison, so owners need to be careful around things harmful to dogs, like chocolate. Chihuahuas are also prone to rheumatism, colds, and injury. They can, however, live about 15 years.

They are very good for apartment life, but need their space just as much as any other dog. They also prefer warm weather over the cold.

Chihuahuas are average shedders, and they need a gentle brushing every day. Regular checking of the ears, clipping of the nails, and a nice bath will top off grooming.

These proud and adventurous canines are not only cute, but they are smart and brave too; a perfect pet for people!



NOTE: Don't forget to email me your pictures of animals so I can feature them!! ffpandc@gmail.com



Info source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chihuahua.htm

9/11

We will always remember what happened on 9/11. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center.

Hundreds of rescuers went to Ground Zero to find those who had survived. And with those amazing people, were rescue dogs. Rescue dogs were instrumental at Ground Zero, sniffing out survivors.

There is only about a dozen of 9/11's rescue dogs still alive now. Moxie, Orion, Guinness, Red, Bailey, and Bretagne are among those canines. These and other unsung heroes will be featured in the book Retrieved, by Charlotte Dumas.

Search and rescue dogs (SAR) sniff out missing people using airsenting (sniffing airborne scents), trailing (looking for someone specific), or tracking (working on a lead, with nose to the ground). What these dogs are able to accomplish with just their noses is another reminder how amazing God's creation is!

God Bless America!!



sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/retrieved-a-new-photo-book-honors-9-11-search-and-rescue-dogs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_and_rescue_dog

Dog Breed Of the Month: The Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is cheerful, independent, clever, trusting, and a good watchdog. They are not yappy, but will bark at strange noises or intruders. They get along well with other dogs and animals, but can be difficult to train. As with all small dogs, the Tibetan Spaniel needs a strong pack leader to show them who's boss.

Tibetan Spaniels can be prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke, with an average life span of 12-15 years. Females Tibetans, unlike many other breeds, go into heat only once a year. They have an average litter size of 3-6 puppies.

They are good for apartment life, and do okay without a yard as they are relatively active indoors, but they do need a nice long walk each day.

Their coat needs a regular brushing. Tibetan Spaniels are average shedders all year round, but in comes out in clumps (poor vacuum!) once a year.

So if your looking for a sweet family companion who's good for apartment life, consider the Tibetan Spaniel!



Sources:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/tibetanspaniel.htm

The Tiger

Tigers are found in north and east Asia. They live in grasslands, tropical forests, evergreen forests, woodlands, swamps, and savannas. Tigers are solitary animals, and will defend their territory strongly against any strange tiger that dares intrude. Female tigers have a territory of 10-618 sq. miles, and male tigers have territories that are much larger, and connected to that of several female tigers.

Tigers are carnivores, which means they eat meat exclusively. They will prey on a variety of medium to large sized animals, including water buffalo, elk, wild boar, and several types of deer. They also eat smaller animals such as fish, reptiles, and monkeys sometimes. Tigers hunt alone, and will ambush their prey from any angle, using brute weight and force to knock larger prey off their feet.

Tigers have a gestation period of about 104 days, after which 2-4 cubs are born. The babies are born with their eyes closed, and are approximately 2.2 pounds (Aww!). When the cubs reach 8 weeks old, they start to accompany their mother out of the den, and start to eat meat. Cubs become independent at around 10 months, but will not completely leave their mother until they are around 2 years old.


Thanks to David D. for taking and editing the photo.
source: http://www.theanimalfiles.com/mammals/carnivores/tiger.html

Email me your pictures!!

Hello readers! Due to a shocking lack of having my camera with me, I am running out of pictures of animals, and I need your help to have "blog fodder" for FFPandC.

So email me your pictures of animals!

ffpandc@gmail.com

Note: always tell me who took the picture, so I know who to site as the photographer.

Thanks!

Wild Things: The fainting fawn

Yes, fainting fawn!

So, I know that I just did a post on Wild Things, but this video just has to be posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi563h5-iNs

The beginning has the fawn's back story, and if you fast forward to 3:28, that's when he faints, the poor baby.

SPCA: Kira

Kira is an independent cat who likes attention on her terms. Since she can be a bit picky, a home without children would be best, but Kira is a sweet cat with the softest fur ever, and she's waiting at the SPCA Annex just for you!

Kira is 2-3 years old, and makes a wonderful pal (when she's in an affectionate mood :) ) So if you want a pretty kitty with a little bit of attitude, look no further, Kira's the one for you!

As a reminder, here's the SPCA's website: http://www.spcaonline.com/ And Kira's at the SPCA Annex, with a whole bunch of other awesome kitties.

Dog Breed of the Month: The Mini Schnauser

Intelligent, loving and happy, the mini schnauzer is playful and gets along well with children. They are affectionate, keen, and docile. Like many smaller dogs, this breed needs to be socialized well and have a strong pack leader.

The mini schnauzer is good for apartment life and will be calm indoors as long as they get enough exercise, like a long walk.

Mini schnauzers have a wiry coat that should be combed daily. The breed sheds little hair, so it's good for allergies.

Mini Schnauzers live about 15 years, and are prone to certain health problems including liver disease, kidney stones, and diabetes. They gain weight easily, so they should not be overfed.

