Bath Shower Ha Na

As the weather warms and days lengthen, your attention may be turning to that forgotten patch of your backyard. We’ve asked our experts to share the science behind gardening. So grab a trowel and your green thumbs, and dig in. Bird baths are a familiar sight in Australian gardens but surprisingly little is known about the precise role they play in the lives of birds. In a dry continent such as Australia, bird baths may be vital to supporting an otherwise stressed bird population . We wanted to find out more, so we enlisted the help of thousands of citizen scientists across Australia to gather as much data as we could on how birds use bird baths. And so the Bathing Birds Study was born. Started by researchers at Deakin University and Griffith University in 2014, this study involved collecting data online from 2,500 citizen scientists on bathing birds all over Australia. The study has revealed so far that bird baths are much more than just ornamental splash pools for feathered visitor...

State health officials reported more West Nile- positive mosquito pools in Richland County this year than all other areas of the state combined . As of August 15, 22 virus- positive pools were found in Richland County compared to 9 each in Greenville and Beaufort counties and 2 in York County, DHEC reported on its 2017 West Nile map . More birds in this area have tested positive for the virus as well. Area governments have announced aggressive spraying campaigns to keep mosquito populations in check but citizens are encouraged to take responsibility for their own and their family’s health. Dump out free-standing water in flower pots, gutters, old tires. bird baths and other places water tends to pool to deny mosquitoes a breeding ground. Use mosquito repellents such as DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalytus or IR3535 as directed to keep them from biting. As hot and humid as it may be outside, long sleeves and pants are best to wear if you are going to be outside for an extende...