Bird hunting turned to bird watching for several young boys who watched as a family of mourning doves built their nest, sat on their eggs and hatched out three babies. The boys wanted to build the bird houses to provide shelter for the family of birds in bad weather. They didn’t understand that once the nest is built, the parents will most often stick to their original home, but other pairs of birds would be attracted. Once the boys learned this, they were really enthusiastic about building different sizes so a wide variety of birds would start nesting.

As a way to create an interest in the hobby of building bird houses, several community members offered cash prizes for the best built and decorated bird houses. The contest was on and scheduled to be judged at the county fair. The variety and size of the bird houses went from very simple designs to exquisitely creative elaborate condos for Purple Martins. Interest mounted as the judges from one of the local bird conservatories judged the houses. Finally winners were selected, given their cash prizes, and the bird houses were taken to habitat areas and erected.

Here are some of the things that these hobbyists learned along the way of building their perfect bird houses:

* Decide what type of bird you want to be landlord for. Many species are very picky about the houses they live in and raise their families in. The sizes of the house and the location of the hole they enter from is another thing that some birds are very particular about. Do your research about the type of bird you want to attract and provide them with the ideal house and they will most likely move right on in.

* Be sure that the bird house you provide you feathered occupants has entrances that meet their preferences. This is how many birds keep predators from snatching their eggs or eating their babies.

* Provide nesting materials such as fabric, straw, yarn and string for the birds to use to build a nest with. Placing this material close by where you want the birds to build their nest will encourage them to choose your site.

The communities that have started their own clubs have seen a return of some species of birds that they have not seen for many years. As natural habitats disappear, birds have become dependent on humans providing housing for them. This type of cooperation with nature can preserve fast disappearing species and allow future generations to hear the songs of the birds that we grew up with. Start your bird house hobby club in your community and help keep the birds serenading us with their sweet songs.

Craig Bennett is a freelance copywriter and former college instructor in Business Administration. He created Money Talk Daily as a resource for individuals and families in these difficult economic times.

He also enjoys writing on other topics at sites like Wild Bird Haven.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Bennett

Next to the tigers, they are the largest living cats of the feline family. The tiger is the largest. The lions are the only social cats and they live in groups called prides. A single pride is made up of up to three males, fifteen females and their young ones. Females in a group are related while males once they reach maturity move from the pride in search of other groups to dominate. Since the females’ are related, they are very close to each other and they share a very tight bond. During the day, you will find them under tree shades purring, touching and licking each other affectionately. They also help each other in taking care of the young ones.

A mature lion can weigh up to 227 kg. It can be from 5 to 8 feet in length and about 4 feet tall. It is the tallest cat at the shoulders. The male lion spots a mane which covers the neck and the upper back. Its life span is about fourteen years in the wild though it can live for more than twenty in captivity. It belongs to the kingdom animalia, phylum Chordata, class mammalia, order carnivora, family felidae, and genus Panthera and species Panthera Leo. Its binomial name is Panthera Leo.

The female lions are the ones who do most of the hunting. They do it together as a gruop and they are therefore able to catch bigger and faster animals than themselves. They mostly hunt buffaloes, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests. Once they make a kill, they invite the rest of the family to the meal. The work of the male lions is to protect the group especially from invasion by other domineering males. They are territorial and they mark off a space of about 100 square km by urine, roaring to scare off other lions and fighting off anyone who dares intrude.

Icerock, a Kenyan tour company, is managed by Joseph Muthui Gathu, a pioneer mountaineer and graduate of the American National Outdoor Leadership School. He is a former member of Kenya’s Mountain Rescue Team and spent 13 years working in the mountains before setting up Ice Rock in 1998. For more info on Icerock Tour Company, reach Joseph at http://www.icerockclimbing.com/index.html.

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Human have been a major cause for their decline in population. The war between human and Lions have lasted for many centuries. Human beings have encroached forest land forcing animals to migrate to other regions or starve to death. Lions sometimes are forced to prey on cattle as their food in the forests is not enough. This causes the human to hunt and kill them mercilessly. In the Masai culture, one is considered brave and strong if he kills a lion therefore all the young men aim at this causing more problems for the innocent creatures.

