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Raking your leaves destroys ecosystems. Fallen leaves create a natural layer that butterflies, moths, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, worms, and other species rely on for food and shelter. Source

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offoxandfae

is this a disney movie

greenpeaceusa

Happy Back to the Future Day! Today is when Marty McFly traveled into the future with Doc Brown and Jennifer in this beloved movie trilogy.

When the movie came out close to 30 years ago, they imagined a 2015 full of advanced technology - video calls, garbage-powered cars, and hoverboards.

There were a lot of predictions made about the future. It definitely got some things right but others wrong. (Anybody still hoping the Cubs will win the World Series?)

Being caught up in the Back to the Future timeline means one thing - the future is now in our hands! We don’t know about you, but we’re looking forward to a clean energy future. It won’t take 30 years or a flying car to get there. What do you think of when you imagine the future?

thealgerian

Both were filled at the same time with the same water, only one had oysters.

realcleverscience

Oysters really help filter our open waters. Sadly, their mortality rate is going up bc of ocean acidification which makes it harder for them to form their shells (see more about it here). Which means fewer oysters for eating and grosser waters in general. Again, this is already happening.

But let’s keep acting like climate change isn’t a thing. -sigh-

Reaction to Beneath the Surface

In a matter of two days I have finished the book written by the former killer whale trainer John Hargrove. I have a lot of thoughts about this one, but I feel that I should address the weaker part of the book and then justify for their mistakes.

One element that I have major problems with was some of the grammar and sentence structure. At times it was very difficult to read because a sentence was phrased in a weird way and I had to reread it multiple times. I also found it odd that many things were repeated throughout the book and sometimes scattered. BUT I also found the repetition effective because then I actually would remember what I was reading and I would take something away from the book. Now I know about social dynamics of killer whales and how the females are the more dominant figures. Not to mention its matriarch. Although grammar mistakes are unacceptable, I have seen far worse in other books.

With that aside, let me point out the things I really liked. For example, I like how there is a conversational tone to the book. Rather than read a book dense with facts and information with no voice, I felt that I was in the room listening to his expertise. What I also enjoyed along with the conversational tone was hearing his side. His story. From his childhood to his journey of becoming a trainer and then becoming an advocate. Everyone's path is different, and everyone has different challenges. Hearing what he had to go through to get where he is today was very moving. The most important thing that this book did was provide more pieces to the Seaworld controversy. Ever since Blackfish came out Seaworld has fought back, calling out every point made and for saying that this was a propaganda film etc. Now I have a clearer idea what kind of corporation Seaworld is and what is really going on with the captivity problems. I do hope that more trainers step up and share their story. when they do i am looking forward to it.

Should I put complete trust this book? Not exactly. There are more books about Seaworld and Orcas out their. Once I read more of those books then the issue will become more clear to me. I’m excited to learn more about Seaworld and I am glad that I started with this book.

If you are interested with the controversies at Seaworld then I highly recommend this book.

What are your thoughts about Beneath the Surface? What Environmental book should I read next? Let me know and just keep swimming!

#orca #killer wha #blackfish #john hargrove #seaworld

Thoughts Before Starting “Beneath the Surface”

While at the beach I though I would spice up my reading choices. So I traded in my chance to read the next Pretty Little Liars book for Beneath the Surface by John Hargrove. This is about a former trainer of Seaworld who shares his experiences and expertise about Killer Whales. I have been looking forward to reading this book and I would like to share some thoughts before I get started.

For one, I do question the content and truth behind the book. This judgement is made based on the bibliography section at the end of the book. It seems that the knowledge and supporting facts came from newspaper clippings and email exchanges with others, If there were references to research and science journals then i would feel less worried. I also have to keep in mind that the trainer is sharing his own experiences, and when they are your own it is hard to reference them.

It is not much but this was my concern going into the book. I feel that it is going to be very enjoyable and I look forward to it. Keep an eye out for my reaction to the book. Depending on how good it is I may have it up soon.

What environmental books have you read this summer? Let me know and stay green!

Bird Banding

Greetings! If you are interested in researching or monitoring birds, then this is something that you should read.

