Georgia Wildlife Federation

If you have come to the GWF website to learn more about an Earth Gauge message that you heard on the air, click on the appropriate topic from the menu below.

Cogongrass is an exotic invasive species of grass found in South Georgia that has become an increasing threat to agriculture, forestry and wildlife. It is considered one of the “World’s Worst Weeds” and listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cogongrass is extremely invasive, provides poor wildlife habitat and competes with growing seedling trees. It is also highly flammable and can present a wildfire hazard. Cogongrass has some distinctive features that aid in identification. It grows in patches or infestations, often circular in outline. Plants within a patch vary in height, from one to five feet. Leaves are yellowish green and are 12 to 30 inches long and ½ to 1 inches wide. In late March through mid June it produces fluffy, white, plume-like seed heads. This is in contrast to most summer grasses which flower later in the season. The leaves sometimes turn reddish in the fall.

Tip: If you find a patch of cogongrass note the location and report it to the Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GATREES. They will treat infestations at no cost to landowners. If you walk through cogongrass clean your shoes and clothes in the area to keep from spreading the seeds.

Learn more about Cogongrass.

Our abundance of trout streams in the North Georgia mountains makes Georgia the most popular fishing destination for anglers in the Deep South. However, trout require cool water in order to survive, and trout streams in North Georgia are heating up due to the loss of Eastern hemlock trees which provide shade and stabilize soil along stream banks. The culprit is the hemlock woolly adelgid, an exotic invasive insect that feeds on hemlock trees throughout eastern North America. The hemlock woolly adelgid is tiny and varies from dark reddish-brown to purplish-black in color. As it matures, it produces a covering of wool-like wax filaments to protect itself and its eggs from natural enemies and prevent them from drying out. This “wool” (ovisac) is most conspicuous when the adelgid is mature and laying eggs. Ovisacs can be readily observed from late fall to early summer on the underside of the outermost branch tips of hemlock trees. Wind, birds and mammals often spread the hemlock woolly adelgid to nearby hemlocks. The loss of hemlocks will mean a loss of shade for streams and a loss of a major riparian component. A two or three degree rise in water temperature could be very detrimental to aquatic life, especially in trout streams.

Tip: The hemlock woolly adelgid is an exotic invasive species with no natural enemies in the U. S. If you travel abroad please be careful what you bring back.

Learn more about hemlock woolly adelgid.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of summer is waking up to the sound of song birds outside your window. Some species, such as the Northern Mockingbird, sing during the night but most birds sing in the morning when there is little wind or convection. Calls at night broadcast up to 20 times further than songs of equal amplitude broadcast at midday. Singing from a treetop increases the broadcast coverage since sounds near the ground can be blocked or absorbed. In a monogamous species it is almost always the male that sings to attract a mate and establish his territory. The songs of dozens of males simultaneously advertising their territories make up the dawn chorus and at times can seem chaotic. Birds that have similar pitches will avoid superimposing songs and will begin their song immediately after the other bird has stopped. Some species of birds exhibit local dialects that may vary from the same species just a few miles away.

Tip: You can create wildlife habitat to attract birds and other wildlife to your own back yard by providing the four basics of food, water, shelter and a place to raise young.

Learn more about attracting wildlife to your backyard.

Source: Hollows, Peepers, and Highlanders, An Appalachian Mountain Ecology by George Constantz

Are you aware of the importance of earthworms? Charles Darwin, the great naturalist, studied earthworms and wrote, “it may be doubtful if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures.”

Gardeners, farmers, foresters and soil scientists all love the earthworm because of the good they do for flowers, crops, and plants and animals of the forest. Earthworms eat organic debris that they move from the surface into their burrows. This food contains rich nutrients such as calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Their excrement, called castings, is deposited on the ground and provides nutrient-rich food for other animals and plants. Since they can’t tolerate heat and sun during the summer earthworms come up to the surface only at night when the evaporation potential of the air is low. After a rain you’ll notice multitudes of earthworms on the surface because it’s easier for them to move on the wet surface. The wet ground allows them to move without drying out. Their need for moisture restricts their activities to a burrowing life in damp soil during the day. Some scientists estimate that there are approximately 50,000 earthworms per acre of moist soil in deep, dark, long, narrow tunnels or burrows under the ground.

Tip: Vermiculture, or the growing of earthworms, provides nutrient-rich compost that can be used in place of manufactured fertilizer. When planting your flowers or spring garden a small trowel of the compost produced by feeding the worms in your worm bin can be placed in the bottom of the hole prior to planting. Worm compost also helps hold moisture in the soil.

Learn more about vermiculture.

Did you know that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies have been working to boost the population and protect the habitat of a small, semi-aquatic, long-lived turtle called the Bog Turtle? The bog turtle is threatened across its range, from Georgia to the lower New England states, and all but extinct in Georgia because they require very specific environmental conditions to ensure their survival. Their preferred habitat, open, level land in mountain bogs is in short supply since most mountain bog wetlands in North Georgia have been drained and converted to other uses such as roads, reservoirs and farms. These rare turtles were first discovered in North Georgia in 1979 when one was found in a trap set for grouse. Bog turtles may live 20 to 30 years and often spend their entire lives in the wetlands where they were hatched. Spring, summer and early fall are the most active seasons for bog turtles as they mate, lay eggs, and feed on berries, insects, crayfish and tadpoles. During late fall and winter they hibernate in mammal burrows or mucky soils. Bog turtles, like many habitat specialists, are often barometers of the quality of wildlife habitats in an ever-changing, increasingly altered environment.

Tip: When you see a turtle crossing the road, it is very often a box turtle. If you move the turtle off the road, make sure to move it in the direction in which it was heading. Moving it to the side from which they just came will often cause them to attempt to cross the road again. It is unlawful to possess or remove turtles from the wild. If you see anyone removing them, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Learn more about bog turtles.

