Goat Family (3)

Because Goats have rectangular pupils in their eyes, They reminded many Christians of the Devil. Also because They were associated with Pagan fertility Gods, Male Goats (Bucks) became Christian symbols for lust. According to Christians, in the Final Days, Christ will come to separate the Sheep from the Goats. The Sheep will go with Him, while the Goats remain behind to perish.

However, many Christians held a different view of Does (Female Goats). These Goats represent the Seekers of God. As She climbs higher, Doe Goat could see farther and clearer. She would continue up the mountain until She spied God.

Goats offer a solid foundation in becoming more confident. As They climb higher, Goats become more surefooted, thereby gaining more self-assurance. They teach that with practice comes more solid achievement, which leads to more self-confidence.

Wisdom of the Goat Family Includes:
Going To New Heights
Play and Exploration
Thriving in Adverse Conditions

Science Notes:
1. Members of the Goat Family (Capra): Ibex, Markhor, and Wild Goat. (Domestic Goat is a subspecies of Wild Goat.) Mountain Goat of North America (Oreamnos americanus) is a goat-antelope, not a goat.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Goat Family (2)

(Photo from freefoto.com)

With their Herd Queen leading Them, the Goat Flock climbs hills in search of tasty shrubs. As the Queen directs Them, the Flock guard their browsing territory from predators and other Flocks. As the oldest female, the Queen grooms her Heir, who in turn protects Her. The Flock relies on these two Goats for their survival.

Because of their ability to thrive anywhere, Goats have come to symbolize fertility and abundance. Among the Norse, two Goats pulled the chariot of their God of Thunder (and Fertility), Thor. Still, another Goat supplied mead to the heroes of Valhalla. Meanwhile, in Wales, Black Goats, friend of the fairies, guarded treasures.

Some Near Eastern peoples thought of Goats as redeemers of their people’s sins. To absorb its diseases and bad luck, a village would keep a Goat. Then, they would send this Goat, called a “Scapegoat“, away carrying the bad luck of the village with it.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Goat Family: Be More Confident (1 of 3)

Called the “poor man’s cows”, Goats were domesticated over 10,000 years ago in the Near East and Iran. Since then, They have provided many people with meat, milk, hides, and other necessities for life. Masters at survival, Goats are easy to raise in dry, rocky areas. Small and hardy, They can live where cattle are unable to. Because of this, Goats are popular worldwide as livestock.

Curious and intelligent, Goats quickly explore new things. With their upper lip and tongue, They taste and touch things They encounter. Contrary to popular belief, They do not eat cans. Fussy about what they eat, Goats browse for prized berries, nuts, and roots. Using their tough pad on their upper lip and strong lower jaw, Goats grab and chew bark from trees.

Since They love to climb, Goats will stand on their hind legs to strip the bark off trees. Also, Domestic Goats will test their enclosure fences as well. In their King of the Mountain Game, They climb up and playfully butt Each Other off the top of the hill.


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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Color and Birds

In nature, birds use color in many ways. Color helps to identify the bird and its gender. For example, the males are generally more colorful, while females are drabber. Cardinals of North America have red beaks, but only the male cardinal is all red. If a male cardinal sees another cardinal, he will know what gender the other bird is. A male he chases away; a female he courts. 

In addition, birds use color for camouflage. Mother Pheasant looks like the brush she nests in. Meanwhile, penguins, in their black and white colors, blend into the ocean. When a fish looks up, they see the sea but not the penguin.

Birds also use color to identify each other. Canada geese have black and white neck stripes that are as individual as people’s fingerprints. One goose can tell whether the other geese are a part of their flock. They keep their flock together in this way.

Sources:
_______, “Book of North American Birds”, The Readers’ Digest, Pleasantville, NY, 1990.
_______, “The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior”, Sibley, David Allen, ed, Alfred A Knopf, New York, 2001.

Ehrlich, Paul, David S. Dobkin, and Darryl Wheye, “Color of Birds”, 1988, 23 Dec. 2008,

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Working with Your Animal Allies, Teachers, and Totems

Animals For Everyone: Penguins

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Reindeer: Travel

CARIBOU ! REINDEER: Travel

Of all the members of the Deer Family, Caribou shows the greatest adaptation to life in the Arctic. To carry Him over deep snow, Caribou has the widest feet of any Deer. With his Herd, Caribou migrates long distances during each season. He goes to windy plains in the summer to escape the Flies. In the winter, his Herd goes to the tundra. There, Mother Caribou gives birth with little threat from Wolves.

In Lapland and Russia, people domesticated Caribou to provide transportation, food, and clothing. First herded by people over 3000 years ago, Reindeer (domesticated Caribou) is the most northern of Domestic Animals. As beasts of burden and providers of milk, Reindeer remains a pivotal element in the culture of the Sami (Lapps of Finland).

Gregarious, Caribou joins with thousands of other Caribou to wander long distances. His Herd moves quickly to summer and winter grounds. Each time, They follow the same pathways, wearing grooves in the landscape. Using traditional routes, Caribou ford and swim great rivers.

Caribou encourages travel. He shows that being a nomad can be a good thing. Methodical in his travels, Caribou moves from favorite place to another, never overstaying his welcome.

Caribou! Reindeer’s Teachings Also Include:

“Caribou take care of their feet because they are walking people. The Creator’s message to caribou is that it is to be main source of Dene (Dogrib). Meat must be shared because Caribou is a spiritual gift that must not be used for personal gain.” Copyright: Dene Kede Education: A Dene Perspective.

Caribou ! Reindeer’s Wisdom Includes:
Being a Wandering Soul
Creating Pathway Through the Wilderness
Learning Social Skills
Going Where You Want To
Living A Traditional Life


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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Treeshrews: Living In Fragments

(From America's Zoo)

TREE SHREW FAMILY (SCANDENTIA): Living a Fragmented Life

With their long, bushy tails and black button noses, Tree Shrews resemble Squirrels. However, They are neither Squirrels nor Shrews. As the subject of intense scientific controversy, Tree Shrews were thought first to be Insectivores, and then early Primates. Finally zoologists placed them in their own order: Scandentia.

Extremely active, Tree Shrews forage all day, resting every hour for a few minutes. In their forests in Southeast Asia, these nervous and inquisitive Animals bounce around like pinballs from branch to branch. Tree Shrews live hard and fast lives. As Louise Simmons who studies them says, “They work 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. They live on the edge.”

Not much is known about these fast-moving, elusive Animals. However, scientists have discovered that Tree Shrews care for their Babies in an odd way. Every two days, Mother Tree Shrew returns to her nest to feed her Babies for about two minutes. Then She leaves only to return in another two days. While alone in the nest, her Babies nuzzle next to Each Other to keep warm.

Scientists recently discovered that Pen-tailed Tree Shrews drink the equivalent of ten glasses of wine a night. Living in the rain forests of Malaysia, these Animals suck on the fermented nectar of the Bertram palm nightly. But, They get never drunk or become inebriated.

For people who live a ‘pinball’ life, let Tree Shrews be your guide. They parent their Babies and defend their territories, all at the same time. Plus, They never get drunk, while doing it. Let Tree Shrews show you how to live your fragmented life effectively.

Wisdom From Tree Shrews Include:
Living Hard and Fast
Becoming Self-reliant
Keeping Your Head and Not Panicking

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Ivory-billed Woodpecker: Elusive Hope

Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)

In 2004, news broke that the nearly extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker was sighted by a kayaker in the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge of Arkansas. As this electrifying news spread, everyone wanted to go there to see the “Lord God Bird”. But, after a few tantalizing glimpses, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker became elusive again. Meanwhile, naturalists began sighting this bird in the panhandle of Florida and in South Carolina. Frustrating to scientists was that no clear photos or nests were ever presented by anyone.

Once plentiful in the Southeastern U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, Ivory-billed Woodpecker gradually disappeared as the old growth Cypress trees were cut down. By the 1940s, many naturalists regarded this bird extinct. However people still reported hearing its loud drumming, and continued to find various feathers of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Moreover, many field guides still featured this bird.

Then, in 1986, a group of naturalists searched the jungles of Cuba for Ivory-billed Woodpecker. One of the expert birders, a friend of mine, told me that the rugged terrain hampered their search for this elusive bird. However, his fellow naturalists did glimpse the bird, and he also heard its drumming.

Searching for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers is problematic because of the remoteness of the regions that he can be seen in. The Cache River Refuge covers a huge area, which is aomost impassible. Also, the areas in Florida and South Caroline are swampy, with few clear passageways.

Since scientists need proof such a nest, a dead bird, or a clear photo, they cannot declare the Ivory-billed Woodpecker found. Like UFOs, about ninety-five of the sightings can be explained by something else - usually a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), leaving only five percent unexplainable. In cryptozoology (the study of hidden animals), stories of the imagination need to catch up with the pragmatism of scientists before they can be declared real. Such is the case of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker – many stories but scant proof.

