#wildlife observation

[telekinesis-mind-control-comics]

[freedomcdjrnorthbyedmorse]

Outdoor Activities You Can Drive to Near Sherman, TX

Aug 11, 2023

1. Hike and Bike at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

The vast 11,320-acre Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge at 6465 Refuge Road in Sherman is just the place to get in touch with nature. Explore the beautiful surroundings on nine miles of easy-to-moderate hiking and biking trails, and listen to the sounds of the insects and songbirds along the way.

Keep your eyes peeled for migratory birds and wildlife indigenous to northern Texas, from bald eagles and red-headed woodpeckers to river otters, especially along Haller’s Haven, an easy-going 2.7-mile loop past Picnic and Dead Woman’s Ponds. 

2. Fish in the Ponds and Creeks

With 2,195 acres of water on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, 466 acres of ponds, and various creeks, including Harris and Sandy Creeks, the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is the ideal spot to wet your hook.

The waters teem with largemouth, smallmouth, striped, and white bass and have a good supply of sunfish, crappie, and catfish. Bank fishing along Big Mineral Creek and Sandy Point is prevalent throughout the year, and boat fishing is allowed between March and September.

3. Paddle and Picnic in Herman Baker Park

Herman Baker Park at 2500 West Center Street in Sherman stretches over 83 acres of outdoor fun. The highlight of the park is the picturesque 34-acre Pickens Lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the water and take a leisurely stroll around the lake on the one-and-a-half-mile nature trail to find the best spot to enjoy lunch and the beautiful view over the water.

4. Test Your Skills on the Pecan Grove Disc Golf Course

Head out to Pecan Grove Park-West at 3200 Canyon Creek Drive in Sherman to play a round of disc golf on the Pecan Grove Disc Golf Course. This challenging 18-hole course is known as one of the best disc golf courses in the state. The scenic course runs through the woods and along the shores of the lake and has plenty of surprising elements that will test your skills.

Have loads of fun out in the fresh air with your family and friends. Before you take your loved ones on an outdoor adventure, contact Freedom Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram North By Ed Morse today for a vehicle checkup and ensure your ride is in tip-top shape.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

[drahdoutcosmeticdentistry]

Explore Nature's Beauty: El Scorpion Canyon Park in West Hills, CA

Located within the captivating landscapes of West Hills, CA, El Scorpion Canyon Park presents a mesmerizing gateway to nature's embrace. This idyllic park serves as a haven for outdoor aficionados, providing abundant chances to explore, relax, and revel in the natural allure of Southern California. From rugged pathways to sweeping vistas, El Scorpion Canyon Park entices visitors to embark on an expedition amidst its breathtaking environs.

Scenic Hiking Trails Renowned for its picturesque hiking trails, El Scorpion Canyon Park winds through undulating hills, rocky formations, and verdant greenery. Whether you're an adept trekker seeking a demanding expedition or a casual nature enthusiast desiring a leisurely walk, the park offers trails catering to diverse skill levels, ensuring an adventure for all. En route, trekkers can marvel at expansive panoramas of the San Fernando Valley and its surroundings, immersing themselves in the captivating magnificence of the neighboring landscape.

Wildlife Observation Nature lovers will relish the chance to observe the park's abundant wildlife in its native habitat. From chirping songbirds and fluttering butterflies to scampering rabbits and playful squirrels, El Scorpion Canyon Park shelters a myriad of captivating creatures within its tranquil sanctuary. Birdwatchers, in particular, will appreciate the opportunity to glimpse a variety of avian species soaring overhead or perched amidst the foliage.

Photography Enclaves Brimming with sweeping vistas, rugged terrains, and vibrant floral displays, El Scorpion Canyon Park offers boundless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture spellbinding snapshots of nature's grandeur. Whether you're an aspiring photographer honing your craft or a seasoned shutterbug in pursuit of the perfect shot, the park's scenic splendor serves as a mesmerizing canvas for creative expression.

Picnicking Areas and Family Recreation Equipped with designated picnic spots complete with tables and grilling facilities, El Scorpion Canyon Park beckons families for leisurely outings or serene picnics amidst nature's embrace. Families can convene for open-air feasts, engage in recreational activities on the verdant lawns, or simply unwind and relish each other's company amidst the tranquil ambiance of the park. It stands as an ideal locale for crafting cherished memories with loved ones.

Canine-Companion Trails Catering to outdoor enthusiasts accompanied by their furry friends, El Scorpion Canyon Park boasts trails that welcome dogs to explore and roam alongside their human counterparts. Pet owners can revel in leisurely strolls with their canine companions amidst the park's scenic vistas, fostering exercise, fresh air, and bonding opportunities in nature.

Environmental Education As stewards of the environment, El Scorpion Canyon Park champions environmental education and conservation initiatives. The park features educational signages and interpretive displays spotlighting the local ecosystem, geological wonders, and cultural heritage, encouraging visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural realm.