Late spring into early summer is the time of year when black bears are in the news. You hear about bears being hit by cars, bears showing up in backyard in suburbs and encounters between campers and bears. There are two reasons for this. As the population of Georgia grows and the suburbs expand we are encroaching more and more on the habitat of the black bear. Also, this is the time of year when the mother bear drives the young bears away to fend for themselves and to establish their own territory since she’s ready to start a new family. Females breed in July and cubs are born in the den in late January or early February. The cubs stay with the mother throughout the first year, den with her in the winter then leave in the late spring. Therefore, females breed every other year. Bears usually give birth to two cubs at a time but three or four are not unusual. Black bears are found in three areas of Georgia – the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeast. Bears are omnivorous and eat whatever is available at that time of year including, berries, fruits, acorns, insects or mammals – even deer. They are also attracted to non-natural foods such as human food, pet foods, birdseed, suet, compost piles, gardens, beehives and cornfields.

Tip: When their natural food sources are scarce bears can become attracted to non-natural foods, which are easier to obtain. This can cause them to lose their innate fear of humans. Feeding a bear is unlawful. Keep grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits to bears. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors and take bird feeders down if bears are in the area. When camping or picnicking, never keep food in or near your tent. Store food in properly sealed containers and hang in bags from a tree.

Learn more about the black bear.

Source: The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Black Bear Fact Sheet

A Tiny Menace: Southern Pine Beetle:

Did you know that the drought is contributing to the loss of pine trees by a tiny beetle that bores winding “S” shaped galleries under the bark to lay their eggs and introduce a blue stain fungus that blocks water flow and kills the tree? Of the three pine bark beetles found in Georgia the Southern Pine Beetle is the most destructive because it will attack healthy as well as weakened and damaged trees. Drought conditions weaken trees and fuels the beetles’ onslaught resulting in the loss of thousands of acres of pines in Georgia and the southeast. Since 1972 this destructive beetle has inflicted $240.2 million in damage on Georgia’s trees with the Oconee National Forest and the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge being especially hard hit. These two areas also provide habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker, one of Georgia’s most endangered birds, which nest in the soft wood of older pines. Loblolly, Virginia and shortleaf pines are the most susceptible species and discoloration of the foliage is often the first indication of attack. Needles become a yellowish-red and then brown. At the point of attack the tree exudes a resin pitch tube about the size of a small piece of popcorn and pine dust is often found around the hole or on the base of the tree.

Tip: If you suspect that you have infected pine trees the best action is to clean up and remove any downed branches. Remove broken and damaged branches from trees to reduce open surface that is oozing sap. Cut down and remove dead or badly damaged trees. Have infected trees or branches hauled away because they will only attract more beetles. Private, non-industrial forest landowners of 10 acres or more may be eligible for assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission through their prevention and restoration program.

Cobb County Extension Service “Fact Sheet on Pine Beetles”
www.forestpests.org/gfcfacts/southernpine.html
Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Dry Trees Draw Beetles” July 8, 2007, page C1

For those who like to observe wildlife, summer is the perfect season. With life in full bloom summer is a season-long feast and the time when wildlife raise their young. During the summer, dawn and dusk are the best times to observe wildlife as many animals bed down during the hottest hours. A full moon night is an especially active time. In late spring and early summer birds are nesting, taking advantage of the fuller leaf cover. After one or more broods, they spend the summer foraging and in the late summer early migrants begin to stage together, fueling up for the long journey south. Summer is a good time to see family groups traveling together. White-tailed deer are feeding heavily in brushy openings in preparation for the autumn breeding season and does can often be seen with their fawns. Many adult amphibians leave their breeding pond and disperse into woods and fields, most of them sticking to moist, humid places. Tadpoles spend the early part of the summer in the water then seek land later in the summer after they become frogs. Snakes spend the summer eating, shedding skin, basking, and avoiding predators. Early in the morning turtles can often be seen basking in the sun on a log or rock, sliding into the water if they get too hot.

Tip: You don’t have to go far to see wildlife. Look in parks, fields, schoolyards, and even in your own back yard. Since most animals are hunted by other wildlife they are constantly on the lookout for strange scents, sights, movement, and ready to flee when they sense danger. Many of them are camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. When observing wildlife look high, low and at mid level.

Learn more about Georgia's wildlife.

Sources: The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States by Janine M. Benyus
Urban Wildlife, Georgia Wildlife Natural Georgia Series, Volume 7, Number 1

During this time of drought we need to do everything we can to conserve water. Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice and historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago. Rain barrels are becoming a popular source of collecting rainwater for outdoor water use and are inexpensive and easy to install by attaching a tube to your downspout. An average roof sheds 160 gallons of water per hour during an average rain fall. By placing the barrels uphill from your garden you can attached a spigot and hose to the barrels and allow gravity to move the water downhill to your garden. Captured rainwater is often used in landscaping, because the water is free of salts and other harmful minerals and does not have to be treated. It is also useful in attracting and providing water for wildlife. Capturing rainwater reduces the demand on our municipal water supplies, reduces erosion, and helps to reduce the contamination of surface water with sediments, fertilizers, and pesticides in rain fall run-off. In addition to benefiting our environment and wildlife, the use of rainwater also saves money by lowering your water bill.

Tip: Water your garden and plants early in the morning or in the afternoon to prevent water loss due to evaporation during the heat of the day. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow evaporation and to discourage weeds.

Sources: Rainwater Harvesting, fact sheet, AgriLIFE EXTENSION, Texas A&M System
Environmental News from Around the World – Forecast Earth
www.rainbarrelguide.com

Feasting Flatheads: Flathead Catfish

Did you know that there has been a decline in the abundance of redbreast sunfish in the Satilla River, one of the premier sunfish angling destinations in Georgia? Summer is the season for fishing but many anglers are finding fewer fish in the Satilla River and the culprit is the flathead catfish, an invasive species that was illegally introduced and first discovered in the Satilla in 1996. The introduction of flathead catfish is the most biologically harmful of all fish introductions because they are consuming and displacing native fisheries. Flatheads are one of the largest catfish, reaching 110 pounds, but most are less than 30 pounds. They have a flattened head, yellowish skin that is mottled with brown and green, a lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw, small eyes and an un-forked tail and can be found in deep river bends with some current. One of the top priorities of the State Wildlife Action Plan, developed by the Department of Natural Resources is the removal of harmful invasive species. The Georgia Wildlife Federation is partnering with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division and the Satilla Riverkeeper to remove flathead catfish from the Satilla River in an effort to restore our prized native fisheries, such as the Redbreast Sunfish.

