Earth Gauge » Georgia Wildlife Federation

Poolside Manners

espinoza — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:17:44 +0000

Did you know that a swimming pool in the summer is just as attractive to wildlife as it is to us? While enjoyable for us, swimming pools can be dangerous for wildlife. Wildlife can become trapped and drown or be harmed by chemicals in the water.

Viewer Tip: Luckily, there are many ways to help curious critters that may find themselves in your pool.

Surrounding a pool with a fence is the first step in keeping out inquisitive animals.
Pools can be built or modified to allow escape routes for trapped animals. Ropes can be added to the side of a pool near the water line to provide something for animals to use to climb out, or specially made wildlife ramps can be attached to provide an exit point.
Creating a water source or sanctuary area in your yard that targets wildlife can provide an alternative means of getting the water they need.

If you find an animal trapped in your pool before you are able to install any escape aids, there are ways to help. Small animals can be dipped out with a pool net and safely relocated. Larger animals can be helped by anchoring partially deflated pool floats near an edge and leaving the area. Please remember to be safe as these animals are wild.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Cool Comparison

espinoza — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:56:48 +0000

What does cold-blooded really mean? Unlike warm-blooded humans, cold-blooded animals do not generate their own body heat and must rely on the environment to regulate body temperature. On a cool day, cold-blooded animals like turtles or snakes may be found lying directly in the sun to raise their body temperature. Warmer days may have them seeking shade. Rapid changes in temperature can be harmful or potentially fatal to cold-blooded critters.

Viewer Tip: On warm days, cold-blooded animals may be found cooling off under rocks, in brush piles or even in water. Take care when working or walking in outdoor areas that may conceal cold-blooded animals, such as snakes. As with all wild animals, these animals may become defensive when disturbed.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Planting for Pollinators

espinoza — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:57:31 +0000

Do you enjoy beautiful flowers, juicy fruits and fresh vegetables? Over 80 percent of the world’s flowering plants like cucumbers, blueberries and honeysuckle are dependent on animal pollinators. Unfortunately, the populations of some of these animals – bats, birds, bees and other insects – are declining because of many factors. Increased use of pesticides and the replacement of natural habitats by roadways, homes and non-native plant species are some ways that these creatures are being threatened. One way to help pollinators at home is to create your own pollinator habitat. Pollinators need food sources throughout the year. Grow clusters of plants that will flower at different stages of the growing season to supply a steady food source. Vary the type of plant to encourage different kinds of pollinators to visit. Enjoy your flowers, fruits and vegetables, and help provide habitat for pollinators at the same time.

Viewer Tip: Native is best. Pollinators thrive on plants that would naturally occur in the region. Search out plant species native to your area to encourage pollinators to make your garden their new home.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more ate www.gwf.org.

Buggy Benefits

espinoza — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:17:38 +0000

Did you know that many of the insects in your garden are more beneficial than harmful? When gardeners see insects or insect damage on their plants, many reach for pesticides in an effort to eliminate harmful pests. Unfortunately, pesticides can kill valuable garden insects – like ladybugs, assassin bugs and praying mantis – and may also harm birds, bats, spiders, and lizards. Pesticides are also considered a contributor to the population decline of the honey bee. All of the beneficial insects work to control the pest population and pollinate the area plants.

Viewer Tip: Small populations of pests are necessary to provide a constant food source for good insects. Take a few days to evaluate the insects in your garden and decide if pesticides are necessary or if the beneficial insect population can maintain a healthy balance. If you must use a pesticide in your yard, make sure to choose a product that is intended for the pest you wish to eliminate. Always wait for dry weather to apply yard-care chemicals.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Spirit of Spring

espinoza — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:35:50 +0000

When thinking of the sights and sounds of springtime, do you think warbler? Spotting a warbler is a sure sign that spring is here. During the spring these beautiful birds migrate to North America from South and Central America. These spirited creatures are a treat for any birdwatcher. Noticing their cheerful calls can lead you to a discovery of intense yellows and hints of orange to distinguishing suits of black and white. The Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Black and White Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Yellow-rumped Warbler are just a few of the more common warblers that can be spotted this time of year. This bird is an added gem to any birdwatcher’s list.

Viewer Tip: Warblers are small and quick. If your bird watching goal is to observe warblers, research their unique sounds. They feed on insects in and around trees, and noticing their sounds can often lead you to the perfect spot.

