Happy Holidays

Rocky Mountain National Park

Happy Holidays! A break for this week, but I'll be posting again next year!

Mistletoebird

♀ Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum

Named for its food preference, the Mistletoebird can be found throughout mainland Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. This bird is the only member of the Dicaeidae family, the flowerpeckers, found in Australia and may therefore be also referred to as the Australian Flowerpecker. The digestive system of the Mistletoebird is simple allowing berries to pass through quickly. The sticky seed is then excreted onto branches allowing the parasitic plant to spread and grow.

Cedar Waxwing

Flock of Cedar Waxwings, Bombycilla cedrorum

Cedar Waxwings are found throughout most of North America especially during the winter months. During this time, they will feast on cedar berries, mistletoe, honeysuckle, and mountain ash berries to name a few. The vast amount of fruit these birds eat can cause problems of intoxication. During the non-breeding season, the flock numbers can vary from only a handful to close to fifty individuals. These flocks communicate by means of a "flock call" and keep a compact formation when flying, perching, bathing, or feeding. The social behavior is exhibited early in life as fledglings tend to form flocks with the other young of neighboring nests.

Winter Roosting

Flock of various Grackles,  Quiscalus

The approach of cold weather results in a number of bird species to gather together in large communal flocks. Some of the more common species include the Common Grackle, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Snow Goose, and sometimes even Blue Jays to name but a few. This flocking behavior is not sudden, but rather the gradual congregation of smaller groups into larger ones. This begins early fall and reaches a peak during mid-winter. There are two main explanations for flocking together: enhanced foraging success and reduced predation. With less time spent finding food and avoiding predators, foraging success can vastly increase. When in large flocks predator detection is higher, chance of death lower, and "strength in numbers" may deter predation. The behavorial dynamics of a winter flock are influenced by food availability, familiarity, and overall composition as not all flocks are composed of a single species.

Estivation

Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps

Another major form of dormancy, estivation is similar to the metabolic and temporal reduction of hibernation, but used by species found in dry, hot environments. It is a state of aerobic hypometabolism where those species retreat to estivate in sheltered sites. They are active for a set period of time during the year, sometimes only a few weeks, to feed and breed. One characteristic factor of estivation is the methods of water retention both physically and metabolically. Balancing water retention could be a change of concentration in the urine, it could be the burrow construction, or it could be taking advantage of the environment to prevent dehydration.

Hibernation

Yellow-bellied Marmot(s), Marmota flaviventris

Common throughout the class Mammalia, hibernation involves a profound change in behavior, morphology, and physiology as they undergo a remarkable phenotypic switch. Hibernation is one of the major forms of dormancy in mammals.  It is characterized by a prolonged winter reduction of metabolic rate and body temperature near ambient temperature. Another definition of hibernation is extended bouts of torpor where minimal body temperature can fall as low as -2.9°C. The factors that induce hibernation are still under discussion, but blood distribution is argued as one of the most important. Limited resources in terms of food, composition of food, cold, and the absence of external stimuli contribute to inducing hibernation. The external cues of seasonal influence, darkness, and CO2 concentration are not essential.

Torpor

♀ Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Selasphorus platycerus

Torpor, hibernation, and estivation are three major forms of dormancy that have been classified in mammals. The first, torpor, can be exhibited in a number of small mammals and birds, especially during cold nights or cold winter months. It may either be seasonal, or non-seasonal. The depth and duration of torpor vastly affects energy savings. While torpor can be defined as a substantial reduction in metabolic rate, body temperature, and other functions, the basics of torpor in mammals and birds has evolved separately. There is also variation between masses on whether the metabolic reduction is a temperature effect or a physiological inhibition.

The use of torpor also varies per species, and can rely on a number of factors. The migratory hummingbird retains the ability to enter nocturnal torpor all year round, but there is a strong seasonal component. For certain seasons, the use of torpor is for "energy emergencies" while at other times torpor may be used to minimize time needed for premigratory fattening.

