Site Discussions

Great article. I have possum that had to have his eye taken out as a baby because something had popped his eye out of socket. He is 1 and 1/2 yrs.old now. and I use him to educate others about the benefit of possums.  His name is One Eyed Willie.

I enjoyed reading your article about the Carolina Wren …. They are the cutest and spunkiest birds …. The first time I saw them at my backyard feeder, I wondered what they were too.  They often hopped around the bushes by my bedroom window waking me with their songs.

Someone here recommended using boiled linseed oil “only” because normal, raw linseed oil doesn’t cure. Pretty obvious they haven’t tried it. It cures fine and doesn’t get gummy at all.

Boiled linseed oil has drying agents and lead in it. You really shouldn’t put it on anything you plan on touching often, and never apply it without PPE.

When using raw linseed oil you’re talking about waiting an extra day for it to dry. To avoid exposing my family and myself to lead, I’d say it’s worth it. I really can’t afford to get any dumber. So no BLO for us.

I have to admit that it was an episode of South Park that brought me here. I’ve never heard of “water bears” or Tardigrades before but reading this article has me very intrigued.

This was a great read! I became really interested in these boletes after noticing a large group of them right next to my house, near a water hose. I thought they were soggy leaves until I saw the bright underside of their caps. they’re fascinating!

When I was in the Swedish arctic one winter, our guide described watching a male reindeer dig down through the snow to get to the lichen, only to then be nudged away by a female.  The females retain their antlers in winter, unlike the males, and this gives them the edge on feeding when they are pregnant in the winter.

Great article.
I cut some Oak logs for making a mallet next year. I want to dry them out and get ‘‘em strong for camp task. Should I remove the bark right away or let the bark stay in a few months if I’m storing the logs in the house?

DO MILLIPEDES BITE WHEN PICKED UP?

Great story Roger. When I came to Maine to live the first 2 people I became friends with were real old timers. Lewie Smith worked in the logging camps but only mentioned oxen and horses. Percy Storer only worked on his own properties but made a meager living selling wood. Lewie taught me many things about growing food [he was a truck farmer with 13 kids working his fields why he drove and sold veg around the state in warmer months], working in the woods and general knowledge no one cares about anymore. #1 tip was how to use and more importantly how to sharpen a scythe! His son Norman still lives in Lagrange and at 87 still cuts pulp with chainsaw and tractor. Such simple times back then but little time to relax for those old folks.

Interesting article!

Loved this article!

Have just begun reading Ed Yong’s new book called And Immense World, and your article really put legs on what I’ve been learning about how an animal’s sensory perception is so much more advanced than most of us know. It’s too late in my lifetime to begin a new career, but it was a joy reading about your discovering the work you do!

Another tearful mom, this one in NH raised skiers.  The great migration West to the sun, snow, wide open spaces and now great jobs to match!  Judy, your writing spoke to me, thank you for sharing your gift.

Yesterday we purchased a winter shelter box with places to perch, a lower entry hole, etc. Will Chickadees and Nuthatches share this shelter with our Downies? Also, we leave the nest boxes out all year. Do you think a Downie might use it for shelter. They are sized for Chickadees and Nuthatches. Thanks.

This summer a pair of tufted tit mice decided to make their home near our backyard. This fall they have been regulars at our birdfeeder. However, I have not seen them for two days. Do they tend to show them selves for a time, seemingly go away, and then come back?

They have been so much fun to watch! This is the first year they have ever been regulars in our backyard.

Great article, Rachel! I love thinking about when people first realized that lichens, mushrooms, and plants could be used to make dyes - it’s fun to think about the creative world that opened up to them.

Thank you also for including how you “harvest” sustainably!

How can I get in contact with this organization? We have over 500 acres and would love to be part of this.

I feel like I read about this as a kid, as I was aware animals often lack true blue pigments, but I didn’t know some of these details.

This is one of the most tenacious plants (along with poison Ivy).  I have had a 20 year struggle to eliminate my local ifestation, I have resisted using an herbicide but I fear that is the only option I have left. I am interested in learning what other folks tried that has succeded in elimiating this nightmare of a plant.

I love all of the detail and insight we get on the turkeys.

Powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking essay!