Notes from the Field
Interesting Nature Facts #93 – Termites
Queen termites can live up to 50 years. MORE PHOTOS OF INSECTS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna and places that make North America so amazing. Posts include nature photos that are short & sweet, and all...
Interesting Nature Facts #92 – Desert Willow
The long narrow leaves of the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) give it its common name, but it is not a true willow. It is beautiful when in bloom, and provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE...
Interesting Nature Facts #91 – California Poppy
California poppy leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans and the pollen was used cosmetically, while the seeds continue to be used in cooking. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna...
Interesting Nature Facts #90 – Native Orchids
Our native orchids have a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi called a mycorrhizal association. The fungus provides nutrients to the orchid plant, and the orchid is a home to the fungus. Orchid seeds are so tiny they do not have enough food to nourish a...
Interesting Nature Facts #89 – Mergansers
Mergansers feed mostly on fish and have serrated edges to their long and thin bills that help them grip their prey, hence the common name "sawbills". MORE PHOTOS OF BIRDS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna and...
Interesting Nature Facts #88 – Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and their wings can beat at up to 80 times per second. Also a hummingbird's heart beats at over a 1,000 times a minute! MORE PHOTOS OF BIRDS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about...
Interesting Nature Facts #87 – Killdeer
The killdeer has a clever strategy to keep intruders and unwanted predators away from its nest. It will mimic an injured bird while sounding like it is in distress and hopping clumsily to lure potential threats away from its hidden nest that it builds on the ground....
Interesting Nature Facts #86 – Black Skimmers
Black skimmers "skim" the surface of the water with black-tipped, bright red bills that allow the bird to cut through the water and grab small fish near the surface. MORE PHOTOS OF BIRDS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the...
Interesting Nature Facts #85 – Hoodoos
The geologic term, hoodoo, lives on at Bryce Canyon National Park as perpetuated by early geologists who thought the rock formations could cast a spell on you with their magical spires and towering arches. MORE PHOTOS OF LANDSCAPES MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS...
Interesting Nature Facts #84 – Beautyberry
Beautyberry fruit is very astringent, but can be made into a delicious wine or jelly. MORE PHOTOS OF BERRIES MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna and places that make North America so amazing. Posts include nature...
Interesting Nature Facts #83 – Mangroves
Mangroves have the potential to reduce wave and wind energy by 50%-75%. MORE PHOTOS OF LANDSCAPES MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna and places that make North America so amazing. Posts include nature photos that...
Interesting Nature Facts #82 – Short-Tailed Weasel
A male stoat is called a dog, hob, or jack, while a female is called a bitch or jill. The collective noun for a group of stoats is either a gang or pack. MORE PHOTOS OF MAMMALS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna...