Balloons, whether let go by accident or as part of an organized release, quickly transition from colorful orbs of whimsy to ugly litter. Litter waiting to land March 9, 2018 One fine spring day in 1970-something, when I was in fourth grade, our teacher gave us a writing assignment. We were learning about geography, as
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Although they are members of the woodpecker family, northern flickers differ from their cousins in various ways. Flickers prefer to forage on the ground and, as shown here, often perch instead of clinging to the sides of trees. They also have some of the longest tongues in bird-dom. Northern Flickers March 2, 2018 Northern flickers
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Here lies Accipiter cooperii, a Cooper’s hawk, likely an unintended victim of poison baits consumed by rodents. The unfortunate animal was brought to Hickory Knolls after having been found in a St. Charles yard. The Poison Food Chain February 23, 2018 Chances are, even if you’re not a naturalist, you’re probably acquainted with the concept
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Remarkable in many respects yet poorly adapted to winter, the Virginia opossum will often forego its nocturnal nature to forage at birdfeeders and other free food sources on all but the coldest of days. Opossums February 16, 2018 Let’s take a moment, shall we, to add up the many fine qualities of Didelphis virginiana, the
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Labeled “sharp-shinned hawk” on a stock photography website, this photo actually may depict a male Cooper’s hawk. An informal Facebook poll yielded 12 votes for Cooper’s and 1 for sharp-shinned. But an expert from the Field Museum says the angle makes it hard to be 100% sure. What do you think? Sharp-Shinned Hawk…Maybe? February 9,
Bird, Good Natured, winter
Screech owls prefer to roost in spots like tree cavities, which offer protection from the elements. Birders need sharp eyes, and a little luck, to spot these beautiful birds. Birds flock to Hickory Knolls February 2, 2018 When we lead a nature program on the Hickory Knolls grounds, some things are a given. We know
Bird, Good Natured, winter
The tracks that proceed straight down the middle of this sidewalk show how, especially in winter, coyotes can be masters of efficiency. Not as step was wasted as the individual moved from north (top of photo) to south. Economy of Motion January 26, 2018 The other night my dog Joey and I decided to take
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Dead honey bees in the snow – casualties of cleansing and scouting flights – are a sure sign that a bee tree is nearby. Finding Honey Bees January 19, 2018 Last week we took a look at the secret lives of honeybees – how they work through spring, summer and fall in order to produce
bees, Good Natured, winter
All for one and one for all! Fueled by their namesake food, honey bees work communally to maintain the internal temperature of their winter cluster at or near 96oF. Honey Bees January 12, 2018 Boy, talk about a honey of a deal. At a time when most insects are whiling away the hours in some
bees, Good Natured, winter
A dark-eyed junco at Hickory Knolls braves the elements with its feathers fluffed out, a tactic that helps improve insulation from the cold. Birds in Winter January 5, 2018 This latest weather blast has me thinking of winters gone by, particularly those of my childhood. Back then, girls weren’t allowed to wear pants to school
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