A Few Migrators, A Few Lubbock Locals - Clapp Park, February 1st

With the warmer weather we've been walking the dogs more and I keep noticing more and more non-local birds. A week ago we saw a massive flock of blackbirds I don't normally see descending onto the cattails at Clapp Park. I didn't have a camera with me then, but I did go back on my lunch hour a few days later to see who might be around.  As usual, it was worth the very short trip. 

The first bird I encountered was a local favorite. This young mockingbird posed for me several times. Their curiosity and propensity for mischief make them a favorite in our yard and at the parks.

I fear I'm repeating myself here, but when I was a kid, I had the book above. I went through it over and over (as I did with all the nature books.) One bird stood out to me as the most beautiful and exotic - the cedar waxwing. I had a fascination for them and inherently knew I'd never see one in person.

Thankfully, I was wrong on that last part. I was in my mid-twenties the first time I saw them. A group of them perched in the tree outside my kitchen window. I stood and watched in awe for about twenty minutes until they flew away. I wouldn't see them again for a few decades, but I've seen them a handful of times over the last few years, usually in one of our big elms for a very short visit. I was lucky enough to see a dozen of them on this trip.

Even the not-so-exotic mallards are striking and a pleasure to see 

The wigeons are back in town for a stretch. There were four on the north pond.

This young hawk did a good job of avoiding the camera, but I eventually got this pic.

I thought I'd save my favorite creature for last - the turtle. This particular red eared slider was catching some February rays. Check out that massive webbed foot out back. It's no wonder they're so speedy in the water.

Thanks for coming along! May you too be blessed by the natural beauty around you, even if you (too) live in a place not known for its beauty.

Squirrelitos!

In my office at work, there is no window. It once was a closet, but it's been converted into a pretty nice office with two doors, two desks, and zero windows. As spring has approached, it's been a little tough staring at walls and doors and desks.

During this time of social distancing, however, I am working at home. At home I have a window facing the backyard. In the backyard is an old elm with a cavity that usually holds nesting birds, but this year the squirrels moved in first.

Ever been mooned by a squirrel?

Initially, I noticed a little face and thought it was an owl, so I grabbed the camera, zoomed in a bit, and then realized it was a squirrel face. A few minutes later, another face appeared. So my wife and I set up camp and came to realize there were four. By the next day, they were venturing out a bit and we realized there were six.

My wife took these pics - she's a much better photog than I.

For those of you who just can't get enough, here is a video of the little rascals venturing out onto the branch for (what we think was) the first time.

 

 Six little squirrels for six minutes

Yep, that's it. I just wanted to share a little fun, natural beauty.  May you know health, wellness and a little peace in these unsettling times.

Thanks for stopping by!

Earth Day 2019 - A few simple suggestions

It's just not an MH Earth Day post without Pogo

Spring, Resurrection, Earth Day

It's a great season for new beginnings.

Nothing fancy here, but I want to offer a few areas where you can change for the better and encourage others to do the same.

A great place to start

Burn less gas:

My favorite way to do this is to ride a bike, but there are a lot of ways to cut back on your consumption: carpool, plan your routes and trips better, drive less aggressively, walk more, shop or eat closer to home, take your lunch to work, maintain your vehicle better, use public transportation. As much as I love the prospect of cars that don't burn gas, you don't have to buy a new Leaf to turn over a new leaf.

Choose re-usable over disposable:

cups, bags, utensils, jars, straws, handkerchiefs, mason jars, kitchen rags, napkins

Show some love to a natural place:

My hope for this evening is to head to my favorite local wild place with the stuff needed to pick up trash, recyclables, and manmade stuff that just doesn't belong in a wild place. It's been a breeze-trashy winter and it's time to undo some of the damage.

Use less plastic:

There're lots of ways to go about this: re-usables (mentioned above), being more conscious of packaging when you're buying groceries, invest in quality utensils/dishes that will last longer than plastic, choose restaurants that serve in real dishes and cups; say no to straws, lids, and single-use plasticware.

