Petition to Protect Ohio Migration Habitat

At first glance, wind turbines seem to be ideal environmentally conscious energy sources. Second glance, however, may reveal hundreds of dead and injured birds at the base of irresponsibly placed turbines, particularly near critical migratory stopover habitats such as the marshes of northwestern Ohio. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ohio Ornithological Society and Greater Mohican Audubon Society have begun a petition to protect that vital habitat, urging greater research of the effects of noncommercial wind turbines - those for schools, businesses and private residences - which are currently unregulated for positioning.

Birds using stopover sites have different flight patterns than birds in active migration, and those flight patterns are not yet being considered when choosing wind turbine placement. By raising awareness of this critical distinction among public officials, it is hoped that renewable energy sources can be used in environmentally responsible ways.

Source : birding.about.com

Mailbag Monday – Disappearing Goldfinches

Today is Mailbag Monday, when readers' birding questions take the spotlight. This week, Beth from New Jersey asks...

"My goldfinches have been missing from my feeder for about a week now. Could they have moved on to find a more comfortable place to roost through the cold months? Will they come back?"

American goldfinches are notoriously disloyal and even though you may have clean bird feeders filled with Nyjer, they won't always stay in the same area. In New Jersey - and most of the continental United States - they are year-round residents, however, and if your feeders are suitable and filled, they will return.

Many birders also believe their American goldfinches have left when in fact, the birds are there all along - but their non-breeding plumage can be harder to recognize. Winter American goldfinches don't have the bright yellow coloration or black cap, and instead have an overall olive-yellow color with black and white wings. Before concluding that your finches have abandoned your feeders, look for them in this winter disguise!

Source : birding.about.com

How to change your pet's diet

If you have decided to change your pet's diet, feed your pet a combination of the new and old food over a 10-day period to get them used to the new texture and smell. Abrupt changes to a pet's diet can trigger diarrhea and other intestinal upsets, especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach, so be deliberate and consistent in how you do it.

On the first day, feed your pet 90 percent old food, 10 percent new food; continue on the second day with 80 percent old food, 20 percent new food and so on. At the end of the 10-day period, your pet should be fully transitioned to the new food.

As always, consult your veterinarian on the nutritional needs of your pet.

The information used in this report is approved by PetSmart nutritionists and vet experts.

Information from "Small Animal Clinical Nutrition," 4th Edition, Hand, Thatcher, Remillard, Roudebush, Copyright 2000 by Mark Morris Institute was used in this report.

Tips to overcome delinquency cat

Cats always leave scratches to mark territory, sharpen their nails and mergangkan muscle. But what would happen if your pet cats destroying furniture? All you need to do is to distract them and do not neglect to feed also toys to give it a little busy. Here are tips to overcome them

The Top Three Most Popular Reptile Pets

Reptiles are now more popular than dogs as pets, a fact that appeared as a result of a survey carried out in early 2008. guess the most popular reptiles reptile pets. Like many things pet related, you need to make the right choice, and just as choosing a badly suited breed of dog can cause problems, the same is true of reptiles.

The easiest to care for tend to be the most popular also, and as such are great first reptiles, so here they are:-