Eastern Bluebird

♂ Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis

The Eastern Bluebird can be spotted throughout the eastern half of the United States, into the southern portions of Canada, and down through parts of Central America. They are often seen perched on wires, posts, or clear branches where they sit searching for prey. As mainly insectivores, this species plays an important role influencing insect community composition. A significant population decline during the 1930s was partially attributed to pesticide use, but also climate change, competition with non-native species, and habitat loss. Populations have since increased with help from nest boxes and better land management. The sky blue feathers of the male Eastern Bluebird have established this species as a good omen by groups such as the Navajo Indians.

Tarantula Webs

Web of the Texas Brown Tarantula, Aphonopelma sp.

The construction and use of webs by spiders is unique per species and provides a way to help identify the spider. Some families of spiders use the web not to catch prey, but to create a dry attachment system while others get their common name from the webs they create. The tarantula, as a burrowing spider, uses its web in a variety of ways including as a tripwire and for lining the burrow walls. With captive tarantulas, the wall web lining of the burrow is replaced with what is called a molting mat, a bowl shaped web to aid with the process of molting.

Strangler Fig

Strangler Fig, Ficus

Many species of tropical strangler vines are of the fig family and thus are referred to as strangler figs. The common names comes from the pattern of growth of these vines upon a host tree which eventually leads to the death of the tree. As strangler figs may live for hundreds of years, the host death is not always a result of the vine, but rather age of the host. By this time, the strangler has establish itself enough that it still flourishes and lives without its host. These strangler figs are commonly covered with other vines that may not be strangers, and is often a source of food and shelter for epiphytic plants, and animals including various birds, mammals, reptiles, and bats.

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis

Found throughout most of North America, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a common feeder bird. They forage by creeping up and down tree trunks where they search out hidden insects. Often confused for other nuthatches, this particular species prefers deciduous trees but can be found in mixed deciduous and coniferous forests. The common name nuthatch comes from their tendency to whack large nuts into tree bark, then with their bill thus hatching the nut. The White-breasted Nuthatch does not migrate, and does scatterhoard surplus food, especially closer to winter.

Lavender

English lavender(?),  Lavandula angustifolia

One of the most well-known and cultivated aromatic shrubs, lavender comes in a wide variety of species and commercial uses. Lavender can be separated into three main groupings: English lavenders, non-English lavenders, and Lavandins, also known as English lavender hybrids. Each one has its own purpose, whether in terms of gardening tolerances or purpose such as for cooking or for use as an essential oil. The effectiveness of lavender for anxiety has been very thoroughly researched. While it is sometimes recommended for other uses such as colic, toothache, vomiting, and dementia among other concerns, the amount of evidence to back up these claims is still insufficient.

Australian Brush Turkey

Australian Brush-turkey, Alectura lathami

The Australian Brush Turkey can be spotted along the eastern and northeastern coast of Australia. This species has a large variety of habitats it can be found in from rainforests to drier scrubs, from mountains to lowland regions. The family Megapodiidae of which the brush turkey belongs are often referred to as mound builders. They passively incubate the eggs, burying them under mounds of decaying matter which the chicks must then dig out of. For the Australian Brush Turkey, the males maintain the mound which several females lay their eggs in. The bill of the bird is used to assess temperature. Matter is added or removed as needed, and holes are dug for ventilation when the necessity arises. Hatchlings are fully feathered once they emerge from the mound and are given no additional parental care. This species is often referred to as a nuisance as it commonly damages gardens while searching for food. Unlike it's cousin of the Galliformes order, the Wild Turkey, the Australian Brush Turkey is known for its bad taste and is therefore not hunted.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey(s), Meleagris gallopavo

With a spotted range throughout North America, this native bird has played an important role as a food source to Native Americans and to the economy. It is one of the only two birds originating in the New World that were successfully domesticated in Europe. While the Europeans domesticated the bird in the 1500s, there is evidence that this species was domesticated even earlier during the Late Preclassic (300 BC-AD 100) by Mayans. In relation to the European domestication, there are two different forms of this species: the wild turkey and the domesticated turkey. They can be distinguished by the white tail tip the domesticated form retained from the Mexican subspecies compared to the chestnut-brown tail tips of the wild turkeys.