Season: Spring

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Clear as Glass

espinoza — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:42:34 +0000

Warmer weather brings increased bird activity in many parts of the country. It can also mean more birds accidentally striking windows. Sometimes birds are just dazed by the strike, but often they are injured or killed by the force. There are several reasons that our feathered friends fly into the glass. If a window is mirrored, a bird may see reflections of outside and assume the natural world continues. Clear windows or two windows across from each other give the illusion that a bird can fly into or through a structure. When plants are placed in windows, a bird may try to fly to the plant as they would any other plant.

Viewer Tip: If birds frequently hit windows in your home or building, head outside and look at the glass to determine what may be causing the strikes. Putting up netting or streamers, or changing inside lighting can make a difference. You can also buy window decals that make the window more visible to the bird.

If your find an injured bird outside the window, it may be stunned from the strike. Place it in a shoe box in a dark place for a few moments allowing it to refocus while keeping it protected from predators. Release the bird as soon as it seems prepared to fly again.

This information is provided by Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Hungry Hibernators

espinoza — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:32:22 +0000

During winter months, wildlife activity decreases. Many animals such as bats, skunks, raccoons, opossums, chipmunks and bears use some type of hibernation to make it through the winter months. There are different variations of hibernation and not all animals spend the entire winter “sleeping.” Some animals like the skunk, raccoon and opossum, sleep lightly and go in search of food during times when weather is mild. These animals have prepared by eating throughout the fall, but they sometimes forage occasionally during the winter months as well. Others, like the chipmunk, need to wake every few weeks to eat some of their stored food, but they do not leave their winter home to forage. Bats eat nothing during hibernation and rely entirely on their stored body fat to survive the winter. Bears may forage for food if awakened, but can sleep for months without eating. Hibernating animals need to breathe slowly, lower their heart rate and decrease their body temperatures to use less energy. If a hibernating animal is awakened during their hibernation, they may use too much stored energy and be unable to survive the remainder of the winter.

Viewer Tip: If you see an animal that you believe should be hibernating during winter months, it may just be foraging for food before heading back to its winter home. It is important to leave the animal undisturbed so that it does not use excess energy by trying to escape.

Season: Winter

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Well-Adapted Wildlife

espinoza — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:38:49 +0000

Many people believe that late fall and winter are times of scarcity for wildlife, which may prompt them to leave feed out for deer and other wildlife. The reality is that local wildlife is well-adapted to our climate and capable of surviving without our help. In fact, feeding deer can be harmful to them by enticing them to cross roads and increasing risk of collisions with vehicles. Feeding also allows unnaturally large populations of deer to survive in a single area. This makes deer more vulnerable to disease and predators; it also makes them more aggressive and competitive with each other for food. In some cases, deer may become dependent on humans for food and lose their natural survival instincts.

Viewer Tip: Please don’t feed the deer. Instead, allow them to make use of natural habitat. Native grasses, shrubs and trees provide high-quality browse foods like buds, twigs and seeds. Evergreens provide shelter from wind, rain, snow and other adverse weather conditions.

Season: Winter

(Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department & University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. “More Harm Than Good.” Pamphlet.)

Time for Take Off

espinoza — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:16:44 +0000

Did you know that the Great Horned Owl is one of few animals that will eat a skunk? These owls have been known to eat prey as small as a crayfish and as large as a Great Blue Heron. Autumn is an active time for many animals, but especially juvenile Great Horned Owls. During the fall, these owls will reach the stage in which it is time for them to find territory of their own. Spotting these birds on the move can be difficult as Great Horned Owls are nocturnal, moving mostly at night. It may be possible to spot one of these great creatures at dawn or dusk. When searching for their new home, Great Horned Owls are very versatile. They can be found in any area of the United States where nesting and roosting sites are available and food is accessible.

Viewer Tip: Great Horned Owls have been known to see domesticated animals as prey. Keep your pets safely in range during feeding times, especially if you know one has chosen your area as home.