Tip: If you catch a flathead catfish, don’t release it back in the river. If the flathead catfish is tagged, please report it to the WRD Fisheries Management office located in Waycross. There is a mercury advisory on the consumption of flathead catfish. Check the Georgia DNR’s Fish Consumption Guidelines at www.georgiawildlife.org for more information.

Learn more about flathead catfish.

Sources: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) Global Invasive Species Database, Pylodictis olivaris http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Satilla River Flathead Catfish Project, www.georgiawildlife.org

Frogs don’t hibernate like some animals. So, how do they survive the winter? They aestivate, which means they pass the time in a dormant state that is not considered a true hibernation. They also aestivate to escape unusually hot or dry weather. Different species aestivate in different ways. When the weather starts to turn cold, frogs “migrate” between their shallow summer breeding ponds to deeper lakes where they spend the winter. Some will aestivate under the leaf litter while others will go into a burrow or bury themselves in the mud. Toads and frogs are cold-blooded and their body processes slow down as the outside temperature drops. Frogs have a chemical in their bloodstream which acts as natural antifreeze, and a few species that live in especially cold climates can even survive being frozen solid. In order to move well their body temperature needs to rise. This is why you often see frogs sunning on warm spring days.

Tip: On mild rainy nights in the winter frogs can often be seen hopping on roads in rural areas. In early February early breeding frogs such as the Upland Chorus Frog, Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs can be heard calling at night. Towards the end of February if the weather is mild you will begin to hear American Toads and Southern Leopard Frogs.

Which biome do you live in?

A biome is an area on the earth’s surface that has a certain set of characteristics including temperature, rainfall, and light. There are seven biomes in the world and Georgia is in the temperate deciduous forest biome which covers the eastern United States. Temperate deciduous forest biomes are found in the middle latitudes around the globe. A temperate deciduous forest has many layers of plant life: moss, wildflowers and other small plants can be found on the forest floor; shrubs and small trees are in the middle layer; and large hardwood trees make up the upper layer. The temperate deciduous forest biome also has four definite seasons. Spring brings new life to the trees and plants, warm temperatures, and rain which help everything grow. During the hot summers everything is green and all the trees have leaves. Fall is cool. The leaves change to colors such as red, yellow, and bright orange. Winter months are cold and trees, except the evergreens, loose their leaves. The average temperature for a year is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and usually about 30 to 60 inches of rain fall throughout the year.

Tip: Most of the trees found in a temperate deciduous forest are called hardwoods. Their trunks are made of a bark that is very hard. Hardwoods include maple, birch, beech, oak, hickory, and sweet gum. There are many other types of trees found in the forest including some pine trees and other evergreens.

Do you ever wonder how insects keep from freezing in the winter? Insects have different methods for surviving cold weather. Some insects lay their eggs in cases then die leaving their eggs to hatch in the spring. Some insects remain active and some become dormant for the winter. Some of the dormant insects produce glycol, the same compound found in antifreeze in your car. Other insects “supercool” the water in their cells and blood by remaining absolutely motionless. This supercooling process allows their fluids to drop far below the freezing point without forming ice crystals. Among all insects, only honey bees manage to maintain an elevated body temperature all winter long. As soon as the nest temperature drops below 64 degrees the bees pack together to form a compact ball. The outer part of the ball consists of several layers of bees tightly packed with their heads inward. The bees inside the cluster are loosely packed and can move around, feed on honey and even raise their young while being kept warm by the outer layer of bees. Groups of bees in the cluster’s center from time to time vibrate their powerful flight muscles to generate heat.

Tip: Many insect egg cases are easy to spot in the winter once the winter winds have striped the foliage from the plants and trees. Egg cases can be found on limbs, tree trunks, under loose bark and on stone walls, among other places. They are carefully constructed to keep out cold and rain. If you see a strange-looking round or oblong growth on a limb during the winter, don’t disturb the nursery.

Sources: Hollows, Peepers and Highlanders: An Appalachian Mountain Ecology, George Constantz
The Naturalist’s Year, Scott Camazine
Winter Survival Strategies of Insects, Bonnie Ennis, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Agent, horticulture; www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/winter.htm.

February is a good time to start thinking about putting up birdhouses for the return of birds in the spring. But did you know that in order to attract a certain species of bird you need to know what type of housing they prefer? There are some birds that will live in any type of enclosed shelter but most prefer houses that resemble their natural nesting place and cavity size. Most birds prefer houses with one room and one entrance but there are some, such as Purple Martins, that will live in an “apartment” with many compartments. Some birds won’t nest in a house and prefer to build their nest on a platform placed in shrubs. Others, such as the Barn Swallow, Eastern Phoebe and Mourning Dove like nesting shelves that have a roof, back, bottom and narrow side walls with an open front. The most important features of any bird house are safety, location, and the dimensions and shape of the house and entrance.

Tip: A good bird house has ventilation holes in the top and drainage holes in the bottom. It doesn’t have a perch on the front because this encourages cats and others predators. Entrance holes that are too big provide access to undesirable animals like squirrels, mice or snakes. Predator guards are a necessary feature. A good bird house also has a floor or back that is easy to remove in order to clean. Old nesting material should be removed at the end of the nesting season.

The largest of North American swallows, the Purple Martin is a popular tenant of backyard birdhouses. They are one of the first birds to arrive from their southern wintering grounds in Brazil and arrive around February 1st in the southern part of Georgia and late February to early March in the northern part. East of the Rockies Purple Martins live only in human-supplied housing while west of the Rockies they nest in abandoned woodpecker holes. Since martins feed solely on flying insects, they need good weather conditions in order to eat. Insects do not fly much during rain, snow, cool temperatures and heavy winds. If weather like this lasts for more then 2 or 3 days martins begin to die of starvation. Heat waves and droughts can also decrease the number of flying insects. Contrary to what some people think martins do not eat mosquitoes. They feed during the daytime and high in the sky where mosquitoes don’t fly. Not only do martins eat on the fly but they also drink on the fly by skimming the surface of a pond and scooping up water in their lower bill.