Birdbanding is a means of monitoring avian activity. What happens is that researchers or conservationists would set up mist nests in different habitats. this would occur early in the morning when birds are the most active but for demonstrations it can be done anytime. After the nets are down they are left alone for about 15-30 minutes. When time is up people would head over and find the birds that are trapped in the nets and attempt to get them out based on the direction they flew into the net. What is important is to untangle their feet before anything else, its easier for you and the bird as well. Once the birds have been taken out of the net they are placed in individual bags and brought to the banding station. This station is where all the data is recorded about each individual bird. This is all a part of the monitoring avian productivity and survivalship or MAPS. This keeps track of all the birds caught and where they may end up in the future. The kind of data recorded is as basic as age and gender to more specifics such as wing sizes and formation of the skull. But before any data recording starts, the bird has a small metal band is placed on the bird equipped with a tracking number. This is so the next time the bird is caught we would know that it was previously caught as well as monitor changes from the last time data was recorded about the bird.

We can gain a lot of information on birds through this activity. We can see how birds are changing overtime, what they may contribute to the conversation about climate change, what their migration patterns are, and how humans may be impacting different species of birds. We can also monitor different populations and get an idea what their current numbers are.

This is a great opportunity for anyone, whether you aspire to be a conservationist or if you are just a specter. There are places that hold classes and live demonstrations of bird banding. You can probably look them up online and find the closest to you.

Now that you have learned something new, tell your friends, spread your wings, and stay green!

Thoughts on Shark Attacks in NC

Yep I am on the crystal coast of North Carolina, a completely underrated vacation spot. But in the past few months there have been many reports of shark attacks up and down the Carolina coast. There have even been cases where people lost their arms and legs.

There are probably many reasons for the increase in shark populations. This could be due to the increase in fish populations (which means more food), increase in water temperature making them move, and more. The attacks,I think, are mistakes made by the sharks and not every living creature is perfect.

But do you want to know what it really comes down to? Poor decisions. I may sound harsh but it is common sense to not go in the water during the time that sharks are coming out. It is not such a good idea to have nail polish that resembles fish scales. The final thing that needs to be addressed is that people (not all) fail to understand that we are on the sharks turf and we need to respect that. When we respect that and take precautions then your chances of getting attacked drop. Sometimes sharks go rogue but when someone gets attacked its really an accident. People are too bony for sharks so they would most likely leave us alone.

Am I scared to swim on the coasts that are home to so many sharks? Not really. I have been coming down here for a long time and its really all about the timing. Go at night, the sharks will be there. Midday, not so much.

Also keep in mind that you are more likely to get struck by lightning than attacked by a shark. So no worries.

Let me know on your thoughts and stay green!

Wildlife Highlight: Atlantic Rock Crab

*Throwback to a previous assignment*

The Cancer irroratus are classified within the phylum Arthropoda, the class Malacostraca, the order Decapoda, and the family Cancridae. The Cancer irroratus has a yellow to red orange shell with a darker red mottling on top. These crabs can get up to 5 inches wide and 3 ½ inches long. They can be confused with other species such as the Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) but are distinguished by the purplish brown spot on the carapace of the rock crab and by the smooth edges to the teeth of the carapace. Short claws are located in front of the body and can be quite powerful yet heavy and slow.

The Cancer Irroratus ranges from Labrador down to South Carolina. The juveniles can be found in the intertidal zone or where there is shallow brackish water while the adults prefer deeper, saltier water.

They used to be a nuisance to humans because they would eat the bait for lobster fishing but soon they were popular for culinary purposes. Now they are harvested commercially and recreationally due to their huge population sizes spanning from the Chesapeake Bay area to Canada. According to the uncommon guide to the Narragansett Bay, they are sensitive to human activity possible due to harvesting of the species.

#crab #atlantic rock crab #nature #wildlife #wildlife highlight #Environment #crustacean

Wildlife Highlight: Osprey

*Throwback to a Previous Assignment*

The Pandion haliaetus is classified within the phylum Chordata, the class Aves, the order accipitriformes, and the family pandionidae. The Pandion haliaetus has a slightly backward bend with its wings when in flight, made up of colors such as white, brown, and black. Its wingspan can reach up to 4-6 feet with its body measuring up to 20-24 inches long. Their flight pattern is what distinguishes them from other birds of prey.

