by Nan Keltie

High above the ground among the wetlands and marshes, a miracle is about to happen. In the hollow of a tree, a gray and brown female wood duck sits on her clutch of eggs. In just a few days, they will peck through the shells and hatch out as down-covered ducklings.

Right now, though, they are peeping inside their shells - and she is peeping right back. It is this preparatory communication that familiarizes the ducklings with their mother's voice. This is vital if they are to survive, because the female wood duck will soon shift from nest-sitter to survival-skills teacher and swim coach.

Within 24 hours of hatching, the ducklings must get to the water if they are to survive. The mother duck, sitting in the hole of the tree, scans the ground below. She knows mink and raccoons are often waiting in the woods. Other predators include snakes, hawks and owls. When satisfied the way is clear, she flies to the ground and begins calling her young.

by Marvelous Marty

Bluebirds are wonderful little creatures, and a pure joy to have around. The Eastern Bluebird is the common variety in my neck of the woods, and I try to accommodate them the best I can. Feeding them is important, but in order to entice them to hang around, they need dwellings.

Gourds make good bird houses for bluebirds, if you don't want to showcase your carpentry skills. Just be sure and hang them so the rain doesn't blow in, and make sure you include drainage holes in case it does. I grew a truckload of gourds one year and with the help of my young niece made dozens of bluebird houses.