Male lions are in greater danger of dying prematurely as they are not permanently associated to any particular group. If it happens to be chased away from a pride and it does not get another one to join, it can die from starvation as it is not a great hunter like the female. Injuries sustained during the fights also have a life long toll on them reducing their life span. Most do not make it to the tenth birthday if they are in the wild.

Icerock, a Kenyan tour company, is managed by Joseph Muthui Gathu, a pioneer mountaineer and graduate of the American National Outdoor Leadership School. He is a former member of Kenya’s Mountain Rescue Team and spent 13 years working in the mountains before setting up Ice Rock in 1998. For more info on Icerock Tour Company, reach Joseph at http://www.icerockclimbing.com/index.html.

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The male Panthera Leo normally stays in a particular pride for not more than three years. During this time, other males will try and fight it and take over the pride. If it happens to lose a battle, it is chased away and it goes to look for another pride to dominate. If it does not find, it becomes a lone ranger and it can easily die from starvation. The lifespan of a wild male lion is less than ten years.

The gestation period is normally about a hundred and ten days. It then gives birth to up to four cubs at a time. If a male lions which has dominated a new group and finds small cubs, it usually kills them so as it can mate with the mother to sire its own. The cubs are also vulnerable and can be preyed by jackals, buffaloes and hyenas. They are therefore hidden for a few months after birth. At this time, the mother hunts alone and stays close to the cubs to protect them.

Icerock, a Kenyan tour company, is managed by Joseph Muthui Gathu, a pioneer mountaineer and graduate of the American National Outdoor Leadership School. He is a former member of Kenya’s Mountain Rescue Team and spent 13 years working in the mountains before setting up Ice Rock in 1998. For more info on Icerock Tour Company, reach Joseph at http://www.icerockclimbing.com/index.html

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Elsa’s life was documented in many books and films earning her world recognition and fame. When she was three years old, she brought three cubs of her own to show the Adamsons. This was an emotionally charged moment as the Adamsons hugged and embraced Elsa and her litter. They named the cubs little Elsa, Gopa and Jespah. The four later returned to the wild but they kept in touch with the Adamsons. Elsa’s life was suddenly cut short when she was only five years old when she succumbed to an attack of babesiosis, a blood disease that mostly affects the cat’s family. Her remains were buried in the Meru National Park.

Elsa’s story shows us that there is more to the wild animals than we care to know. They too have a compassionate and softer side that we can relate to if only we take time to understand them; those animals too need love, care and affection, that we humans can coexist with them and still respect each other. Let us all will to do all we can to make this a better planet for all animals.

Icerock, a Kenyan tour company, is managed by Joseph Muthui Gathu, a pioneer mountaineer and graduate of the American National Outdoor Leadership School. He is a former member of Kenya’s Mountain Rescue Team and spent 13 years working in the mountains before setting up Ice Rock in 1998. For more info on Icerock Tour Company, reach Joseph at http://www.icerockclimbing.com/index.html

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The Arctic Fox is pure white so that it is able to blend into the snowy surroundings. The coat is very thick too because of the cold temperatures. It helps to keep the fox warm and the body temperature regulated. They have fur on the bottoms of their feet too. There is thick hair on the paws that also allows them to easily walk on top of the ice without slipping.

They have pointed ears and a long, slender nose. The tip of the nose and the eyes are very dark in contrast to all the white. They are thicker than other species of fox but this is because they have layers of fat that offer them additional insulation. During the warmer times of the year the white fur can turn to a shade of brown as well.

Distribution

This species of fox is found only in the coldest regions of the Arctic. There are very few animals out there that are able to live in this type of environment.

Behavior

Due to the extreme cold, the Arctic fox does not just have a den out there. They have very complex tunneling systems underground. They use them for shelter, to hide from predators, and to care for their young.

These fox are more social than any other species. They work as a team to help care for the young. The females often stay in close proximity to their mothers even when they do establish their own territory. They even will come back when they have their own offspring to share responsibilities.

Diet and Feeding

Due to the environment where the Arctic Fox lives, most of the time it has to find prey under the snow. They have a very good sense of hearing so this is no problem for them. They are very calculated in their hunting efforts. From above the snow this fox is able to pinpoint the exact location of the prey. Then they pounce on it through the snow.

It can be hard in such an isolated region to find food, so they are not picky. They will consume small mammals and eggs. Lemmings are the most common food source for them. When available they will consume young Ringed Seals. During certain times in the year they can also get fish out of the water to eat.

