When you think of nuts – the kind that grow on trees – it’s hard not to think of squirrels. They are, after all, the…
Blue Jays
Eastern Parson Spiders
As the temperatures start to cool, don’t be surprised if a parson comes to your door. Actually, he, or she, might instead come to your…
Bees, Wasps and Impostors!
Oh, bees. We think we know them, but do we really? A couple of recent incidents reminded me that bees-that familiar group of herbivorous and…
Milksnakes
The woman’s voice quavered as she described her predicament. “I have a milkshake on my driveway,” she squeaked over the phone, her words barely discernible…
Secret Identity-The Carnivore Chipmunk
Secret identities. Our popular culture is full of them. Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent takes off his glasses, dons a cape and then, faster than…
Goldenrod
Next to my fireplace hangs a slab of cedar, a fine piece of functional artwork that features a bottle opener alongside the words, “Beauty is…
Rattlesnake Master
Walking up to Hickory Knolls, our wonderful nature center, I never cease to be struck by the abundance of beauty displayed by our native wildflowers.…
Prairie Dropseed
Mmm…popcorn. I love the way it looks. I love the way it tastes. I love the way it smells, too. And golly, I’ve been smelling…
Cicadas
To paraphrase an old saying, “Behind every great male, there’s a great female.” Most folks I know would agree but, if you’d like more proof,…
Barn Swallows
The neighbor’s kids were out the other day, chattering excitedly as they soaked up some summer sun. It was snack time – seems like it’s…