Season: Fall

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Froggy Fall

espinoza — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:56:09 +0000

We usually associate the sounds of frogs with the beginning of spring. Most frogs breed in the spring and summer months, which accounts for many of the calls heard, but Georgia is home to six species that begin breeding in the fall. Their mating calls can be heard right now. The Upland, Southern, Brimley’s and Ornate chorus frogs begin breeding in the fall months in fishless pools, puddles, ponds and ditches. In addition to this chorus of frogs, two very secretive frogs can also be found breeding during this time – the Gopher Frog and the Eastern Spadefoot. The Gopher frog is considered rare due to the loss of its habitat, the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. The Gopher frog has a loud, snoring call that sometimes can even be heard from underwater. Joining this crowd of loud mouths is the Eastern Spadefoot. With cat-like pupils and a call resembling a person vomiting, the Eastern Spadefoot is one of the most unique frogs in Georgia.

Viewer Tip: If you are interested in frog watching, take the time to research the species you are looking for and their particular calls. Frog watching is most productive after a rainfall or late in the evenings.

Season: Fall

This information provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

(Sources: Jensen, John B. and Knapp, Walter W. “Calls of the Wild” Vocalizations of Georgia’s Frogs. CD-ROM. 2003. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/index.htm#Amphibians)

Drowning Fish

espinoza — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:46:09 +0000

Fish have long been adapted to living in water their entire lives. Did you know, however, that fish breathe oxygen just like we do? Using their gills, fish breathe tiny particles of oxygen dissolved in the water or in tiny air bubbles formed by splashing or running water. Georgia’s summers can be extremely dry and cause long-lasting droughts. The fish in Georgia’s rivers, streams, lakes and ponds are at serious risk when this happens. As ponds lose water, fish become more crowded, stressed and confined to a smaller volume of water. Additionally, evaporation can quickly reduce water quality and kill fish by concentrating ammonia, carbon dioxide and nitrates in the water. Lack of oxygen in water, however, is the biggest problem during droughts. Because warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, soaring water temperatures can kill fish. Also, the lower water volume due to evaporation holds less total oxygen for fish to breathe.

Viewer Tip: If you have a pond, there are several solutions to help keep fish alive during droughts. The best solution is simply to refill the pond—not usually an option during droughts. Thinning out fish populations can also help. Artificially aerating the pond with a fountain, pump or bush hog helps provide more oxygen to fish. Do not fertilize the pond or stir up mud and organic matter—both ultimately cause bacteria to use up huge amounts of dissolved oxygen and make the problem worse.

Season: Summer

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

(Source: University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/service/library/index.php3?docID=192&docHistory%5B%5D=1)

Wetlands: The Hurricane Fighters

espinoza — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:42:39 +0000

Hurricanes and tropical storms can have devastating effects upon our coasts, our lives and our wildlife. But, did you know that wetlands are the single most important reducer of storm surges, wind speeds and flooding? For every three miles of coastal wetlands, which can include marshes, floodplains and a variety of other wet habitats, the amazing diversity of trees and grasses can reduce a storm surge by one foot. Over thousands of acres, one foot is a colossal amount of water kept from flooding inland areas. Wetlands contain a rich diversity of plant and animal species and are intimately connected to our weather patterns.

Viewer Tip: Protecting wetlands is simpler than it may sound. Consider volunteering for a watershed, conservation or wildlife organization’s clean-up or restoration effort. If you have wetlands near your property, protect them by leaving a “buffer zone” of natural vegetation between your home and the wetland.

Season: Summer

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information visit www.gwf.org.

(Source: National Wildlife Federation, http://www.nwf.org/hurricanes/hurricanesandwetlands.cfm)

Flights on a Summer Night

espinoza — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:20:41 +0000

The nights of the South are often hot, humid and still. Winds typically die down at night and allow for the nocturnal flights of an amazing variety of insect life. Moths are some of our most fascinating nocturnal creatures. They range in size, coloration and behavior. Like butterflies, moths go through stages – from egg to caterpillar to cocoon, and finally to adult moth. Some of the largest and most spectacular native moths are the Imperial, Emperor, Hawk, Luna and Regal moths. Their caterpillars are also very large. Most moths sip nectar from night-blooming flowers, but some adults, like those of the Luna moth, do not eat at all and live just to mate and lay eggs. During the daytime, moths, most of whom have dramatically camouflaged bodies, hide among leaf litter, tree bark and in crevices in rocks, trees, debris or buildings. To avoid predators, moths have scaly wings that rarely stick to spiders’ webs and feathery antennae to hear the incoming echolocations of bats. Stay up late one summer night—you may be intrigued by the life you see outdoors!

