A question for Ward Two dwellers.
Has anyone besides me noticed any changes in the bird population? I used to see a lot of cardinals, Finch, Robins, ETC, but lately I haven't seen any of these birds at the feeders, or in my back yard.
One thing I have noticed though is a steady growth of mosquito's in the last week, or so. I am wondering what has happened? Is something up-setting the Eco balance in the area?
Please tell us your thoughts on what this might be. I plan to go out to Powder Valley nature Center and ask the experts what they think in the next couple of days.
Tom Ford
No. 214
One thing I have noticed though is a steady growth of mosquito's in the last week, or so. I am wondering what has happened? Is something up-setting the Eco balance in the area?
Please tell us your thoughts on what this might be. I plan to go out to Powder Valley nature Center and ask the experts what they think in the next couple of days.
Tom Ford
No. 214
posted by Crestwood Independent at 19:12
38 Comments:
Are the Starlings nesting around the city hall property?
Maybe certain type of birds are attracted to gasoline tanks or oil containters?
Citgo Refining tanks attract birds and must be fitted with nets or other equipment to keep birds out?
Maybe someone is spraying with a lot of insecticide.
http://www.jjcardinal.com/info.htm
If you spray your plants with insecticides you will inadvertently be killing off wildlife that are not only beneficial to have in your garden, but enjoyable to have around such as butterflies, hummingbird sphinx moths, lady beetles, mantises, etc. The toads, frogs, and birds will move on if there are no insects to eat. If you feel you must spray with an insecticide, limit your spraying to the infected plant only or hand remove the insects.
Maybe hazardous waste is in the ground to run off the birds that eat mosquitoes.
http://www.earthscape.org/t1/wij01/wij01an.html
Landfills may not be sited on floodplains, wetlands, earthquake fault zones, unstable land, or near airports (birds attracted to the site present a hazard to aircraft).
Has anyone seen any hawks, eagles, and owls in the neighborhood?
http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/1945/Default.aspx
BIRDS OF PREY
There are birds that may visit the yard that are not interested in seeds, suet, or nectar. These are birds of prey, looking to catch another bird. Cooper's hawks and Sharp-shinned hawks feed on other birds and may try to catch a meal at one of your feeding stations. If you see one, don't be alarmed. These birds play an important role in the natural community. You may feel fortunate to witness one of these beautiful birds. If you do feel uncomfortable with any that may visit your yard, it is important that you do not try to trap or poison them as all birds of prey; hawks, eagles, and owls are protected by federal law.
Some other birds you may see that may or may not be welcome are European starlings and house sparrows.
Is there a lot of garbage in this area or open commercial dumpsters?
http://icwdm.org/handbook/birds/EuropeanStarlings.asp
Food Habits
Starlings consume a variety of foods, including fruits and seeds of both wild and cultivated varieties. Insects, especially Coleoptera and Lepidoptera lawn grubs, and other invertebrates total about one-half of the diet overall, and are especially important during the spring breeding season. Other items including livestock rations and food in garbage become an important food base for wintering starlings.
How about Sappington House pond?
Can you go fishing in this pond?
What about the mosquitoes around this pond?
Who is playing the Starling distress call recording to keep birds away from their BIG BIRD BATHTUB?
Are you talking about Crestwood Swim Club or Whitecliff Pool?
What is the purpose of playing a bird call sound?
Please explain.
I have noticed a lot of birds flying into our windows this year - this maybe happens once in a summer usually, but it has happened a lot this year - to the point I am wondering if they are poisoned or something. We live on East Watson.
I heard they all migrated to West County and St. Charles where there is Interstate access and the birdhouses are bigger :)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Well the Powder valley people tell me that changing any part of the normal habits of any bird will disrupt their natural pattern.
Once you disrupt the pattern it seems that you stand a big chance of messing up the Eco system in that area, ergo the lack of birds, and the rise in mosquito's, and other bug's in the area.
Someone said that "starling distress calls" were being played at, what I gather is a local pool. That question was asked, and the answer was the "distress calls" will definitely cause a problem.
So, what now? My suggestion is simple, if your playing these calls, stop it at once, and find a better way. There is such a way, and it's as simple as asking the wildlife people how to do it.
Tom Ford
Color Art is working on cleaning up polution in Crestwod (see link.)
http://www.southcountytimes.com/1editorialbody.lasso?-token.folder=2006-09-08&-token.story=61568.113117&-token.subpub=
Tom Ford
Cut and paste this link to be directed to a colum by Matt Hathaway, STL. P.D. about pool water. You will see the veteran's memorial story first, bur scroll down to the pool story.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/B5F2A17D16198BAC862571E40078EE6F?OpenDocument
Tom Ford
Tom,
Based on this article, does our BOA have to pass an ordinance to enforce a mosquito breeding area?
