Thursday, May 16, 2019

Buggy log



We discovered this awesome buggy log at Jefferson Memorial Forest. It was full of ants; and we weren't sure about the white bugs- baby ants or termites? It is clear that some of the ants were guarding babies (eggs). After some research, we are pretty sure that the wiggly white bugs are actually termites (Peter and Eldon were right!)

Did you know: termites have no waist!?

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Snails and Slugs



A fun mollusk video: snails and slugs found in our yard!

Spider



OK this one gives me the "heebie jeebies," I'll admit it!

Tadpoles

We saw TONS of tadpoles at the lake at Jefferson Memorial Forest!  Check out the video below!


  



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The life cycle of a frog:
We even got to see some tadpoles that were growing their legs! How fun!
Image result for tadpole life cycle



photo credit tadpoles info.com

Eldon Rhino

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Wild Turkey by Peter

Eldon Red Wing Black Bird

Butterflies in the mud


Swallowtail butterflies at Jefferson Memorial Forest

This is called mud-puddling, a practice common among butterflies and little boys, though for different reasons.  This behavior is not fully understood, but seems to be more common among males, and may have something to do with a search for extra salt or other nutrition (not available in nectar.)


Thursday, May 9, 2019

Friday, May 3, 2019

Gecko Skin

"MOM!!! Come here QUICK! I found out why Mr. Rexy wasn't hungry today!"

He had shed his skin:

   

Fun fact: Geckos often simply eat their skin when they shed- this is why we have not yet found a skin left in his cage. His color is extra bright today :)


  

Vampire Finch

Introduction to the vampire finch by Eldon Cook



Nudibranch

Introduction to the nudibranch (sea slug) by Peter Cook



Kentucky Deer

Kentucky deer!

Mom and her mom saw this beauty and his friend while walking at Cherokee Park one morning. What a beautiful spring sight!

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Fun Facts: Common Whitetail Skimmer (Dragonfly)

  Nana Sent us this picture from the cabin (northern MI) After some research, we discovered it is a dragonfly called the Common Whitetail Sk...