Reproduction

When a pair of Arctic Fox mate, they do so for life. The mating season for the Arctic Fox is a very long one. It spans from September through May of the following year. They have very large litters compared to other types of fox. They generally have from 5 to 8 young called kites. However, some litters have as many as 25 in them! The young are born in the summer in a den that the mother has created for them.

The mortality rate for these young is very high. Only a small number of them from each litter will survive to be mature themselves. They young are raised by both of their parents which is part of why they are able to learn how to hunt for food and to gain the strength they need for survival.

Conservation

Conservation really is not a concern for the Arctic Fox. Since they live in regions where there are few people, there is really no problem with them being in jeopardy. In some areas they have been heavily hunted for their white fur coat though.

Human interaction

It is very seldom that humans come into contact with the Arctic Fox. However, there have been expeditions of people traveling to such regions for the thrill of hunting such a unique animal.

Fox Facts and Information – For further information, images and videos about Foxes and the main fox species like the Arctic Fox, the Red Fox, the Gray Fox and many others,visit us. Unusual Animal Facts

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The Red Kangaroo is the largest of all the species out there and the one that most people are familiar with. They have fur that can range from a shade of gray, to brown, to having a reddish tint. The ears are very pointing and they have a wonderful sense of hearing. They have powerful legs and very wide feet. Yet the upper limbs are short and skinny. They do have sharp claws on the limbs though. The tail is very thick and powerful too. All Kangaroos use this to help them with balance.

Adult males can range from 5 to 6 feet in height. They can also weigh close to 200 pounds. They females are shorter with a height of about 4 to 4/12 feet. They also weigh about half of what the adult males do.

Distribution

You will find the Red Kangaroo living in various areas out there around Australia. They primarily stay around the mainland areas where it is very dry. You will find them spending a great deal of their time out in the open and looking around.

Behavior

Due to the heat where the Red Kangaroos live, they tend to not be very active during the day. Instead they will remain in shaded areas and rest until they sun goes down. They are very active at night and in the early morning. The move around with their group which is called a mob.

For the most part the members of the mob do get along very well. However, there is often conflicts with the males because they want to take over as the leader. That way they will be able to mate with the females. The males usually take part in what looks like boxing. They do this in order to show their dominance and to try to take cover control of the mob.

Diet and Feeding

They are herbivores and their diet consists of a variety of grass and plants. While they do need some water they can go for a very long time without it. They get most of the water they do need from the vegetation that they consume. They do not chew their food but instead swallow it. Then they regurgitate it and chew it up once again before it is digested.

Reproduction

Mating can take place out there any time of the year for the Red Kangaroo. The females will conceive and then a very small joey is born about 30 days later. It makes a remarkable journey to the pouch where it will be well protected. It will stay there for about 8 months and then start to get out of the pouch on and off until it is about a year old.

The females can get pregnant again almost immediately if their basic needs are met. In fact, she may have an new joey and continue to care for the older one at the same time. The females do have the ability to delay when the embryo and the uterus meet though so they have some control over when they will give birth.

Conservation

There are quite a few efforts in place to help conserve the natural environment out there for the Red Kangaroo. Such organizations are stressing the importance of these animals having access to their natural habitat. They also want to make people aware of the fact that they are not pests like they have been labeled. Instead, they are just following their instincts for survival.

Red Kangaroo Human interaction Many people have been able to experience seeing the Red Kangaroo in its natural setting in Australia. There are some interactions but most of the time these animals will run off when humans get too close. They are sometimes hit by cars as they now have roads through their natural habitats. Some humans hunt them or poison them and such interactions continue to lower the number of them remaining in the wild.

Kangaroo Facts and Information – For further information, images and videos about Kangaroos and the main kangaroo species like the Red Kangaroo, the Gray Kangaroo and many others. Amazing Animal Facts.

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The Grizzly Bear seems to be among the most common that people recognize by its appearance. They are very large bears and they often have a coat that is chocolate brown in color. Some of them have a white tip to them though as they get older. They range in size from 5 to 8 feet tall with the males being larger than the females. They can weigh up to 800 pounds.

Distribution

Grizzly Bears are found in North America and they are often confused with Brown Bears that are also around that same area. They will be found around the rivers of Alaska when it is time for the salmon to run upstream for spawning during the summer months. They have a grand area that they move around in looking for food, with the radius of the male being much lager than for the females. You will also find them in areas of Canada.