Soldiers Memorial: No access for wheelchairs
By Matthew Hathaway
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/10/2006
at the bottom of this article
TIP OF THE DAY
Watch the water: Neglected pools host mosquito breeding
Labor Day might be the end of the summer swimming season, but it's just the start of the worst weeks for West Nile virus infection. More mosquitoes are now infected with the potentially fatal disease than a few months ago, and they could be lurking in that swimming pool you've stopped using.
Steve Crawford, who leads the fight against West Nile and the insects that spread it for the Jefferson County Health Department, said pools are a big concern.
Regularly used pools are unlikely breeding sites, because of filters and chlorine. But just a few weeks of neglect can turn a pool into a mosquito maternity ward. In late summer, Crawford routinely finds backyard pools brimming with larvae, with hundred of young, hungry bugs days away from their first feast.
In some places, the mosquito czar says, that's against the law. In Jefferson County, carelessly breeding mosquitoes is a class A misdemeanor, with punishments of up to a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
Crawford's advice: Keep treating your pool, or cover it. And drop a dime on your neighbor if he doesn't do the same. County health departments, just like On Your Side, are eager for your tips.
The BOA should have done this a long time ago, however if we don't have an ord. on the books, now is a good time to do it.
Call Jim Eckrige,and ask him if we have one. If we dony, cakk your Alderman and tell him how important this can be.
While we are at it, we should be treating the Sappington House Pond. That is begining to look a bit nasty, and it is in need of some clean up for much the same reasons. Standing water of any kind is a problem we must address as West Nile is only one of the problems.
Tom Ford
Speaking of the Sappington House, anyone know what the financial responsibilities the city has? I don't believe that has ever been spelled out publically.
I thought you and all of your nutty friends were worried about all of the toxic chemicals in Crestwood....now you want to go around dropping toxic pesticides in the Sappington House Pond? Brilliant. It is not standing water. Most pool owners add chemicals to the pool prior to closing to avoid mosquitos. Other pools remain operational, hence the water circulates, no mosquitos. You should change the name of this blog from Crestwood Independent to "Crestwood Man who opens his mouth and launches opinion as fact when in fact he knows nothing"
9:59 AM blogger! Laundry done is it? Now we have time to attempt to trash the blogmaster?
Well, were going to keep on telling the folks what we see, as we see it. You see your just a typical liberal who, when they run out of the truth, or facts, resort to name calling.
May I suggest you find other thing's more to your liking like Opra, or Rosie O'Donel on the View?
By the way, put up the money, and you too can have a blog, why it could be a best read like the Crestwood Political.
By the way, who has time to post things at 9:59 AM, or are you different than most of us?
Tom Ford
When I was growing up there was a girl I knew who was so obnoxious as to be called "The Mouth."
Did she move to Crestwood, I wonder?
While working at the polls at city hall not long ago, I was passing out flyers for a candidate next to a "wholesome looking woman" who was passing out flyers for the opposition. Come to find out this worker was a member of the private swim club and had a congregation around her which did nothing but lambast my candidate. I got a real earful and actually a good laugh or two. Not for a moment do I think St. E's would condone this. This wholesome woman could never fit into a string bikini, I assure you, but let me tell you, she could very easily post herself in the morning by a computer and blog away. In this way, she can save her MOUTH for when she gets cranked up about her politics. Which, by the way are part of the democratic process. But not conducive to moving our community into a better place nor very ladylike. This kind of rancor causes wrinkles and they don't go away with a coat of gossip and layers of verbiage.
It has occurred to me that popularity in Ward 2 in this city is often reflected by behavior befitting slugs and vermin.
Mother always told me "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Boy, that sure went the way of the wind. Look at me, calling a spade a spade. For shame. Is it possible that I have become tainted by this blog? Or, is recreational blogging my excuse for tall grass clogged gutters, and dirty dishes.
2:09 PM blogger, I don't know what the "Cause" is, but hey, you can protect my "six" anytime!
By the way, I drove past the Sappington pond again today, and I doubt she would swim in it.
Thanks for your trueisms!
Tom Ford
Crestwood needs a plan for going back to it's old days. the Mayor has a plan, please everybody support the Mayors' plan before it's too late.
8/14 blogger
Hi there, again . . . and again, and again
Surely you don't think your cute little PLAN "wave" is going to impress us. Just love the tacky way you post it all over the blog. What character, what amazing character. Mama would be so proud.
You know if I was a Mayor and after being sworn in I found out the cupboard was bare, I would say "hey now" looks like the plan will change and the entire BOA will be very busy formulating a mutual plan together. I, for one, am more than willing to give the Mayor the benefit of the doubt on this one. What kind of twit are you anyway?
