John Wilton is an avid birder who provides a convenient source for birding information and current birding news at SpeakBeak.com. He helps people to take their first steps into the world of birding while providing relevant information to more experienced birders, as well.
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The number of songbirds killed by cats each year is significant. This problem will worsen if left unchecked. Even well fed domestic house cats when left outside will kill birds. Cats hunt out of instinct even when not hungry. Even declawed cats are effective hunters and it is widely know that a bell on a cat’s collar is no deterrent.
Consider this: it is typical for a domestic female cat which is kept indoors to become sexual mature at five to nine months of age. A free roaming cat can become sexually active much sooner than that. Cats from the same litter can mate and female cats, especially in milder climates, can become pregnant any time of year. The average gestation period of a cat is under 70 days and the litter size ranges from three to six (or more) kittens. It is not uncommon for cats to go back into heat one to two months after giving birth - some sooner. Cats can have up to five litters per year. This would give just one female cat the potential to have 15 to 30 kittens (or more) per year. The cycle starts over again when these kittens become sexually mature in five to nine months. You do the math…
There are an estimated 60 million or more pet cats in the United States (this does not include the millions of strays and feral cats). Studies show the percentage of cat owners that allow their cat outside to be conservatively 25% or more. Cats allowed outdoors are not only a threat to birds but also at risk themselves (example: car vs. cat = car winning nearly every time). Neither of these losses is necessary.
The American Bird Conservatory’s citizen education and action program Cats Indoors! encourages responsible cat ownership. You can find recommendations on how you can help on their website. The National Audubon Society has passed a Resolution on Cats supporting the need for action.
Please do your part - keep your cat indoors!
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Project Blue Beam
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 18/12/2009What's going on with all of the recent UFO sighting, especially in and around Russia? Is the Copenhagen Summit attracting them? :-)
The WISE Spacecraft
By: Ernie Fitzpatrick | 14/12/2009What's out there that we're not aware? I'm sure there's much we don't know and maybe we shouldn't; however, we're about to know more soon!
The first major natural forest burning in the United States took place in 1910
By: Paul Ingersole | 14/12/2009The reality of controlled fires burning out of control takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1982. 2.2 million acres are burned, severely upsetting the balance of wildlife and plant life residing there. Today, wildfires continue to be a concern in several regions.
If you want to learn about fern forests there are some things you can do
By: Paul Ingersole | 14/12/2009It is important to note that fern forests are not just filled with ferns. There are other plants and animals and everything works in balance with each other. To understand this concept will bring you closer to understanding fern forests. If you do not understand about all of the plants and animals you will not gain the knowledge you need to understand the fern forests.
Studying recent earthquakes is the best way scientists and researchers have of trying to control them
By: Paul Ingersole | 12/12/2009In January of 2007, more than 700 earthquakes have taken place all around the world. The most recent being in Central Peru with a magnitude of 4.9. The first earthquake of 2007 took place in the Fiji Islands just a few hours after the new year started. It also had a magnitude of 4.9. The hardest earthquake of 2007 so far has been in Indonesia, with a rating of 6.0.
The first earthquake that we have history of took place in Los Angeles
By: Paul Ingersole | 12/12/2009The first earthquake that we have history of took place in Los Angeles, California in 1769. Since then California has been hit harder than any other region by earthquakes. This is because of the layers under the surface of the ground. Scientists believe earthquakes take place on the moon as well as on the Earth. It is believed they have a much smaller impact, and are the result of tidal stress between the Earth and the moon.
Most people don’t realize it, but an earthquake generally only lasts from a few seconds
By: Paul Ingersole | 12/12/2009Since an earthquake can happen anywhere and have many effects, you can help keep your family safe by heeding any earthquake warnings. Have a central location in your home that is safe, away from windows where debris can break them. The area should also have plenty of dried and canned foods as well as drinking water
Earthquakes can have a huge impact on the social and economic abilities of an area
By: Paul Ingersole | 12/12/2009Earthquakes can have a huge impact on the social and economic abilities of an area. Earthquake relief is essential in providing those affected with getting their basic needs met. These efforts also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and trauma from the event.
Birding With Field Notes and Sketches
By: John Wilton | 03/09/2008 | NatureTo what extent you take field notes when birding is a matter of personal choice. The goal of using field notes varies among birders.
The Remarkable Sounds of Birds
By: John Wilton | 03/09/2008 | NatureThe vocal skills of birds are due in part to the unusual structure of their vocal anatomy and are decidedly more complex than a human’s.
Please Do Your Part - Keep Your Cat Indoors!
By: John Wilton | 03/09/2008 | NatureThe number of songbirds killed by cats each year is significant. This problem will worsen if left unchecked. Even well fed domestic house cats when left outside will kill birds.
North American Birding Trails
By: John Wilton | 03/09/2008 | NatureSince their inception in 1996, birding trails now wind throughout the United States.