Bring home less crap:

Chotchkies, swag, knick-knacks, collectables, figurines, novelties, promotional items - all that useless stuff that ends up on a shelf, in a drawer, or in the garbage - think before you bring it home. Less stuff means less stuff to worry with!

Seek out simpler recreation:

A friend was telling me yesterday about some birds nesting in his family's backyard, and how it's transformed his time with his wife - every chance they get they're out in the backyard with binoculars. Last night, our family went for a bike ride followed by a stroll with the dogs. Yes, I admit that I'm getting old and boring, but we find more and more time that requires little in the way of earth-harming resources and supplies us with a great deal more health and joy.

To be fair, if you do everything on this list, you will make very little contribution to making the world a heathier place, but you will help in creating momentum, and if you share your successes, you'll encourage others.

If you want to make a bigger impact:

Encourage others to live cleaner, support organizations that work for bigger change, and encourage your local politicians to vote and live cleaner. Here are a few organizations to check out if you're looking for a place to start.

Click here

Click here

Click here

Click here

Giving Tuesday 2018 - Mesquite Hugger Faves

I started this post a week ago and planned all kinds of great stuff, but here it is Giving Tuesday, and I'm just putting it out there:

Local

In honor of Patience, Permaguard, Fred, Bitsy, Sasha, Nick, and (of course) Condo, please consider a donation to A Place for Us Greyhounds - local greyhound adoption group.

A Place for Us Greyhounds

 

My favorite thing to come out of the Florida Mid-Term elections was that people of Florida overwhelmingly voted to end greyhound racing in that state. As the tracks shut down, there will be a large number of hounds up for adoption. They are amazing creatures, and each one I've known has stolen my heart. If you have any inclination to get a pet/new family member, please consider one of these loving and quirky beasts.

 

Open Door Lubbock (Formerly The Carpenter's Church)

 

If you're local and you have a heart for helping the homeless rise out of homelessness, this group is accomplishing amazing things here in Lubbock.

Photos from the recent South Plains Wildlife Rehab Center Open House

 

My favorite place in Lubbock is the SPWRC. When they have an open house, I absolutely geek out and can't wait to see what they're up to and who they are rehabbing back to a life in the wild. This place rocks!

Sondra's Song - Lubbock

 

At the risk of sounding like a crotchety old dude, one place our society really sucks is in preparing young people to face the reality of being adults. And that problem is multiplied a hundredfold for kids who've grown up in the foster system. Sondra's Song is dedicated to helping foster kids as they "age out" get thrust out into the world. 

Not-So-Local

 



World Bicycle Relief

 

If you're like me and believe that a bicycle can be a powerful tool for change, then check WBR out. The difference they are able to make with something so simple is astounding.

 

Other faves:

 

Greenpeace, The Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, 350.org, the National Bike League, People for Bikes, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

 

Please find someone in the world who is working to make the world a better place, and support them!

Giving Tuesday 2017

It's overwhelming this year.

It always is, but the ravages of climate-change and rise in human volatility have made things seem especially dire. It's pretty easy to stay overwhelmed in our own little bubbles. I'm thankful for days like Giving Tuesday to pull us out of ourselves.

I rode the bike to work this morning - something I haven't done nearly enough lately. I was pedaling along thinking of where I could make a contribution this year. For some reason, the bicycle came to mind. So many virtues in just shutting up and pedaling (Thanks, Bob!). I thought of my two favorite American bicycle organizations, People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists. Both would be good places for a donation to make our country a better and safer place to bike. It's funny, we are such a wealthy country and there are bikes everywhere, but very few are actually ridden. We have the means but not the motivation.

So the brain wandered off to organizations that seek out those with the motivation but no means. And that led me to World Bicycle Relief.

World Bicycle Relief

 

It's true! (Find it here.)

