Archive for October, 2008
Saturday, October 11th, 2008
Common name: California condor
Scientific name: Gymnogyps californianus
Family: Cathartidae
Order: Falconiformes
Size: Length: 46-52 in (117-132 cm); wingspan: 109 in (277 cm); weight: 23 Ib (10.4 kg)
Key features: Very long, broad wings with prominent “fingers” at tips; plumage largely black, white triangle on underside of wings; head and neck pink, with small black ruff; juveniles have dark head and neck
Habits: Soars on level (or slightly raised) wings, searching for prey; very stable in the air
Nesting: No nest; lays egg on ground in cave or large tree hole; 1 egg; incubation 55-60 days; young fledge after 180 days; 1 brood
Voice: Hissing and grunting at nest; otherwise silent
Diet: Carrion, mainly from large carcasses
Habitat: Hills and plains
Distribution: California and Arizona: population extinct in the wild in 1987, but now reintroduced into these two states
Status: Critically Endangered
(more…)
Posted in Bird Types | No Comments »
Friday, October 10th, 2008
History
The history of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed is one of the most fascinating - and fortunate - in dogdom. In 1807, an American ship rescued the crew and cargo from a shipwrecked English brig off the coast of Maryland. Among the rescued where two presumably Newfound pups that were given to the rescuers. These pups ( one black and one red ) later proved to be skilled water retrievers, and as their reputation grew, many local retrievers of uncertain background came to breed with them. It is also thought that Irish Water Spaniel, Newfoundland, Bloodhound and other local hound crosses added to the development of the breed. (more…)
Posted in Sporting Group | No Comments »
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
The Bamboo Quick Control Large Collar 18-22″ is not only a great collar but also a perfect training aid to your dog. The quick control large collar is a product that combines safe and confient features. A simple tug on the handle of the Quick Control collar creates an instant leash. Release your grip and the leash retracts into the collar.
(more…)
Posted in Dog Collars | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008
History
When bird shooting became accessible to persons of average means, demand for both specialist and versatile hunting breeds soared. The quest for versatile breeds reached its height in Germany, and the German Wirehaired Pointer represents one of its most successful results. Hunters wanted a dog that would locate and point upland game, track wounded game, confront tough vermin, retrieve water fowl from land or water and also function as companion and watchdog. It was developed to be a close worker over any kind of terrain. A rough wiry coat was needed to hunt through dense brambles. (more…)
Posted in Sporting Group | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
Polish swans are mute swans with a difference. They have pale legs throughout their lives, and the downy young and juveniles are white. The name is derived from the time when swan was a food delicacy, and Polish swans were imported into markets in London, England, from areas around the Baltic Sea in Poland. The occurrence of Polish swans appears to be more common in domesticated and semidomesticated swan populations than in truly wild populations.
(more…)
Posted in Bird Articles | No Comments »