A recent study has shown that these Islands in the Everglades were actually a result of the accumulated trash of our ancestors and were used by many of the local residents then and now, human and animal alike.
We, the Human Race, are arrogant in thinking that
because we do not understand the language of animals,
that what they are saying is not of consequence.
Indeed, the animals are speaking to us and
for their sake and ours, we must start listening.
Keep Florida Wildlife Wild and Alive~
Walking with the Alligators
A Florida Alligator
March 30, 2011
March 27, 2011
When is a Scrub Jay like a Termite?
This unlikely comment came from Councilman Bill Deile in Cape Coral Florida, while discussing the costs that might be involved in their town's dealings with the very endangered Florida Scrub Jay.
The wide range of nonsensical, bordering on callous remarks, made about the Scrub Jay, who by the way, is our only Native Florida Bird, by those who run this town, are an affirmation that Wild Things or Endangered Birds are not terribly high on their agenda.
Another example: Thinking that a wild bird who prefers quiet, isolated scrub lands would be happy to relocate to a noisy, busy city park?
Would any of these Council Members be willing to put their bedrooms outside in this same park?
They could still carry out their mating/courting rituals there, right?
It all seems fair to me.
March 24, 2011
Do You Know What's in your Can of Tuna?
If you eat Tuna as much as I do, please read the following.
Do you know how the Tuna you eat is caught?
Do you know about Sustainable Catching?
Did you know that overfishing is eliminating many necessary large fish?
Are you wondering why on Earth this subject would be addressed on a Blog about Endangered Wildlife?
Read on, you will learn....
There are different ways to catch tuna and if it's done wrong, innocent sea creatures may die needlessly, including: Sea Turtles, Dolphins and Sharks.
AHA!
What happens in the World's Oceans affects all of us, whether we eat tuna
or not.
or not.
March 21, 2011
Is the Endangered Species Program Endangered?
With a new leader at the top, this last line of defense
for the defenseless, may itself become endangered.
Is the man at the center of all the controversy, Paul Souza,
merely a mouthpiece for the White House or a man on a mission?
His past decisions say that perhaps both may be true.
March 18, 2011
It's a big "no thank you" to Golf Courses in Panther Habitat
A bill only just introduced last week to allow 5 new golf courses be built
in State Parks and Panther Habitat are all done, almost before they began.
The Bill introduced by Florida Republicans Rooney and Thrasher would have put these golf courses in Panther Habitat and nearly certainly have finished off the already beleaguered Panther.
The idea for the new courses according to Nicklaus, who would have designed and built them, was endorsed by Governor Scott when the two met to discuss ways to increase tourism.
We only have 1,000 plus Golf Courses in Florida right now, making us number one in the country.
If only our Panther numbers were that high!
We only have 1,000 plus Golf Courses in Florida right now, making us number one in the country.
If only our Panther numbers were that high!
Can you hear the sighs of relief from the Panthers and Wildlife Officials?
March 15, 2011
Who will Stop the "Eco-Train Wreck" in Florida
As hoped for, a lawsuit has been initiated by multiple Environmental groups against the NPS, the DOI and the USFWS to stop the attack on the pristine Ecosystem known as the Big Cypress Preserve in Florida.
And the fox most responsible for not protecting his flock, has just been put in charge of the hen house: Florida's "Eco-Train Wreck"
This last bastion of hope for the critically Endangered Florida Panther and other species cannot be sacrificed for the selfish weekend pleasure of recreational vehicle users.
March 12, 2011
Panther Tracks Found
A sign of hope for the beleaguered Florida Panther, could it be?
In an area where it historically most probably once roamed freely,
before Humans took away it Habitats, Panther Tracks have been found.
The sighting along the St. John's River is fairly near us and as one can only imagine, the hope for more is unspoken for those who love the Panther.
March 9, 2011
What was in that Glass of Water you just drank?
If you live in rural Florida as we do, you have reason to be concerned.
In our part of Florida, there are field after field of cows and mountains of their waste.
Florida is basically a huge aquifer and our drinking water lies just below the surface, so everything on the ground eventually ends up in our water.
It rains constantly here and guess what happens to all of that cow waste when it does?
It is filtered down right through the sand and into our water tables.
It rains constantly here and guess what happens to all of that cow waste when it does?
It is filtered down right through the sand and into our water tables.
We are reminded quite frequently on local news to be vigilant in our use of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals on our lawns because it can contaminate our water.
But I have yet to hear a single story on the news here about all of the cows and the mountains of their waste that must surely be polluting our drinking water.
Every living thing in Florida depends on fresh, pure water for life,
human and wild, we all need water!
It would seem that California is already very aware of this fact and hopefully they will force this issue to front page news.
Yes, we do "Got Milk" , but what we need is clean drinking water!
March 6, 2011
This is the way it should be~
In the world of Endangered Species, the Whooping Crane is at the top of the list.
The future of this and so many Endangered Animals depends on whether or not we get it right and how soon!
