Cool Backyard Flora & Fauna ID Resources

Fauna

Birds

Birdwatcher's Digest: They offer a list sectioned by type. As you mouseover the different birds, a thumbnail image of that bird shows up to the left.

Whatbird.com: This page has an extensive list of birds commonly found in MA with an image of the bird as well. This was how I found this bird.

Critters

AA Animal Control.com: Wow, unless I'm off in my selection of keywords (wild animal guide massachusetts), there's nothing on backyard critters that is as fun to use as the bird guides listed above. This is packed with useful information though.


Flora

There are some good iPhone apps, such as Landscaper for identifying plants by site.

I found this Flickr Group that has a tagging method to search their image database.

This blog also has a good list of book resources too.

Cool Backyard Flora & Fauna ID Resources

If you come....we will build it! The new playground on Salem Common

Volunteers needed for the new playground build on Salem Common!

When: May 21, 22 & 23 That's Fri/Sat/Sun 7 am to Sunset

Where: Salem Common

What: Community Build


Why: The time has come! The new playground is almost here but we need all hands on deck to help build it. The more help we get –
the faster the build! The Salem Common Playground has long been in dire need of a serious upgrade. Thanks to the tireless (and I do mean tireless) efforts of Sarah Wheeler-Gaddipatti and all the Parents at Parents United of Salem, this plan is finally coming to fruition! Kids of all ages will finally have a playground that is accessible and safe for all!

Who: Volunteers needed for 3 hour shifts

To Volunteer: Please email with your available days/times: melzwilson@hotmail.com

If you come....we will build it! The new playground on Salem Common

Second Life: Snack Size-Easy Seed Trays

Tomatoes and Lavender have begun to sprout!

I've been collecting those little snack size containers of Greek yogurt and applesauce all winter mainly because every time I hovered over the recycle container with one its size and shape seemed to cry out "Wait! Are you sure I couldn't be of some other use to you?

Well, actually, yes. I poked some holes in the bottom, filled with potting mix and put the containers in some old tofu and take-out sushi containers. Push some seeds into the mix, conscript your kid to water every day and you've got a great way to show your kids the value of growing your own food and recycling! Bonus.

Second Life: Snack Size-Easy Seed Trays

2 Birds with 1 Stone: Shopping & Working Out

I'm lucky to live near some conservation land and lately I've been trying to get more exercise. But some days (most days actually) the idea of taking 45 minutes to "work out" just isn't practical. So why not combine a work out with an errand? I found out that if I walk to the local grocery store (instead of getting in the car and driving 20 minutes to a big chain store), I get moving for 45 minutes, plus the extra effort of carrying the bags home, AND I get to walk past scenery like the photo above. Double Bonus!

2 Birds with 1 Stone: Shopping & Working Out