Viewer Tip: Providing insects with habitat is one of the best ways to attract and observe them. Plant native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs for cover and as host plants. Moths prefer the flowers of native plants with white, strongly scented flowers for food.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information and recommendations for specific plants, visit the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Online Guide to the Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife www.gwf.org.

Season: Summer

(Source: Geyata Ajilvsgi, Butterfly Gardening for the South, TX: Taylor Publishing Company, 1990.)

Living Under a Rock

espinoza — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:28:10 +0000

Did you know that something as simple as a large rock, rotting log, yard junk or a sheet of plywood in your yard can host a huge network of interacting wildlife? Summers in the Southern U.S. can bake the ground to a crisp. Beneath a rock or log, however, temperatures remain cool and the soil stays moist, providing a hiding place for many small creatures. Worms, slugs, snails, earwigs, termites, ants, crickets, beetles, millipedes and pill bugs all help digest organic debris or plant matter. They become prey for centipedes and spiders. The centipedes and spiders are eaten by snakes, salamanders, newts, toads, frogs and lizards. This environment can be a fascinating and interesting place—maybe living under a rock isn’t so bad, after all!

Viewer Tip: A great summer activity for kids is to make a “plywood habitat.” Simply place a large piece of plywood on the ground and cover it with leaf matter, grass clippings or pulled up weeds. Water around it twice a week and leave it out for a month or two. Then, just uncover it and lift it up, being sure to wear boots, jeans and gloves for safety. The creatures beneath will immediately scurry for protection, but can be easily identified with a trained eye. What creatures will you find?

Season: Summer

This information is provided by Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

(Source: The Field Museum, http://www.fieldmuseum.org/undergroundadventure/teachers/looking_for_life.shtml)

A Summer of Beneficial Insects

espinoza — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:15:25 +0000

Because they are cold blooded and rely on warmth to become mobile, insects thrive in the long days and soaring temperatures of summer. Summer is the best time to observe insect life in your garden or lawn. Some gardeners think of all insects as pests, but many insects are helpful and eat the insects that destroy our gardens. Lacewings, Lady Bugs, Pirate Bugs, Earwigs, and Hoverflies are some of the “good” insects. Larger insects, including Mantids, Assassin Bugs and some beetles prey upon caterpillars and other large plant-eating insects. Most plant-eating insects prefer specific types of plants as food, while good insects hunt prey on a variety of plants. A good way to identify these good insects is to notice where you see them. If they occur near many different plant species, they’re likely to be insects that eat the pests that destroy our gardens.

Viewer Tip: One of the best ways to support beneficial insects in the garden is to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. Small populations of pests are necessary to provide a constant food source for good insects. Leaving areas of the landscape unmowed will also favor the presence of good insects.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information on landscaping for wildlife, including plants that provide habitat for beneficial insects, visit www.gwf.org.

Season: Summer

(Sources: Georgia Wildlife Federation, www.gwf.org; University of Georgia, http://lpm.uga.edu/beneficials/beneficials.html)

Mosquito Madness

espinoza — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:17:35 +0000

Mosquitoes have always been a nuisance in the hot and rainy South, and some mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria and West Nile Virus. On windy days, mosquitoes—which can fly at only a sluggish 1.5 miles per hour—are rarely seen. When winds die down at dawn and dusk, however, mosquitoes take flight to feed. The South’s hot spring and summer combined with large amounts of regular rainfall and ample forest cover allow big populations of the biting insects to survive. Only female mosquitoes feed on the blood of animals and people. While it’s easy to dislike mosquitoes, they are vital to the food chain and are a major food source for fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, bats, dragonflies, predatory flies and assassin bugs.

Viewer Tip: There are many ways to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes. Emptying and removing any containers with standing water can prevent larvae from breeding; birdbath water should be changed every three to five days. Instead of using insecticidal spray to control mosquitoes, try creating a habitat garden that supports the predators of mosquitoes for natural control. Simply introducing a flowing water garden as well as a diversity of native plants goes a long way to providing habitat.

This tip is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.

Seasons: Spring, Summer

(Source: David Mizejewski & National Wildlife Federation, Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife, NJ: Creative Homeowner, 2004.)

