10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 1, 2015

Walking along a dirt track next to a prairie, my friend and I were on the look-out for different sparrow species when a large bird suddenly darted into the clearing. In fact, they are central to many Mexican and Native American spiritual beliefs, and have been named the state bird of New Mexico.

New Mexico 101

New Mexico Mexico Coyotes Rattlesnake 101

10,000 Birds

JULY 22, 2014

Just as the ranger was telling us that we might see wild cats – well, not wild cats, but rather, Wildcats , the wild version of the domestic cat, Felis silvestris lybica , one of those cats popped its head out of the brush about 50 feet beyond her. The most interesting thing about this cat was lack of kitty-cat-ness.

Feral Cats 256

Feral Cats North America Feral Cats 256

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Long before that time Mexican domesticated Turkeys had been adopted by Native Americans in the American Southwest as well. Some time after the Spanish encounter with the Turkey, birds were brought back to Europe where they were raised and became an important source of food and fancy feathers. This is where they got their name.

Turkey 206

Turkey Columbus Spain Fowl 206

4 The Love Of Animals

MAY 8, 2011

Half a decade ago, in a little mountain town about 60 miles northeast of San Diego, a feral kitten dragged his front left leg uselessly. The dog-loving owners of the property in Julian where he sought refuge rushed him to the local veterinarian, who informed them that if his leg was amputated, he could live as an indoor cat.

San Diego 100

San Diego Kittens Emotional Cats 100

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 16, 2013

Case in point: some of my family members have become active with feral cat colony organizations. It started with donation requests for spay and neutering cats but then quickly transferred to a trap, neuter and release organization. On the one hand, it’s better than doing nothing with a feral cat colony.

Feral Cats 185

Feral Cats Feral Cats Family 185