Squirrels at the Feeder

There’s a special kind of enchantment that comes with welcoming hummingbirds into your garden, and with the right tools, you can take that experience to the next level. From setting up a feeder to incorporating a motion-activated camera, there’s a world of wonder waiting to be discovered.

Attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds starts with creating a hospitable environment in your garden. Planting a variety of nectar-rich flowers like bee balm and salvia serves as a natural invitation. But to truly enhance your hummingbird-watching experience, consider setting up a hummingbird feeder. Crafting your own homemade nectar—simply a mixture of water and white granulated sugar—adds a personal touch while ensuring the birds have a safe and nutritious treat. Keep the feeder clean and maintained, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the delicate flutter of wings and vibrant colors of these tiny visitors.

But why stop there? Incorporating a motion-activated camera alongside your feeder introduces a whole new dimension of discovery. Imagine capturing intimate moments of hummingbird activity, from their graceful feeding routines to playful interactions with fellow avian companions. The motion sensor triggers the camera to start recording whenever a hummingbird approaches the feeder, offering a glimpse into their world even when you’re not there to witness it firsthand. This technology not only provides valuable insights into their behavior but also serves as a tool for conservation and education. By documenting hummingbird activity over time, you contribute to scientific research efforts and raise awareness about the importance of preserving their natural habitats.

Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning to explore the wonders of nature in your backyard, combining a hummingbird feeder with a motion-activated camera opens up a world of possibilities. It’s a journey filled with awe-inspiring moments and endless opportunities to deepen your connection with these remarkable creatures. So set up your feeder, activate your camera, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of hummingbird watching.

Gophers, with their furry bodies and burrowing habits, are a common sight in many parts of North America. But if you were to come across one in your backyard or during a hike, how would it react?

Are gophers generally friendly creatures, or do they have an aggressive side when it comes to human encounters? Let’s delve into the world of gophers to find out.

The quick answer is that gophers are scared of humans and will attempt to flee when encountered.

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How gophers breathe underground has been the subject of debate and scientific studies for many years.  The most comprehensive study to approach this subject is the article, “Respiratory adaptations in burrowing pocket gophers from sea level and high altitude.”  The study was written by Andrew J. Lechner and was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 1976.

This article summarizes Lechner’s scientific study in more general terms that everyday readers can more readily understand.

The summary is, “Gophers are able to breathe underground through physical adaptions that include, lower need for oxygen, increased blood tolerance for elevated carbon dioxide levels and an increased ability to store and transport oxygen.”

Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.

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Our backyards are often a playground for our beloved pets, filled with intriguing scents, sounds, and creatures. Among these creatures, gophers might pop up, quite literally, from their burrows. But as these small rodents cross paths with our cats and dogs, is there cause for concern?

In general, gophers are not dangerous for cats and dogs.  Gophers are too small to inflict much damage during a defensive encounter and are not known carriers of infectious diseases.

Let’s explore the potential dangers gophers might pose to our furry companions.

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When night falls, a whole new world of creatures springs to life. Owls hoot, bats flutter, and raccoons scavenge. These animals are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active during the night.

But what about gophers? Do these burrowing rodents also prefer the cover of darkness?

In general, gophers are not nocturnal. Gophers are active throughout the day with their activity patterns primarily dictated by temperature conditions inside their burrow.

Let’s dig into the world of gophers and discover their daily rhythms.

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Have you ever heard the saying, “Blind as a gopher”? This age-old saying has led many to believe that gophers are blind. But is there any truth to this claim?

No, gophers are not blind.  Gophers have vision that is typical for what is found in other rodents.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of gophers and uncover the reality behind their vision.

Understanding animal adaptations is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Each adaptation tells a story about the animal’s environment, lifestyle, and survival strategies. Gophers, with their unique subterranean lifestyle, have some intriguing tales to tell.

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Have you ever looked at a gopher and thought, “Hey, that looks a bit like a squirrel!”? You’re not alone. Many people wonder about the relationship between these two furry creatures. Let’s dive into the world of gophers and squirrels to uncover their similarities, differences, and whether they’re distant cousins or not.

So, are gophers related to squirrels? Yes, they are distant cousins, both belonging to the rodent family.

Understanding the relationships between animals is more than just satisfying our curiosity. It helps scientists, researchers, and even us make sense of the vast web of life on Earth. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of where gophers and squirrels fit in this intricate puzzle.

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