Energetic and loyal, this breed makes a good watchdog (as is definitely the case with the two schnauzers who live next door to me. Yeah, they are really loyal to their owner)

source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/miniatureschnauzer.htm

Wild Things update

Here's an update on that wonderful wildlife sanctuary, Wild Things!

In addition to the many baby animals they get this time of year, WT has had several fawns, two of which are being bottle-fed by me and my mom in the picture.

(Note: that's not Pepsi we're feeding them, it's a special fawn formula. We just recycled the bottles.)

Remember, if you see a fawn hanging about without it's mother, leave it. chances are, the mother will come back. Fawns are very good about staying put while their mom goes off for a while. But if you know that the fawn is an orphan, or if it becomes continually starved and cries for hours, than call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Once again, here's Wild Things' website: http://www.wildthingssanctuary.org/

Happy Independence Day!

Ah, Independence Day. A day to celebrate what makes America America: Freedom.

So naturally, today's animal would have something to do with America. And what better American animal--American bird--than the Bald Eagle?

My mom took the picture of the US flag to the left and I touched it up. Pictures of the eagle can be found here.


The bald eagle is the only eagle unique to North America. It ranges from Alaska to northern Mexico, and is the USA's national bird.

Eagles are famous for their excellent eyesight. They have a wingspan of 72 to 90 inches, and can fly at an altitude of 10,000 feet. In the wild, bald eagles can live as long as thirty years and in captivity they can live as long as fifty years.

Fish-mainly salmon-- are an important food source for the bald eagle. They will eat other animals, but fish are the staple of their diet. They will even eat dead or dying fish. Their hunting ranges vary from 1,700 to 10,000 acres. Ranges are smaller where food is in abundance.

Once they are paired, a male and a female bald eagle will stay together for life. They build nests in large trees near bodies of water. The female lays one to three eggs every nesting season, and the eaglets hatch after 35 days of incubation, and reach maturity at four or five years of age.

So, the bald eagle.
Y'know, Ben Franklin didn't want it to become our national bird. He wanted the turkey.


Sources: http://www.rlrouse.com/bald-eagle.html
http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/www/critters/eagle/826572782.html

The Ground Hog

Also known as woodchucks, these furry little critters are found in Alaska, southern Canada and the eastern United States. The ground hog in this picture made it's home in my backyard.

Ground hogs rarely venture far from their burrows. An intricate network of tunnels, these burrows have an average of three or four holes, and den pipes will be anywhere from 15 to 20 feet in length.

Breeding season begins mid-February when ground hogs come out of hibernation. After a gestation period of about a month, a litter of 2-9 pups is born. They will stay with their mother until midsummer, when they go out to dig their own dens.

Ground hogs are vegetarians. They will eat flowers, leaves, soft grasses, carrots, peas, and more. They will eat as much as three fourths of a pound of food a day. When they are about to go into hibernation, they will really kick into eating overdrive.

Most groundhogs live only a year or less, but some lucky ones can live to be three or four years old.

Now, you may have heard of Ground Hog Day. That is the day when Punxsutawney Phil the ground hog is brought out and everyone crowds around to see if Phil will see his shadow. If he does, winter will continue. If he doesn't, then spring is just around the corner. Though it's a fun idea, I think it's a little silly. spring will come when spring will come. It has nothing to do with a ground hog in Pennsylvania on February 2nd.



sources: http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/groundhog/meet/meet.html
http://www.terrierman.com/lifehabitatgh.htm

Dog Breed of the Month: The Great Dane

What dog weighs up to 200 pounds, is 30 to 34 inches in height, and is referred to as the "gentle giant"?

The Great Dane, of course!

Charming and affectionate, they are playful and good with children. They make great watchdogs, since they are both courageous and loyal.

Great Danes grow fast, so they should be taught from an early age not to lean on or jump on people. They need firm guidance, and an owner who will be a true 'alpha'.

Great Danes live for about ten years. They are prone to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart disease.

To show how big these dogs get, here's a picture:
Up to the elbow of 15 year old me. That's a BIG dog.

Great Danes need a lot of exercise. Though they will do okay in an apartment, a long daily walk is essential.

The tallest dog on record, "Giant George" is a Great Dane. To learn more about George, go to his website http://www.giantgeorge.com/ .

Great Danes are sweet, lovable dogs. If you're looking for a gentle, large companion, the Great Dane is the canine for you.



Source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/greatdane.htm
http://www.giantgeorge.com/

Ugliest Dog Contest

At a fair in North California, Yoda the Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix won the title of World's Ugliest Dog. Yoda is a 14 year old rescue

To read the entire article and see pictures of Yoda the dogs that Yoda beat out, click here











Personally, I think Yoda is kinda cute. But that might just be me.

Happy Father's Day!

This is to all the fathers out there, but especially to my daddy.

Dad, Thanks for being there when I need you,
For taking splinters out of my foot,
For helping me learn to ride a bike without training wheels,
For giving me rides on your motorcycle,
For teaching me about God,
And for helping me follow my dreams.

You are my hero, and I love you!

FFPandC's new look

Thanks to my sister's new blog, I have discovered how to make an image on the top. (YAY) So I put in one of my favorite pictures that I took while in FL, then I adjusted the color scheme to fit it. Hope you like it, readers!