Tip: Purple Martins have specific housing requirements and like to live in houses or hollowed out gourds that are located 40 to 60 feet from houses, trees or tall bushes and on a pole 12 to 20 feet high. Gourds should be painted white to reflect heat and keep the birds cool. Several pairs will live in boxes with multiple compartments which is unusual among birds. A boat dock is an ideal location to place a house. Once they have nested successfully in an area they will return year after year.

In fall many trees in Georgia put on a spectacular show of color before dropping their leaves: but not the evergreens. Georgia native evergreens such as the American Holly, Loblolly Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia Pine, Bald Cypress and Eastern Hemlock retain their green leaves and needles throughout the year and continue to provide food and shelter for wildlife even during the coldest months. Evergreen trees retain each needle anywhere from 2 to 8 years. Even though a certain percentage of the needles reach the end of their cycle each year, those that remain on the tree outnumber those that fall off. Evergreens are very hardy and can handle the stress of cold winter temperatures and a short growing season. They can thrive in the harshest environments imaginable, even the scorching heat of the desert or the frozen tundra. Their trunks, filled with concentrated “antifreeze” of sap, are insulated from the cold by extra-thick bark.

Tip: Think of what our landscape would look like in winter if there were no evergreens. Evergreens help wildlife because they supply shelter from their enemies and bad weather and are a source of food for many species. Bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, owls and white-tailed deer are just a few of our wildlife that take advantage of the protection provided by evergreens. Plant an evergreen tree and give wildlife the gift that keeps on giving.

Sources: Georgia Native Plant Society Web site, www.gnps.org
The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States, Janine M. Benyus
Ned Smith’s Wildlife Sketchbook, National Wildlife Federation publication

In February thoughts turn to groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle pigs, because they give a shrill whistle when alarmed. According to folklore, the groundhog awakens from its long winter sleep on February second. If it does not see its shadow it will remain awake and active and we will have an early spring. If it does see its shadow it will run back into its den and we will have six more weeks of winter. This popular old legend apparently came to North America with early settlers from Europe, where it is believed in some parts that bears or badgers behaved in the same manner. While many of our mammals sleep lightly during the winter and sometimes come out on warm days, the groundhog is one of a small group of mammals in Appalachia that truly hibernates. Others include several species of jumping mice, chipmunks, and some bats. Groundhogs remain rolled in a tight ball within their dens for as much as six months, depending upon the climate. Their normal 99 degree body temperature drops to between 43 and 57 degrees and their breathing slows to the point that it can’t be detected by sight alone. They live off of their stored body fat and burn between 33 to 40 percent of their body weight while they snooze.

Tip: Groundhogs are rodents and belong to the same family of animals which includes squirrels, prairie dogs and chipmunks. In reality, most groundhogs do not come out of hibernation until March, or even later in the north. They usually are forced out of their winter dens on February second to give their predictions. Although most people recognize that the legend has no basis in fact, it provides a welcome mid-winter diversion and is promoted by the news media.

Most fish have scales that form a protective barrier to protect the fish from injury but did you know that fish scales can be an indicator of past weather? As a fish grows larger its scales get larger. As the scales get larger growth rings are formed on the scales. These rings look a little like the growth rings in the trunk of a tree. Growth rings tell the age of fish and are also an indicator of past weather. Fish tend to grow slower when the water temperature is cold, when food is in short supply, and during times of stress such as that due to pollution or spawning stress. Growth rates are highest when water temperature is warm and fish have lots of food. Based on the rings’ width past weather can be determined- wider rings indicating mild or good weather and narrower rings indicating that the year had colder weather.

Tip: If you’ve ever touched a fish you would probably describe it as feeling slimy. Fish are actually covered with slime called a “slime coat”. The slime coat helps to protect the fish from bacteria and parasites. The slime coat also helps the fish to move easily in water because it reduces friction.

Did you know that the species of bugs in our streams and rivers can indicate the health of your community water? Like butterflies, insects that live in water go through changes and can be found in one of their stages year round. The cold water of winter can hold more oxygen and should contain insects that need lots of oxygen to survive, but if pollution is a problem those insects will be replaced by those that can live with less oxygen and more pollution. Sensitive water insects include caddis flies, mayflies and stoneflies. They need clean water and can’t live in water that is even a little polluted. Crayfish, dragonflies and crane flies can withstand a moderate amount of pollution. The insects you don’t want to find in large populations are black fly larvae, aquatic worms and leeches. These can live in pollution that would make humans very sick. Insects that live most of their life in the water are not very mobile. Their presence or absence makes them a perfect water quality indicator. A stream full of many kinds of crawling and swimming “critters” is healthier than one without much life.

Tip: Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources coordinates an Adopt-A-Stream program to encourage and train individuals and communities to monitor their waterways and collect water quality data. Volunteers are also trained to monitor the health of lakes and wetlands. There are thousands of Adopt-A-Stream volunteers in Georgia working at different levels of involvement and the program offers something for everyone.

Learn more about the Adopt-A-Stream program.

Late December through March brings the return of right whales to the coast of Georgia. For thousands of year these mammals (not fish) have been migrating from cold New England and Canadian waters to warmer southern waters to give birth off the coast of Georgia and Florida. Females give birth to their first calf at an average age of 9 to 10 years and have only one calf every 3 years. Calves are 13 to 15 feet long at birth. Adults are generally between 40 and 57 feet in length and can weigh up to 70 tons. The right whale is extremely endangered, even after years of protected status, and the estimated population for the North Atlantic is 300. Right whales were nearly hunted to extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are the rarest of all large whale species and among the rarest of all marine mammal species.