Safety Measures and Conservation Dedicated to ensuring visitor safety and preserving natural treasures, El Scorpion Canyon Park prioritizes trail maintenance, wildlife habitat preservation, and enforcement of park regulations to safeguard the ecosystem's integrity. Park rangers and staff diligently oversee these efforts, urging visitors to abide by Leave No Trace principles and exhibit reverence for the park's flora and fauna during their sojourn.

El Scorpion Canyon Park in West Hills, CA, emerges as a hidden gem beckoning visitors to surrender to the serenity and splendor of nature. With its enchanting hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly amenities, the park offers a sanctuary where outdoor enthusiasts can retreat from the urban clamor and reconnect with the marvels of the natural world.

[bisquid]

Wait wait you can't just drop that off and not elaborate. What do you mean is there a mafia presence in Wales?? Please spill, what things did you notice??

Okay so bearing in mind that I have ADHD and Chronic Terrible Observational Skills:

I am in Cardiff

For a concert I am attending solo

Doors open at 5

4:15 ish I go 'hmm I should eat something'

Cardiff is - unsurprisingly, being tiny and yet home to FOUR concert venues - Very Busy

Find McDonald's

McDonald's is very full. I recall my last concert related McDick's experience, and promptly bounce

Directly across the street

Is an Italian restaurant

It looks closed but fuckit maybe I can beg for like. Bread or some shit

Go over

Am immediately pounced upon by the hitherto unnoticed chain-smoking woman hanging out by the door mostly hidden by a potted ficus(?)

"I was wondering if you were open and if-" "yes yes we are open what would you like?" (strongish Italian accent)

Inside restaurant is Deserted

Explain that I'm sort of in a rush, am assured it's fine

Order chicken milanese which is generally a pasta dish with a breaded chicken component

Am led to seat nearish the front and promptly provided with a pint of coke in a glass tankard

Am then provided with a front row seat to an absolutely incomprehensible series of people entering and exiting (and in one case walking directly into) the door to what I can only presume is the kitchen

Starting with the guy who had been sitting at a table chain-smoking over a pile of papers

I counted at least three people exiting at least twice without actually entering in between

Am finally brought food

It is a breaded, butterflied chicken breast approximately the size of my face and a small pile of pasta approximately the size of my fist

It is all delicious

Chain-smoking papers man reappears, now wearing a chef's apron labcoat thing

Go up to pay, chain-smoking ficus lady is now having a very loud argument in a language I did not recognise but was not Italian Welsh English French russian Gaelic or Spanish

She sees me, says, and I quote 'ah little girl lost, one moment' and promptly hangs up

I am 27 and only nominally female

I am not remotely lost

She charges me for the pint of coke but not the food

I try to point out that she hasn't charged me for the food

'do you want to pay for the food?'

'.... Not if I don't have to?'

'good'

I leave. The door is now full of half a dozen very tall very Italian men and one absolutely adorable cocker spaniel

I ask if I can pet the dog (I have my priorities straight okay)

I am allowed to pet the dog. The dog and I are now best friends

The dog lead holder asks me in extremely accented but impeccably correct English if I had enjoyed the food

'yeah it was great!'

Everyone laughs a bit

I smile and pet the dog and realise I'm now late for the concert and hurry off

I see a post on Tumblr about mob fronts and several connections are made in my brain all at once

[grainelevator]

Long-eared owl (Asio otus)

11 March 2023 - Ontario, Canada

[vrgssmncht]

Fast fast messy sketch of some mantids! Coloured! Featuring a praying mantis I found (photograph) and this silly guy (Rhombodera sp.)(the illustration) on iNat!

[ravensvalley]

#ObservingWildlife

Observing Wolves or any wild animals for research or any educational purposes can be an unforgetable experience. It can be very exciting but most of all we need to remember that it should be done with respect of their habitat and without causing them harm.

Then all we need to do is look for tracks patterns to identify the direction. Now if we're looking for Wolves, the front paw prints are about 4 inches wide and they tend to keep their claws retracted when walking, so their tracks typically won't show prominent claw marks. And Wolves typically follow a specific path when they're on the move.

However in certain conditions we might see faint claw marks in the trail, fallen trees or rocks when climbing mountains.

Then by keeping a safe distance we can start documenting our actions which later will be valuable for our research or in any educational purposes.

Of course, it will be possible only if we're lucky enough to spot them in the wild before they spot us. But most of all, it is crucial to follow ethical and legal guidelines when observing wildlife. If you're not experienced in tracking or have any concerns about safety, consider consulting your local Wildlife Experts or Naturalists for guidance.

Otherwise, don't ever do this.