Robin's Nest Updates

Sooooo sorry I haven't posted in forever! I've just been busy.

But here's the promised update on the robin's nest.
Apparently, the robin didn't like our traffic through the door, so she abandoned the nest. Sadly. Fortunately, she didn't abandon her eggs, because she hadn't laid them in there yet.

I expect that our robin created another nest somewhere else, and is happily raising her little babies.

When we discovered that she abandoned the nest, we took it down to see what it looked like. A robin's nest is truly an amazing thing! just look at it!










Isn't that weaving just incredible?
Let's take a look at the middle where the eggs would have been laid:










I would say that's just about perfect for 3 or 4 eggs to lay in.
This is the bottom of the nest:










See how she packed mud on there to make it sturdy? Truly amazing.

I am continually amazed at how God's creatures know exactly how to make a home, even on the thin ledge above a door!

SPCA: Misu and Delilah

These two girls are extremely sweet, and absolutely love attention. They came to the SPCA when their elderly owner could no longer care for them. Since they've spent their whole lives together, these two must go home together. An ideal place for them would be somewhere without young children, and where they could go outside on occasion.

Misu (pictured top) is the more outgoing, and Delilah (bottom pic) is the talker. Will you consider giving these two awesome kitties a home?

As a reminder, here's the SPCA website: http://www.spcaonline.com/ or click here. Remember, Misu and Delilah are at the Tompkins County SPCA, in the Annex.

Dog Breed of the Month: The Cocker Spaniel

These sweet dogs are active and devoted, but should be well socialized to avoid a tendency toward shyness. Most Cockers are good with children.

They are easy to train, but can be difficult to housebreak. Like all small dogs, Cockers need loving, strong human "pack leaders". If they do not have an alpha, they could develop a range of behavior issues.

Cockers need regular exercise, like a long walk each day. They are fairly active indoors. They are good for apartment living, but do need a small yard.

Cockers have a lot of health problems, mainly because of inbreeding. These problems include: hip dysplaisa, cataracts, liver disese, urolithiasis, PRA, and more. Cockers live about 12-15 years.

Cockers need regular grooming.

They are very sweet and loving dogs!



source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm

A robin's nest.

On the ledge above our back door, a robin has begun to build a nest! She has not laid eggs in it yet, and it's possible that she'll abandon the building because of the human traffic that revolves around a door, but I'll keep you posted on the nest.

Happy mother's day!

Thank you mothers! You are awesome and we all love you so much!

The Cardinal

The cardinal is found in parts of the US, mostly east of the rocky mountains. They live in forests and the vegetation near houses and gardens.

Cardinal nests are cup-shaped, and made from twigs, and bark, and lined with grass and mosses.

Cardinals eat seeds, fruits, insects, and grains. They can often be found at bird feeders.

Female cardinals lay four eggs, that hatch in about 12 days. They have about two broods a year. Babies fledge within 20 days.


source: http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/cardinal.htm

The Blue Jay

Blue jays can be seen throughout America and the southern part of Canada. They live in parks, yards, forests, or anywhere there are oak trees, since acorns are their favorite food.

Blue jays also eat fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, and some small animals like mice and frogs. Blue jays don't like sharing food, and will chase other animals away from food sources.

Blue jays nest in trees. They make their homes out of sticks, grass, paper, lichen, roots, and/or other materials. Females lay four to six eggs at a time. Blue jay eggs are greenish with brown spots. Baby jays fledge at about three weeks.

Blue jays do an interesting thing called "anting" when they are molting: they pick up ants and rub them on their bodies. Nobody's really sure why they do this, but the best guess is that anting soothes a blue jay's skin. Sometimes they'll "ant" with other items like rotten fruit.



sources:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090418114959AAtpjzL
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/blue_jay.htm

Raccoons

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals, and are found in all over North America.
Raccoons don't hibernate, but they do stay inside most of the winter to keep warm. Raccoons live in trees, brush piles, or caves. often, raccoons share nests, and there can sometimes be over twenty raccoons in one nest!

In February and early March raccoons will have a litter of about 4 kits. Kits are born helpless, and are considered adults at the age of 13 months. A raccoon in the wild has an average lifespan of five years.

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Nuts, berries, small animals, and seeds are eaten, but raccoons also go for carrion (dead meat) and garbage.
Wild raccoons can have rabies, so always be careful when around them.

I don't have a picture of a raccoon, but you can see some here.

State Birds

Today I learned an interesting fact: Utah's state bird is the seagull, even though Utah is land-locked. Hmm. It's probably because of the Salt Lake, but still makes you wonder.

So anyway, I started wondering what the other state birds are, and decided to post the list.