Tip: Today the biggest threats to right whales are ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. A federal regulation that limits the speed of vessels over 65 feet has been put in place to protect whales but smaller recreational boats should also be cautious when operating in areas where right whales may be found. Calves have limited diving ability so mothers and calves may spend a lot of time near the surface. Calves may be curious and approach vessels. For more information visit www.gwf.org.

Have you ever wondered how birds find their way from their summer homes to their southern wintering grounds? Fall is the migration season and many species such as thrushes, thrashers, vireos, blackbirds and some sparrows prefer to fly at night on their long journey. Researchers have determined that birds typically migrate at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, but on some nights, altitudes may range from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. Birds are able to navigate by using star patterns that are located within about 35 degrees of the North Star. Constellations such as the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Draco, Cepheus and Cassiopeia are important star patterns used by these birds. Massive movements of migrant birds will coincide with the arrival and passage of weather fronts. Birds will take advantage of air masses that are moving in the direction they want to travel.

Tip: One good way to observe bird migration is with the use of a telescope, spotting scope or binoculars on a clear full moon night. Focus on the moon and watch for the silhouette of birds flying in front of the moon. Typically, birds begin their migration right after sunset and continue until about 2 a.m. Migration peaks between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Check your local weather forecast, and if there is a front moving southward expect to see a large number of birds.

Did you ever wonder what makes leaves turn different colors in the fall? Leaves are nature’s food factories. Plants take in water through their roots and carbon dioxide from the air and turn them into food using sunlight and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a chemical in leaves which gives them their green color in the spring and summer. As we move into fall the days get shorter and dryer. The food making shuts down and the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the green color fades away we begin to see yellow and orange leaves. Small amounts of these colors were in the leaves all along but we couldn’t see them because they were covered up by the green chlorophyll. Bright red and purple leaves occur when glucose is trapped in the leaves. The brown color of trees like oaks is made from wastes left in the leaves. Some trees, like pine and fir, are known as “evergreens” because they have special leaves that are resistant to cold and moisture loss and stay green all year.

Tip: Many think that the best place in the world for viewing fall colors is probably the Eastern United States because of the climate and the wide variety of trees. The brightest colors are seen when late summer is dry and the fall has bright sunny days and cool nights. A fall with cloudy days and warm nights brings drab colors. An early frost quickly ends the colorful display.

Source: www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html

Do you know why stream buffers are so important? Stream buffers, also known as riparian buffers, are bands of vegetation bordering a body of water that play a crucial role in promoting public health by protecting water quality. The type of vegetation in the buffer depends upon the climate and buffers the stream from anything that flows into it – polluted water, eroding soil or toxic chemicals. Many fish species need cool water, and streamside vegetation provides shade to keep streams cool. Leaves falling into the stream provide food for insects that fish eat as well as places for fish to hide from predators. Roots help to stabilize stream banks and keep dirt from washing into streams. Plants on stream banks also provide shelter for wildlife as they drink from waterways.

Tip: If a stream flows through your property maintain a healthy growth of native plants along stream banks. Destroying a stream buffer can cause many problems to your water and adversely affect downstream landowners. Check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to learn what size stream buffer is required for your stream.

Sources: Implications of Changes in Riparian Buffer Protection for Georgia’s Trout Streams, a study by
University of Georgia’s Institute of Ecology, www.rivercenter.uga.edu/publications.htm;
The Scientific Justification for Stream Buffers, Paul Mitchell, University of Georgia Land Use Clinic
Fact sheet from Riverkeepers, www.riverkeepers.org/pdf/riparian_buffers_fact_sheet_pdf

Only male white tailed deer (bucks) have antlers and they grow a new set each year. In the spring antlers begin as small bumps. During the summer they become fat and knobby and are covered by a velvety tissue. By the early fall the antlers have developed points and the velvet dries up and begins to peel. You can sometimes see velvet hanging in shreds from a buck’s antlers. Bucks rub their heads on young, flexible trees to remove the velvet and to polish their antlers. They will often return to the same tree to rub again and again. It is a popular misconception that the velvet is itchy and they are trying to get it off, but antlers have no nerve endings. Bucks rub their antlers on trees to attract female deer (does) and to warn other bucks to stay away. Bucks shed their antlers in the winter. The size of a deer’s antlers, or rack, and the number of points on their rack depends on heredity, age, nourishment and state of health.

Tip: During mating season, generally October through December, male white tailed deer become irritable and unpredictable. Avoid male deer at this time. Deer also move around more at this time and can be a hazard to drivers. If you see one deer crossing the road slow down because there is often another deer near by.

(Source: Secrets of a Wildlife Watcher by Jim Arnosky;Sandy’s Garden Web site – www.donnan.com/deer_rubs.htm)

If you want to see wildlife, look at the edge, a busy wildlife habitat zone where an opening blends into the taller forest around it. This band of edge supports a distinct community of birds and mammals that depend on both forest and opening. Wildlife can conveniently commute from one habitat to the other to satisfy their needs. Openings often produce succulent grasses and flowering plants that can’t grow in the shade of the forest. Plants in the opening produce seeds that are eaten by voles, mice and other rodents. Insects that pollinate the flowering plants are eaten by songbirds. Hawks and owls can be seen near the edge waiting to feed on the many small animals found there. Deer can often be seen grazing at the edge. Openings also provide a sunny warm place for wildlife to recuperate from a cold night or heavy rain. On the other hand, the near-by forest provides cover that wildlife grazing at the edge can quickly escape to when threatened. The forest also provides nesting places for many birds and homes for other wildlife.

Tip: Edge habitat contains three times the variety of wildlife as other communities and creates an excellent opportunity for watching wildlife. Take your binoculars and visit an edge habitat in the early morning or evening.