These bears can cover many miles every single day. They can also run about 30 miles per hour should they need to. With that type of speed and power is it is very rare that their prey is able to get away from them.

Behavior

With the exception of caring for their young, Grizzly Bears are very solitary animals. They are excellent caregivers and they can become very aggressive when humans are around at the same time they have cubs. Females will also battle with male Grizzly Bears in order to protect their young.

Diet and Feeding

They are the top of the food chain when it comes to this area. They do not have to worry very much about becoming food for anything else. They also can take their pick when it comes to foods available. Some of their favorites include nuts, berries, leaves, and roots. They will also feed on a variety of different types of animals. Some of them are very small such a rodents. However, other times they will feed on a moose.

Grizzly Bears consume a high number of fish including salmon. They are very skilled hunters and it is exciting to watch them. They will observe the waters and quickly swipe with their claws when fish come by. Most of the time they will capture their prey, consume it, and continue hunting for more following this same method.

Reproduction

Grizzly Bears will mate from May until mid July. During this period of time the males will be calling out to the females. The females will leave a stronger scent for them to follow. Courting involves eating together and rubbing up on the sides of each other.

They will part soon after mating and the female will give birth to one or two cubs at a time. The gestation period ranges from 180 days to 265 days. The cubs are about one pound at birth and very vulnerable. The mothers are excellent at caring for them though. When they are two or three years of age they will venture out on their own.

Conservation

There are less than 1,000 Grizzly Bears remaining in the wild today. The illegal hunting of them and the destruction of their habitat continues to be a threat. Even with strong conservation efforts in place it is very hard to get their numbers to increase. The fact that so few remain has encouraged zoos to take them in and to help them reproduce in a safe setting. Plans for some of those young to be returned to the wild are in place.

Human interaction

Even though the Grizzly Bear is protected in the continental USA, many people still can kill them in Canada and Alaska. They are considered to be huge trophy hunts and with a limited number of them remaining, many want to get one before it is too late. The fact that Grizzly Bears unduly have a reputation of being man eaters means many people do not care of they are hunted or not.

Facts about Bears – For more Facts and Information about Bears and species like the Grizzly Bear, the Kodiak Bear the Black Bear and others. Biomes of the World.

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The problem was real and did warrant concern. Let me tell you more.

One issue was the new genetically engineered plants produced less pollen than a “natural” or non genetically engineered plant. This meant that the honeybees who are critical to pollination of our existing botanical systems worldwide, were having to travel farther distances, use more energy just to get enough pollen to sustain the bee hives. The worker bees were being extended in the distance traveled, as well as the nutritional supply needed, to do more work in the same time.

This change was due to the genetic engineering of the better plants for human consumption but it started to offset the honeybee population which was vital to our existence. Over time the problem was recognized and some changes have been implemented such as planting heavily pollen laden natural plants with the genetic engineered plants. What happens is the honeybees still go to the tomato plants, yet directly beneath the plant is a companion plant that has the pollen the honeybee needs for it’s hive. The workload is now the same, the abundance of pollen can be increased for the honeybee population and by improving one plant we saw the improvement was at the expense of other plants simply due to the fact pollination was not occurring because of the extra work load placed upon the bee population.

Not being knowledgeable on plant genetics let’s now hope it’s also easier to genetically alter some plants to produce more pollen and with genetic engineering the plight of the honeybee can be improved.

Of course now I’m not quite as naive as I was for it’s simple to see everything has balance and to take from one generally means to give to another.

On balance though are we better off or worse? That is an issue by issue decision.

Enjoy this video by Larry Green at HerbFest 2008 showing how he cares for his bee hives:

http://www.herbfest.net/herb-tips/47-other-uses/63-lawrence-green-shows-how-bees-make-honey-in-this-herbfest-video

HerbFest is the largest fund raiser for the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment, GJCAE:

Video – http://www.gjcae.org/component/content/article/1-who-we-are-/50-the-gjcae-video-on-what-is-going-on-and-the-goals-of-the-graham-johnson-cultural-arts-endowment

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The kudu is the world’s second largest antelope species (behind the eland), reaching up to 1,2 m at shoulder height and weighing as much as 270 kg. It is by far one of the antelopes I admire the most, and always a delight to watch in the wild!