Alabama--Yellowhammer
Alaska-- Willow Ptarmigan
Arizona-- Cactus Wren
Arkansas-- Mockingbird
California-- California Valley Quail
Colorado-- Lark Bunting
Connecticut-- Robin
Delaware-- Blue Hen Chicken
Florida--Mockingbird
Georgia-- Brown Thrasher
Hawaii-- Nene
Idaho-- Mountain Bluebird
Illinois-- Cardinal
Indiana-- Cardinal
Iowa-- Eastern Goldfinch
Kansas-- Western Meadowlark
Kentucky-- Cardinal
Louisiana-- Eastern Brown Pelican
Maine-- Chickadee
Maryland-- Baltimore Oriole
Massachusetts-- Chickadee
Michigan-- Robin
Minnesota-- Common Loon
Mississippi-- Mockingbird
Missouri-- Bluebird
Montana-- Western Meadowlark
Nebraska-- Western Meadowlark
Nevada-- Mountain Bluebird
New Hampshire-- Purple Finch
New Jersey-- Eastern Goldfinch
New Mexico-- Roadrunner
New York-- Bluebird
North Carolina-- Cardinal
North Dakota-- Western Meadowlark
Ohio-- Cardinal
Oklahoma-- Sissor-Tailed Flycatcher
Oregon-- Western Meadowlark
Pennsylvania-- Ruffled Grouse
Rhode Island-- Rhode Island Red
South Carolina-- Great Carolina Wren
South Dakota-- Ring-Necked Pheasant
Tennessee-- Mockingbird
Texas-- Mockingbird
Utah-- Common American Gull
Vermont-- Hermit Thrush
Virginia-- Cardinal
Washington-- Willow Goldfinch
West Virginia-- Cardinal
Wisconsin-- Robin
Wyoming-- Western Meadowlark

So there it is.
And did anyone else notice that there are no less than 5 mockingbirds, 3 robins, 4 types of bluebirds, 7 cardinals, and 6 western meadowlarks? As well as 3 goldfinches, and 2 chickadees.
Interesting. :)


source: http://www.50states.com/bird/

Dog Breed of the Month: The Maltese

This is Mitzy the Maltese.

Maltese are playful, spirited, trusting, and loyal. These small 'toy' dogs are very intelligent and love to learn tricks, but may be difficult to housebreak.

Maltese need their owners to be strong 'pack leaders', or the dog will attain some behavior problems, such as excessive barking and being snappish with people. But as long as they have a leader, they will be fine.

Maltese are prone to teeth problems, and should be fed food that will keep their teeth healthy (such as dry dog biscuits). They are also prone to sunburns and weak digestion. It is important to keep them out of the damp.

Maltese are good for apartments, as they are very active indoors, and don't require a yard. They need a daily walk, however, and love to play. They live about 15 years, but if properly treated, can get to the age of 18.

Maltese generally need a lot of grooming, as their hair is usually kept long. Regular shampooing and daily brushing is in order. Be sure to clean the ears eyes and beard regularly. Maltese shed little to no hair, and are good for allergy sufferers.

These playful dogs are good in apartments, but need daily walks and a strong pack leader. They have some health problems, and need a lot of grooming, but these exuberant canines make wonderful pets.


source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm

Wild Things

Just an update on Wild Things Sanctuary.

This is one of their newest additions: an orphaned squirrel. He was so young when he was found that he hadn't even opened his eyes (he has in the weeks that have followed however). And he is syringe fed a special formula for babies, as shown in the picture.

Here is the Wild Things website once again:
http://www.wildthingssanctuary.org/
or click here.

New York's Pig Problem

Feral hogs are slowly creeping into New York state, and are breeding in the Tioga, Cortland, and Onondaga counties. New York wildlife officials are scrambling to confront the invasion.

If allowed to breed freely in their non-natural habitat, the hogs could cause environmental disaster. They could wreak havoc on crops, and upset the ecosystem. Feral hogs can also carry disease that can spread to other animals.

Adult hogs can weigh up to several hundred pounds or more. They can cause severe damage to places. According to the Ithaca Journal, one woman's front lawn looked like it had been plowed with farm equipment after the hogs went through.

The DEC are buttoning down on controlling the pig problem using traps. My solution? Throw angry birds at them.

(For those of you not familiar with the iphone app Angry Birds, look it up)

sources: the Ithaca Journal

The Starling

Starlings were brought to North America by the Europeans. They are occasionally resented because they are a foreign bird and have grown very numerous. But they are nevertheless beautiful songbirds and their glossy summer coats as well as their dappled winter feathers are a pleasure to see.

Starlings are found near human dwellings (towns suburbs etc), and roost on wires, trees, and houses. They live in parts of Europe and Asia, and are an invasive species in North America.

Starlings eat seeds, fruits, insects and other small animals like snails and earthworms. Starlings are very competitive, and are not afraid to steal food from other birds. They are just as competitive when it comes to nesting.

Starlings build their bulky nests in cavities like nesting boxes, drainpipes, or on houses. Nesting materials consist of grass, twigs, weeds and other vegetation, as well as feathers, string, paper, or whatever else the birds have found. Female starlings lay 4-7 eggs which are incubated through a period of 12 days. Chicks fledge in 21-23 days. Starlings can have up to three broods per year.




sources: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/european_starling/id
http://www.sialis.org/starlingbio.htm
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/european_starling.htm

SPCA: Josephine

Josephine is a sweet affectionate kitty who loves people, but doesn't like other cats or dogs. She would love to be an only pet in a quiet house where she can play with a kid and lounge. Josephine can be rather energetic, and she loves playing. She is about 1 1/2 years old, and Really needs a place to call home. Will that place be with you?

You can see Josephine or other animals who need a home at http://www.spcaonline.com/ or click here.

Muskrats

Muskrats are large furry rodents that live in and around water. They can be found near marshes, streams, ponds, rivers, or other bodies of water. They have a hefty, scaly tail and small eyes and ears.