The wild turkey is widespread in part thanks to introduction into previously uninhabited areas, of which include Hawaii, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. One reason for this introduction process is the popularity of this species as a game bird. As such, they are not legally protected and current estimates put the population as increasing. Wild turkeys prefer mature open woodlands, particularly oak and pine forests, and are more attracted to areas recently burned which results in desired food plants increasing. While the typical lifespan of a wild turkey is close to two years, there are records of wild turkeys living more than a decade. Typical predators include, but are not limited to: humans, coyotes, fox, opossum, skunks, mink, weasels, raven, crow, squirrels, chipmunks, and various snake species.

Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus

The Eastern Chipmunk can be found inhabiting temperate forests throughout most of eastern North America up through southeastern Canada. While they prefer open forests, they are not an uncommon sight near rural or suburban homes. Living in shallow burrows, they do not leave dirt near the entrances like many other Sciurids, but carry the dirt away and conceal it with leaves and rocks. This helps prevent predators from finding their burrow which can extend over 30 feet in length. During the cold winter months, this species of chipmunk does not hibernate, but rather enters torpor for a few days at a time. Torpor is one of three major classifications of dormancy in mammals with torpor as a shorter duration and differing rates of body temperature and metabolic rate than estivation and hibernation.

Photography credit to my brother once more.

Adirondacks Mountains III

Sunset on a river of the Adirondacks Mountains

The Adirondacks Mountains are a beautiful combination of protected mountains, forests, rivers, and lake. The name comes from an Iroquois word meaning "eater of tree bark", a term from the neighboring Algonquin tribe used in a derisive manner. The area is covered with pine forests, spruce, hemlock, and hardwoods. It is a known portion of bear country, with black bear and white-tailed deer as the two largest species of wildlife found in the region.

As mentioned earlier, credit for the photos of the Adirondacks this year go mainly to my brother.

Leafhopper Assassin Bug

Leafhopper Assassin Bug, Zelus rendarii

The Leafhopper Assassin Bug, a true bug, only measures 1/2 inches long (compared to the much larger Wheel Bug). It can often be found in cotton fields feeding on anything, but preferring the soft-bodied insects. The front legs contain a sticky substance which is used to catch prey. The strong beak is then used to pierce the prey, inject digestive enzymes, and finally suck out the insides. The nymphs go through five different molting stages, but have no wings. The adults are what you find for those overwintering, and while they have wings, they are poor fliers. The leafhopper assassin bug is found more along the central southern United States and the west coast. As with other assassin bugs, these are considered beneficial as they feed on insects such as mosquitoes, weevils, and caterpillars.

Eastern American Toad

Eastern American Toad, Bufo a. americanus

The Eastern American Toad lives in wide variety of habitats from wetlands to forests, to lawns and fields. Unlike some other Anura, this species does live near permanent or ephemeral ponds. This particular species is easily confused for the Fowler's Toad, but can be distinguished by the spots on its belly and the number of warts per spot on its back. Compared to other "toads", the Eastern American Toad is within the family Bufonidae, known as the true toads family, in that all members of this family have gained the common name of toad. While the word toad is often used as a description for any member of the order Anura that is rough skinned and terrestrial, they are not all, in fact, toads, nor are toads recognized as a separate classification. 

Another thank you to my brother for capturing this beauty. He blends in well with the autumn leaves!

North American Beaver

Tree cut by North American Beaver, Castor canadensis

The North American Beaver attacks woody plants not just for building material, but also as a source of food. In terms of preference, there is significance to the diameter of the tree and the type of tree, but not the distance of the tree from the lodge. The selection of the tree, and the location of the tree relative to slop and position, all play a role in decision of which trees to fell, and what pattern of cutting to use. While it various per region, there is an overall preference for deciduous trees such as aspen, willow, birch, and maple. As such, the trees felled by the beaver can alter the composition and structure of the habitat they live in. The dams built by the beavers may also dramatically change both the geology and hydrology of a region.

