A few nights after I returned from the East Coast, from one rain storm to another, I awoke to a very loud sound. I thought a kitten was on my roof, scared, lost and drowning in the pouring rain. No, it was not a kitten but a baby fawn! And no, it was not on the roof but at our front door. Apparently fawns have no scent so the dogs were confused as to what this howling thing was, and, fortunately, only stared. Well, we got the dogs tied up and the fawn pranced up the driveway, seemingly on unfamiliar high heels. That morning the sun was out and the strange catlike cry again woke us and sure enough the fawn was back.
After a morning of internet research and calls to both the Oakland and San Francisco zoos we were told to leave the fawn where it was and the mother would come back. Of course I wanted to adopt it but we were assured it would be reunited. "Bambi" would find its mother.
Well, by midday the visitor was gone and I saw many does on the hillside. We thought it had been lost as it had been pouring rain and our dogs chase deer, so why would any sensible mother deer bring her baby to our home?? At any rate, hopefully they reunited. It was interesting the amount we learned that morning about the habits of the wildlife in our area and the enthusiasm and passion some people have.
I remembered my granddaughter and I watching the bunnies and robins in New York and remembered again how simple things can create pleasure.
Bird watching is another simple pleasure, another way to relax and appreciate the joys of nature. Here are two ideas for feeding the birds in your area. AND REMEMBER: use the internet, phone or visit your local pet store to discover the proper nutrition for the wildlife in your area. AND if you want to feed the deer just plant roses! That's what they love to eat!!
HOMEMADE BIRD FEEDER*
As the flowers come out, so do the birds. Although some of them have been there all winter, your family has probably been inside. Now it is time to start bird watching, and the best way is to build a bird feeder.
INGREDIENTS: recycled 1/2 gallon orange juice container, two plastic straws, string, bread crumbs, glue
TOOLS: hole punch, exacto blade*, glue brush, recycled jar lid, ruler, two paper clips
INSTRUCTION: Adult supervision required* 1. Clean and dry carton. 2. Squirt glue into the jar lid and use the glue brush to glue top of container closed. Hold in place with paper clips and let dry. Punch hole in center of top and attach string. 3. Use exacto blade to cut oval opening on two opposite sides of carton. Center these oval doors so there is 21/2" left on top and bottom of carton. 4. Use hole punch to make a small hole 1/2" below the oval door. Do this evenly on both sides. 5. Attach straws together and push through holes to create bird rest. 6. Fill bottom of feeder with bread crumbs and hang on nearby tree.
ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Use bird seed instead of bread crumbs. Decorate and paint carton. OR make a feeder using a clean recycled one gallon plastic jug. Or paint red to attract hummingbirds.
Here's another KITCHEN ART idea perfect for anytime of year!
FIVE MINUTE BIRD FEEDER:
Here is a fast and fun bird feeder guaranteed to attract lots of attention!
INGREDIENTS: one recycled paper towel tube, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, 1/2 yard string, tin foil
TOOLS: Butter knife
INSTRUCTION: 1. Slip string through tube. 2. Using knife lightly coat tube with peanut butter. 3. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on tin foil and gently roll tube through seeds. 4. Lift string, tie together and hang from nearest tree!
ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Roll in lard and cover with bird seed. OR make square bird feeder using individual sized cereal boxes.
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