Muskrats build lodges-much like beavers-out of aquatic plants, mainly cattails. These lodges can be up to five feet high and eight feet across. Muskrats also burrow holes in the water's bank, with at least one entrance above the water level. They also build feeding platforms, where they eat.

Muskrats eat a variety of vegetation (rushes, pondweeds, water lilies, acorns), as well as some animals (frogs, snails, fish) in the summer, but in the winter, when food is scarce, the muskrat will feed on the inner walls of it's lodge, which are built large and full for this purpose.

Breeding season for muskrats starts in late winter and ends in September. 10 babies are born in each litter, and a female can have up to five litters per season. Baby muskrats are born without fur, but they gain the covering when they reach two weeks. They also begin swimming at that time. Muskrats are active during the day, but they are even more active at night.

Some musk perfume is made by the secretion of muskrats, but they are not commercial sources for it. Most musk perfume is made from musk deer.

Regretfully, I do not have a picture of a muskrat, but you can view some here.



sources: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/muskrat.htm
The Animal Kingdom Graystone Press, copyright 1954, NY
http://askanaturalist.com/are-muskrats-used-to-make-perfume/

April fools!

I apologize for not putting up an April Fools post on April Fools day, but I will compensate for that by putting up one now.

So, without further ado, this is what we'll do:
I have ten wild facts about animals, but only nine are true. Can you spot the fake? Or is it April Fools?

1. Denmark has twice as many pigs as they do people
2. Chipmunks eat four times their weight daily
3. A crocodile's tongue cannot move; it is attached to the roof of it's mouth.
4. On average, one hen lays 19 dozen eggs each year
5. Sharks are the only known species that can't get cancer
6. Elephants can smell water from a distance of three miles
7. Dolphins sleep with their eyes open
8. Chickens can't swallow upside down
9. Hummingbirds are lighter than coins
10. All polar bears are left handed








Think you know the answer?








Are you sure?








Well here it is:









APRIL FOOLS! Number 2, "Chipmunks eat four times their weight daily" is false. They eat much less than that.

Oh, and here's the site I got the real facts from:
http://www.factsaboutanimals.net/
and you can click here to go there.

Happy April!

The Goldfinch

Goldfinches live throughout North America. Their natural habitat is woody areas, and thickets, but they can be seen in lawns, roadsides, and open woods.

Goldfinches eat mainly seeds, but tree buds and maple syrup can also be part of their diet.

Nests are made of plant fibers and plant down. They are built in trees or shrubs. The nests are built so tightly that they are waterproof. Goldfinches have 4-6 eggs that hatch in about 2 weeks. Chicks leave the nest by 17 days. Up to three broods can be raised in a season.

Male goldfinches are a brilliant shade of yellow, but females-like the two shown here-are more drab in color.




sources: http://www.all-birds.com/American-Goldfinch.htm
http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/goldfinch.htm

SPCA: Priscilla

Priscilla is a lovely kitty who loves to be pet. She has extra toes on her little feet that make her absolutely adorable. Priscilla loves people, and is very sweet.

She is an older kitty, and needs a home with no little children in which to spend her golden years.

Will that home be with you?

The American Robin

The American robin can be found throughout North America. They are a migratory species, wintering in Canada, and spending their springs and summers in the USA.

Robins are active during the day, and roost in trees or bushes. Nests are built compleatley by the females. Robin nests are made of coarse grass, twigs, and some feathers. This outer foundation is lined with mud, and cushioned with soft grasses.

Robins lay three to five light blue eggs that hatch after 14 days. Baby robins leave the nest two weeks later.

Robins eat berries, fruits, worms, grubs, caterpillars, and other insects. They hunt by sight, not hearing.




sources: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/robin/ConfusingMigration.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Robin#Distribution_and_habitat

The Pigeon

Pigeons live all over earth, except in the driest regions. Pigeons nest on ledges and buildings.

A pigeon's diet is mainly made up of seeds and fruit. Pigeons can be split up into two groups, the "seed eaters" and the "fruit eaters". "Fruit eaters" normally eat from trees, while "seed eaters" feed on the ground.

Pigeons lay two white eggs, and it takes the eggs 18 days to hatch. Baby pigeons leave the nest when they reach 30 days. Pigeons create a special substance called "pigeon milk" from their crop that they feed to hatchlings during their first week of life.

Pigeons live about five years in the wild, and about 15 years in captivity.


sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae#Distribution_and_habitat
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pigeonwatch/your-questions/questions-about-mating-and-nesting

The red squirrel

Red squirrels are found throughout Alaska, Canada, and parts of the eastern United States. Squirrels live in forests.

Red squirrels eat many things, including insects, nuts, berries, mushrooms, and bark. Red squirrels keep cashes of food under logs or under roots. these cashes are called middens.

"So." you might be thinking. "what's the difference between red squirrels and other squirrels besides color?" Well, not much, but the main difference is size. Gray squirrels are larger than red squirrels, as is illustrated in the following picture:




Red squirrels have litters between three and seven babies. Babies reach maturity at 18 weeks of age.




source:
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/redsquirrel.htm

The green frog, and happy St. Patrick's day!

Happy St. Patrick's day, everybody!