A great comment was made by Harmon Everett on my last post about the impact beavers had on North American History. I highly suggest you take a look over on Google+!

North American Beaver

Dam of North American Beaver(s), Castor canadensis

The North American Beaver is a highly abundant, nocturnal rodent known for removing trees and making dams. In the north they live in a lodge made from sticks, grass, moss, and mud, while in the south they can often be found burrowing into cut water banks. Of the lodges built, there are three different types including those built on islands, those on lake shores, and those on the banks of ponds. If the water is fast, the dam will contain a curve to provide stability, but if the water is slow, the dam will be built straight.

A special thanks to my brother, who took pictures while in the Adirondacks Mountains this year, using my camera, that I didn't even remember having with me. For the next week or so, the other photos related to the mountains will most likely be his.

Black Vulture

Black Vulture(s), Coragyps atratus

Found throughout the majority of South America up through the southern portion of North America, the Black Vulture is a common sighting. Unlike the Turkey Vulture, the other common vulture species, the black vulture rarely travels alone, relies more on sight than smell, and does not have a summer breeding migration. When identifying between the two species, the black vulture is a dark shape with white wing tips and often flying higher than its counterpart. It is a monogamous species that forms strong social bonds with its kin. As with all carrion eating animals, lead poisoning is not uncommon due to lead shots being left in carcasses or gut piles from hunters.

Hiatus

Looks like flu season has started early here. I hate having to do this, but until it passes, I'll have to take a hiatus. Sorry about that! Will try to get posting again here soon.

Scorpionfly

Scorpionflies, Panorpa nuptialis (Gerst) feeding on Wheel Bug

With a distinctive wing coloration, and an even more distinctive elongated abdomen on the males, the Scorpionfly is a very unusual insect. In addition to an elongated abdomen, the mouthparts are on the end of an elongated snout. The adults of this species feeds mainly on dead insects and animal matter, such as a dead Wheel Bug, but may be predaceous. Most species have four wings, but there are some from the Boreidae family that have no wings. They are common in marshy areas, especially in autumn for Texas. This insect is harmless as the "stinger" is used for mating purposes and cannot be used for defense.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus

The Rainbow Lorikeet is arguably the most identifiable bird of Australia with both males and females wearing the same bright plumage. They can be found mainly along the eastern and northern coasts of Australia, but can also be found in parts of coastal western Australia, and the southeast mainland coastline into Tasmania. Part of this large range is due to their success in the suburban and urban setting.

Rainbow Lorikeet feeding on nectar.

A fast-moving flocking bird, this parrot feeds mostly on nectar and pollen, but also fruits, seeds, and a few insects. The loud chattering and screeching is heard during communal roosts at dusk, and during feeding periods. While largely not migratory, the lorikeet may move in response to seasonal flowering.

Great Bowerbird

Great Bowerbird, Chlamydera nuchalis

The Great Bowerbird can be found along the tropical northeastern coast of Australia. The bowerbirds, Ptilonorhynchidae, are unique in their approach to male-male interactions. While some species, such as the Great Bowerbird, have some vivid feathering seen during mating season, they are best known for creating wondrous bachelor pad-like nests. These nests serve no other purpose than to attract a female for mating. Using any colorful item available, readily including litter, they spend the majority of their time rearranging and decorating the area. Decorations are often stolen by other males competing in the same area and may be used as indications of the social status. The number of decorations, and therefore male fitness, are useful for females in mating decisions. While each species of bowerbird varies in nest construction and decoration color preference, the goal is the same for all.

The Great Bowerbird prefers reds and greens. I never found out if this one was banded with the same colors as a joke, or for a purpose.

Scarlet Honeyeater

♂ Scarlet Honeyeater, Myzolema sanguinolenta

The Scarlet Honeyeater, or Blood bird, can be found all along the east coast of Australia, but is a summer migrant only south of Sydney. This species lives mainly in woodlands and open forest, especially near wetlands, but can also be found in rainforests and urban areas. The name honeyeater comes from its diet of nectar, fruit, and the occasional insect. Scarlet Honeyeaters exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, similar to Painted Buntings, with vivid red and black males versus dull brown and white females. While both genders call, only the males have the distinct silvery tinkling song. As with other honeyeaters, the Scarlet Honeyeater plays an important role in pollination.