Under these circumstances and the fact that you don't have a clue what a mess things at city hall had become, why don't you see if their is another community somewhere that needs you. You obviously have no plan other than to let your mouth overload your bazoola.
Cherrio sweet thang!
Following a plan is the way to success. I'm willing to give the mayor's plan a chance. Are you? No more disagreements just line up behind the mayor and his well thought out plan. If you don't want to follow the mayor's plan, what is your plan?
Gawd almight, what is it going to take to get you to see that only by supporting the plan of the Mayor can we save our city? Slam me all you want for supporting the plan but at least you can stop with the hate and every thing and see the plan is the only answer to our problems. Dont you support the mayors plan, or are you a supporter of the former CA and mayor and their unwise, unneeded 16 million dollar police station?
Again ,My Plan Is To Support The Mayor's Plan. If you won't do the same then what is your plan?
Cherrio your self, I lean towards Wheaties.
Aw, jeeze, you like Wheaties
Breakfast of Whimps
I would peg you for a Bran Type
Wonder why.
what is your plan?
Drove by the Sappington Pond today, well at least we got the fountain turned back on!
Who said the blog does no good?
Tom Ford
who said the blog had anything to do with it? Memo to Tome: please check your ego...it is enlarging.
Who's "tome?" As for me, "Tom", I think it's grand! Why I only need to rachet it up a few thousand points, and I can apply for the swim club!
Tom Ford
You'd never be admitted. The Muslim members of the club would not allow it. you are too much of a bigot.
A "bigot" a? Try this little test on for size "liberal".
Please pause a moment, reflect back, and take the following multiple choice test. The events are actual cuts from past history. They actually
Happened!!!
Do you remember?
1. In 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by:
a. Superman
B. Jay Lenno
C. Harry Potter
d. Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40
2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and
Massacred by:
a. Olga Corbett
B. Sitting Bull
C. Arnold Schwarzenegger
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by:
a. Lost Norwegians
B. Elvis
C. A tour bus full of 80-year-old women
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
4.During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon
by:
a. John Dillinger
B. The King of Sweden
C. The Boy Scouts
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by:
a A pizza delivery boy
B. Pee Wee Herman
C. Geraldo Rivera
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year
Old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his
Wheelchair by:
a. The Smurfs
B. Davy Jones
C. The Little Mermaid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
7.In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens , and a US Navy diver
Trying to rescue passengers was murdered by:
a. Captain Kidd
B. Charles Lindberg
C. Mother Teresa
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
8. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by:
a. Scooby Doo
B. The Tooth Fairy
C. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by:
a. Richard Simmons
B. Grandma Moses
C. Michael Jordan
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
10.In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:
a. Mr. Rogers
B. Hillary Clinton, to distract attention from Wild Bill' S women problems
C. The World Wrestling Federation
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
11.On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles
To take out the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one
Crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by
the passengers.Thousands of people were killed by:
a. Bugs Bunny, Wiley E. Coyote, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd
B. The Supreme Court of Florida
C. Mr. Bean
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
12.In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against:
a. Enron
B. The Lutheran Church
C. The NFL
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
B. Captain Kangaroo
C. Billy Graham
d. Muslim male extremist S mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
14. 2004 - Spain Railways bombings.
A. Donald Duck
B. Troy Aikman
C. Green Bay Packers
D. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
AND NOW !
15. 2005 London Railway bombings
A. Ronald Regan
B. Big Bird
C. Jack Frost
D. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40
Nope, I really don't see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you?
So, to ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics
intent on killing us, airport security screeners will no longer be
allowed to profile certain people. They must conduct random searches of
80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper
identification, secret agents of the President's security detail,
85-year old Congressmen with metal hips, and Medal of Honor winning and
former Governor Joe Foss, but leave Muslim Males between the ages 17 and 40
Alone because of profiling.
Tom Ford
Muslim members,what Muslim members?
I doubt if you have any African-American members much less Muslim members!
Oh, least I forget, how long does it take to cut out all the faces from the "family photo (the 4x6,) so you can put them on "ID cards?"
Tom Ford
Tom--you have no idea what you are talking about. Who do you think you are that you can make assumptions like this based on absolutely ZERO knowledge of what you are talking about. You really make a fool of yourself when you do that.
Well, let me see. Do you require a "family photo" with the application, you web site say's you do? Is it not used for "identifacation", your web site say's it is?
Do you, or do you not have an African American family on the 2006 roster, and if so, who are they?
I think I do know what I'm talking about, so let's see some answers to these questions!
Tom Ford
What did Elliot Davis have to say about that? apparently nothing.
I wouldent know, why not call and ask him?
Tom Ford
Post a Comment
<< Home