Activity for Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Question	—	When and why were House Sparrows originally brought to the United States? The common House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, is one of the few birds not protected under federal law in North America, because it's considered a non-native species. However, it currently lives in virtually every state, many of them year round. What's the history of the introduction of this bird to ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I rescue a baby bird, including when it's wet? This answer will focus on the generalities of common American backyard songbirds, because I haven't had experience with any other type of bird. Rescuing a baby bird is a great thing! There are plenty of songbirds whose parents are fine if you touch their babies, which is good to know when rescuing. ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	What are the benefits of saving bats? I'm fascinated by bats. I love to watch them fly around, although I've never seen more than a few at a time where I live in a suburban area in Massachusetts, Northeastern Unites States. I'd love to see them in large numbers in their natural habitat, and it seems that Texas is a good choice for that... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Sparrows eating grains strewn on floor but not the grains in a nice bowl There are a number of different birds in the sparrow family. In Massachusetts, USA, I think what we technically have most of is the House Sparrow. This page has a whole sparrow list with their sounds. Your profile indicates that you live in California. There are lists here and here of the most common... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the risk of getting lost while canoeing in a cypress swamp? You have a leg up as far as canoeing experience is concerned, but there's a definite risk of getting lost, especially the first time you're doing swamp canoeing. The terrain is different from other types of waters you've traveled, but according to my friends who have done swamp canoeing, there are th... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	Is there a benefit for animals who return to the area of a deadly forest fire after the fire is out? In September of 2017, for nearly two weeks, the Kenow Wildfire raged through a swath of Canada. Its largest impact was on the Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. More than 38,000 hectares, (94,000 acres), of land, including 70% of the forested area in the Park, were completely destroyed by what ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Possible resources to identify birds while outdoors (preferably in the Indian subcontinent)? I highly recommend the Pocket Naturalist Guides from Waterford Press. I have no affiliation with the company, and I don't purchase directly from their website. I'm recommending them because we use them for birding and learning about nature both in the backyard, and in our travels. I think they easi... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	What is this raised, icy-looking structure, found at the edge of a partially frozen lake? Last month, in February, my husband was walking on a trail in the woods in Massachusetts, alongside a fresh-water lake. The temperatures had been fluctuating a lot over the winter, so some areas were solid ice, others had partial ice, and others had free-flowing water, with some swirling current. The... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	What factors should be considered when helping to feed crows/ravens in the yard? We've had at least one discussion about what to feed birds in the crow and raven families in our yards. This question is about the most effective way to do so. When setting up the feeding areas of our yard, we often keep the small birds in mind. However, we've seen the small and medium sized birds ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	How do squirrels find buried nuts? Squirrels bury nuts for future consumption, sometimes many months away. I recently learned that tree squirrels, including Eastern grey squirrels, sometimes dig empty holes, pretend to drop nuts in them, then cover them back up. It's a behavior which is generally called either "tactical deception" or ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	Do Eastern grey squirrels pretend to bury nuts in the ground? I recently heard that Eastern grey squirrels sometimes dig holes, pretend to bury nuts, or other food, and then cover the empty holes. I was told that they use all the same motions and effort as they would if actually burying a nut for future consumption. Sometimes they even have a nut in their mouth... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Question	—	What types of wild foods are protected from foraging in the Swedish Lapland forests, and how is the status decided? There's a question on the site seeking information about foraging food in Sweden. One of the answers says any wild food in the forests of Swedish Lapland can be foraged and removed except "protected" food. What types of edible wild things in that region are protected? Which governing bodies or orga... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is this image of a skier skinning up a very steep slope rotated? The picture in the answer to that question you referred to here doesn't have a source listed for attribution. To me, however, it does look like the same picture as the one in the answer to the question that ShemSeger suggested as a duplicate. That answer attributes the picture to a site called Stra... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: What kind salamander is this black and grey one I found at around 11,000 feet near Mt Ritter in the Sierras? I think this is most likely a Mt. Lyell Salamander. Hydromantes platycephalus. That page has excellent pictures of both the salamanders and the mountains on which you'll find them. The basic descriptions I've found from a number of sources match yours in terms of coloration, although at certain lif... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best bait to catch sargo fish? Sargo are bottom feeders, and prefer crustaceans as their staple diet. The most reliable choices for bait include shrimp/prawns, mussels, squid, clams, and sea snails. People also catch them with worms, and small pieces of fish. Where they're plentiful, they'll eat other bait that people have on han... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	Is a sentinel (guard) Canada Goose always a male, or a female, or does it vary? While there are a number of recognized sub-species of Canada geese, this question pertains to the main species, Branta canadensis. This answer to a question asking how many hours a day Canada Geese sleep, mentioned a sentinel goose. It seems that the function of the sentinel goose is to guard the f... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What are "minimalist shoes"? There are some questions regarding "minimalist shoes" on the site. By looking at those with the tag, it seems that the term relates to shoes that have thin soles without much spring to them, and sometimes laces. I assume that's not all there is to it. What is the definition of minimalist shoes, an... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What features should I look for in a free-standing heated birdbath for below zero temperatures? A few months ago, in November, 2017, we purchased a heated bird bath which fulfills all the criteria and more! It's a common type, and is sold by retailers world-wide. As I write this, in January, we've already had crazy weather with up to 40° degree changes in a single day, including record col... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What features should I look for in a free-standing heated birdbath for below zero temperatures? I live in Massachusetts, in the Northeast United States. Our backyard is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. We're responsible for providing shelter, places for raising young, food and water all year round. We have trees, bushes, plants, and many feeders and bird baths. We take... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to defend against swooping Torresian Crow You're correct that these Torresian Crows can, at times, exhibit aggressive behavior, and, unlike some other crows, may directly attack people. It stems from a defensive parental instinct though, and is territorial in nature. According to The Brisbane City Council's page on Swooping Animals, they, an... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What is the meaning and proper usage of the term "irruption" in bird behavior? The author of a question on this site wondered if they had possibly seen a snowy owl. A quoted source in this answer to that question used the word irruption in part of a sentence about where the owls spend the winter. Another answer to the same question also used the word irrupt. Here is the pe... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Question	—	What features should I look for in gear to support front wheels of wheelchairs for travel on snowy paths? I'm partially handicapped, and sometimes can only walk short distances without the use of a wheelchair, especially outside. I like to take walks alone in the winter (especially to see winter birds), but I don't have the strength or balance to walk alone on paths with snow; and I can't always ambula... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	Why do some birds fly in a V-formation? When birds gather into groups, they fly in a variety of different formations and patterns. Some birds fly in a formation that looks like the letter "V". Several species of geese, pelicans, and ibis are just a few of the more commonly known. This is their normal flying behavior, but can be more evid... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it legal to sail a personal-size boat in the ocean in Massachusetts during a thunderstorm? The short answer is yes, if the rules are followed, it is technically legal for personal size sailboats, 16ft (4.9m) or under, to be out in a thunderstorm in Nantucket Sound. The Sunfish, which is 13.9ft, (4.23m), falls into that category. However, it's not smart, and is highly discouraged! Classif... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is this rock I found on the Toiyabe Crest Trail an arrowhead? I don't honestly know what an arrowhead looks like, especially not well enough to make a definitive identification. However, I found two references that at least confirm a possibility that arrowheads may exist on the Toiyabe Crest Trail. Since you asked "could it be an arrowhead," I hope this might b... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why does the Iditarod sled dog race use separate routes in alternating years? The original route of the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which started in 1973, was what is now known as the Northern Route. In 1977 the Iditarod Board of Directors decided to split the route into two sections, and the Southern Route was created. They also felt that alternating routes each year would... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	What is a lava tube, as a place to see bats? Are there any in the United States? I've been looking for places to find bats in their natural habitat, rather than around the house. The author of this question saw some bats in a lava tube. I've never heard of a lava tube before, and would like to know what it means, and how it happens. I understand that lava flows from a volcano, ... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	How does a European Robin differ from an American Robin? I live in the Northeastern region of the United States, and am an avid bird-lover. I love robins for their looks, and because they're harbingers of spring in my area. I thought robins were the same here and in Europe, but was recently told there are major differences. If the information I was given i... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is ice-skating on lakes or ponds a sport in Iran (or Central Asia)? There are at least two lakes in Iran which are commonly used for ice skating during the winter. One is Lake Zarivar. From Wonderful Iranian Lakes: Located in the ancient city of Marivan in Kurdistan province near the western Zagros mountain range, Lake Zarivar, locally known as “Lost P... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	Why does the Iditarod sled dog race use separate routes in alternating years? The Iditarod sled dog race is a competition that takes place in Alaska, USA. Each team consists of a musher, who drives the sled, and 16 sled dogs. The race usually starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome. The total mileage is in the vicinity of 1000. Some people like to call it 1049 miles since Alaska... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it a pheasant? A grouse? What do I feed it? I'm a bit late, but hope I can add something to the excellent answers you've already received. I agree with the general concensus that it's probably a young grey partridge (Perdix Perdix). The adult would generally have brighter colors. I've never had one, so I can't speak from experience, but sinc... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	Where do white tigers live? We saw this magnificent white tiger in a wildlife rehabilitation center in the United States. I don't like seeing animals out of their natural habitat, but all of these animals were rescued from circuses or zoos, and are not able to be returned to the wild. Usually these places have signs by the an... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	Is it legal to sail a personal-size boat in the ocean in Massachusetts during a thunderstorm? When I was younger, during the late 1960's and 1970's, my Dad had a personal-size sailboat, called the Sunfish. He loved it because it was lightweight, easy to sail on his own, and had room to include a few young children if we wanted to go with him. It was also easy to right by himself after capsiz... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	Is it likely that decimation of its suburban forest habitat would cause a black bear to wander into a busy city if it wouldn't otherwise go there? I live in the suburban town of Holden, in Central Massachusetts. Many hundreds of acres of mature woodland areas are being torn down nearby to create new roads and housing developments, and it's getting worse. As a staunch conservationist, this concerns me. Recently a friend in a nearby city, Worces... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Question	—	What is this tree with a spiral shaped trunk in Massachusetts? On a recent hike at the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton, Massachusetts, my husband came across this tree. The trunk is twisted in a spiral/curly fashion. It was in a forest of many other trees, but this was the only one that looked like that. What is the name of the tree? Is that just the... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	What's the difference between a National Park and a National Monument in the United States? In the United States, we have areas designated as National Parks, and areas designated as National Monuments. What are the fundamental differences between the two? (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How rare is resistance to poison ivy, and does resistance increase? The poison ivy plant itself is not what makes people itch. It's an oil called urushiol, which is inside the leaves, stems and roots of the plants. That's why some of the sources I quote below use the word urushiol, as that's the technical term for what causes the reaction. Most of the research I fo... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to avoid dangerous encounters with hippopotamuses? The most common mistakes made by people in hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius, territory in Africa include: As with every other animal, the most important mistake is not taking the time to learn about their behavior and respect it Getting between parents and calves Getting between males when th... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Where should a person who can't hold a paddle sit in a tandem kayak? This question is related to this, and perhaps others on the site, although I don't think it's an exact duplicate. I have friends who would like to take a two-person kayak trip down a stream in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, USA, while on a vacation. The boat would be a rental from one ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Do birds get ticks? This has been an especially prolific year for ticks in the northeastern region of the United States. We've had so many in our yard that I've given up gardening and switched to planting in pots! We find them on ourselves frequently after filling our large number of bird feeders and bird baths. I thin... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Why should lights be turned off on beaches where turtles breed? I have a friend who lives in Orlando, Florida. She and her husband are avid sailors and travelers. They also hunt lighthouses, and have seen over 100 different ones. They're currently on a trip from Florida up the Eastern Seaboard all the way to Nova Scotia. She's been seeing signs on some beaches i... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Is this a dragonfly or a damselfly? In August of 2015, my husband and I were out for a walk at the Wachusett Reservoir, in Central Massachusetts. It was the same walk, including day and time, as in this question. We stopped at the water's edge. It's the same water I referenced in this question, although the reservoir is large, and we ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Where can we see genetically pure American Bison, including Yellowstone National Park? Most species of bison have been bred with cattle at one time or another during history. The American Bison (bison bison) is unique because it's genetically pure, having only the DNA of the bison, with no evidence of genes of cattle or any other animal. I've been told that Yellowstone National Park ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is this sand dollar with barnacles attached to it at all rare? Sand dollars with barnacles attached like that are very common in the Monterey area. In fact, beaches like Del Monte are considered excellent locations for scientists to study them. The well-respected Monterey Bay Aquarium has extensive ongoing research on both sand dollars and barnacles. Of the 900... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	What is this black and white bird with thin brown legs and a multi-colored beak, found in Massachusetts USA in January? I live in the central region of Massachusetts, United States. Last January we found this lovely bird eating suet in our suburban back yard. It's in a section of about ten feeders, mostly in the shade of a few evergreen trees. I've looked through my backyard bird guides and haven't seemed to find an... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	What most common factors cause significant fluctuations in numbers of ticks that carry Lyme Disease? Lyme disease, Lyme borreliosis, has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control as existing, or probably existing, in many of the United States. The Lyme Disease Association also reports it in over 80 countries worldwide. The disease is caused almost exclusively by a bite from a tick in the Ix... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it possible to drive through the Simpson Desert in an AWD? As @Tullochgorum said, the Simpson is a very dangerous area, but it certainly looks beautiful! It's broken down into many sections, and since I don't know your level of off-road driving, I wouldn't presume to tell you which would be best. Disclaimer: I'm not an off-road driver, and have never been ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are all Ants and Termites edible? The practice of eating insects is called entomophagy. References using that term can include many insects. I've narrowed it down to ants and termites as best as I could, although some of the general advice and information include ants, termites, and other insects. The short answer is that not all a... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Do squirrels have front and full peripheral vision? Our suburban yard in Massachusetts has a small woodsy area. We use a section for feeders for birds, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, and the occasional bear or fox. In an area of our patio, at least 20 feet from the closest feeder and that group of large trees, we put food down an... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Is there a place near Miami, Florida where I can get close to wild animals without leaving my car? My husband and I love animals. All of our vacations are planned around opportunities for viewing wildlife, birds, marine animals, farm animals, backyard animals, butterflies, insects, and just about any other form of life. I'm disabled and can't walk far, so we tailor our trips to places with handic... (more)	—	over 7 years ago

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