Comments for Nature's Corner

Comment on Habitat for Non-Humanity by Rick C

Rick C — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:20:09 +0000

I found your article very interesting. We began makeing our backyard “wildlife friendly” many years ago. We still get excited when a new bird or other creature shows up. You can see our backyard and some of the animals that reside there at http://nature-garden.yolasite.com Best Wishes, Rick

Comment on Mouse-Proof Your House by Beach Umbrella

Beach Umbrella — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:03:40 +0000

I appreciate with you that Winter is fast approaching and the time has come to mouse-proof our homes, garages and garden sheds also Seat cushions, patio umbrellas, boot liners, rags and many other items made from or covered in fabric are ideal for nesting mice……

Comment on Bird Gadget Consumerism by Beach Umbrella

Beach Umbrella — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:55:18 +0000

Thanks, for providing to our a useful information. One think is good a beautiful new fabric umbrellas with three giant holes in it and mouse droppings everywhere…!I love the birds so much…….

Comment on SOS (Save Our Squirrels) by Brent Johner

Brent Johner — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:34:48 +0000

Hi Dave.

In my experience, most people who feed Eastern Grey Squirrels are completely oblivious to the problems this can cause.

They don’t realize that feeding them will significantly increase their density and drive out other, usually native, birds and tree squirrels.

However, even after you inform them of the facts, many people choose to ignore the facts and continue feeding them.

If you are truly concerned, live catch traps can be purchased at any hardware store and baited with peanut butter on the back of the pedal.

Some people trap EGS and dump the whole trap in the rain barrel for two full minutes after they catch them. Others take them to the SPCA to have them humanely euthenized.

You are welcome to talk to your neighbour if you wish, but in my experience that is likely to be a waste of time. People with an irrational love for invasive tree squirrels are rarely swayed by factual arguments.

Comment on SOS (Save Our Squirrels) by Dave Sandy

Dave Sandy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:36:34 +0000

Brent,
We just recently started seeing a black squirrel in our yard eating nuts. To our dismay, we realized that our neighbor is leaving out peanuts for him and hence his reason for showing up. We live in Tuscany in NW Calgary and this is the first time we have seen a black squirrel. There are natural predators in our neighborhood such as coyotes and hawks that thrive in the ravine behind our house. However, I am extremely worried that our neighbor’s actions are going to lead to a serious Eastern Grey Squirrel invasion of our home and yard. Is there something that I can tell my neighbor to persuade him to stop the feeding practice?
Thanks,
Dave Sandy

Comment on Vagrant Ravens and Professional Crows by Brent Johner

Brent Johner — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:38:56 +0000

Hi Snoopy.

It sounds like the previous owners may have fed it.

As long as nothing is there to attract it, especially food, it will eventually give up and go away.

Comment on 10 Ways to Beat Salmonella by Brent Johner

Brent Johner — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:37:38 +0000

Hi Donna.

Salmonella can be lethal to all mammals.

Comment on Vagrant Ravens and Professional Crows by mr. snoopy

mr. snoopy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:55:53 +0000

I have a huge one that sits on my car outside and tries to get into a new house we just boughT. My wife is scared of it and being Chinese thinks it will bring bad luck or some type of curse. This bird isn’t scared of anything and will follow you around, try to get inside, sit on your car when you are ready to leave. I don’t like to harm animals so I’ve just sprayed it with a water hose. Now it’s not scared of the hose anymore.

What to do? It has sharp claws on it’s feet.

Comment on 10 Ways to Beat Salmonella by Donna Reiss

Donna Reiss — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:44:30 +0000

This is a great article and I’m wondering how dangerous this disease is to a cat who eats an infected bird.

Comment on Vagrant Ravens and Professional Crows by Brent Johner

Brent Johner — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:41:52 +0000

Hi Rhoda.

That’s it, exactly. You may want to call bylaw services and ask them to remind Swiss Chalet that they are required to properly secure their garbage.