(Source: The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States. Janine M. Benyus)

Fall is a busy time for wildlife as they prepare for the onset of cold weather. We know that many birds, butterflies and insects migrate to a warmer place but what happens to mammals that don’t migrate? They make changes in their behavior or bodies to survive the winter. Many grow new, thicker fur in the fall and spend time gathering and storing food to be eaten during the winter. Animals find winter shelter in holes in trees or logs, under rocks or leaves, or underground. To stay warm, some animals such as squirrels and mice may huddle close together in their nests. Some animals hibernate, or go into a deep sleep, for all or part of the winter when food is scarce. They live off of the body fat from the huge amount of food they eat during the fall. They may also wake up for short periods of time and eat food they have stored. Some animals hibernate in caves, such as the Indiana bat found in extreme Northwest Georgia. Some animals eat different kinds of food as the seasons change. The red fox eats fruit and insects in the spring, summer and fall but since it can’t find these things in the winter it eats small rodents. Rabbits and deer spend the winter looking for moss, twigs, bark and leaves to eat.

Tip: During the fall help wildlife by keeping your bird and squirrel feeders full of high energy food.

(Source: Georgia Ecological Services: http://athens.fws.gov/endangered/temammals.html
www.sciencemadesimple.com/animals.html)

Outdoors a change is taking place as plants are preparing for cold weather. During summer days leaves make more glucose than the plant needs for energy and growth. The excess is turned into starch and stored until needed. As the days get shorter plants begin to shut down their food production. Some plants, including many garden flowers are called “annuals,” which means they bloom only once and will have to be replanted each year. On the other hand, “perennials” live for more than two years. Perennials include trees, shrubs and some plants with soft, fleshy stems. When cold weather comes the above ground parts (leaves and stalks) will die off but the underground parts (roots and bulbs) will remain alive and will live off stored food until spring. In spring the top part grows back from the same root system. Some perennial plants keep their leaves year round.

Tip: You should avoid practices that stimulate late summer growth of trees and shrubs. Fertilizing in August or early September may encourage a late flush of stems that can’t turn off their growth before the weather turns cold. Fertilizer applied later in fall will not stimulate top growth until spring. Plants store the nutrients in their roots and stems, which stimulates vigorous growth the following spring.

Sources: www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html;
The Green Mountain Gardener www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/articles/prepare.html

Most of us have watched “birds of prey” such as hawks, eagles, and buzzards glide effortlessly through the sky and wondered how they manage to stay aloft without flapping their wings. These magnificent birds take advantage of the natural atmosphere and updrafts for two common techniques; thermal soaring and dynamic soaring. Thermals, or pockets of hot air, form as sunlight streams through the cool morning air and strikes the earth’s surface. The earth’s surface warms the air directly in contact with it. The air is heated unevenly because the earth’s surface absorbs heat at different rates depending on its color, texture, and angle to the sun. Plowed fields, rock outcroppings and parking lots heat up quicker than forests and fields. These pockets of hot air rise and are held in place for a while by layers of colder air above. Catching one of these rising thermals, a bird can glide using only the energy needed to maintain outstretched wings and to make minor steering corrections. Dynamic soaring involves taking advantage of strong wind gusts down low. Birds fly downwind in a descent than turn quickly into a wind gust and start to climb. Air flowing rapidly over their wings creates lift that can carry them for miles.

Tip: From early September through November hawks and other birds of prey from the northern U.S. begin a migration to the southern latitudes using the Appalachian range which includes the mountains of north Georgia. Mountain updrafts allow the birds to travel long distances with little effort. For the best viewing look for ridges that run northeast to southwest, the directions that birds are heading.

Sources: www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/raptor-force/thermal-vs-dynamic-soaring/
Thoreau’s Method: A Handbook for Nature Study, by David Pepi, Page 170
www.sherpaguides.com/virginia/mountains/sidebars/hawk_migration.html

Almost all of us have seen the beautiful monarch butterflies as they pass through Georgia on their migration route. These beautiful butterflies with orange reddish wings with black veins and white spots along the edges travel much farther than any other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. After spending the summer in Canada and the eastern United States they will be passing through Georgia in late September to mid October on their way to forests high in the mountains of central Mexico. Amazingly, by instinct alone, they travel in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees that their ancestors left the previous spring. The monarch’s migration is driven by seasonal changes; day length and temperature changes. As they migrate southwards, Monarchs stop to drink nectar, and they actually gain weight during the trip. There are many unanswered questions about how Monarchs are able to travel so far and many researchers believe that they conserve their “fuel” in flight by gliding on air currents as they travel south. They are also aided by rapidly moving cold fronts from the northwest.

Tip: Help monarchs by planting nectar plants in your garden. Nectar plants include milkweeds, goldenrods, blazing stars, Joe-pye weed and ironweed. Do not use herbicides or pesticides on these plants as they will kill butterflies in both their adult and larval phases.

Source: www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/monarchbutterflies/item3004.html
www.monarchwatch.org

As fall approaches flowers, plants, and trees are ready to spread their seeds to sites suitable for germination and growth. Seeds that are dispersed even a few feet from the parent plant have a better chance for survival. In some cases, such as acorns, the new sprouts would be shaded out if planted at the bottom of the parent tree. Wind, water, wildlife, and people all aid in the dispersal of seeds. Many seeds are designed to be carried by the wind such as the fluffy hairs of milkweeds and the plumes of dandelions. Maple, ash and basswood seeds have twirling blades and helicopter-like rotors to carry them. Water helps to disperse seeds by carrying them in ocean currents, rivers, or the runoff from rains. Wildlife are excellent seed dispersers. Many eat the outer coating and pass the seeds through their intestinal tracts intact. Squirrels, chipmunks, and mice carry seeds such as acorns, hickory nuts, hazelnuts, and beechnuts to nests and underground burrows, where they are cracked open and eaten. However, some are carelessly lost or forgotten and may have the opportunity to germinate. Some wild and domestic animals pick up hitchhiking seeds that attach themselves to an animal’s fur with barbs, hooks or spines. Seeds are also picked up on the feet of ducks or raccoons along with the muck and mud from swamps.

Tip: As an experiment drag a long piece of cloth through a field to see how many different types of seeds you can pick up. Try this at weekly intervals to discover when the various seeds mature. Examine the seeds carefully to see how they attach.