[theearthquaketrackingfox]

I used to wonder why foxes - red foxes in anime are most often depicted as white or blond and sometimes light brown whereas in western literature are often depicted with rich rusty red or bright orange fur. Orange foxes do exist in anime, but not as common as white and flaxen-furred foxes. I knew not to let the species term fool me as I was aware of the existence of albino, leucistic, and melanistic(silver and black) foxes a long time ago as well as the color mutations of domesticated red foxes. However, I also knew that red foxes can vary in color in the wild as well in various parts of the Earth. I can understand why most kitsune are drawn with gold to white fur. I have seen photos of foxes in Japan and a lot of them are pale or brown. The foxes at the famous Zao Fox Village are probably not native to Japan. A lot of them look like they were rescued from fur farms where they were bred with color variants(including marble, silver, and pearl). The rest of them look like red foxes from North America as shown here:

However, there is the subspecies in Hokkaido known as the Ezo fox that does not look much different:

Otherwise, most foxes in Japan seem to look like this:

They appear to have a top coat that can shed in the Summer which is sort of similar to their arctic cousins. Many of the red foxes with the more classical red coat with prominent markings with the black feet and white-tipped tail are most common in Europe and North America.

However, they don't all look the same in these regions. I have seen photos of red foxes in Wyoming and Alaska where many of them can have pale fur that tends to be long. There are even red foxes with light-colored fur in the eastern U.S. I have seen one before here in Tennessee.

[fadedrainbowbookshelves]

There's one kid on the playground who doesn't seem to want to play, but he did take the letter when I gave it to him!

[jadafitch]

Nature Smarts Workbook, for ages 10-12 is out today!  From Mass Audubon and Storey Publishing.  Fun, educational and full of my illustrations. Nature Smarts Books available through Amazon and other book sellers.

[mandrathekandra]

I miss my boy but alas i cannot ditch finals to go reread the stormlight archive ughhhhh

He really is the blorbo of all time. Comfort character. Emotional support depressed man

[dropsofsciencenews]

Chimpanzee Mothers: Champions of Play Even in Times of Food Scarcity

ITA version here ESP version here

A recent study conducted in Kibale National Park in Uganda has revealed a surprising behavior among female chimpanzees: despite the scarcity of food, mothers continue to play with their young, playing a crucial role in the physical and social development of their offspring.

Kibale National Park is known to be the most densely populated primate forest in the world, with over 1,000 chimpanzees residing there. Researchers, led by Zarin Machanda and Kris Sabbi from Harvard University, began habituating chimpanzees to human presence in 1987, collecting detailed behavioral observations including climbing, feeding, grooming, and play.

Through the examination of 3,891 episodes of adult play recorded within the chimpanzee community of Kanyawara, researchers not only observed that this practice persists in adults unlike most other mammals, but also evaluated how adult play is influenced by diet quality. While play between adults and unrelated immatures decreased during food scarcity, play between mothers and offspring persisted, suggesting that this type of play was less constrained compared to play with other partners.

The observation that mothers continue to play with their young despite food scarcity underscores the crucial importance of play in the animal world and the extraordinary dedication of chimpanzee mothers in ensuring the well-being of their offspring, even in the most challenging times. This suggests that chimpanzee mothers play a crucial role in the physical and social development of their young, even when facing the threat of food scarcity.

That adult chimpanzees play to build relationships or support learning opportunities for younger group members evaluations of the potential functions and evolution of play are incomplete without considering its costs. The fact that chimpanzee mothers bear these costs even when ecology constrains other aspects of their social behavior primarily reveals a hidden cost of motherhood for this species, where, as with humans, mothers are important play partners for their offspring.

SOURCE

Pic Source

[coffee-bat]

love this fuckign guy i met in decoy

[lanternmice]

they call me the guy that leaves strange and somewhat endearing tags on people's rain world ocs, probably on account of my (looks at recent followers) good god you people shouldn't be here

[inaturalist-unofficial]

[Images Description: Photographs of a fungus specimen on a log showing the underside and overside of the inverted dish-like structures. The overside is white and fuzzy, and the underside shows split pale orange gills that radiate from the centre of the round dish. End ID.]

The Splitgill Mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is one species of filamentous basidiomycete that has been identified as a human pathogen with 114 cases of allergic or respiratory disease in humans. It is the common agent responsible in known basidiomycete infections worldwide. (Information Source: Medical Mycology)

It is a beautiful fungus. I interacted with it for this photograph and had no ill effect to myself. One must respect and understand their subjects to safely admire the beauty of nature!

[moonbeamnights]

I know we all love to make fun of Jonathan being the only character who doesn’t know he’s in Dracula and be Very Concerned when lawyers say that Dracula is just what lawyering is like. But honestly, I think he’s being quite reasonable. Like, once he figures out what’s going on he has the totally sensible reaction of “oh shit, oh fuck, I need to get out of here.” Whereas I, a biologist, upon learning I was living with not one but multiple vampires (hell yeah, let’s observe these intraspecies social dynamics!) would be more like

So maybe lawyers are more well adjusted/have better self-preservation instincts than we give them credit for.