It has been awhile since I last wrote on Australia so this week I'll be focusing on three different bird species.

White's Tree Frog

White's Tree Frog, Litoria caerulea

White's Tree Frog, also known as Dumpy Tree Frog, or Australian Green Tree Frog, has a range from Australia into Papua New Guinea to Indonesia. The nickname dumpy comes from fat layers that grow on the top of the head when overfed. As with other tree frogs, this species has large adhesive pads on their fingers and toes making them excellent climbers. While a tropical species, the Australian Green Tree Frog can live in  arid areas. This is in part due to the waxy cuticle skin of the frog preventing water evaporation.

This species is a common sight in zoos, aquariums, and other similar institutions due to the ease of care and the education value. While this particular frog lives in Texas, the species as a whole is from Australia.

Cobweb Spider: Theridiidae

Cobweb Spider, Steatoda triangulosa

Known as cobweb spiders, tangle-web spiders, or comb-footed spiders, the highly diverse family Theridiidae makes great use of three-dimensional webs. The diversity of this family is not limited to just species numbers, but also the behavior, ecology, and morphology of the group. Famous members of this family include the Black Widow of the genus Latrodectus, the common house spider, kleptoparasitic spiders, and most social spiders. These are also the spiders famous for liquefying the organs of their prey with digestive fluids leaving only an empty shell.

Hiatus

Ant on Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii

Gone for the week. I'll be back to posting next week! Here's a simple picture for your enjoyment until then.

Carioquinhas Waterfalls

Cachoeiras Carioquinhas (Carioquinhas Waterfalls)

What the Carioquinhas Waterfalls do not have in height, they have in width. As a watershed of the Amazon basin, Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros is full of river valleys. Of these, the Black River, a tributary of the Tocantins, has one of the biggest impacts. Many of the waterfalls, including the Carioquinhas, are part of the Black River.

Carioquinhas Waterfalls

Cachoeiras Carioquinhas (Carioquinhas Waterfalls)

Located in Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veaderios, Carioquinhas is just one of many waterfalls that can be found within the 265 km² World Heritage Site.

Orbweaver: Neoscona

Hentz's Orbweaver, Neoscona crucifera

The genus Neoscona, the spotted orbweavers, contains seven species within the United States and Canada. While a "barn spider" is often referenced for Araneus cavaticus, those within Neoscona are sometimes collectively called barn spiders. This is in part due to some near indistinguishable species within the Araneus and Neoscona, where only careful examination of the carapace differentiates the two. While some orb weavers are visible for the majority of the year, this particular species, Neoscona crucifera, is more apparent as the weather starts to change from hot summer to cooler autumn. As a nocturnal spider species, it is also less likely to be seen on its web during the day.

Corn Snake

Thirsty Amelanistic/Albino Corn Snake, Elaphe guttata

The Corn Snake, a species of rat snake, is a diurnal, medium-sized snake that can vary in coloration, but usually contains dark-edged blotches down the back. The origin of the name 'corn snake' is debated. It could be due to the pattern similarities with maize, or it may be the common find of these snakes among fields of corn where the rats and mice are plentiful. Quite popular in the pet industry, these snakes are native throughout the eastern United States. Unfortunately, in the wild, these snakes are often confused with the copperhead and killed, much like its cousin the Texas rat snake is often confused for a cottonmouth and killed. As with any snake, it is best to leave them alone and let them hunt in peace. All snakes, venomous and non-venomous, have a role to play such as eating the rodents that spread the life threatening hantavirus.

In keeping with the impromptu video theme this week, I've included a video of Casper, the amelanistic (albino) corn snake taking a drink of water.

Giant African Millipede

Thirsty Giant African Millipede, Archispirostreptus sp.