To me, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is real. Too many people tell of their glimpses of this bird. Also, no one really wants to declare the bird extinct. Instead of being lost to us, many people hold out hope that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker can still be found.

But, Too many variables exist to pin down this bird. Perhaps, Ivory-billed Woodpecker only exists in our imaginations. Our dearest wishes and desires holds the bird to our reality. Since we have not given up on the Lord God Bird, we work to restore it to its former glory. Meanwhile, Ivory-billed Woodpecker has not given up on us. Somewhere in the swamps, an Ivory-bill Woodpecker drums loudly and waits for a friendly human again.

Sources:
Conversations with Donald B. Adams, 30 Sept., 2008.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Interior, “Ivory-bill Woodpecker”, 28 Nov. 2008

NOVA: scienceNOW, “Ivory-billed Woodpecker”, 28 Nov. 2008


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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Working with Your Animal Allies, Teachers, and Totems

-----------------

Eastern Grey Kangaroo: Effective Communication

EASTERN GREY KANGAROO: Effective Communication

More abundant than Her Close Relative, Red Kangaroo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo lives in the forests of Australia. Unlike other Kangaroos, She breeds only in the spring and early summer, instead of breeding continuously. However, this has not affected her numbers and, in fact She is a nuisance in some areas.

Often seen with Magpie Lark and Willie Wagtail in her ears or on her back, Eastern Grey Kangaroo rests in the heat of the day. As the Birds pick out Parasites and Insects off of her, She grazes in the cool of the early morning. Eating as She walks on all fours, Eastern Grey Kangaroo uses her large tail for support.

Socially inclined, Eastern Grey Kangaroo holds conversations with her Friends by clucking. Talking with her Joey (Baby), She squeals and clucks. However, when She is alarmed at something, Eastern Grey Kangaroo stamps her feet, and coughs loudly.

Lulu, an Eastern Grey Kangaroo, saved a farmer’s life. Knocked unconscious by a falling tree limb, Mr. Richards lay dying. Lulu tipped him on his side to keep him from choking. Then She hopped to the family’s home. Banging on the door and barking, Lulu alerted the family. Because of Her quick action, Lulu was awarded the National Animal Valor Award.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo demonstrates effective communications. She tells her Mob of impending danger by stomping her feet, and calls to her Joey by coughing. Lulu banged on her friend’s family door to save him. Communication is more than words, it is also actions.

Teachings of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Include:“So long as the Grey Kangaroo was there, the people knew they would never know hunger or suffering. Its mere existence promised true abundance.” Copyright: “Animal Dreaming”, Scott Alexander King.

Wisdom of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Includes:
At Peace with One’s Self
Making a Place of Calmness
Ensuring Abundance

Science Note:
1. Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) is a different species of Kangaroo from Eastern Grey (Macropus giganteus). They are not regional variations of the same species.

----------------------

Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Lessons of the Kangaroo Family: Be Fearless (2 of 2)

The Aboriginal Peoples of Australia named Kangaroos by color, size, sex, and habits. The English word “Kangaroo” is the corrupted form of the Guugu Yimidhirr word “gangurru” for Eastern Grey Kangaroo. Meanwhile, “Pademelon“, the name for a small shy kangaroo living in the wet forests, came from the Dharuk word “badimaliyan”. Important to these peoples, Kangaroos feature widely in their sacred art, and are totems for some of their Tribes.

Among Australians, Kangaroos are both treasured and despised. One of the living symbols of Australia, Red Kangaroo is on the Australian Coat of Arms. Meanwhile, an Eastern Grey Kangaroo was awarded the RSPCA National Animal Valor Award for saving a farmer’s life.

However, many ranchers regard Kangaroos as pests because They eat scare resources meant for Cattle and Sheep. Many roads have Kangaroo-crossing signs to warn motorists. In addition, many cars have ‘roo bars’ to minimize any damage caused by a collision.

Not afraid of danger, Members of the Kangaroo Family hop everywhere over the Australian countryside. Tree-kangaroos leap across the rainforest canopies, while Rock-wallabies ascend up rock faces. Be fearless as Kangaroos are, but watch where you leap or you may get hit by an on-coming car.

