Monday, July 29, 2019

Building Critter Houses




ROCKPILE FOR CRITTERS: Start with large rocks on the bottom, and add progressively smaller pieces.
Can add pieces of PVC pipe to the interior of your rock pile to create larger tunnels hidden by the exterior rock.

WOOD PILE FOR CRITTERS: Fireplace size logs or larger/longer, 12 to 15 inches apart.
Then take branches up to 2 inches in diameter and crisscross on top of large pieces.
Five feet in diameter at base.
Pieces progressively smaller toward the top of the pile.
Shaped like a dome.
Use evergreen branches at the top for more coverage.


The woodpile (top photo) was put together haphazardly. I am building the second one (bottom photo) with more patterns - large logs, then medium, then small branches. Also, have some gutter downspouts on the bottom for extra critter privacy and safety.



TOAD ABODE: Crack off a small section of the lip of a clay pot; then place 
it in a shady part of your yard upside down.
The clay pot will help retain humidity, and provide a cool, dark place for toads, frogs, and other moisture-loving amphibians to find cover from the drying sun and from predators as well.
Add a shallow water dish to make the house more attractive to these amphibians.
Toads relish slugs and insect pests.



AMPHIBIAN HOUSE: For frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Select a shady spot near water
Dig a 2 inch deep depression the same dimension as your piece of plywood
Place fist-sized rocks in each of the two corners at one end
The top of the rocks should stick out over the depression at least 1 inch.
Lay the plywood over the depression - one end should be flat on the ground in the depression.
The other end propped up by rocks creating an entry point.
Cover the plywood with several inches of mulch or old leaves.
Plant native wildflowers or shrubs around the perimeter for added cover.



The one pictured above is a slight deviation from the recipe. . The old refrigerator drawer holds water and stones. The stones create a shelter to allow frogs to go in the water yet stay out of sight of predators. Beneath the tray is a depression with large rocks in the corners and flat rocks on top, creating another hideaway for frogs, and toads.


Optional: build a brush pile on top of the amphibian house.
Place a shallow water dish nearby.
See instructions for this one at YouTube video -  Building a frog house.


Multi-story all-purpose critter house.


Recommended reading -
Instructions above are from National Wildlife Federation's Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife

How to restore wildlife habitat in your own backyard. The ultimate goal of creating a naturalistic, wildlife-friendly landscape is to restore a small piece of the natural ecosystem.
  • Explains the importance of native plants and the dangers of invasive aliens (non-natives).
  • Explains plant naming-nomenclature (hybrids, varieties, cultivars). 
  • Offers instructions on how to build critter houses, birdhouses, bat houses, compost piles, and water features for wildlife. 
Plant warm hugs, and Native plants!
Seeking to live a life of greater simplicity closer to nature.

                                     ~Bernie Paquette

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Paws Lavishly Unleash Summer Event - Jericho pet parade


The faithful arrived four legs at a time all with a wag. Wire-haired, long-haired, double and single-coated, rough and smooth-coated, curly and straight-haired; each well-groomed for the annual Jericho Pet Parade. Even the rabbit and lone somewhat overwhelmed cat brushed noses with the canines. The children especially took delight in rubbing noses with the cutest friendliest dogs as well as petted, chased, cuddled, and cradled their favorites. 

Paws lavishly unleashed the

Jericho summer event with no howls, or barks. There was friendly tail wagging, a few nose-to-nose re-introductions, and the bearing of billboards of their masters choosing. 

The Jericho Pet Paradecelebrates the advantages of having pets. They keep you active and improve your mood. Most pets love to be hugged which releases chemicals in your body that make you feel good. Hugging your pet makes you happy! Pets are good social icebreakers. Pets in the home may lower the likelihood of developing allergies. Pets encourage responsibility and routine. Pets can help lower blood pressure and ease pain. So go ahead, love, and hug your pet. And show your pet in majestic display at the annual Jericho Pet Parade where every pet is prized


Get an entry number for you and your pet. And then have fun!








Come early to allow time for your pet to get reacquainted with old friends and to meet new friends.















Get your formal wear on - proper attire is paramount. 

Boutonniere if you please.




Or come as you are, whatever you are, just keep your feet on the ground if you please.


Try not to look coy or disinterested. 




Peanut butter and jam, and bread;

                                              we should get together.


Remember to check your makeup.




Ok, if I have to wear a flower, so do you.



Smile for the camera.





Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My!



                                          Congratulations, 
                                             it's a bunny rabbit.





You should see the other guy. 


Who is walking who?





Is it time, is it time [for the parade]?


Last-minute instructions.


Let the parade begin.








Kitty cat says " I will stay under the covers
while all these friendly dogs are about, Thank You."



Looky at all the folks that came to see us parade. 

























You Betcha!





Wow, the judges look like a serious bunch. I hope we pass muster.













Somebody is having a devil of a time.




This guy knows how to schmooze and appeal to the crowds and judges. 
Who doesn't like tootsie rolls?




















































What a great recipe for fun.
























Sometimes you have to step through hoops
to get what you want. 




Hugs all around. 













Now the crowd anxiously awaits the judges' deliberations. 






Good time for some petting and oohing and ahhing over these beautiful pets.









How can you be as cute as a bunny and not win a prize!























Applause erupts as the winners are announced.























Our Pets - we love them, and they in turn love us.


They are all winners in our homes and in our hearts.

Thank You, participants, sponsors, volunteers, and Jericho residents who came to see the Jericho Pet Parade. 

Woof, Bow-wow, Meow, Cluck (cluck came from the rabbit and the chicken). 
And best wishes from Bernie the camera guy!