The Giant African Millipede, mentioned previously, is one of the largest millipedes in the world. It is a harmless detritivore, not to be confused with the stinging centipede. When kept in captivity, the cage sides of many arthropod such as the millipede and tarantula are misted. This gives another, often preferred, water source to drink from in addition to a shallow water dish.

If you would like to enlarge the video for a better look, try this uploaded version!

Blue Jay

Flock of singing Blue Jays, Cyanocitta cristata

The Blue Jay is a common sight and sound along the eastern half of the United States and parts of southern Canada year round. This bird is readily associated with its harsh, loud jeer call, but also contains a less heard whisper song that can last for minutes. Blue jays are birds that often form loose flocks, especially as the colder weather arrives, much like the American Robin. Most do not migrate, but there are records of migrating blue jays usually near shorelines which is where flocking is most likely to occur. While resident blue jays also flock, it is much more loose and less predicable.

Another cause for flocking occurs through a behavior known as mobbing. It is not exclusive to blue jays, but can be seen in other songbirds including the American robin, chickadees, crows, the tufted titmouse, and cardinals. A loud congregation of these species is often an indication that a raptor is being mobbed by a flock of songbirds. The victim is often a residential raptor such as the suburban adapted Eastern Screech-Owl. Although mobbing is a risky behavior, there are hypothesis that this could be related to nest-defense, a way of warning young of potential dangers, or possibly even a source of fun for certain species.

This video contains what I think is the described song of the blue jay. If I had not seen them, I wouldn't have guess it was actually blue jays. This is not a mobbing congregation, but likely the local residents flocking together as the weather changes.

Wheel Bug

Mating Wheel Bugs, Arilus cristatus

The Wheel Bug, one of the largest true bugs and the largest member of the assassin bugs, is both intriguing and beneficial. While mentioned earlier, it is the fall season that this reclusive bug is most likely to be spotted. The wheel bug has one generation a year and dies during the winter months; however, those found in the warmer southern climate may survive the winter. The arrival of autumn is when the goal of the female is to mate and lay eggs. After laying between 40-200 tiny brown eggs in a small shrub or tree twig, the female dies. The eggs will overwinter then hatch the following spring thus starting a new cycle and generation of wheel bugs.

I found these two wheel bugs earlier today, but had nothing but my phone on me. The picture is not great, but it's rare enough for me to see one wheel bug let alone two, and mating!

Picture-winged Fly

Picture-winged Fly, Delphinia picta

Picture-winged fly is the common term used for the diverse Ulidiidae family who all share a characteristic pattern of the wings. The species Delphinia picta can be distinguished by a distinctive front two white triangle pattern on the wings, and the rowing motion of the wings while it walks. Seen between spring and fall throughout most of the eastern United States, Delphinia picta breeds in decaying organic matter and frequently scavenges decayed vegetation, and sometimes even dead caterpillars.

A thank you to Chris Mallory who helped me identify this!

Spider Webs

Spider web of unknown creator.

Spider webs are as various in architecture and silk variety as the species of spiders that build them. Some spiders, such as those in the orb weaver family, spin classic web shapes. Other spiders like the Zebra Tarantula constructs a "web" covering for its den as a trip wire and uses its silk for adhesion purposes. A web is not always spun for the purpose of capturing prey as most tarantulas also line their burrow walls with a web-like construction. Web-building is an innate program with no visual cues and little plasticity that can be divided into stages. Much of this innate behavior relies on the central nervous system where variation can cause drastic changes in the web construction process. While weaving is a complex behavioral pattern, it is governed by a simple set of rules.

Guest Photo: 'Blonde' Cardinal

A 'blonde' female cardinal by Michele Dudas.

The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is one of the most recognized songbirds in the United States and the state bird in seven different states. It can be found year round in all but the west and northwest portions of the country. While often confused with the House Finch, the male cardinals are larger and more colorful, and both genders have the characteristic prominent crest. The female cardinal is unique in being one of the few female North American songbirds that sing. This species has adapted well to the suburban setting and are common visitors to backyard feeders.