Bee Kind to Pollinators

espinoza — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:19:40 +0000

The warmth of spring and summer allows insect pollinators and native plants to thrive in our gardens. Flowering plants have evolved unique symbiotic relationships with insects during the planet’s history. Some of the first flowering plants used beetles. Because beetles tend to be large, clumsy and strong, plants like Tulip Poplar, Sweetshrub, Flowering Dogwood and Magnolias evolved large, strong, thick flower parts that can stand great abuse. Instead of providing nectar, early plants provided pollen as food—some, like Magnolias, even grow an extra flower part just for their pollinators to eat! More recent plants, however, use nectar to entice a wide variety of animals. Various wasps, bees, flies, butterflies, moths and birds are dependent upon sources of nectar or pollen, while still others—spiders, dragonflies, assassin bugs and many other predators—prey upon the insects that visit flowers for food. Without pollinators, flowering plants would be almost completely unable to produce seeds and make offspring. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to observe or photograph pollinators and plants interacting.

Viewer Tip: Providing insects with habitat is one of the best ways to attract and observe them. A native plant garden is the perfect habitat for many pollinators. To provide food, plant native plants with different flower sizes, shapes, smells, colors and bloom times. To provide habitat, construct and install nesting boxes, create brush piles and plant native trees, shrubs and grasses. Do not use pesticides, as they can kill pollinators.

For more information and recommendations for specific plants, visit the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Online Guide to the Native Plants of Georgia for Wildlife www.gwf.org.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.

Fungi Springing Up

espinoza — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:56:42 +0000

The mild seasons of the year—spring and autumn—have perfect climates for the growth and reproduction of fungi. Warm temperatures combined with lots of rain and humidity help fungi grow. There are many different kinds of fungi in the world but the best known is the mushroom. Mushrooms are the fruiting body of a fungus and come in many colors, such as brown, yellow, red, orange, green, purple and even blue! Fungi do very important things for the environment. Most break down rotting organic matter to recycle nutrients. Harmful fungi can attack and weaken living plants and animals and usually feed on the dead, rotting host. The woodlands of eastern North America are especially rich in fungi. Underground, fungi have large networks of tiny, stringy root-like parts, which help absorb nutrients and break down organic matter

Viewer Tip: The best time to look for fungi is in the late afternoon on a day following a rainstorm. This is because the fruiting bodies swell and burst through the ground after sucking up water like a sponge. The humidity and moist ground following a rainstorm also creates the best conditions for them to reproduce.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.

Spring Can be Hazardous

espinoza — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:26:12 +0000

Spring is a hazardous season for frogs, toads, newts, snakes and turtles because they leave the warm shelter of burrows, dens or other underground homes and travel back to their breeding and hunting sites. Most of the time, these sites are wetlands, swamps, ponds or other areas with slow-moving water. Often, this journey involves crossing some of our busiest roads. Toads, preferring to walk rather than hop, can take as long as a month to reach their destination. Other slow animals, like snakes and turtles, are often highway victims because of long body shapes and a desire to bask on hot roads.

Viewer Tip: By simply increasing alertness and awareness while driving, the impact to American wildlife can be reduced. Scan roadside edges and the pavement ahead of your car for movement or recognizable shapes.

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information visit http://www.gwf.org/.

Season: Spring

(Source: Whit Gibbons and Mike Dorcas, Snakes of the Southeast, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2005.)

Cold Damage is a Natural Disturbance

espinoza — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:37:45 +0000

Our forests are finely attuned to seasonal changes in weather. Cold damage, like fire damage, is a natural disturbance that strongly affects ecosystems. Ice storms may break the branches of trees or cause them to fall completely. Winter rains soften the ground so that tree roots loosen their grip, ice weighs heavily upon their upper branches, and strong winds push them over. When this happens, more sunlight can reach the ground, causing other, smaller plants to grow. Other times, frost burn can damage the trunks of trees so badly that they die. Such disturbances not only provide dead trees for wildlife to live in, but also increase biodiversity.

Viewer Tip: Our native forests have lived with natural disturbances for many years. Instead of removing damaged or dead trees, leave them standing or laying on the forest floor where they will attract and maintain wildlife populations. Potentially hazardous weak or dead trees, however, especially those near power lines, driveways, roads, or homes, should always be removed.

Season: Winter

This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. For more information, visit www.gwf.org.