So, when two countries like America and Canada come together for the benefit of a rare and beautiful creature, the result can be extraordinary.
The heroic efforts of many people from our countries just may hold the greatest hope yet for the Whooping Cranes and it would seem that this time, we may have gotten it right and it just might work.
March 3, 2011
It's Turtle Time In Central Florida
After spending the last 3 days at Flagler Beach looking in vain for Right Whales, came home to find out that the Nesting Season for our East Coast Turtles has begun.
Volusia and Brevard Counties are revving up for what could be a great season and the Lights Out Campaign is now underway:
February 26, 2011
Genetically Engineered Food, Monsanto Strikes Again!
It would appear that Monsanto doesn't want too much, just to take over how and what the World eats!
Right now, they are claiming that GE Food is the answer to all of the Worlds Food Problems.
Should we continue our dependency on their vast array of Chemicals and Pesticides and allow them to flood the World Food Market with GE Food?
The Chemical and Pesticide overuse/abuse for the past 50 years is altering Human and Animal DNA and putting even more of them and us in danger of becoming extinct.
We need fewer Chemicals and Pesticides on this Planet, not more!
Read this story and make your own decision:
Monsanto Wants to Sell You a Better Way to Eat
Right now, they are claiming that GE Food is the answer to all of the Worlds Food Problems.
Should we continue our dependency on their vast array of Chemicals and Pesticides and allow them to flood the World Food Market with GE Food?
The Chemical and Pesticide overuse/abuse for the past 50 years is altering Human and Animal DNA and putting even more of them and us in danger of becoming extinct.
We need fewer Chemicals and Pesticides on this Planet, not more!
Read this story and make your own decision:
Monsanto Wants to Sell You a Better Way to Eat
February 24, 2011
Who Will Inherit the New Wildlife Refuge Lands?
The headwaters of the Florida Everglades are critical on so many levels, as it feeds one of the most important Wildlife Habitats in the Country.
The area is home to the Endangered Panther, Snail Kite and so many others whose future may depend on what happens next.
In the meantime, as ranchers, sportsmen and others fight over who will get what, the Animals who have no voice in this at all, wait to see which end of the stick they will draw!
Read the story here: New Wildlife Refuge
The area is home to the Endangered Panther, Snail Kite and so many others whose future may depend on what happens next.
In the meantime, as ranchers, sportsmen and others fight over who will get what, the Animals who have no voice in this at all, wait to see which end of the stick they will draw!
Read the story here: New Wildlife Refuge
February 22, 2011
Swimming with the Sweetest Mammal in Florida
If you have never seen the Florida West Indian Manatee at Blue Springs Park in Orange City, maybe you could travel to the Other Florida Coast and watch them at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge.
Many years ago when my children were quite young, we were so very fortunate to have had the unforgettable pleasure of swimming with Manatees.
The encounter left us breathless.
They love human touch it would seem, coming close, nudging us, exploring us, no fear.
This is remarkable, considering that Humans contribute to their deaths so frequently, boats strikes and fishing line entanglements being the primary culprits.
But, the biggest contributor to their demise this year, was the extreme cold weather during December and January that killed hundreds.
Thankfully, the weather is warming, Spring is coming and Manatees are once again gathering at their favorite places to enjoy it all.
Now is the perfect time to take a trip to one of these spots and share the world of the Florida Manatee.
Come make memories with your children!
Many years ago when my children were quite young, we were so very fortunate to have had the unforgettable pleasure of swimming with Manatees.
The encounter left us breathless.
They love human touch it would seem, coming close, nudging us, exploring us, no fear.
This is remarkable, considering that Humans contribute to their deaths so frequently, boats strikes and fishing line entanglements being the primary culprits.
But, the biggest contributor to their demise this year, was the extreme cold weather during December and January that killed hundreds.
Thankfully, the weather is warming, Spring is coming and Manatees are once again gathering at their favorite places to enjoy it all.
Now is the perfect time to take a trip to one of these spots and share the world of the Florida Manatee.
Come make memories with your children!
February 20, 2011
The Mother Lode of Pesticide Information
This new, to me, Blog, was just found today.
It supports and defines so many of the issues that have been addressed in the past and maybe in the future on this Blog.
If you have no idea what Pesticides can do to every living thing on this Planet, please read some of the Postings on this web site.
It will open your eyes and perhaps terrify you.
At the very least, you will learn why you should be very aware of them.
Beyond Pesticides: Category Chemicals
It supports and defines so many of the issues that have been addressed in the past and maybe in the future on this Blog.
If you have no idea what Pesticides can do to every living thing on this Planet, please read some of the Postings on this web site.
It will open your eyes and perhaps terrify you.
At the very least, you will learn why you should be very aware of them.
