Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Updates for Sheila's Swans
Thanks to our friend, Choo,
for alerting us that the earlier link did not direct readers to the
Lawrence Family Waterfowl Feeding project. Please
follow the link below if you can help Jim and defray costs toward this mammoth
effort that benefits thousands of waterfowl.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Monticello Winter Swan Update
A
cold winter in Minnesota means the Mississippi River in Monticello is brimming
with waterfowl. Thanks to Xcel Energy’s nearby
nuclear generating power
plant, that section of the river doesn’t freeze, thus creating a haven for migrating
birds.
Regular
readers of this site know the incredible story of the late Sheila Lawrence, the
“Swan Lady of Monticello,” who dedicated her life to the preservation and care
of these magnificent animals. Today, her
husband Jim continues his wife’s legacy, winter feeding not only thousands of
Trumpeters but also large flocks of Canada Geese and ducks.
Jim
checked in this week and provided us with a waterfowl update. “2000 plus swans
and a bunch of Canadians and mallards. Sheila often said that their
sounds were music to her ears. Well, plenty of music here.”
The city of Monticello provides a live “swan cam” so viewers all
over the world can enjoy the site of so many birds and watch Jim with his 10:30
a.m. feeding. Follow the link below to
access the webcam and also support the Lawrence family’s feeding efforts.
Please click on the label “Sheila’s Swans" at the bottom of this
post to read more about Sheila Lawrence.
 |
| (photo appears courtesy of Chris Lommel Photography) |
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Remember the Wildlife in Cold Weather
(please click on image to embiggen)
Baby, it’s cold outside! The Midwest has been in a deep freeze for
much of December and the new year is continuing the trend. Unfortunately, we can’t bring the wildlife
indoors during frigid snaps but we can still help out our furry and feathered
friends. 
For birds, if you can put out
seed or corn that’s great but fresh water is even more beneficial as avians expend
a great deal of energy converting snow into hydration.
Many smaller mammals, like
P.J. the Virginia Opossum and raccoons, love cat food. The grocery store brands provide economical
yet much-needed nourishment.
For a variety of reasons,
many non-native animals end up in environments for which they are not suited. The Ring-necked Pheasant is one example. A native of China, this beautiful bird was
introduced into the Midwest for gaming purposes but the species is not designed for cold and deep snow and thus
has a difficult time surviving Arctic-type weather.
If you live where the temps are low, look our for God's creatures. In the case of opossums, something as simple
as providing an old garbage can for shelter can get them thru a rough
winter. When in doubt about how to help a certain critter,
just ask Google!
(please click on image to embiggen)
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)