Now, it may be "hard being green" for 'ol Kermit the frog, but for most of these hoppity creatures, green is camouflage from birds, turtles, snakes, and other predators.

Frogs love water. They live in and around marshes, streams, swamps, ponds, and lakes. They are native to North America.

Up to 7000 eggs can be laid, and they hatch in 3-7 days. Tadpoles make the metamorphosis into frogs at 3-22 months. Frogs reach maximum size at 4 or 5 years of age.

Green frogs are carnivores, and eat many of types of insects, as well as lugs, snails, and crayfish. Tadpoles eat algae, diatoms, and some zooplankton.



source: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Rana_clamitans.html

SPCA: Sebastian

If you want a cat who's a never-ending cuddle machine, Sebastian's the guy for you.

He lost his ear tips to frostbite, but that just adds to his adorableness. He has a nice attitude, and is good with dogs.

Sebastian's a sweet, cuddly, purry kitty who's waiting for his forever home.

Will you give him one?

The Baboon

The baboon is a smart and crafty animal, but can be a pest. The baboon in the photo, for example, was eating trash.

Baboons live in the savannas and woodlands of eastern Africa, and of all the primates, they interact with people the most.

They can weigh up to 100 pounds, and are omnivorous. Grass makes up a large part of their diet, as well as berries, roots, and fish, rabbits, and other small animals.

The gestation period of baboons can last up to 195 days, and babies are weaned when they reach a year old. They are considered mature at five to eight years. One baby is born at a time.



sources: http://www.outtoafrica.nl/animals/engbaboon.html
http://www.worldstory.net/en/savana/baboon_baby.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baboon#Mating_and_birth

Book Review: "A Dog's Life" by Ann M. Martin

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin is one of my all-time favorite books about dogs. It features the story of Squirrel, a stray dog, and is told from her own perspective.

Squirrel and her brother Bone were born in a shed to a wild dog called Stream. For the first few months, all is well, and Stream teaches her pups the way of the world. But then, Stream dies, and the two young ones are left on their own.

They wander, roaming the countryside and foraging, and are happy for a while. But then they are separated, and Squirrel finds herself on her own. But Squirrel is not helpless. She meets friends along her way, and she meets enemies. Squirrel must find her way in a world that can be both friendly and cruel.

This heartwarming tale of a dog who never gives up is sure to melt even the hardest hearts.

Wild Things Sanctuary

As well as volunteering at the SPCA Annex, I also volunteer at the Wild Things Sanctuary in Ithaca.
Wild Things is a non profit wildlife rehabilitation center. It is dedicated to helping wildlife however it can, and once the animals Wild Things take in are healthy and happy, they are released into the wild.

Wild Things' website is http://www.wildthingssanctuary.org/ or click here to visit it directly.

This is a picture of a pigeon at Wild Things. Victoria, the owner of the company, took the picture.

The Peafoul

These beautiful birds are best known for the gorgeous tails that males have. These feather covered tails are flared when he wants to impress the ladies.

While "peacock" is generally referred to the entire species, "peacocks" are actually male. "Peahen" is the term for a female peafowl.

Peahens lay 3 to 28 eggs in a year, and it takes 28 days until the eggs hatch.

Peacocks like forests and semi-open plains, and like8-5+ shelter as well as the outside. They nest on the ground and roost in trees.

Peacocks are omnivores, and eat seeds, grains, lentils, insects, and amphibians.




sources: http://www.bird-breeds.com/Peacock.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006040504243
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peafowl#Behaviour

Tompkins County SPCA

I volunteer at the Tompkins County SPCA, a non-kill animal shelter. The shelter has a storefront in the local mall, called the SPCA Annex. It is at the Annex that I work. The SPCA's website is http://www.spcaonline.com/ and click here to visit it directly.

I have received permission to post here about cats that are up for adoption, in the hopes that readers will become interested and give a feline a loving home. For they need it, readers. They need it.

Today's feature kitty is Abby, pictured at left. She is a sweet older cat who has been at the SPCA for over a year, and really needs a home.

Abby is sweet, and loves attention, but she has a neurological issue that causes her legs to wobble when she walks. Don't let this dissuade you from adopting her, though, Abby really really needs a home.

Won't you give this purr-fect kitty a home?

The Cat by Lydia F.

This poem was written by my sister, Lydia:








Watching her helps me unwind
Tail curled round, paws entwined
An example for mankind
Resting there, relaxed, refined

Sunlight streams down on her frame
Napping there, the stately dame
Belly turned towards the flame
Simple comfort is her aim

Feline lays there in repose
Caring not for all her woes
Gentle aspect she bestows
As she from her hearth arose


Copyright Lydia Felker

Eastern cougar is now on the exticnt list

On Wednesday, after much research, the US Fish and Wildlife Service declared the eastern cougar extinct.

Federal researches believe the last wild cougar died in 1938.

To read the entire online article, click here.

Goodbye, cougars. We will miss you.

Dog Breed of the Month: the West Highland White Terrier

The Westie originated in Scotland, and were bred as hunters of small game.

Westies are easy to train, and are hardy little fellows. Westies are good with children and strangers, and travel well. Westies are spirited, and make good watchdogs despite their size.

Westies love to dig and bark. Anyone who owns a Westie needs to assert their authority. If allowed to be "Alpha", Westies can be a handful. Westie owners need a firm hand, and confidence.

