Some recent natural science stories that I find interesting: Caterpillars Scientists in Hawaii have discovered a very unique caterpillar with a very dangerous lifestyle. First of all, it's carnivorous - a trait that only 0.13% of all known butterfly/moth species share. Second, it gets its meals by living in spider webs, and scavenging the bits…Read more Carnivorous Caterpillars, Living Lightning Rods, and Bluebirds
Tree
Maui’s “Flame of the Forest” is an Out-of-Control Wildfire
During our 2018 trip to Hawai'i (see other posts for touristy and mostly outdoor adventures on the islands), we wound up taking a drive along the famous Road to Hana, on Maui. If you're unfamiliar, this route is a narrow (often single-lane) route that winds in and out of the canyons on the north shore…Read more Maui’s “Flame of the Forest” is an Out-of-Control Wildfire
Red
Red -- Only female American Holly trees grow the iconic red berries in the winter. Male trees, always nearby, lack them.
Fresh
I'll admit, this wasn't taken today! I'd rather be seeing this than low 40's and rain, to be sure... This time of year, I always seem to be looking forward to the next snowfall.
Storm Surge
Along the barrier islands of North Carolina, storms regularly inundate the shoreline, undercutting and killing trees, which then fall into the sound. The actual shore shifts back and forth as erosion takes its toll. In some areas, fewer and fewer trees remain, as high water has become common enough that they can't get a foothold.
When You Pick a Pawpaw…
Quick show of hands, who has ever picked a pawpaw? Did you know you could? I mean, Baloo, the bear, sings about them in Disney's adaptation of The Jungle Book, but have you ever stopped to think about just what it is he's talking about? In the tropics, a pawpaw is a papaya - the…Read more When You Pick a Pawpaw…
Deserted Island
Still catching up on pictures while assiduously avoiding writing... This island was far from deserted - it's Maui. But after traveling here from the Big Island (Hawai'i), this was one of my first moments of downtime. A guy could get used to this...
Twisted
Nature isn't easy - this limb was wracked by wind and weather (including ice) high on a mountain in the central Appalachian mountains. It's a testament to strength and flexibility. This is posted in response to the Daily Post's Weekly Photo Challenge - "Twisted". See more entries here. Get Out There Troy http://www.flying-squirrel.org
Black Locust
Black Locusts are often thought of as "trash trees", covered with thorns, growing on waste ground and forest edges. This time of year though, they're beautiful, profusely flowering with sweet smelling white blooms (flowers that are, by the way, edible)!
Dogwood Flowers
As a kid, I was taught that dogwood flowers were symbolic of the crucifiction. A crown of thorns in the middle of the cross, and blood stains on each petal. They're a little late for Easter this year!
Redbuds
Spring is finally here! Eastern redbuds are in full bloom, and the dogwoods are not far behind. This is posted partially in response to the Daily Post's Weekly Photo Challenge - "Prolific". See other submissions here.
Variety Underfoot
Trees in the forest are in constant competition with each other, growing higher, spreading farther, to catch more sunlight than their neighbors. Different species have adapted to different conditions, and the resulting variety of shapes and types is easily overlooked. They've all found a way to live together. This is posted in response to the…Read more Variety Underfoot
Force Field
Evergreen trees come equipped with a snow force field.
First Snow
It's been a busy week, and I blame my kids. Every night, I've got something going on that revolves around THEIR social life, up to and including tonight, where I have to go see "The Last Jedi" - and I would totally not be doing that if it weren't for them (OK, complete sarcasm here,…Read more First Snow
Transforming
This week's photo challenge was a tricky one - how to portray change and transformation in a single shot. Where water meets land, there is an uneasy truce. Tides, storms, and the wind-driven waves are constantly altering the shoreline. It's not often visible in a given moment, but this tree bears witness. After years of…Read more Transforming
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 