In the above photograph is an extremely unusual "blonde" female cardinal. The reason for the coloration is unknown. As the eyes are not red, and it is a sectioned white, it likely isn't a hypomelanistic, or partial albino cardinal, either. She was apparently a frequent visitor to the feeder, but has not been seen for a few years.

Guest Photo: Shorebirds

Corpus Christi by Adam Braun

Shorebirds belong to the Charadriiformes, a diverse order of birds that generally live near water and feed on invertebrates or small animals. Within this order is the suborder Charadrii which is referenced as shorebirds, or waders, which can be further divided into the families Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Charaadriidae, Scolopacidae, and Jacanidae. 

While the beaks vary in shapes and sizes, most shorebirds have a characteristic small body with long, thin legs and three unwebbed toes pointed forward. These toes are fringed like scales to increase surface area which is effective in allowing wading without falling. The strong niche overlap and limited resources for many of these birds has led to significant interspecific competition. The diversity of beaks, leg length, and foraging behavior are all results of divergent evolution due to the partitioning of resources. In general, shorebirds can be found in open areas of a wide range of habitats including beaches, wetlands, grasslands, tundra, and mountains beyond the treeline.

Guest Photo: Sharks

Off the waters of Belize by Brittany Young.

One of the most notable aspects of a shark are the way they move. The thunniform mode of locomotion is characterized by a rigid head and body with rapid oscillation of the peduncle. This adaption maximizes swimming efficiency and can be found in roving predators. A fusiform body shape, narrow necking of the tail base, ridged lunate tail, and streamline form optimize this swimming locomotion in sharks, but especially in the Lamnidae family.

From the lecture Energy costs of locomotion and fish swimming by Guy Carton.

This week I'm experimenting with having a guest photo for all three days. If it goes well, I hope to do it more frequently. There are many different topics I'd love to touch base on, but have no photography to go with it such as sharks and general aquatic ecophysiology. 

Variegated Fritillary and Wheel Bug

Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar, Euptoieta claudia and young Wheel Bug,  Arilus cristatus

The Variegated Fritillary Caterpillar can be distinguished from other fritillary caterpillars by the white-striped markings. With the exception of the Pacific Northwest, this species can be found throughout the United States into Mexico, and has been reported in the higher elevations of Argentina; however, they only overwinter in the south. They have multiple broods per year and can be found on common garden flowers such as violets, pansies, and passion vine as both larvae and adults.

One of the largest true bugs and the largest member of the assassin bugs, the Wheel Bug gets its name for the spiny ridge on the thorax. Of the four species of Arilus, only Arilus cristatus is found within the United States. Their relation to stink bugs can be discerned by the pungent scent exuded when disturbed. The wheel bug will prey on a variety of soft-bodied insects including hairy caterpillars. The saliva of this bug contains toxic enzymes that paralyze, kill, and dissolve the insides of the prey. This allows the wheel bug to drain the prey using its piercing beak.

Autumn Sage

Autumn (Greg's) Sage, Salvia greggii

Autumn Sage, also known as Greg's Sage or Cherry Sage, is a perennial, semi-evergreen shrub native to the rocky soils of Texas and Mexico. It may grow close to 1 meter in height and width with flower color averaging red, but also including purple, orange, white, and pink. This species is a long, constant blooming plant with heavy blooming in spring and fall, and scattered blooming in summer. As a native to Texas, it is both drought tolerant and heat resistant. With the addition of attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, Autumn Sage has gain popularity in landscaping.

The Greg's Sage happened to be a great replacement for the roses that we had to remove due to Rose Rosette. If planted in the right zone, it grows great in sun or partial shade with little effort and plenty of beautiful blooms.

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Yellow-bellied Marmot, Marmota flaviventris

The Yellow-bellied Marmot is a hibernating, thickset rodent found within the Sciuridae family alongside Prairie Dogs and Ground Squirrels. They can be found from Colorado westward, and north to the southern portions of Canada. In general, the elevation of their habitat is higher the further south in the range they are found. Much like other communal rodents, the yellow-bellied marmot has an alarm call system which is used when a potential threat is observed. The sound may be a chuck, trill, or whistle and varies depending on the stimulus. The alarm is set off once that particular individual is back at their burrow minimizing the risk involved in sounding the alarm.

