Articles written by Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen

Showing 45 Articles

Review of Zoo Story by Thomas French
A Pulitzer-winning journalist spent four years chronicling the lives of the animals, keepers and officials of the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.
Nov 4, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Dealing with Oiled Birds
For disasters such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska and the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, protocol has been developed to deal with oiled birds.
May 27, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
What Happened to the Passenger Pigeon?
Once the most numerous bird in North America, the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction while its natural habitat was being destroyed.
Apr 25, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Training Educational Raptors
Training a wild raptor as an educational bird requires patience and dedication. Many training techniques are taken from the ancient art of falconry.
Apr 18, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Creating a Frog-Friendly Pond
Frogs populations are at an alarming low due to loss of habitat, widespread use of pesticides and GMO's. Luckily, creating a frog-friendly backyard is easy.
Mar 24, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Rabbits and Allergies
If you are sneezing, wheezing and itchy-eyed since getting your pet rabbit, you may have a rabbit-related allergy. There are a few things you can do to minimize symptoms.
Mar 24, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Ridding Your Garden of Japanese Beetles
Instead of resorting to harmful pesticides, try attracting beetle-eaters to your garden. Certain birds, insects, and mammals can help rid your yard of these pests.
Feb 16, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Gardening for Honey Bees
Honey bees are decreasing in the wild. You can help by creating a bee-friendly garden that provides food throughout the year.
Feb 16, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Hand Feeding Orphaned Rabbits
A rabbit, domestic or wild, who has lost its mother needs special care. Nothing is as good as a mother rabbit for a baby bunny, bit it is possible to hand-feed orphans.
Feb 2, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Preventing Bird Collisions with Power Lines
Each year, hundreds of birds are killed or injured because of collisions with power lines. Luckily, some power companies are stepping up and adding avian safety features.
Feb 1, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Caring for a Rabbit's Ears
A rabbit's delicate ears are important for hearing and temperature regulation. Examination, prevention, and treatment of problems are necessary to a bunny's well-being.
Feb 1, 2010 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Breeding Zebra Finches
Zebra finches breed easily in captivity. The birds' caretakers should know what to expect from breeding finches, and how to deal with eggs, wanted or unwanted.
Dec 2, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Help! A Bird Flew into My Window!
Birds who fly into windows may suffer from serious injuries. Here's how to deal with avian windowstrike.
Oct 1, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Profile of the Turkey Vulture
They may not be pretty, but buzzards perform an important ecological role. Here are the facts about this unusual, often misunderstood bird.
Sep 24, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Profile of the Red Tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a large hawk found all over North America. Here's an overview on the species and what sets it apart from other hawks.
Sep 23, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Profile of the Northern Mockingbird
This common backyard bird may not be as colorful as many songbirds, but it is a fascinating species. Here's some facts about this common mockingbird.
Sep 23, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
How to Identify Wild Birds
New birdwatchers can learn to recognize birds by paying close attention to the following six traits. A good guidebook and plenty of practice will do the rest.
Sep 9, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Common Illnesses in Pet Rabbits
Rabbit owners should be aware of the signs of illness in bunnies and which health problems to watch for. Here's an overview of the most common issues in domestic rabbits.
Aug 17, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Review of Flyaway
Suzie Gilbert's memoir of her first years as a backyard bird rehabilitator is funny, insightful, and poignant, filled with challenges, rewards, and disappointments.
Aug 9, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Vegetarianism is Good for the Environment
Besides being healthy and compassionate, there are also many environmental benefits to choosing a plant-based diet. Reducing meat consumption helps the planet!
Jul 26, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Enrichment for Pet Rabbits
Rabbits require mental and physical stimulation in order to thrive. Here are a few fun, inexpensive toys bunnies enjoy.
Jun 25, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Domestic vs. Wild Rabbits
Many people do not understand that domestic rabbits, such as those sold in pet stores, are not the same as wild rabbits who live self-sufficiently in nature.
Jun 22, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Feeding Your Reef Tank
Feeding every life form in a coral reef tank requires more than fish pellets or flakes. Here's a few tips for maintaining a thriving marine environment.
