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Returning to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

10,000 Birds

A raccoon investigates crabs on the mud flats. After all, the refuge was established in 1931 to protect the wintering grounds of migratory species, and my head has already filled with dreams of crisp, cool hikes, trusty binoculars over my shoulder. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. And I never forget to look for alligators.

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The Joy of Bird Feeding: A Book Review by a Birder who Loves Her Feeder Birds

10,000 Birds

A bit beyond the basics but still fundamental are chapters on bird feeding consequences and problems (squirrels and raccoons, too many blackbirds, hawks and cats, woodpecker damage, window strikes, extreme weather, and bird feeding in special situations, including retirement centers, condos, and apartments.

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Are You Wearing Man's Best Friend? That Trim on the Hood of Your Jacket Might Be Dog Fur!

Animal Ethics

According to this Associated Press story, if you are wearing a Sean John jacket with fur trim purchased from Macy's, that trim might have come from a dog indigenous to Asia known as a "raccoon dog." They belong to the canine species Nyctereutes procyonoides. Just how do Chinese workers kill raccoon dogs?" you might wonder.

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