As temperatures drop for the winter, layers of ice begin to form on bodies of freshwater. If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering what happens to all the fish at the bottom of the lakes, ponds, and rivers across the country during the cold months. After all, many living things don’t survive such harsh drops in temperature. For example, earth worms lay eggs before the harsh winter kills them. Then their eggs hatch in the spring and the cycle continues. So, what about fish?
Do they turn into icicles and die out every year like the earth worm? The answer, is no.
Many animals struggle to survive the cold months. By taking some time to follow these simple tips, you can ensure that your backyard is an abundant for wildlife this winter.
1. Leave Small Amounts of Food for Hungry Birds and Squirrels
All living things need to eat, but food can be scarce during the winter. Leaving food for backyard animals can be done in many ways. Read More
What is a pronghorn, you ask?
That is a great question! Although the pronghorn is similar to deer or antelopes, they belong to a family all their own. They live across North America, spanning from southern Canada to Mexico, according to the National Wildlife Federation. They prefer to dwell in open fields, plains, grassy areas, and desert type environments. According to National Geographic, pronghorns are the second fastest mammal in the world only second to the cheetah. Clocking speeds of up to sixty miles per hour! Read More
Unlike its counterpart the white stork, associated with the mythology of bringing babies, the marabou stork’s unruly appearance and unsettling scavenging behaviors make this bird the center of death folklore.
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
The marabou stork is a unique species of bird. Known for its large stature, its long, hollow legs, large beak, and a droopy, pink wattle, the purpose of which is strictly for show, many would consider the marabou stork an unappealing animal. In spite of not having any feathers on their spotted head or legs, their bodies are covered in dark grey feathers. Unlike the traditional stork mythology, the marabou stork is associated with death rather than the bringer of babies. Sometimes called the undertaker bird, African folklore says this awkward looking stork was created by God out of remaining bird pieces when he ran out of animal parts; this is why its appearance is so unpleasant. Although unique looking, these birds have many fascinating characteristics.
Recently I attended an event put on by a local farm in Kingston, New Hampshire. While there, I came across an organization called Wildlife Encounters. This New Hampshire-based program provides education and outreach through live animal interactions. As I observed the various animals, one interesting little critter caught my eye. Quickly running back and forth within an enclosed area, was a small armadillo about the size of a softball. There are over twenty species of armadillos, all of which, aside from one, live in Latin America. These omnivores can vary in size and characteristics, but have one very distinct feature in common. Read More