Many of us think of robins as being the first signs of spring, but the chorus of frogs is also an indicator that warm weather is right around the corner. Like birds, frogs sing to attract mates, and there are several species of Georgia frogs that begin their ritual in the late winter and early spring. Probably the most well known early spring frog is the spring peeper. This tiny tree frog can be green, gray, olive or brown and has an “X” shaped mark on its back. It also has webbed feet and sticky toe pads. The males perch on grasses or branches near water and call out with a high pitched, single note “peep” that is repeated 15 to 25 times a minute. Usually they sing in groups and their jingling sound is often mistaken for a cricket call, but crickets are usually not heard in the early spring. Other early frog callers are the ornate chorus frog and the southern chorus frog. One of the most uncommon and unusual sounding spring frogs is the carpenter frog. Its call resembles the sound of a carpenter hitting a nail with a steel hammer.

Tip: Scientists estimate that frogs first appeared on the earth 360 to 408 million years ago. More than 5,000 species exist today but their populations are in decline. Frogs have thin skin which makes them susceptible to environmental contaminants such as herbicides and other harmful industrial and agricultural chemicals. Frogs and other amphibians have been likened to canaries in the coal mine. Miners carried canaries into coal mines to warn them of toxic gases. Likewise, amphibians may be warning us of unsafe environmental conditions that could affect our health.

The arrival of spring brings out the pollinators in full force: birds, bats, butterflies, bees and other insects. Pollinators are vitally important because without them we would have very few successful orchards, field crops, home gardens and wild flowers. Plants need to make seeds in order to reproduce and pollinators can help them do this. In order to make seeds the pollinator must visit a plant and pick up pollen from the male part of that plant and then visit another plant and leave the pollen on the female part of that plant. Pollinators use the nectar from flowers for food and carry the pollen on their feet as they move from flower to flower, thus pollinating. Some plants depend on the wind to move pollen from plant to plant but eighty percent of the world’s flowering plants depend upon pollinators to help them reproduce. However, pollinators are in trouble from loss of habitat. The fields, wetlands and forests that provide them with homes and sources of food are being replaced by roads and homes. Pesticides used on farms and in gardens are another threat to pollinators.

Viewer Tip: There are ways that you can help pollinators. Reduce your use of pesticides or, if possible, stop using them. If you must use pesticides apply them in the evening when many pollinators are inactive. Leave stumps and rotting trees on your property because they provide habitat for many pollinators.

March 20th was the first day of spring. The sun was directly above the equator. It rose due east and set due west. Maybe you heard the musical song of an American Robin that sounded like “cheerily, cheerily, cheer up.” The sight of a robin is often thought of as the first sign of spring but that isn’t completely true. Because of Georgia’s relatively mild winters, many robins stay around all year long while some winter further south. During the winter they spend more time in wooded areas dining on fruit and berries. Winter robins do plenty of calling and chattering but when they switch to their true melodic song the difference is clear. With the arrival of the first robins of spring the singing becomes much more regular and frequent. This is a sign that they are marking their territory and preparing for the nesting season.

Tip: The American Robin is the most widespread thrush in North America and has adapted well to the changes in landscape brought about by tremendous growth pressure. Populations appear stable or increasing throughout its range. With the arrival of spring flocks of robins pulling up worms on suburban lawns are a familiar sight. Because they forage largely on lawns they are vulnerable to pesticide poisoning. You can help these popular birds by not using pesticides on your lawn or, if you must, by using organic pesticides such as insecticidal soap.

In spring many of us will be planting flowers, shrubs and trees. You need to be thinking about native plants that are drought tolerant and can survive with very little watering. There are hundreds of drought tolerant native plants in nurseries and garden centers. Think of all the woodland flowers you saw thriving last summer during the drought. No one was watering them. For most of North America over 50% of the residential water used is applied to landscape and lawns. Xeriscaping, meaning conserving water through creative landscaping, can reduce water use drastically. The use of trees, hedges and shrubs as a windbreak will keep the plants and soil from blowing dry. In addition to less water use there are also other advantages to using native drought tolerant plants. Except for occasional pruning and weeding, maintenance of these plants is minimal. Using plants native to your area may eliminate or reduce the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides since sufficient nutrients are provided by healthy organic soil. When you use native plants, trees and shrubs you also provide a familiar habitat for local wildlife.

Tip: Consult with your local garden center for recommended native drought tolerant flowers, shrubs and trees. Check your local ordinances for landscape bylaws. Some communities also have restrictions on turf grass plantings.

Since ancient times, people have harnessed the wind’s energy. Wind power was first used to sail ships and later to power windmills to grind grains and pump water. Since the oil shortage of the 1970s much research has been done to find alternatives sources of energy, including wind power. Modern wind machines (turbines) can be as tall as a 20-story building and have blades that span 200 feet across and are connected to an electric generator that produces electricity. Groups of turbines used to produce electricity are called wind farms. Good sites for wind farms are the tops of smooth, rounded hills, open plains, shorelines, and mountain gaps that produce wind funneling. Some think that the Southeast isn’t windy enough to produce energy even though there are 18 turbines on top of Buffalo Mountain near Oak Ridge, Tennessee that power over 3,000 homes. Studies are being done to determine if wind farms should be built off the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Tip: Wind power is a clean energy source and a good alternative to fossil fuels, which cause pollution and contribute to global warming. However, it does have drawbacks. Wind farms off our coast could possibly affect right whales which use the area for their calving grounds. They could also have a negative effect on migrating birds. Studies on the possible negative effect to wildlife are necessary before making a decision to build wind farms.

It’s spring and the butterflies are returning from their winter homes in Central and South America. There are over 160 species of butterflies that live in Georgia and almost any garden can lure 60 or more species in a year with the right plants and features. Host plants will provide a place for butterflies to lay eggs in the late summer or fall which will hatch the following spring as caterpillars. After a few weeks of feeding and growing the caterpillar forms a chrysalis from which the adult butterfly emerges in one or two weeks. The adult butterfly will then look for nectar plants on which to feed. Butterflies are attracted by large areas of color so nectar plants should be in large groups. Butterflies are cold blooded and fly when temperatures are above 60 degrees. Plant your garden in a warm, sunny area protected from the wind. Stones, bricks and patches of bare ground will serve as solar collectors and become a favorite basking spot. Use native plants in your butterfly garden and do not use harmful pesticides.