 

 Then I rode past one of our local parks. The Canadian Geese are starting to arrive. I also saw four cowbirds and a snowy egret. The next choice was easy:

The South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

 

I love the SPWRC and its mission. (By the way, you can check the place out this Saturday at their Holiday Open House.) Here is what they do:

 

 

Okay, those are my picks for this year's Giving Tuesday. What are yours?

 

May we all find and support ways to make life better for others!

Valentine's is (apparently) for the Birds

Birds make me very happy. Pretty much all birds. For me, a truly wealthy day is one where I spend at least ten minutes getting to watch wild birds somewhere.

I received a Valentine's email and slideshow from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology yesterday. It contained birds. Birds make me happy. I wanted to make you happy, so I am sharing the birds with you!

I am featuring one of their photos for you and a link to the slideshow. This is by far not the best photo in the bunch, but the Great Blue Heron is by far my favorite bird. Period. So don't you be talkin' no trash about my herons!

Click here to see the whole slideshow

 

May you know the wealth of bird-watching time (or your personal equivalent) on every day. Happy Valentine's, amigos y aves!

 

PS. Feel free to show the birds and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology some love here or support some Lubbock birds in need at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

 

PPS. If you run across my wife today, please tell her that the Mesquite Hugger adores her more than Great Blue Herons, grackles, and burrowing owls combined! (She'll know that it's a big deal.)

 

PPPS. If you find yourself needing a little nature time, read The Urban Bestiary already! Seriously, just read it!

 

Lubbock Christmas Gift Idea Numero Uno - SPWRC

One of my absolute favorite places/organizations/groups in Lubbock is the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. I love wildlife. I love people who work to conserve and preserve wild places and wild animals. I love SPWRC.

 

With that in mind, I would like to encourage you to support them this Christmas by making a donation, volunteering some time, or buying your favorite nature lover an SPWRC t-shirt.

 

SPWRC T-Shirt $15.00

OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND!!!

Speaking of the SPWRC, you have a rare opportunity this weekend to attend their open house and view their new barn and new waterfowl rehab center. The event lasts from 11-2 tomorrow (December 19). More info here: SPWRC.org.

You can also support this great organization through a GoFundMe campaign or through the Amazon Smile program.

May your gift giving spread joy and health in all directions.

Bonus links: Some of our previous visits to SWPRC

Lubbock People Who Rock: SPWRC

Lubbock Local Wildlife: Get Ready for Spring (SPWRC)


PS. Please tell them the Mesquite Hugger sent you!

Lubbock Local Wildlife: Get Ready for Spring (SPWRC)

One of our backyard elms has a hole. It's a great hole! A few years ago, starlings moved in and started raising little starlets. In springtime I spend a lot of time watching the comings and goings from our kitchen window. A few days ago, I saw two squirrels run quickly into the hole. So, I stood at the window and impatiently sipped my coffee. After a few minutes, a squirrel face peered out of the hole. She looked around, waited a bit, and then she ran out onto the tree trunk. A few minutes later, a smaller face appeared, looked around for a bit, and ran out. I know that people are supposed to see squirrels as mortal enemies, but I don't. It made me quite happy to see these two. Then another small face appeared, and another, and another. An adult and four youngsters eventually came out of that hole. It was a great start to my day.

Why do I tell you this? Because it's spring. Because the male grackles are fool-dancing for the ladies. Because the English sparrows are in the mood. Because the squirrels have been listening to their Barry White albums.

And the storks are on their way bringing lots and lots of babies!

So, what do you do if you find a baby bird or baby mammal and you want to help it out? You don't call me. I had a horrible track record with found babies until I learned the secret - get thee to the SPWRC! The South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a group of local heroes who spend their time working to rehabilitate and release local wildlife in need of help. They are busy folks!  And they are a great resource for local people and for people all over. They have put together these two pages to help you know what to do if you find a displaced baby:

Baby Birds 101

 

 

 Baby Mammals 101

While you are on their site, be sure to read about their drop-off center in case you find local wildlife that is sick or injured. And, if you would like to support them in their mission, you can find volunteer opportunities, wishlists, and a few ways to donate money. You can even buy a Give a Hoot T-shirt. Please tell them the Mesquite Hugger sent you!