Wisdom of the Kangaroo Family:
Leaping Over Obstacles
Let Your Instincts to Guide You
How to Conserve Energy

Kangaroo Family: Macropodidae
Subfamily: Sthenurinae Banded Hare-wallaby
Subfamily: Macropodinae
Dorcopsis
Dorcopsulus
Hare-wallaby
Wallaby and Kangaroo
Nail-tail Wallaby
Rock-wallaby
Quokka
Pademelon
Swamp Wallaby

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

------------------------

Lessons from the Kangaroo Family: Be Fearless (1 of 2)

KANGAROO FAMILY: Be Fearless

When people think “Kangaroo”, they often imagine a large deer-like Mammal hopping around like a Frog on two legs. Of course, the Kangaroo must have a large pouch with a Joey (Baby) sticking out. Rounding out this picture would be two Kangaroos off boxing each other.

Also, in the popular imagination, Kangaroos live only in Australia. On the contrary, They also live in New Guinea. Transported to New Zealand in the 1870s by Sir George Grey, Swamp and Parma Wallabies flourish on Kawau Island. Escaping from a British zoo, a group of Wallabies now have small established territories in Scotland and England.

This large and varied Family of Marsupials ranges from the large Great Kangaroos to the small Rat-kangaroos. The scientific name for Kangaroo, Macropodidae, is from Greek for “long foot.” With their muscular tails for balance, They hop with these long powerful hind feet.

The stereotypical Kangaroos are the Great Kangaroos -- Greys, Reds, and Wallaroos. The largest of all Marsupials, Great Kangaroos can travel distances without expending much energy. Using the strong tendons in their hind legs, They effortlessly bound across the Australian countryside.

Besides balancing and resting, Kangaroos use their tails in other ways. Rat-kangaroo (Potoroos and Bettongs) use their tails to gather nesting materials. Meanwhile Nail-tail Wallabies have a horny spur hidden in the hair at the tip of their tails. Among the Forest Wallabies of New Guinea, Dorcopsis only touches the tip of his tail on the ground while resting to keep it out of reach of Leeches, unlike Pademelon, whose tail becomes leech infested from lying on the swampy ground.

The most specialized of Kangaroos are Rock-wallabies and Tree-kangaroos. Rock-wallabies can leap up sheer rock faces, and then jump from ledge to ledge. Using their tails for balance and their short toenails for gripping, Rock-wallabies hop up tall rock cliffs.

Meanwhile, Tree-kangaroos live in the rain forests. Although They have the large hind legs of “regular” Kangaroos, Tree-kangaroos also have very long tails for balance, and strong forearms for holding onto branches. Bold and agile, They leap from a high tree to the ground or to another tree further away.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

------------------------

Reiki and Animals

In addition to our physical bodies, we have energy bodies. Sometimes negative energy from elsewhere will enter these bodies. When this happens, we feel out of sorts and blah. Just as we feel low, so do our dear animals. Since they too have energy bodies, our pets also experience this negative energy.

As a form of living spiritual energy, Reiki can clear out this negative energy. Not only that, this intelligent, warm energy will rejuvenate and realign your energy centers. Many people report that a Reiki treatment is like having a warm hug from someone you love.

Imagine giving a warm emotional hug to your dear pet. Since both of your energies are connected in a wholesome way, Reiki deepens the bond between you and your pet. You and your animal friend will become active partners in both of your healings.

What happens during a treatment? First, distance Reiki is sent to your animal friend. Many animals need to become acquainted with this energy. Once your pet has evaluated the energy, they will decide what to do next. Your dear animal will guide me in the areas they need the most healing. As an animal becomes more accustomed to regular Reiki treatments, they will relax.

For healthy animals, Reiki will enhance their emotional and physical well-being. For ill animals, Reiki attends to their healing at deep levels. By receiving Reiki treatments, your pet will experience fewer fears and anxieties.

Reiki is a safe complement to standard medical treatment. In addition, this holistic treatment is a highly effective method, providing gentle comfort to your dear animal. Moreover, Reiki helps to reduce the side effects of other conventional treatments.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2008

Animalteachers @ gmail.com

To help you and your pet, I offer friendly and compassionate readings. In my readings, you will find out what is on your animal’s mind. After the reading, you will foster a deeper bond between you and your special animal.

Our Dear Animal Friends

Most of the time, we know what our animal friends need and want. Moreover, we appreciate their special personalities. For example, Henry, my turtle, was a quiet soul, who loved nothing more than to watch the world go by. Meanwhile Tiny, my small dog, loved to chase chipmunks. Even when she was old, her ears would perk up when one came around.

However, sometimes our pet’s behavior baffles us. What is my cat trying to tell me? Why does my dog whine all the time? Was my parrot frightened by something? Why is my ferret moping around? Perhaps, your dear animal is simply misunderstanding the humans around them. Also, negative energy and chaos can cause sensitive pets to become emotionally upset. Sometimes, they simply want you to know that they love you. At other times, they would like you to understand what is bothering them. However, by communicating with them, we can learn how to help our animal companions.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, 2008

Animalteachers @ gmail.com

To help you and your pet, I offer friendly and compassionate readings. In my readings, you will find out what is on your animal’s mind. After the reading, you will foster a deeper bond between you and your special animal.

What happens at a reading? I will ask you a few questions about you and your dear pet. Because animals think in pictures, I will need a picture of yours. Then I will communicate with your pet. I will help them answer your questions and tell you what they want you to know. Afterwards, I will offer helpful feedback and suggestions.

Energy Streams

The universe is made up of energy, which flows through all of us. Within the Sacred Circle, energy moves from one being to another. In fact, we are all interconnected to the Spirit by that energy which pulsates through us.

However, when our energy centers become blocked, we become disoriented and confused. We may feel our life light burning low. Although, we want to accomplish much, we are too tired to get up out of our beds.

Brief: Mana Cards: Hawaiian Oracle

"Mana Cards: The Power of Hawaiian Wisdom" : by Catherine Kalama Becker



(God of War/Goddess of Healing) (God of Ocean and Ocean Winds)



Mana Cards will connect you with the wisdom of the Hawai’an myths. According the Hawai’ians, mana is the spiritual power that flows through the universe. When you possess mana, you radiate health and energy. You feel alive with the Spirit. Through the wisdom of this strong, oral culture, you receive guidance in your life from an empowering perspective.




(Owl: Guidance)

From Mana Cards: “Hawaiians have many stories about ‘auma-kua in the form of a pueo, the owl. The theme which underlies all of them is rescue. Pueo often indicates that one is in danger. Therefore Pueo may appear to tell you to seek guidance.”



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Walking Pinecone: Pangolin: Self-Defense

(Mother and Baby)

PANGOLIN: Self-defense

Looking like a pine cone with legs, Pangolin is often called “Scaly Anteater”. However, He is not related to any other animal, Anteaters included. Living in Africa and Asia, Pangolin waddles about sniffing out Termites and Ants. Usually solitary, Pangolin sleeps during the day in his burrow and roams at night looking for his favorite Termites.

With his sharp claws, Pangolin will excavate termite mounds. Then with his long sticky tongue, He collects the victims. A selective feeder, Pangolin uses his acute sense of smell to locate his favorite termite species.

In his travels, Pangolin is protected by his suit of armor made of sharp-edged scales. When threatened He will roll Himself into a tight ball. Usually, this acts as a deterrent. However, when Jackal tries to bite through his armor, Pangolin will wrap his prehensile tail around Jackal’s throat, and choke the attacker.

Local Africans tell of seeing Pangolin taking an ‘ant bath’. He settles into an ant nest, raises his scales, and allows the Ants to crawl underneath. Then Pangolin lowers his scales, crushing the Ants, and goes into the water. After raising his scales, the dead ants float out. People believe that this is how Pangolin cleans his scales.

What people admire most about Pangolin is his ability to defend Himself. Sometimes, Africans bury pangolin scales near their homes to keep Lions away. Pangolin is well-suited for self-defense with his scales and grasping tail. You can learn self-defense from waddling Pangolin.

Wisdom from Pangolin:
Focused Living
Practical Solutions
Creative Thinking

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Symbols: Lamb and Ram

LAMB

To Christians, Christ is the Lamb of God. As Christ is victorious over death, the lambs of spring signify victory over the darkness of winter. Moreover, the deeds of the Saints are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

RAM

Because of their massive horns, Rams became the symbol of strength and power for many early peoples. Also, they considered these animals to be the wild and procreative forces of nature. Because Rams usher in the coming season of plenty in spring, the familiar cornucopia (horn of plenty) was originally a ram’s horn.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

The Kindness of Sheep

In an ancient Scottish tradition, Sheep once had the gift of speech. Before They left for Paradise, Sheep asked the people not to burn their bones. Instead, when people killed One of Them give their bones to a diviner to read what They wanted to say to people.

When people think “Sheep”, they certainly do not think about Sheep guiding humans. Instead, people regard Sheep as conformists who following others without question. “Sheeple”, a portmanteau, was coined for placid groups following a dominant leader.

Because Sheep are prey Animals, They flock in huge numbers for safety. When a Predator appears, an Ewe will bark a warning to the Flock. Then Everyone flees zigzagging so They can see their backsides (and hence the danger) as They run. Because a downed Sheep is easy prey, Anyone in pain will keep on running.