Wesites are active indoors, so they don't need much of a yard, but regular exercise is good for any kind of dog, and westies need a daily walk.

Wesites shed little, and their straight hair doesn't require much grooming, just some regular brushing.


source: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/westhighland.htm

The Zebra

Zebras live in areas of Africa. They are social animals and live in herds. The plains zebras especially live in tight family groups.

Zebras are herbivores and eat mainly grass, but bark, leaves, and twigs make up their diet too.

Zebras can fall prey to lions, hyenas, and other African predators. Some Zebra species are endangered and protected, however, so humans aren't as much of a threat to them.

Zebra foals are born after a gestation period of a little more than a year. Usually, only one baby is born, but sometimes twins are, too. Foals can stand about 10 minutes after being born. They are weaned at 11 months

Every zebra has a unique stripe pattern. Just like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two zebras have the same stripes.




sources: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-do-zebras-eat.html
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/mammals/zebra/
http://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/zebra-information.html

The Elephant

Elephants are the largest land mammals, living in areas of Africa and Asia.

Elephants eat vegetation like grass, roots, bamboo, leaves, and bark. Adults can eat 300-400 pounds of food a day.

1 calf is born after a gestation period of 22 months. Twins are rare. Elephant family bonds are strong, and a group of females lives in a group called a herd.

The herd is led my the oldest female, who is called a matriarch. Herds can have 8-100 elephants at once. Calves are protected by the whole herd, and male calves leave the family at 12-15 years of age.

Elephants have a good memory. it is this memory that allows matriarchs to guide the herd to water holes and feeding grounds.

Elephants have no bones in their trunks, just muscle that lets them pick up things with great dexterity.



sources: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Wild-Animals-705/elephant-herds.htm
http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/elephant.php

The Hippopotamus

My sister went to Zambia this summer on a missions trip. Below is a fabulous picture of a hippopotamus that one of the teammates, Emily, took.

There are two types of hippos, both found in Africa. The Large Hippo is very aggressive, and numerous fights break out among hippos. The large hippo is found in East Africa, and the much smaller Pygmy Hippo lives in the west.

Hippos are herbivores, and they emerge from the water to graze for long hours on grass.

A single baby hippo is born after a gestation period of 8 months. Female hippos baby-sit each others young, as well as caring for their own.



sources: http://www.outtoafrica.nl/animals/enghippo.html?zenden=2&subsoort_id=2&bestemming_id=1
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/mammalia/artiodactyla/hippopotamus.htm

The Dolphin

Dolphins are mammals that live underwater. There are at least 41 diffrent species of dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin, the atlantic white, and the spinner dolphin.

Baby dolphins, called calves, are born tail-first. They are one of the only mammals to do this regularly. Dolphins have one baby at a time, and occasionally twins. the gestation period is about 11 months. When a dolphin is having a baby, another dolphin will help, acting as a midwife. Babies are born underwater, and the mother pushes the baby up when it is born, to help it get it's first breath.

Dolphins eat fish, squids, and crustaceans like shrimp. They eat 5% of their body weight daily, and they swallow food whole, without bothering to chew.

Dolphins breath through a blowhole on top of their heads. This hole extends to their lungs. The area around the blowhole is the only place on a dolphin's body that there is hair, even though a dolphin is a mammal. The rest of the body is covered in blubber, which keeps a dolphin warm.





sources: http://www.dolphins-world.com/
http://www.acpathope.org/student%20sites%202009/Dolphin%20LRF/Unnamed%20Site%2012/reproduction.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002260F/DolphinsFood.htm

Rabbit babies

So, for a long time our family kept pet rabbits. We had fourteen at one time and grew to learn a lot about them.

Mitchell, a white lop, was a gift to my sister. She had him for a number of years, and then we decided to breed him. So our friends gave us a female named Sherwood, and the two of them had kits.
So for about a week, all was well. Then Sherwood had more babies. Now, the gestation period for a rabbit is about a month, and Sherwood would not have had time to become pregnant again and have her new litter in the short period of time she did.

That is how we learned one very interesting aspect of rabbits: they can become pregnant while pregnant! What I mean is, rabbits can carry two litters at once inside of them.
And that, readers, is how our family had fourteen rabbits at once.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many rabbits in the world? Well that's why.

Of course, where we live there are wild rabbits, too

If you ever find a nest of wild baby bunnies, leave it alone! mother rabbits only nurse their young a few times a day, and they don't stay with the nest either. They are nearby, but in order to not attract predators to their nest, mother rabbits only come to the nest for short periods of time.
If you happen to find a nest of bunnies, don't disturb it. Watch for a few days. If the kits cry, or are skinny and sickly, then the mother is either dead or not taking care of them. If that is the case, then you can help the kits. But only then! Chances are, the mother is nearby. And you don't want to take kits from their mom.

Rabbits have 4-12 babies, and are weaned at 4-6 weeks of age.

Bird Week at FFPandC day seven!!

Well, it's the last day of Bird Week at FFPandC. Time to wrap up all we learned with our feathered friends.

