About Hornets, Wasps, and Yellowjackets

Tom Anderson, author of Things that Bite: The Truth About Critters that Scare People, shares with us truth and myth about hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets. Like honey bees and bumblebees, these thin-waisted stingers live in social colonies made up of workers. Hornets, wasps, and yellowjackets, in particular, are more...

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The Oystercatcher Sleeps with One Eye Open

Stan Tekiela shares with us his observation of the Oystercatcher. Did you know that all birds actually sleep with one eye open? Slowing wading through a clear tidal pool, about knee deep, in coastal Florida, I was trying to move slow enough not to disturb a gorgeous...

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Things that Bite: About Spiders

Tom Anderson, author of Things that Bite: The Truth About Critters that Scare People shares with us truth and myth about spiders. In E. B. White’s classic tale Charlotte’s Web, we are introduced to a sweet spider heroine, Charlotte. Even her charming manner and good web penmanship could...

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Loons, Heroes of Myths and Folklore

Loons have fascinated people for thousands of years. The striking black-and-white breeding plumage and deep red eyes of the Common Loon befit its elegance and grace. Loons are physically amazing, with large, powerful feet that propel the bird underwater at speeds fast enough to overtake fish. They have wings capable...

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waterfalls

The Art of Taking Great Photographs of Waterfalls

Lisa Crayford, author of Waterfalls of Minnesota and an accomplished photographer, shares with us her tips for taking great photographs of  waterfalls. Here is a summary of the basics. Tripod: You’ll need a sturdy tripod because you can’t hold a camera sufficiently steady when using slow shutter speeds. Be...

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