Top Photo: Fruit of Euonymus fortunei or winter creeper. I happened to be walking through Into the Mist just as Exhibit Developer, Michele Kloda and Landscape Supervisor, Christian Britt were installing steps on one of the tunnel mounds in that much visited playscape. Michele pointed to a vine growing up one of the black locust trees in the exhibit and suggested “bittersweet.” Glancing at the many red fruit dangling from the vine, and frankly, not knowing any better, I said, “yes, IRead more
Lepidoptera, Mantodea, and Anseriformes
There are still a few monarchs hanging about. I saw two of them on Sunday (11/15/15) in the garden on either side of the steps leading to the Butterfly House here at the Museum. I also saw an American lady and a cabbage white butterfly. All were nectaring on the asters on the west side of the steps. Also in the garden was a Chinese mantid. It, was warming itself on a metal sculpture of the sun.Read more
The Lion’s Mane
I was first alerted to its presence by Facilities Tech, Daniel last Saturday, “Did you see that giant fungus growing on a tree next to the parking lot?” I hadn’t, but made it a point to check it out, probably a large shelf mushroom. During the course of the day, a very busy day here at the Museum, I’d forgotten all about the fungus. Until yesterday that is, when Richard Stickney of the Butterfly Conservatory showed me a picture he’d take of theRead more
The Fall
Though we are past peak fall colors, there’s still great photos to be had throughout our 84 acre campus. And, there are birds migrating through as well as resident birds to be seen and photographed. And, for a couple of birds, one that you might see, another that you’ll probably see. Till next time…Read more
Home
There are now eight mergansers floating about the Wetlands. They looked a bit apprehensive as they cautiously swam around the water this morning. There were many high-energy school children making their various ways through Explore the Wild and the mergansers were keeping a wide eye focused on the activity. They will likely relax as the days roll along. Get ready for their pair bond displays as more females arrive on the scene. hhhRead more
November Monarch
My office here at the Museum looks out on the main stairway leading to the Butterfly House. As I sat at the computer this morning checking email and getting my gear ready for the first trip into the Wild, I noticed a large butterfly floating above and through the garden which flanks the stairway. The butterfly appeared very dark. I assumed it was a swallowtail. If it was a swallowtail, it would be a very late swallowtail. Several minutes later,Read more
Pumpkins for the Wolves
The animal keepers here at the Museum often place objects in the animal exhibits as enrichment. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Behavior Scientific Advisory Group defines enrichment “as a dynamic process for enhancing animal environments within the context of the animals’ behavioral biology and natural history. Environmental changes are made with the goal of increasing the animal’s behavioral choices and drawing out their species-appropriate behaviors, thus enhancing animal welfare.” Enrichment can be anything from food or browse, wool, balls or otherRead more
Hoodeds Have Arrived!
This past Tuesday, I suggested that our wintering hooded mergansers will arrive “any day now.” They have arrived! Well, one of them has arrived. A lone male was seen this morning (Sat. 10/31) on the far side of the Wetlands, and what an eyesome creature he is. Stay tuned, others can’t be far behind. Happy waterfowling! Update: As I walked through the Wetlands an hour after posting this, I noticed two more drakes for a total of three male mergansers. Also, sawRead more