Day one was the cormorant.
Lives: near water
Nests: in trees, cliffs, or on the ground
Number of eggs: 2-4
Eats: fish
Fast fact: they have no natural waterproofing

Day two was the lovebird
Lives: as pets throughout the US
Nests: in people's houses
Number of eggs: 4-6
Eats: fruit, pastas, corn, birdseed
Fast fact: lovebirds are very territorial except with their mates

Day three was the tern
Lives: very migratory, so home base changes
Nests: in trees or on the ground
Number of eggs: no reported. :'(
Eats: fish and insects
Fast fact: they can go over 14,000 miles in one migratory journey

Day four was the Osprey
Lives: in watery areas
Nests: in trees, cliffs, or man-made structures
Number of eggs: 2-4
Eats: fish
Fast fact: osprey nests can get to be huge

Day five was the seagull
Lives: near water
Nests: on the ground, on a tree, on a cliff, or on a house
Number of eggs: 2-3
Eats: sea life such as fish and crabs
Fast fact: can be nasty in behavior

And day six was the great blue heron
Lives: near water
Nests: in trees or shrubs
Number of eggs: 2-7
Eats: fish, mice, and other small animals
Fast fact: an all-white version can be found, but they are actually the same species.


And that about wraps up bird week.

Bird Week at FFPandC day six: the great blue heron

Bird week day six! The blue heron.


Found along the ocean shore, and in and around ponds and rivers, the great blue heron is the largest among North American herons. it has a wingspan of around six feet!

Fish and mice make up most of their diet, along with insects and other small animals. Great blues are known to be awesome fishers. They stand in the water, and wait until prey comes near, then they snap out with their beaks. Though herons have choked to death from eating a fish too big.

Herons nest in trees or shrubs, and have two to seven eggs at a time. Both parents incubate these eggs, and protect them. Chicks can be on their own at two months of age.

An all-white version of the great blue can be found, and it is called the great white heron. But they are actually the same species.



source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/great-blue-heron/

Bird Week at FFPandC day five: the seagull

Bird week day five! The seagull.


Seagulls live near water, and often near humans, too. Gulls' main diet is fish and other sea life like crabs, mollusks, and clams. But they will eat just about anything, from berries to carrion to "people food".

They generally nest in flocks, and have only one mate that they stay with year after year. They build nests out of shallow scrapes on the ground lines with vegetation. Some species of seagulls nest around human dwellings. Cliffs and trees can also sport a gull nest.

Two are three eggs are layed, and incubated for three to five weeks by both parents, who take turns sitting on them. Chicks fledge at three to seven weeks.

Gulls can be generally nasty in behavior, sometimes stealing eggs (which they eat) or chicks (Which they adopt. Or eat.) from each other. They can be pests to humans, too; stealing food, and generally making a nuisance of themselves.

But seagulls are beautiful birds, and no seashore would be complete without one.


source: http://www.suite101.com/content/all-about-seagullsgulls-and-kittiwakes-a124159

Bird Week at FFPandC day four: the osprey

Bird week day four! The osprey


Ospreys live throughout the world, in watery spots like marshes, rivers, and seas. Their diet is pretty much exclusively fish, which they dive for from up to 120 feet. but when fish is not available, ospreys will eat lizards or small mammals.

Osprey nests are made of sticks and put on all sorts of things, like trees, cliffs, and man-made structures; so long as it's near water. These nests are re-used year after year, and sticks are added to them. Nests can get to be huge: more than seven feet across and five feet deep.

A clutch of 2-4 eggs are layed at one time, and incubated over a period of 35-40 days. Chicks mature at 3 years of age.



source: http://www.seattleaudubon.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=96

Bird Week at FFPandC day three: the Tern

Bird week day three! And today: the tern



Miedium-sized birds, the tern is a very migratory species. There are different types of terns, from the Least Tern to the Caspian Tern to the Elegant Tern, to name a few. They all migrate, but the Arctic Tern makes the longest journeys ever recorded for a bird, from the Arctic to the far south, up to of 14,000 miles!

Terns eat mostly fish, diving into the water and coming up with a meal. But some terns peck insects off the water instead. Though they have webbed feet, terns rarely swim; they prefer to fly.

Terns nest in closely packed colonies (the White Tern is an exception). Their nests consist of different things, depending on their habitat. Tern nests can consist of unlined scrapes on the ground, or flimsy piles of sticks in trees.



source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tern

Bird Week at FFPandC day two: the lovebird

Happy Valentine's Day! Since it's Bird Week at FFPandC, and Valentine's day, today's feature birdy is (drum roll please) the lovebird! However, I don't have a photograph of a lovebird, so I drew one on my laptop (using the Paint program on a PC). To view a real photo of a lovebird, click here

Lovebirds originated in Africa. They are usually kept as pets, however there are numerous feral (or wild) populations throughout the US.

A healthy diet for a lovebird would be pelleted or seed food, supplemented with fruit, veggies, pastas, and lentils. Lovebirds also love corn.

Lovebirds have a clutch of 4-6 eggs at a time. Chicks hatch 21-26 days after the eggs are layed.

Lovebirds are rather territorial. They do not like other animals except their own species. As such, pet lovebirds should be kept apart from other pets, except that of their own kind. They are very affectionate toward their chosen mate, however, thus giving them their name: the lovebird.




Sources: http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/lbfaq.htm#Breed
http://www.avianweb.com/lovebirdinfo.htm