Beyond Pesticides: Category Chemicals
February 19, 2011
Millions Will Stay in Budget for Everglades Project
President Obama has promised money from his budget for Florida 's Endangered Wildlife and the Habitat that they and so many other Endangered Animals call home, the Big Cypress Preserve and the Everglades:
Everglades Restoration Project
But all this good news is tempered by the opposition to saving land for wildlife by local hunters, fishermen and air boat tour owners:
Everglades Plan Draws Fierce Opposition
In the end who will win this battle?
Probably those with opposable thumbs who can VOTE!
Everglades Restoration Project
But all this good news is tempered by the opposition to saving land for wildlife by local hunters, fishermen and air boat tour owners:
Everglades Plan Draws Fierce Opposition
In the end who will win this battle?
Probably those with opposable thumbs who can VOTE!
February 17, 2011
The Whooping Crane's Struggle to Survive
It has been through so much for so long and right now,
it is only trying to stay alive.
But ignorance and stupidity follow it everywhere it goes!
February 15, 2011
The National Park Service Blows it
The Florida Panther is running out of room and one of its last best hopes in the Big Cypress Preserve, was just squashed by the NPS:
NPS Director Jarvis has taken a stand against the Panther and we need to make it clear to him that the Florida Panther cannot and will not, go the way of the DO-DO Bird.
Please read this great letter from Florida Congressman Alcee Hastings to NPS Director Jarvis: Letter to NPS Director Jarvis
If you agree with the letter, please call Rep. Hastings contact person:
Laure Fabrega at 202 225-0923.
Also, please call NPS Director Jarvis' contact person:
Maria Forte at 202 208-4621.
Maria Forte at 202 208-4621.
They both need to understand that Floridians think that the lives of our Endangered Panthers are more important than allowing Off Road Vehicles (ORV) to take away their last tiny space of open land.
February 9, 2011
The Right Whale in the Wrong Place
One of the rarest mammals in the world, the North Atlantic Right Whale is a cherished resident of our Florida Coastline.
Recently one was found dead off of St. Augustine and the cause was determined to be entanglement. This is one of the two usual causes of death for them, the other being boat strikes. As with Manatees, this large mammal is commonly a victim of man's refusal to accept the fact that they were here for millions of years before we came and that we must give them their space to live in.
Without respect and protection, the Right Whale, whose numbers are between 300-400 worldwide, will soon disappear.
NOAA tells their story here:
Death of a Young Right Whale
Recently one was found dead off of St. Augustine and the cause was determined to be entanglement. This is one of the two usual causes of death for them, the other being boat strikes. As with Manatees, this large mammal is commonly a victim of man's refusal to accept the fact that they were here for millions of years before we came and that we must give them their space to live in.
Without respect and protection, the Right Whale, whose numbers are between 300-400 worldwide, will soon disappear.
NOAA tells their story here:
Death of a Young Right Whale
February 6, 2011
The Cranes
Good Morning World:
It is 61 degrees and misting/drizzling a light rain this morning in the Ocala Forest and the resident birds are all sleeping in.
Except, that is, for the Cranes who have just flown over the house, landing in the open field across the street loudly announcing their presence.
If you have not experienced their calls, think more Jurassic Park than Canaries!
Until moving here in 2004, I had never heard such a sound and can honestly say that they were the primary reason for choosing this particular house.
Want to hear them up close and personal?
Please go here: Sandhill Cranes
It is 61 degrees and misting/drizzling a light rain this morning in the Ocala Forest and the resident birds are all sleeping in.
Except, that is, for the Cranes who have just flown over the house, landing in the open field across the street loudly announcing their presence.
If you have not experienced their calls, think more Jurassic Park than Canaries!
Until moving here in 2004, I had never heard such a sound and can honestly say that they were the primary reason for choosing this particular house.
Want to hear them up close and personal?
Please go here: Sandhill Cranes
February 4, 2011
Have you hugged your Honey Bee today?
Good Morning World:
This information was just sent to me this morning and although Honey Bees are not a Florida Endangered Species, their numbers have dropped dramatically all over the country at an alarming rate.
The cause of this, some are claiming is what else, Pesticides!
In case you are not aware, without these little guys, all flowering plant life on the Earth would cease to reproduce.
Bees make it all happen.
Here in Central Florida, there have been continuous reports of a rapid decrease of Honey Bees and for a state whose number two source of income is agriculture, this could be disastrous.
The number one money maker for Florida is, of course, tourism!
So please do peruse the links below for the whole story on the disappearing Honey Bee in America.
The EPA and Pesticides
This information was just sent to me this morning and although Honey Bees are not a Florida Endangered Species, their numbers have dropped dramatically all over the country at an alarming rate.
The cause of this, some are claiming is what else, Pesticides!
In case you are not aware, without these little guys, all flowering plant life on the Earth would cease to reproduce.
Bees make it all happen.
Here in Central Florida, there have been continuous reports of a rapid decrease of Honey Bees and for a state whose number two source of income is agriculture, this could be disastrous.
The number one money maker for Florida is, of course, tourism!
So please do peruse the links below for the whole story on the disappearing Honey Bee in America.
The EPA and Pesticides
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