Latest news with #NevadaDepartmentofWildlife
CNET
30-05-2025
- General
- CNET
A Wildlife Expert Helped Me Find the Best Spot for My Bird Feeder. Here's What I Learned
As a wellness writer and self-proclaimed amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to and watching birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can enhance our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city, which meant I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders. I quickly realized I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder, where to place it and which seeds to use -- or avoid. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about placing and caring for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just an important term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can impact the birds and other local wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from said bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET The only visitor I saw for the first week after installing my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wasn't hogging the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I currently have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a little roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos of the cute birds as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird friends didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but it can take up to a few weeks before birds interact with a new one. They are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It has now been two weeks, and I have yet to receive a visitor to the Bird Buddy feeder. However, I am confident that with abundant patience and the right food, it's only a matter of time before it becomes part of their routine. Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. The placement of your bird feeder impacts the number of birds that visit and the presence of other animals and predators. Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird sickness and disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Duck Caught on Radar Going Almost Twice the Speed Limit Turns Out to Be Fast-Flying 'Repeat Offender'
A mallard duck was caught speeding, flying 52 km pr hour in a 30 km per hour zone — on a radar camera in Switzerland Authorities said the bird was a repeat speeding offender The same duck was caught speeding at the same spot, exactly seven years priorA duck is being called out for its penchant for speeding through sleepy neighborhoods. A radar camera in central Switzerland meant to catch cars unlawfully speeding in Köniz, a town near Bern, instead snapped a photo of a law-breaking duck, according to a Facebook post from the Municipality of Köniz. The post stated that the radar camera clocked the bird in question flying at 52 kilometers per hour in a 30 kilometers per hour zone — or roughly 32 miles per hour in an 18.6 mph zone — on April 13. According to the post, it wasn't the bird's first offense. Authorities believe the same duck flew too fast past the same radar camera precisely seven years ago. Officials claim they have evidence that the same duck triggered the same camera on April 13, 2018. It's strange enough to find out a duck triggered a radar camera, to find out one duck is likely behind the two sightings, left police "astonished," the post read. "A duck had indeed been caught in the speed trap again, seven years to the day later, in the exact same place and traveling at exactly the same speed," the post stated, also noting that specific duck is "a notorious speeder and repeat offender." The Municipality of Köniz's Facebook post about the bird with a need for speed also addressed claims that the images the radar camera caught of the duck were doctored. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Officials noted that it is unlikely that the footage has been manipulated, because the radar's computers are calibrated and tested each year by Switzerland's Federal Institute of Metrology. Plus, photos taken by the radar camera are sealed to prevent tampering. The duck appears to be a male mallard duck, based on its green head and distinctive ring around its neck, per All About Birds. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, mallards can fly 55 miles per hour while migrating, or faster when flying in the direction of the wind. Read the original article on People
American Military News
23-04-2025
- American Military News
Body of missing Las Vegas veterinarian found at Lake Mead after viral video showed him mistreating horse
The body of a Las Vegas equine veterinarian missing since early April was found Friday at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, authorities confirmed Monday. The National Park Service said in a statement that a body was discovered Friday near the Boulder Islands within Lake Mead. The body was recovered and identified the next day by the Clark County coroner's office as veterinarian Shawn Frehner, 56, of Las Vegas. Authorities did not provide a cause or manner of death for Frehner, who was reported missing April 6. Frehner was identified using dental records. No further details were given. The National Park Service had been leading a multiagency search for Frehner. The search was being conducted with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and volunteers from Las Vegas-based Red Rock Search and Rescue. A missing persons report released by the Metropolitan Police on April 10 stated that Frehner left behind his wallet, keys and a cellphone inside his unoccupied truck found at the Hemenway Harbor at Lake Mead. Frehner's father, Rex Frehner, said his son did not have a history of medical or mental health conditions and 'has never made any threats to hurt himself or anyone else,' according to the missing persons report. Rex Frehner said he believed his son owned a gun, but the father was unsure whether he would have taken it with him to the lake. Rex Frehner and other relatives did not respond Monday to requests for comment. Days before the search for Shawn Frehner, a criminal complaint was filed by Pahrump resident Shawna Gonzalez, who alleged he had mistreated her horse. Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill confirmed to the Pahrump Valley Times that the Nye County Sheriff's Office had received Gonzalez's complaint of felony animal abuse and was investigating. Gonzalez said in a text message to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday that she was sorry to hear of Shawn Frehner's death. 'I had no idea this would happen,' Gonzalez said. 'But I was not the one bullying. I am not sorry for standing up for my horse. I am their voice and will continue to be.' Video circulates on social media In the days after the incident, Gonzalez shared a social media post about her complaint, including video, which was later recirculated by animal rights groups showing a man purported to be Shawn Frehner interacting with her horse named Big Red and at one point kicking it in the jaw when it was on the ground. Those posts shared by Gonzalez include what purports to be a lengthy apology and explanation by Shawn Frehner of what happened. In Shawn Frehner's telling of events, he described Big Red as a wild horse that was dangerously aggressive and unresponsive to sedatives he had administered to prepare him for gelding. He said the horse had fallen after the sedatives began to take effect in a way that was affecting its breathing, and he had reached out with his foot to brush its face to startle it back into awareness, but the horse turned its head and he ended up kicking it in the chin. 'I did not blatantly haul off and kick this horse, as it appears in the video,' Shawn Frehner wrote, according to a screenshot of the post. 'That was not my intention at all. It was done simply to get the Horse in a better position so that he could breathe and get up and move, so I could again try to anesthetize.' Since the video was posted, the personal Facebook page belonging to Shawn Frehner, as well as his veterinarian business page, had been flooded with comments accusing him of animal abuse. Others stated that he should have had his veterinary license revoked because of the video. Rush to judgment? Eric Rose, a partner of the Pasadena, California-based strategic communications firm Englander Knabe &Allen, said that while video of the incident is 'unsettling,' many may have rushed to judgment before authorities could thoroughly investigate, leading to Shawn Frehner being 'engulfed in a social media firestorm.' 'In the days following a criminal complaint and the release of a disturbing video shared on Facebook, it is clear that Dr. Frehner became the target of intense scrutiny and widespread condemnation,' Rose wrote in an email. 'The court of public opinion, fueled by viral posts and amplified by animal rights activists, not surprisingly, moved faster than the formal investigation.' Gonzalez said that in addition to reporting to law enforcement, she reported Shawn Frehner to the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Jennifer Pedigo, executive director of the agency, has declined to comment on a pending investigation. But a complaint was filed against Shawn Frehner in 2016 that was settled in May of the following year, according to online records. Shawn Frehner was placed into a one-year probationary period after the board found that he had failed to maintain and computerize patient records, stemming from an incident where he also dispensed prescription medication to animal owners in unlabeled plastic bags, according to a document outlining the veterinarian board's findings. It's the only mention of disciplinary action on a digital overview of his profile, which said he initially received his veterinarian license in 1998. His license was set to expire June 30, according to online records. No other complaints are listed on his file. ___ © 2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Nevada wildlife officials investigate illegal shooting of doe pregnant with twin fawns
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A mule deer pregnant with twin fawns was shot and left to die in the Ruby Mountains, and now officials with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) are asking for the public's help with any information that might help find who is responsible. A game warden who responded to a March 5 report of a deer found near the Lattin Ranch south of Elko found what appeared to be bullet entry and exit wounds in the doe's left rear hip/back. The doe — initially reported as sick or injured — died before the warden arrived. NDOW described the incident as a senseless killing. 'The 6–7-year-old doe was pregnant with twin fawns which also died due to the gunshot wound killing the adult doe,' according to a news release. 'NDOW believes that this deer may have been shot sometime between March 1 and March 3, 2025.' The Elko County site is known as Harrison Pass in Hunt Unit 103. The area is about six hours (350 miles) north of Las Vegas. NDOW is looking for any information related to the shooting. Any information can be relayed to NDOW by calling 1-800-992-3030 or by utilizing the Tip411 app. The deer's death comes about two months after NDOW reported two separate incidents of elk poaching near the Nevada-Utah border. A $2,000 reward has been offered for information in solving those cases. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Yahoo
Reward offered for information about elk poaching cases in Nevada
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation offered a $2,000 reward for any information that will help solve elk poaching cases in Nevada, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The two cases occurred in Lincoln County near the Utah Border, according to a release. 'Stories like these two cases should upset hunters and non-hunters alike. To not only illegally kill these animals, but then to leave them to waste is disgusting and we at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation want to help in finding these criminals and bringing them to justice,' Deanna Ackerman, Regional Director for RMEF said. 'Our hope is that the reward helps motivate someone to tell game wardens what they may know. We need to find the persons responsible for these senseless acts.' The first incident involved a bull elk that was shot and killed over Labor Day weekend in an area known as Uvada, approximately 1.5 miles from Utah, along railroad tracks in Hunt Unit 242. The elk was found with its head removed and left to waste with no other parts taken. Game wardens believe the animal was shot on Aug. 30 using a spotlight and suspect it may have been poached by someone living in Utah. The release stated there was an open archery bull elk hunt less than two miles away in Utah. 'This area of Nevada has been a problem location in the past during the Utah hunts,' the release stated. In the second incident, a bull elk was shot and left to waste between Dec. 5 and Dec 6. in the area of Reed Cabin Summit in Unit 231, less than a mile from the Utah Border. Game wardens believe the antlers were removed from the animal between Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. 'These crimes should upset everyone. It's a waste of Nevada's wildlife,' John Anderson, Game Warden Lieutenant for NDOW, said. 'Let's be very clear, these were not legitimate hunters. In both cases these people blatantly stole a mature bull elk from the people of Nevada and then left it to waste.' Illegally killing a big game animal without a valid tag is a Class E felony, the release stated. As of Friday, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has very few leads and ask for the public's help to catch the people responsible. To report wildlife crime, sportsmen and members of the public can call the OGT hotline at (800) 992-3030 or use the new NDOW Tip app. The NDOW Tip app provides citizens the ability to submit anonymous tips, photos or video to the Nevada Department of Wildlife via text messaging. NDOW Tip is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store, or by visiting the agency's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