May you live in a place where people actively care for others.

Bonus video: Tank Girl gets all Cole Porter (Dedicated to Grizz!)

Lubbock Mini-Post: Giving Tuesday 2014

As I mentioned in a post last week, tomorrow (December 2) is Giving Tuesday. Just in case you find yourself with a large (or small) pile of money to give or you have time and/or skills to devote to others, here are a few local organizations for your consideration:

 

Carpenter's Church

 

 

Link Ministries

The Hope Lodge - American Cancer Society

 

South Plains Wildlife Rehab Center

 

The Haven Animal Care Shelter

 

May you be blessed with neighbors who choose to give.

Lubbock People Who Rock: SPWRC

Bob-a-Lou  the dove on the way to get some help

Running an errand in the Rush neighborhood yesterday, we ran across this little guy running across a street. A few minutes later, we were headed home with a healthy but injured white-winged dove. Not too long after that, Bob-a-Lou made it to the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where he(?) was fortunate enough to meet Daniel Andrews. All I have to say is that the SPWRC and the people who work there rock!

In case you share that sentiment, here is an easy way to show them a little love: the SPWRC currently has a gofundme campaign. Local people doing great things for local wildlife - what better neighbors could we ask for?

Click here to see the campaign and to see baby possums!

May it always be this easy to support people who help others!

PS. Please tell them the Mesquite Hugger said hi!

Wildlife in Spring

A Burrowing Owl Chick - SPWRC

I keep seeing, hearing, and hearing of a lot more urban wildlife over the last few weeks. (And I love this time of year for that reason.) Most of what I have been seeing has been birds, but I have heard of more foxes and at least two possums this week. In preparation for all this life springing up, here are a few helpful links for how to react when you do run across a critter that may (or may not) need a little help.

How to Support Your Local Wildlife this Spring  Check out the little possum photo!

Baby Birds 101 - South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

While you are on the SPWRC website (designed by the rocking volunteer Amber Morales), be sure to check out all of the pages. Their mission statement is awesome! Read it and then see if you can help out with your time, with a donation, or with items on their wishlist. This is a group right here in Lubbock that is working hard to leave the place better than they found it.

May you be stunned by natural beauty this spring!

PS. The SPWRC has not yet announced their spring open house date. When they do, I will post it.

Wildlife Rehab Center Follow-Up

Huey and Tori

Amber, Travis, and Rocky 

Bobby

Here are some pics in case you missed the spwrc.org open house. A great time was had by all! And we heard a bobcat purr! They will have another open house during the third week of June. These people are doing some great things and are very much worthy of our community's support.

May you be surrounded by people who care enough to do something!

PS. Don't forget the Mesquite Hugger Survey!

Click here!

Local Event Tomorrow!!! (Local Wildlife!!!)

Okay, so this blog is very much about local and very much about wildlife, so you can imagine how happy the Mesquite Hugger is to promote this event:

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 21st, from 11am-2pm, the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is having their open house. If you want to see local wildlife and meet the people who volunteer their time and efforts to care for local animals that have been injured or orphaned, this is the event for you. The link is below.

http://www.spwrc.org/ 

While you are on their website, please take some time to read their mission statement. Thank you, SPWRC!!! (Tell 'em the Mesquite Hugger sent you!)

And your bonus material for the day, Imagine coming home to find a bobcat in your blinds. I love this story for a number of reasons.
1.They called in the mounties.
2. "MacGyver" is used as a verb.
3. I learned another use for two broomsticks, a roll of duct tape, and a knife that does not involve jousting.

Honey, There's a Bobcat in the Blinds!

May your day be filled with pleasant surprises!