Ask Jane
Here’s your chance to ask questions of Jane. Students, teachers, and parents should feel free to post questions here. Jane will answer them ASAP.
Hi Jane, I know this isn't your specialty area, but I'm hoping you have a commection in "back yard ponds." I need to find a VERY large orange comet goldfish ASAP. It's beyond the normalpond season, so there's just not muchout there - especially in Cecil County!
February 6, 2010 |
Jason
Jason
Hi Ginny
You might have heard that I've been out of the office for many weeks. I actually had heart bypass surgery. I'm now offically back to work, healthy and even better than ever!
Regarding the bluebirds, it's not unusual to see them here (Philly area) during the winter. More and more bluebirds are wintering over and they often gather in large groups (more eyes to help find food and keep safe from predators). Whether or not our feeders have anything to do with their decision - if birds winter over it is because there is food available. With wildlife, it's always about the food.
Winter is a great time to photograph tham at your feeder. Enjoy your bluebirds - in another month they'll pair off and start finding and claiming their own territories.
You might have heard that I've been out of the office for many weeks. I actually had heart bypass surgery. I'm now offically back to work, healthy and even better than ever!
Regarding the bluebirds, it's not unusual to see them here (Philly area) during the winter. More and more bluebirds are wintering over and they often gather in large groups (more eyes to help find food and keep safe from predators). Whether or not our feeders have anything to do with their decision - if birds winter over it is because there is food available. With wildlife, it's always about the food.
Winter is a great time to photograph tham at your feeder. Enjoy your bluebirds - in another month they'll pair off and start finding and claiming their own territories.
February 1, 2010 |
Jane Kirkland
Jane Kirkland
On Dec. 15 I saw several bluebirds at our feeders and suet, and again on Dec. 20 after the snowstorm. They seem to hang out with the goldfinches. Is it unusual to see bluebirds at this time of year in a suburb about 20 mi. NW of Philly? Thanks!
December 21, 2009 |
Ginny
Ginny
Hi Dawn, Garrett, and Caroline
So sorry not to respond sooner. I've been on the road. I honestly don't know anyone that has fish in their ponds around here - we have too many Great Blue Heron in the area. I feel terrible - poor fish - poor kids - poor grandparents. Please let me know how you make out?
BTW we settled on "Bodie" also "Buddy" for our new dog. Thanks for your name suggestions!
So sorry not to respond sooner. I've been on the road. I honestly don't know anyone that has fish in their ponds around here - we have too many Great Blue Heron in the area. I feel terrible - poor fish - poor kids - poor grandparents. Please let me know how you make out?
BTW we settled on "Bodie" also "Buddy" for our new dog. Thanks for your name suggestions!
September 12, 2009 |
Jane Kirkland
Jane Kirkland
Hi Jane, I know this isn't your specialty area, but I'm hoping you have a commection in "back yard ponds." I need to find a VERY large orange comet goldfish ASAP. It's beyond the normalpond season, so there's just not muchout there - especially in Cecil County!
Our family pet, Orange - the most expensive feeder fish on the planet - outgrew her tank. Orange is (was) a high-maintenance creature, requiring weekly water changes in her 10-gallon tank just to stay healthy. I wish I had a nickel for every fungal tablet iI dropped in that tank! Caroline wanted a bigger tank, but was finally convinced that what Orange really needed was a pond.
Well, that little girl interviewed every pond-owner in the family, taking copius notes and earning a reputation as a tough investigative reporter. She finally decided that "Baba's Pond' was best, because it was the clearest, was kept heated in the winter, and was virtually devoid of neighboring cats. Besides, "Grandpa knows all about how to keep fish healthy."
Well, as you've already surmised, Orange did not survive the transition - and Baba - my mother - is devastated. I think I need to find a replacement for her, more than for my seven-year-old.
So - to cut this long story short - you don't know where I can find a large, orange, preferably female (she was big enough that we could actually tell!) comet, do you? Nothing fancy - just a plain goldfish, just very big - her body was about as long as your hand, with a long, single tail about the same length. I know her size perfectly - she would swim into my ands to be fed!
Sorry to ramble, I hope you can help us find a fishy!
Thanks,
Dawn Dorsett, Garrett and Caroline
Our family pet, Orange - the most expensive feeder fish on the planet - outgrew her tank. Orange is (was) a high-maintenance creature, requiring weekly water changes in her 10-gallon tank just to stay healthy. I wish I had a nickel for every fungal tablet iI dropped in that tank! Caroline wanted a bigger tank, but was finally convinced that what Orange really needed was a pond.
Well, that little girl interviewed every pond-owner in the family, taking copius notes and earning a reputation as a tough investigative reporter. She finally decided that "Baba's Pond' was best, because it was the clearest, was kept heated in the winter, and was virtually devoid of neighboring cats. Besides, "Grandpa knows all about how to keep fish healthy."
Well, as you've already surmised, Orange did not survive the transition - and Baba - my mother - is devastated. I think I need to find a replacement for her, more than for my seven-year-old.
So - to cut this long story short - you don't know where I can find a large, orange, preferably female (she was big enough that we could actually tell!) comet, do you? Nothing fancy - just a plain goldfish, just very big - her body was about as long as your hand, with a long, single tail about the same length. I know her size perfectly - she would swim into my ands to be fed!
Sorry to ramble, I hope you can help us find a fishy!
Thanks,
Dawn Dorsett, Garrett and Caroline
September 1, 2009 |
Dawn Dorsett (Garrett's Mom)
Dawn Dorsett (Garrett's Mom)
I have only one local supplier. It might be too far for you to travel. But I suggest you try Pickering Feed in Lionville PA. If they don't have the fish you want, they might be able to recommend someone closer to you.
http://www.pickeringvalleystore.com/index.htm