Did you know that snakes are just as active in the fall months as they are in the spring? Many snakes are born in the late summer and early fall months. This means juvenile snakes are on the move to find food sources. Snakes, along with other creatures, also use this time to search out suitable places to hibernate in anticipation of the coming winter months. Some species of snakes, like the Timber rattlesnake and Worm snake use this time to mate, meaning males may be moving more than usual in search of females. Since the fall season is an active time for hunters, birdwatchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts, it is just as necessary to be on the look out for snakes on the move as you are in the spring.

Autumn is an active time for many animals, but especially juvenile Great Horned Owls. During the fall, these owls will reach the stage in which it is time for them to find territory of their own. Spotting these birds on the move can be difficult as Great Horned Owls are nocturnal, moving mostly at night. It may be possible to spot one of these great creatures at dawn or dusk. When searching for their new home, Great Horned Owls are very versatile. They can be found in any area of the United States where nesting and roosting sites are available and food is accessible.

Many of us are making cost effective changes in our lifestyle due to our recent economic downturn. One of those changes may be to start maintaining your vehicles yourself, including changing your oil. Once you have changed the oil, what should you do with the used product? When disposed of improperly, oil can have damaging effects on wildlife and our resources. Motor oil is toxic, contaminates drinking water, deteriorates very slowly, and destroys habitat and wildlife. If you take the time to change your oil, take the time to research waste facilities or automotive stores in your area to see which ones will take oil for recycling.

How do you dispose of your fall yard debris? For many, it is a common practice to create a leaf pile to burn. Studies show, however, that the burning of leaves is not a healthy way to dispose of them. The burning is not only a fire hazard if not properly supervised, but it also emits pollutants into our air. It is common for landfills to ban yard trimmings, like leaves. So, what can you do with your ever growing leaf pile? Create a compost bin. Composting only requires air and water. It is a natural way to dispose of your debris and is beneficial as mulch or an addition to potting soil to add nutrients to your plants.

With food sources becoming less abundant, people often see many birds at their feeders. A great high- energy food is suet. Suet cakes are easy to make and gives the birds the necessary nutrients they need. This cold weather food is made of hardened beef fat which can be found in some grocery stores or butcher shops. Since the fat can sometimes be hard to find, you can use lard for this recipe. To make suet cakes, melt lard or fat in a saucepan on low. Take off heat and add quick oatmeal, cornmeal, peanut butter, and bird seed. Stir well and pour into a mold or pine cone. Allow to cool. If you poured the suet into a pine cone, attach string and hang from a tree. If another type of mold was used; put cooled suet into a mesh onion bag or metal feeder.

As the weather gets cooler, many people find themselves shying away from coastal areas and trading their swimsuits and sandals for jackets and boots. What many people don’t realize is that coastal activities do not have to end with the changing of the leaves. The fall season brings great sport fishing to Coastal Georgia. Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, Croaker, Summer Trout, and Black Drum are all coastal sport fish that have peak seasons extending into the fall months. Salt water fishing is something than can be enjoyed year round!