April 2011 Newsletter
Bill Would Protect Bats, Other Wildlife from Diseases
In the midst of the most devastating wildlife epidemic ever documented in North America -- the spread of the mysterious bat disease white-nose syndrome -- we may finally have a tool to speed a full-scale federal response. This Tuesday, Sen. Frank Lautenburg (D.-N.J.) introduced a bill into Congress that would let the secretary of the interior declare wildlife emergencies and fund and coordinate rapid responses. The bill would also create a wildlife disease committee to increase U.S. preparedness for addressing wildlife diseases like white-nose syndrome, chytrid fungus in amphibians and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk.
Though fast-spreading white-nose syndrome has already killed more than a million bats in 16 states and two Canadian provinces, the feds have yet to adequately launch a counterattack. Since 2008, the Center for Biological Diversity has been working on all fronts to fix that.
Get more on the new bill from NJ.com and read an eye-opening opinion piece on white-nose syndrome by the Center's Mollie Matteson in The Huffington Post. Then take action to help protect western bats during 2011 -- the International Year of the Bat
Bats Hiding from the Lights
City dwellers often see bats flying around streetlights, happily chasing insects that are attracted to the glow. But such lights, especially in rural areas, can also have a dark side for bats.
Cool Weather Map
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/zoa/mwmap3.php?map=usa.
Hover over the top of any location on the map and it will bring up real time information for the weather.
Unsolved Mystery Lights of Marfa, Texas
Off the Beaten TrackAre you a motorcycle rider, or just like to look at cool customs motorcycles. Visit Ron’s site, a lot of nostalgia.
Ron Finch is a local boy from the Metro Detroit area that has made the Big Time.
A Ghostly PhotoThe winter season can be very hard on us mortals. If you just take the time to look around you can find amazing things that Mother Nature does.
This photo was taken in my yard after a big snow storm in February. It is a large oak tree with molded plaster facial highlights mounted to the tree about 15 ft. up from the ground.
Choose the Right Bird House
March and April is an ideal time to install a Bat House or Bird House on your property. Find out why.
Check out all of our bird house specifications on our website: www.batsbirdsyard.com
'Til Next Month.
Thank You,
Phil Brodak