Site Discussions

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!

The explanations you provide for the merits of the “messy forest” are very convincing.  It’s reshaping my whole aesthetic when I look at our forests. My bias for “neat” is eroding.

Thanks for this very helpful article. We recently had a car totaled due to mouse damage in our garage and are trying to avoid a repeat! Peppermint oil spray and sachets seem to work and we’re using several traps with a few different baits. What about “natural” killers like baking soda, mashed potato flakes, etc. do they work? Do they harm predators? Thanks again!

I visit a nearby wildlife refuge weekly and a few weeks ago a harrier stopped by for a few days. We believe it to be the same one that comes through every year because its always in the same area. Its at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, in Oak Harbor, Ohio.

John,

Excellent article on the land-locked charr. Do you know whether, historically, they were found in any lakes or ponds of the eastern Adirondacks?

Sincerely, Peter DesMeules

Thank you for a well written, informative article. I have always been curious about isopods but, until now, never sufficiently motivated to learn more about them. I would, however, like to have had some of the attributes Mr. McCabe describes in his text shown in the illustrations.