These birds are the second most widely distributed species of raptors in the world following the Peregrine falcon. It can be found on all continents except Antarctica. There common habitats are salt marshes, coastal wetlands, and almost anywhere where there is a body of water.

Ospreys between 1950 and 1970 were affected by humans due to the use of DDT to kill off mosquitos. The fish would eat the mosquitos and it would work its way up to the ospreys. The DDT consumed by ospreys would soften the shell of the eggs, making them break when the birds would lay on them. Humans then took environmental protection actions and cut back on DDT. Humans also built nesting platforms for ospreys as a part of conservation efforts.

#osprey #bird #raptor #bird of prey #nature #wildlife #wildlife highlight #Environment

catsbeaversandducks

Russian Photographer Captures The Cutest Squirrel Photo Session Ever

npr

Weekend inspiration. -Emily

Snapping turtle

#turtle #nature #wildlife #snapping turtle

Wildlife Highlight: Snapping Turtle

Turtle time! These guys are common throughout the US and are found in aquatic habitats. They will come to land when it is time to lay eggs, but most turtles will do that. These turtles are referred to as modern day dinosaurs not only based on their looks, but they have been around the time dinosaurs existed.

These guys are ferocious and highly aggressive. if it was a normal turtle I would say you can hold it in the middle like a sandwich. DO NOT DO THAT WITH THIS GUY!! Their necks are so long that they can reach to the middle of their shell and bite. This neck adaption comes in handy when they are on their backs and they want to flip back over. So how are their bites? I will make the general assumption that if you were bit by a snapping turtle it would hurt ALOT! Unless you are a professional, do not touch. If you were in the scenario that you had to pick one up, pick it up from the back of the shell. If you are not comfortable with that, you can take a stick, put it in front of their mouth, and have them bite onto it. That way you can drag it. This would come in handy if you were trying to move it off the road or something.

If you see these guys, please be careful and stay green!

#turtle #snapping turtle #nature #Environment #wildlife

Wildlife Highlight: Scarlet Tanager

I can honestly say that photos do not do justice for this beautiful bird. The males are a bright red with black wings while females have a mix of olive and yellow. These birds are found north of the Mexican border in forest habitats. The diet of a tanager composes of a mixture of foods. They will eat fruit such as blackberries and raspberries, but they commonly hunt insects flying around, including cicadas and grasshopper. They will also go after worms and spiders. Yum!

These birds are considered to be of least concern, but they are threatened by predators and man made objects. Predators of this bird are eastern screech owls, barn owls and red tailed hawks. Man made objects that pose a threat are power lines, buildings and cars.

You do not want to miss a chance to see this bird because they are sooooo cool. So keep your eyes peeled and stay green!

#bird #tanager #nature #wildlife #Environment

Wildlife Highlight: Bull Frog

I never thought I would come across a frog as big as my hand today. It is not the largest frog in the world, but it may be considered the largest in the US ( unless there are other much bigger frogs, if so comment below). They can be found throughout the US and are considered native in the east. Bull frogs were introduced to the western part of the US and are considered invasive due to out-competing native species. Bullfrogs out-compete natives due to their aggressive nature. How aggressive? Aggressive enough to get to the breeding grounds first. Their aggression is more prominent in their appearance, particularly in their posture.

Bull Frogs are found in many pond ecosystems and can take on larger prey than your standard insects. Bull frogs have been known to eat bats, small birds and rodents. While the bull frogs are hunting these guys, Herons, Alligators, and other birds are trying to hunt them.

Hey did you know that frogs (in general) can sing? The bull frog may not sing the rainbow connection, but they do partake in the chorus calls. This would allow the frogs to be the center of attention as well as stand out during the breeding season. The bullfrog call is very deep and lasts a few seconds. To me it sounds like someone is humming very loudly. These calls, like bird calls, cost a lot of energy on behalf of the frog but it is a means of surviving.

It may not be easy, but be green and stay green!

#bull frog #frog #nature #wildlife

itscolossal

A Pair of Butterflies Photographed While Sipping on Turtle Tears in Ecuador

Apparently if you’re a thirsty butterfly, one option available to you is a refreshing sip of turtle tears. No, this isn’t a staged photo masquerading as science, it’s an unusual behavior known as lachryphagy (tear drinking), and is one of several ways butterflies obtain moisture and nutrients.

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