Gregarious to a fault, They flock in groups of 100 individuals or more. Within each Flock are lots of families. Ewe will remain with her Mother’s group and work together as one unit.

Meanwhile when He are about two years old, Ram leaves his Mother’s flock. Separated by size and age, Ram will practice battling Other Rams by charging, pushing and shoving. To rule a Flock eventually, Ram needs to defeat his Competitor.

Domesticated about 9,000 years ago in the Middle East, Sheep quickly became important to people. Wool was the first commodity to be traded internationally. To fund the Spanish voyages to the New World, Queen Isabella used the income from the Spanish wool trade . In the 1700s, American colonists listed as one of the grievances against the British Crown, the prohibition to raise sheep for wool.

From the time of the Assyrians to today, Sheep have been a part of human civilization. Besides providing meat, milk, and fiber, Sheep are quite effective at pest and weed control. We may laugh at Sheep but we need Them in our lives. Look deeper and discover their kindness to us. Be kind to each other as Sheep are.0

Wisdom from Sheep Includes:
Support Each Other
Warmth and Comfort
Conformity

Science Notes:
1. Sheep are the Genus Ovis. This includes domestic, argali, bighorn, Dall’s, mouflon, and snow sheep. Barbary Sheep are the Genus Ammotragus.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

Red-shouldered Hawk of North America

Identifying a Red-shouldered Hawk takes practiced observation. My first sighting of one was confirmed by a troop of Boy Scouts, at Sky Meadows at Shenandoah Virginia. The “red shoulders” of this hawk is actually the russet coloring on his wrists. Similar to Red-tailed Hawk in coloring, Red-shouldered Hawk has a longer tail. A compact flyer, his flying silhouette is also trim. These subtle characteristics help to differentiate Red-shouldered Hawk from Red-tailed Hawk.

A quiet elusive bird, Red-shouldered Hawk spends his time perched on a low tree branch, carefully scanning the ground for prey. Living near rivers and streams, Red-shouldered Hawk prefers pouncing on insects, frogs, mice, and snakes to hunting other birds. Unlike other hawks, he hunts from his tree branch.

However, during the spring, Red-shouldered Hawk makes his presence known to all. Crying “Keeah!” he soars the sky, filled with the exuberance of the coming spring. He is celebrating winter being finally over. Calling to his far-off mate, he cries, “Come join me! This is still *our* territory!” Together, the two soar in their dance, making broad circles in the sky.

After mating, the two hawks construct a stick nest in their tree. Often they will reclaim last year’s nest with a bit of greenery like a sprig of violets. Barred Owl, the nocturnal counterpoint to Red-shouldered Hawk, shares the same territory. Often if the hawk’s nest lies unclaimed, the owl will take it.

To steal his food, American Crows will mob Red-shouldered Hawk. But then, he pursues them for their food. However when Great Horned Owl, ruler of the forest, appears, then the crows and hawk will team up to fight off this owl.

Found in Eastern North America, Red-shouldered Hawk, for some inexplicable reason, has a colony in California. In addition, scientists believe that Ridgeway’s Hawk on Hispaniola was a subspecies of Red-shouldered Hawk that filled the niche of Board-winged Hawk. Outside of Jamaica, Hispaniola is the only island in the Caribbean that lacks a population of Broad-winged Hawks. (However, because of severe habitat destruction, Ridgeway’s Hawk is gravely endangered.)

What is baffling to naturalists is why Red-shouldered Hawk’s numbers are declining in the East. Habit destruction is offered as one reason, but hawks in old-growth forests are also becoming scarcer. Perhaps the decline has to do with toxic chemicals in their environment.

Meanwhile, Red-shouldered Hawk in California happily thrives nesting among the eucalyptus trees. Perhaps he is telling us to take up our courage and leave our comfortable homes. Instead of remaining where we are, we should go and embrace the new. Leave the past behind and create our own future, for if we do not leave, we will be poisoned. Red-shouldered Hawk will guide us to our new life if we let him.

Sources:

Dunne, Pete, “The Wind Masters”, Houghton Miffin Co, Boston, 1995.

Johnsgard, Paul A, “Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons of North America”, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 1990.

Scott, Sir Peter, ed., “The World Atlas of Birds”, Gramercy Books, New York, 2006.

Snyder, Noel and Helen, “Raptors of North America”, Voyageur Press, St. Paul, MN, 2006.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Working with Your Animal Allies, Teachers, and Totems