Articles written by Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Showing 41 Articles
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Breeding Zebra Finches
Zebra finches breed easily in captivity. The birds' caretakers should know what to expect from breeding finches, and how to deal with eggs, wanted or unwanted.
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Help! A Bird Flew into My Window!
Birds who fly into windows may suffer from serious injuries. Here's how to deal with avian windowstrike.
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Profile of the Turkey Vulture
They may not be pretty, but buzzards perform an important ecological role. Here are the facts about this unusual, often misunderstood bird.
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Profile of the Red Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a large hawk found all over North America. Here's an overview on the species and what sets it apart from other hawks.
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Profile of the Northern Mockingbird
This common backyard bird may not be as colorful as many songbirds, but it is a fascinating species. Here's some facts about this common mockingbird.
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How to Identify Wild Birds
New birdwatchers can learn to recognize birds by paying close attention to the following six traits. A good guidebook and plenty of practice will do the rest.
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Creating a Backyard Bird Habitat
If you have a yard, you are just four steps away from making the perfect backyard bird habitat. Here's how to bring feathery friends flocking to your backyard.
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Common Illnesses in Pet Rabbits
Rabbit owners should be aware of the signs of illness in bunnies and which health problems to watch for. Here's an overview of the most common issues in domestic rabbits.
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Choosing Sustainable Seafood
With the popularity of seafood on the rise, our oceans are struggling to meet the demands. Overfishing and environmentally damaging fishing practices should be avoided.
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Review of Flyaway
Suzie Gilbert's memoir of her first years as a backyard bird rehabilitator is funny, insightful, and poignant, filled with challenges, rewards, and disappointments.
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Vegetarianism is Good for the Environment
Besides being healthy and compassionate, there are also many environmental benefits to choosing a plant-based diet. Reducing meat consumption helps the planet!
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Enrichment for Pet Rabbits
Rabbits require mental and physical stimulation in order to thrive. Here are a few fun, inexpensive toys bunnies enjoy.
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Domestic vs. Wild Rabbits
Many people do not understand that domestic rabbits, such as those sold in pet stores, are not the same as wild rabbits who live self-sufficiently in nature.
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Feeding Your Reef Tank
Feeding every life form in a coral reef tank requires more than fish pellets or flakes. Here's a few tips for maintaining a thriving marine environment.
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Hand-Raising Pigeons and Doves
Orphaned pigeons and doves are the easiest of birds to raise and release. Here's an overview of the care, feeding, and releasing of young Columbidae.
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Conservation of the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Kemp's Ridley is the smallest and rarest sea turtle in the world. Here's an overview of the dangers faced by this endangered reptile, and what's being done to help.
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When Least Terns Nest on Rooftops
Least terns who nest on rooftops face significant danger. Luckily, there are a few things humans can do to help.
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Raising Baby Songbirds
Wildlife rehabilitators who raise orphaned or injured baby songbirds have their work cut out for them. Feeding the passerines correctly is half the battle.
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Walking Batfish in the Aquarium
As a rule, walking batfish are best left to advanced aquarists, as there are many challenges in the feeding, housing, and maintaining of these unusual bottom-dwellers.
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A New Artificial Reef in the Florida Keys
Efforts are underway to sink a retired battleship in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. But do such artificial reefs really help the environment?
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Octopus in the Saltwater Aquarium
Octopus are an extremely difficult animal to keep in a marine tank. They have specialized needs as to water conditions, tank decoration, and diet.
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Review of Wesley the Owl
Stacey O'Brien's memoir about the nineteen years she shared her life and her home with an unreleasable barn owl is touching, funny, and fascinating.
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Green Taro in the Water Garden
Colocasia esculenta is a hardy, prolific bog plant perfect for water gardens and small ponds. Its long, fibrous roots make an excellent "veggie filter."
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Smithsonian Handbooks Bird Guides
The Smithsonian Handbooks series by DK Publishing are among the most popular birdwatching guides on the market, and for good reason. Here's a look at the pros and cons.
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Key West Gypsy Chickens
Visitors may be surprised to find chickens roaming the streets of Key West. Many consider the birds a part of Key West's history and character. Others want them gone.
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Before You Adopt a Rabbit
Rabbits are adorable and make wonderful pets. But, like any pet, they require dedication on the part of their keepers. Here's a few things to consider.
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Endangered Species of the Florida Keys
The string of islands off the coast of Florida are a unique and sensitive ecosystem. Some creatures that live here can be found nowhere else in the world.
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Birdwatching in Key West
Key West is home to many rare species, and is important as a pit-stop for many migratory birds. Here's a few birds to look for, as well as five birdwatching hot spots.
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B-Ionics in the Reef Aquarium
When used correctly, ESV B-Ionics Calcium Buffer System allows you to control alkalinity and calcium levels with precision while adding essential trace minerals.
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How to Repair a Torn Pouch in a Pelican
Wildlife rescues dealing with pelicans frequently encounter pouches torn open from fishhooks. Luckily, this common injury is easily repaired.
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The Eco-Friendly Saltwater Aquarium
To protect the marine environment, choose aquacultured materials and tank-bred animals for your saltwater aquarium, and never release anything into the wild.
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Invasive Species of the Florida Keys
The mild weather, lush foliage, and biodiversity of the Florida Keys allow invasive species to proliferate. There are several invasives causing concern in the Keys.
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Proper Diet for Pet Rabbits
The right nutrition is an important factor in the health and happiness of your bunny. A rabbit's diet can be visualized as a simple rabbit food pyramid.
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If You've Found a Sea Turtle in Distress
An ill, injured, or stranded sea turtle may require human intervention. Your job is to contact the authorities and keep the turtle moist.
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Fun for Pocket Pets
In the wild, small rodents keep busy foraging for food, building and maintaining burrows, and avoiding predation. As pets, they need our help to stay active.
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Common Injuries and Illness in Brown Pelicans
A threatened species, the Brown Pelican is a frequent patient at seaside wildlife rescues. These are the most common issues in Pelecanus occidentalis.
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Technique for Force-Feeding a Raptor
An ill, injured, or stressed bird-of-prey may not be inclined to eat, or may not recognize frozen chicks or mice as food. In this case, force-feeding may be necessary.
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Helping a Bunny With G.I. Stasis
G.I. Stasis is a serious illness in rabbits, requiring immediate action. But what if your bunny-savvy vet is out of town? Here are some ways to stabilize your pet.
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Seahorses in the Home Aquarium
These beautiful, gentle creatures are extremely sensitive and difficult to maintain. Here's seven helpful hints for first-time "pony" keepers.
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Richardson's Ground Squirrels as Pets
Sure they're adorable, but Richardson's Ground Squirrels aren't for everyone. Here's the pros, cons, dos and don'ts of keeping Gophers.
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How to Help an Orphaned Baby Bird
A wild baby bird who has fallen from its nest may need your help to survive. The trick is knowing when to intervene, and how to get the bird to safety.
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