Tip: Before planting a garden become familiar with the species of butterflies you want to attract. Different butterflies are attracted to different host and nectar plants. Contact your local garden center and ask which native plants you should use.

Ask ten fishermen about the best time to fish and you’ll get ten different answers: full moon, new moon, stormy weather, clear weather. Many fishermen believe that changes in barometric pressure strongly affect fish feeding behavior. Some even believe that a fish can sense a change in barometric pressure even before it happens. Science shows that there is no truth in this. Barometric pressure does not change quickly enough to magically cause fish to stop or start biting. A rise or fall in barometric pressure signals a change in the weather and it’s the weather changes, among other factors, that account for the change in fish behavior. For example, when a cold front comes through and there is a fast drop in the temperature of the water many of the water bugs that small fish feed upon die. With the loss of their food source the small fish stop moving around and hide in the grass. Large fish, which feed upon the smaller fish, also stop moving around and feeding. Temperature, cloud cover, wind direction, wind speed and humidity are other things that can affect the bite.

Tip: In spring the bugs, flies and aquatic insects that fish feed upon are starting to hatch. Because of the plentiful supply of food in the water fish will bite at just about anything. This is the time to try every lure and fly in your tackle box.

Most people associate flooding with events like Katrina but natural and cyclical flooding of streams and rivers caused by rain or snow melt, though sometimes damaging to human property, is beneficial because it serves the local and regional environmental balance, affecting water quality and aquatic life. When streams or rivers are at a flood stage the fish and wildlife move from the stream channel into the floodplain, the low-lying area outside the stream bank, where they take advantage of newly available habitat and food supplies. As the water recedes, nutrients and organic matter from the floodplain are moved into the stream and provide food for fish and other aquatic organisms. Many native riparian plant species disperse their seeds as the water recedes allowing them to spread throughout the floodplain. The floodplain also helps to maintain water quality by filtering sediments and pollutants and recharging groundwater supplies. These events create a healthier and more productive aquatic environment.

Tip: Many people mistakenly believe that gravel bars block river flows and should be removed. Dangerous gravel accumulations can occur, but most of the time gravel bars help streams maintain a deep channel that minimizes sediment, ice, and debris accumulations which can cause unnatural flooding.

Source:
Fact sheet “The Importance of Instream Flow” www.riverkeepers.org

Many scientists agree that human created carbon pollution such as burning fossil fuels or automobile emissions are filling our lower atmosphere and keeping heat locked in. This is called global warming, which you have probably heard of. Global warming can cause changes in our climate such as more severe storms, heat waves, melting polar ice caps, and severe droughts. But there are simple steps that you can take to help keep the earth from heating too fast. Many of the things you do will also save money in the long run. Plant a native tree in your yard or at a park. Trees help reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They will last longer and save money. Add more insulation to your attic to increase the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner which will lower your power bills. Carpool or use mass transit to lessen the carbon put into the air. Buy your produce from sources close to home or grow your own in a home garden. Food normally travels long distances and transporting results in more carbon emissions. Make your next car a more fuel efficient model.

Tip: Wonder why changing light bulbs can help with global warming? Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) use at least two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and they last up to 10 times longer. Compact fluorescent light bulbs also generate 70 percent less heat, so they are safer to use and can also reduce energy costs associated with cooling homes and offices. Replacing 5 common light bulbs with CFLs will reduce your annual carbon pollution by about 3 percent.

In times of drought a rain garden is one way to put what rain we have to good use. A rain garden is a landscaped area of low-maintenance native plants designed to collect and use rainwater. They require less maintenance and fewer chemicals than lawns. Instead of allowing rainwater to flow from your downspout to the ground where it can seep into your basement you should direct the downspout so that the rainwater runs to a low lying area at least ten feet from your house. This is where you should locate your rain garden. Sites on a steep slope are not suitable since the rain will keep on flowing over the garden and not soak in. The garden itself should be as level as possible. Start with a small area that can be expanded later. If the soil has a high clay content remove one to two feet of the soil and replace with a mixture of sand, topsoil and compost. The back edge should have a grass or groundcover border to slow down the runoff water as it enters the garden. Plant a mix of self-seeding perennials, grasses and shrubs. A 3 inch layer of mulch should be added. Contact your local nursery about the appropriate plants to use.

Tip: Watch your garden during a heavy rainfall. If water is running over the top you need to expand the garden. Another option is to build a trench to carry excess water from your rain garden to another low lying area and create a second rain garden.

Intentionally set fires, also known as prescribed fires, are used on Georgia pine plantations to promote pine growth. However, these burns can only be done under specific weather conditions and must be closely monitored. Prescribed fire is used to burn dangerous accumulations of dead leaves and other fuels on the ground that can lead to wildfires, which are usually started by lightning strikes. Wildfires that burn in areas where fuels have been removed cause less damage and are much easier to control. Prescribed fires also benefit wildlife by creating more open habitat used by quail, deer and turkey. Some insect pests such as the white pine cone beetle that spend the winter in pine cones on the ground are eliminated by controlled fires. Knowledge of weather is the key to successful prescribed burning, and is mandatory for proper management of smoke produced by burning. The more important elements to consider for executing a good prescribed burn are wind, relative humidity, temperature and rainfall. The Georgia Forestry Commission can assist landowners with a prescribed burn.

Tip: Preferred weather conditions for prescribed fires include wind speed of 3 – 5 miles per hour, humidity of 30 – 55 percent, and temperature below 60 degrees. During the winter good conditions often exist for several days after the passage of a cold front that brings ¼ to ¾ inch of rain. Low relative humidity, cool temperatures and sunny days can often be anticipated at this time. Weather conditions for summer burning are much less predictable, but summer burns can be successful with careful planning.

Source:
http://www.gatrees.org/ForestFire/PrescribedBurning.cfm