Wild Animal Wednesday! Coyotes Around Town

Growing up my parents always told me that coyotes were more afraid of us than we are of them.  With the recent coyote attacks in Rye, NY it reminds me that we should all be a little more cautious.  In the month of June two toddlers on separate occasions were attacked by coyotes in Westchester, not far from their homes.  Coyotes are wild animals looking out for their own survival.  While I doubt they would approach a grown man or woman, please be mindful of your small children, and also your small pets.  Don't leave your small dogs outside unattended, and be especially carfeul of your indoor/outdoor cats.  They make easy prey for coyotes.  The safest place for your cat is inside your home.  If your cat still insits on going outside, make sure that you get him/her in the house before dark.

Wild Animal Wednesday! NWF Wildlife Photo Contest!

The National Wildlife Federation is holding their 40th annual photo competition.  Over $30,000 in prizes will be awarded.  If you love taking photographs this will be right up your alley.  There are divisions for all sorts of photographers from professional, amateur and youth.  There is a $20 entry fee, but that allows you to upload 25 photos in 7 different categories (Birds, Mammals, Other Wildlife, Landscapes/Plants, Connecting People and Nature, Backyard Habitat and Global Warming).  The last day to enter is July 6th so get shooting!  Follow this link to learn more!

Wild Animal Wednesday! Meet the Dark Eyed Junco!

The Dark Eyed Junco is a small sparrow who can be easily spotted in Connecticut during the winter months.  Nicknamed the "snowbird" these little guys love the cold weather and are just adorable.  The males typically have slate grey coloring with an all white belly.  Also part of the reason they are named the "snowbird"- "grey skies above, and snow below".  Female Junco's have a duller coloring, mostly shades of brown.

Try listening for the Dark Eyed Junco in the Winter and you will hear them singing their cheery song "tilililililili".  These litltle birds can be seen at bird feeders, but if you really want to spot one, look underneath!  They prefer to forage for food on the ground (they also like to mate on the ground, not in trees- imagine that!).  If you really want to see these birds in action at your feeder buy black oil sunflower seeds, white millet and nyer thistle.  Happy Birdwatching! 

For more information on the Dark Eyed Junco check out Connecticut Wildlife Magazine.   (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)