These rather shy browsers are found in well-bushed regions and hills, and can remain motionless for long periods of time when feeling threatened. Kudu bulls have highly recognizable long, spiral horns (above). As with most antelope species, females are hornless and relatively smaller in size.

There are two types of kudus: Greater kudus and Lesser ones. The greater kudu is most common, while the lesser kudu is confined to East Africa. One way to differentiate the two (other than by looking at size), is to observe the number of white stripes on the side of the animal’s body. The lesser kudu can have up to 14 stripes, while the greater kudu barely has 6 or 7.

Have you ever checked the animal’s ears? They are unmistakably large; very funny to watch when they hear intriguing sounds!:)

Sable

Also one of the largest antelope species found in Africa. Both sexes have imposing razor-sharp horns and magnificent black and white markings on the head. Males however are usually darker, whereas females and youngsters have a paler chestnut colour.

Love the animals, yet they are seldom seen. Encountered them a couple of times only, in places like Ruaha National Park (Tanzania) and Kafue in Zambia!

Were you aware that sable horns could measure up to 154 cm in length?! Impressive, huh?!;)

Nyala

Yet another handsome, striking antelope which inhabits dense bush and riverine areas covered in vegetation. The nyala is relatively similar to the kudu, and females are often confused with the bushbuck. Males are conspicuously different from females both in terms of coat (dark and shaggy) and horns (females don’t have any).

Roan

The fourth-largest antelope species of the continent. Not to be confused with the sable; it is lighter in colour, has shorter horns with long tasseled ears and a clown mask! Absolutely stunning creature!

Impala

The most common African antelope species out of them all. Known as the “McDonald’s” of the bush for their black and white “M-shaped” markings on the bum, it is the one animal that you just can’t miss while on a safari!

Impalas have acute hearing and are known for their loud uttered snorts capable of frightening elephants. They are extremely agile fellows and excellent jumpers. The antelope is preyed upon by most of the big predators: the lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, etc. In my opinion it is the most gracile animal of the African savanna!

Gemsbok

When one first thinks of the gemsbok (also known as the oryx), it is immediately associated with sand dunes and desert regions. As some people put it, it is “the spirit of the desert embodied in an antelope”. Although arid habitat is typically where the animal is found, it can also occasionally be encountered in savanna and mopane woodland. If you’re a fan of these breathtaking antelopes be sure to visit Tsavo National Park in Kenya, or the well-known Etosha Pans of Namibia.

Waterbuck

A robust, somewhat “overweight” animal found in small herds and dominated by a bull. As its name implies, waterbucks love water though they will often venture some distance away from it to feed. Two subspecies co-exist: the Common Waterbuck with a distinctive white ring on its rear (see below), and the Defassa Waterbuck that has a white rump patch.

Did you know?

Just for the fun of it: do you know why common waterbucks have an elliptical ring around the rump? No? Read on…

When Noah built his Ark, the vessel’s toilet seats were painted in white. Unfortunately for the waterbuck, it had drank too much water (as always…), and couldn’t resist the loo even though the toilet seats weren’t dry yet…very funny I know!:);)

Springbok

“Springs” into the air with a pronking action! The springbok is the only gazelle found beneath the Zambezi river. It has very good eyesight and is highly gregarious. It is the symbol of South Africa’s rugby team: the “bokke”! Springbok Pronking Video!

Gerenuk

A slender mix between an impala and a giraffe, which, just like the latter, also happens to eat acacia leaves! The gerenuk is considered as a browser and inhabits areas of dry bush and scrub.

Bushbuck

Attractive medium-sized antelope found mostly around rivers, forests and dense bush areas. The bushbuck is mainly nocturnal but may sometimes be observed on early mornings/late afternoon game drives (when undisturbed). Interestingly enough, the bushbuck varies from light to dark brown in colour according to the region in which it lives.

Name: Michael

Surname: Theys

Website Address: http://www.africafreak.com

Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Looking for a Safari destination but don’t know where to start or how to get there? Then think no further:I’m here to help you plan everything!

Africafreak is “The Ultimate African Experience”! Not only does it provide valuable info on safaris, it also looks at African wildlife and explores its hidden treasures! Enjoy the ride;)

For more information simply visit my website at http://www.africafreak.com See you there!!!

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