Hagerman Wildlife Refuge: Part 3

Bottomlands of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge.

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is notable for its location within the Central Flyway. It is an active site for migratory resting and winter habitation for a number of birds, especially waterfowl. This time of year serves as the transition period for many bird species. Some like the Painted Bunting leave before August is even over, while the local Cliff Swallow colonies start fattening up on insect swarms before migrating at the end of September. During midsummer the species count is often over one hundred, but during migratory periods it easily exceeds that.

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias

The Great Blue Heron can be seen year round for the majority of the United States, in parts of southern Canada in the summer, and throughout Central America during the winter. It is the largest of the North American herons which can be found in a large variety of both saltwater and freshwater habitats. Their prey involves anything they can strike and catch as they slowly wade through the deep waters. With a high percentage of rod-type photoreceptors, this heron can hunt during either the night or day. This widespread aquatic species has become important as a biomonitor for ecosystem contamination. The Great Blue Heron has a a high trophic position and low sensitivity to organochlorine contaminants. This allows for contaminant accumulation, but without the immediate adverse effects. Due to their size, the Great Blue Heron has few predators, the majority of which are large raptors.

Purple Martin

♂ Purple Martin, Progne subis

The Purple Martin is the largest of the North American swallows, and one that breeds almost entirely in backyard birdhouses. Before the arrival of Europeans, some Native American tribes had set up empty gourds for this bird to use. An almost complete conversion from its natural use of abandoned woodpecker holes to those artificially manufactured occurred along the east coast before the beginning of the twentieth century. West of the Rocky Mountains, where the species is less common, there have been some sightings of nesting in natural cavities. They compete for space with the introduced European Starlings and House Sparrows. The use of colony site management helps prevent area extinction of the Purple Martin. This insectivore can be seen nesting in North America during the summer, and wintering in the savannas and agricultural fields of South America.

American Pika

American Pika, Ochotona princeps

Found within the order Lagomorpha alongside rabbits and hares, the American Pika can be found in alpine regions of the western United States and southwestern Canada. They live near mountain meadows on rock faces, cliffs, and rocky areas known as talus. Their diet is composed of grasses and herbs which pikas cut and dry to form hay piles for winter consumption. This densely furred species does not hibernate. Instead, they spend most of their time in their den during winter along with the rest of the colony.

Unfortunately for the American pika, they have become a symbol of global warming. The threat of climate change not only threatens this species arguably more than the polar bear, but they may be among the first to extinction. Already living at a high elevation, the pika has no place to migrate to when temperatures rise. A den does not mitigate extreme temperatures like a burrow does, nor has the American pika evolved to migrate large distances. The curing of vegetation, a period of high activity, would occur during hotter temperatures which could create direct thermal stress on a creature that cannot dissipate heat easily.

Studies on climate change and the American pika are still conflicting. This may be due to the lack of many long-term studies. As this species lives in isolated colonies, there is some hope that a complete extinction will not happen. The effects of global warming on sensitive species such as the American pika have been gaining more attention and more monitoring. This not only allows better prediction for the survival of this species, but others like it as well.

Orb Weaver Family

Juvenile Orb Weaver, Araneidae

Associated with the classic orb web they weave, the Orb Weaver family is spread throughout the world. There is great variation in size and appearance within the Araneidae family and significant distinction between genders. While the smaller males wander to find a mate, the larger, and often more colorful, female spins her web. If prey is abundant and good support is to be found, the orb weaver will spin a web in any habitat. Most sightings occur in summer or fall when adults reach their largest size. Although they can be sizable and extraordinary in appearance, these spiders are quite docile and non-aggressive. A bite most often occurs due to provocation, posing only a threat of a bacterial infection. Charlotte A. Cavatica of Charlotte's Web is a barn spider, a member of the orb weaver family.