I would just like to ad to Meredith's so true points below on development...

"The development we're all seeing in our own towns and cities
emphasizes 2 underlying points:  greed, and the disconnect between
people and the natural world."

Meredith Sampson
Old Greenwich

I would like to ad to the above, that the primary cause of all
the development we are seeing here, as well as over most of
the world, is caused by - human overpopulation of the planet.
Until we address this, our biggest worldly problem will still
be - Continual human population growth, at the expense of -
wildlife, plants, environment and ultimately, our own species.

Paul Carrier

Well, Paul nailed my exact thoughts but sometimes I don't know if it's right
to say some things with my pursuits towards teaching.

Meredith also cites the issues the school curriculums face.  I visited one
high school and was rather uptight to see how much emphasis is on cell
biology, DNA and forensics.  My thoughts drew concern from the number of
people that would be funneled into one aspect of science instead of the
broader offerings including nature education and what not.  None of this
seems important enough to include.  Even the school I interned with will not
be doing Nature's Classroom this year.  It's sad seeing so much of this kind
of science being put aside.

And why the heck are we as a society cloning cattle???

Donna

Hi Everyone,

I am in the midst of getting an office,  and so have limited access to the p.c right now.But did want to update on the bird population around me. Nothing to exciting to report due to (I think) the latest warm spell.

I did have to stop for a common raven up from my driveway a week or so ago eating a  bunny who was killed by a car. And just a few days ago I left at 8:30 am and arrived back home to find a gray phase screech owl who apparently was also hit and killed by a car right in front of my driveway, between then and 10 am. Across from our driveway is a stand of hemlock and pines that I regularly hear them calling from.

I have picked up so many car strikes killed on my own street through the years, from common nighthawks,  american woodcock, ruffed grouse, scarlet tangers, b. orioles and more, to name some of the more upsetting ones, so sad!

I really meant to share what the cold weather brought today, not bird kills!
At 7am I was out in the clinic caring to the current residents. One of which is an adorable litlle black throated green warbler who had been caught by a cat and had a fractured radius/ulna which healed but the bird missed migration.  This bird settled in nicely  and each morning is let loose along with the rest of the overwinters to free fly in the clinic all day.Each day I throw the treat food that no bird it seems can resist (waxworms) and this little one either catches them in mid air or goes chasing after them. We have not become friends but  we do seem to have reached an understanding!

As I finshed up I heard the call of our infamous pileated. I have not seen him for weeks. I walked over to the tree he was eating suet at and offered him up some waxworms. He casually ate them from my fingers as I took a good look at him. Have I mentioned how gorgeous he is lately!!!!  Each time I see him I am smitten all over again by his beauty and because we had spent so much time together a year ago, his personality that  I grew to love.

As I ventured back towards the house I was greeted by the little black capped chickadee who was criscrossing in front of me like a hungry cat. I doled out some waxworms into the palm of my hand and he promptly landed and ate them. Ya know, no matter how many birds I have cared for and handled over the years, I am still thrilled by the simple pleasure of having a black capped chickadee eat of my hand. Puts a big smile on my face every time.

Standing by my back door with a jar of waxworms had attracted the bluebirds in and now as I dumped a good 50 or so at my feet I was surrounded by the sweet voacalizations of about 10 as they dined all around me. The males are looking stunning against the snow and it appeared there were even numbers of males and females. During the last warm up, their hormones got fired up. They were all over the boxes and the male was vocalizing, and when landing near the female was spreading his wings in greeting. I told them to cool their jets.:)))))

The bluebird feeder is busy with chickadees, titmice, wb nuthatches and downys in addition to the bluebirds. And whenever I do throw live insects on the ground the junco's and white throats jump right in to get theirs.

Its nice to have them coming in for handouts, too much warm weather and they aren't at all interested in my handouts!

Jayne Amico/Southington