Jun 20, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Hand-Raising Pigeons and Doves
Orphaned pigeons and doves are the easiest of birds to raise and release. Here's an overview of the care, feeding, and releasing of young Columbidae.
Jun 14, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Conservation of the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Kemp's Ridley is the smallest and rarest sea turtle in the world. Here's an overview of the dangers faced by this endangered reptile, and what's being done to help.
Jun 11, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
When Least Terns Nest on Rooftops
Least terns who nest on rooftops face significant danger. Luckily, there are a few things humans can do to help.
Jun 5, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Raising Baby Songbirds
Wildlife rehabilitators who raise orphaned or injured baby songbirds have their work cut out for them. Feeding the passerines correctly is half the battle.
May 29, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Walking Batfish in the Aquarium
As a rule, walking batfish are best left to advanced aquarists, as there are many challenges in the feeding, housing, and maintaining of these unusual bottom-dwellers.
May 23, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
A New Artificial Reef in the Florida Keys
Efforts are underway to sink a retired battleship in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. But do such artificial reefs really help the environment?
May 7, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Octopus in the Saltwater Aquarium
Octopus are an extremely difficult animal to keep in a marine tank. They have specialized needs as to water conditions, tank decoration, and diet.
Apr 23, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Green Taro in the Water Garden
Colocasia esculenta is a hardy, prolific bog plant perfect for water gardens and small ponds. Its long, fibrous roots make an excellent "veggie filter."
Mar 24, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Key West Gypsy Chickens
Visitors may be surprised to find chickens roaming the streets of Key West. Many consider the birds a part of Key West's history and character. Others want them gone.
Mar 7, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Birdwatching in Key West
Key West is home to many rare species, and is important as a pit-stop for many migratory birds. Here's a few birds to look for, as well as five birdwatching hot spots.
Jan 31, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
B-Ionics in the Reef Aquarium
When used correctly, ESV B-Ionics Calcium Buffer System allows you to control alkalinity and calcium levels with precision while adding essential trace minerals.
Jan 22, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
How to Repair a Torn Pouch in a Pelican
Wildlife rescues dealing with pelicans frequently encounter pouches torn open from fishhooks. Luckily, this common injury is easily repaired.
Jan 10, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
The Eco-Friendly Saltwater Aquarium
To protect the marine environment, choose aquacultured materials and tank-bred animals for your saltwater aquarium, and never release anything into the wild.
Jan 4, 2009 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Invasive Species of the Florida Keys
The mild weather, lush foliage, and biodiversity of the Florida Keys allow invasive species to proliferate. There are several invasives causing concern in the Keys.
Dec 23, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Proper Diet for Pet Rabbits
The right nutrition is an important factor in the health and happiness of your bunny. A rabbit's diet can be visualized as a simple rabbit food pyramid.
Dec 13, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
If You've Found a Sea Turtle in Distress
An ill, injured, or stranded sea turtle may require human intervention. Your job is to contact the authorities and keep the turtle moist.
Dec 6, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Common Injuries and Illness in Brown Pelicans
A threatened species, the Brown Pelican is a frequent patient at seaside wildlife rescues. These are the most common issues in Pelecanus occidentalis.
Nov 7, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Technique for Force-Feeding a Raptor
An ill, injured, or stressed bird-of-prey may not be inclined to eat, or may not recognize frozen chicks or mice as food. In this case, force-feeding may be necessary.
Oct 23, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Helping a Bunny With G.I. Stasis
G.I. Stasis is a serious illness in rabbits, requiring immediate action. But what if your bunny-savvy vet is out of town? Here are some ways to stabilize your pet.
Oct 17, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Seahorses in the Home Aquarium
These beautiful, gentle creatures are extremely sensitive and difficult to maintain. Here's seven helpful hints for first-time "pony" keepers.
Oct 9, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
Richardson's Ground Squirrels as Pets
Sure they're adorable, but Richardson's Ground Squirrels aren't for everyone. Here's the pros, cons, dos and don'ts of keeping Gophers.
Oct 4, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen
How to Help an Orphaned Baby Bird
A wild baby bird who has fallen from its nest may need your help to survive. The trick is knowing when to intervene, and how to get the bird to safety.
Sep 27, 2008 - Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen