This article was contributed by Carmel de Bertaut. 

The days are getting longer and the birds are singing. Many of us are surrounded by wildlife and this time of year we need to give them their space, we need to let them do their thing. Birds are starting to build nests and once the eggs are in those nests they will go into full protective mode. If a blackbird or a mockingbird dive bombs you it is because you are too close to his nest. These birds are small and cannot do any harm to you. They are doing what you would do if you thought your child was in danger.

Predatory mammals will be looking for extra food to feed gestating females, and young when they are born. This is a stress on them and it is best to give them the space they need to get food and/or den. Female coyotes and foxes will be denning while the males are out finding food. Female coyotes will birth mid-April and stay with the young in the den for about 4 weeks while the male provides for them. That is a lot of work and stress for him, be cautious around them and keep small pets indoors. Coyotes are out and about any time of day but are more likely to be active at dawn and dusk.

A new wildlife season is here. Take the time to observe what the wildlife around you is doing. They are not acting much different than we are. They will do whatever is needed to provide for their young. We are more alike than we are different.