Thursday, August 10, 2017
Snow-on-the-Mountain (Euphorbia marginata)
From Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve:
Join us every week for our Wildflower Wednesday!
This week's flower: Snow-on-the-Mountain, Euphorbia marginata. These late-bloomers are related to poinsettias and have a similar structure. Blooming from July through October, this wildflower is enjoyed as much for its showy leaves as it is for its flowers. When damaged, it can exude a poisonous milky sap that can cause skin irritation.
Come out to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to see Snow-on-the-Mountain in bloom. Take a look at the picture from here at the preserve!
#Plants #Wildflower
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Join us every week for our Wildflower Wednesday!
This week's flower: Snow-on-the-Mountain, Euphorbia marginata. These late-bloomers are related to poinsettias and have a similar structure. Blooming from July through October, this wildflower is enjoyed as much for its showy leaves as it is for its flowers. When damaged, it can exude a poisonous milky sap that can cause skin irritation.
Come out to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to see Snow-on-the-Mountain in bloom. Take a look at the picture from here at the preserve!
#Plants #Wildflower
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American Avocets and Dowitchers in Wetland West of Dunes
From Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve:
American Avocets and Dowitchers in Wetland West of Dunes
NPS/Patrick Myers
#WildlifeWednesday - The presence of fresh water in a stark dunes environment is a hopeful phenomenon that all people can relate to, because it represents life-giving renewal in the midst of the barren deserts of our lives.
This water originates as snowfields on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, flows around the dunes, and emerges as wetlands in the sandy desert west of the main dunefield. It supports wetland plants, aquatic insects, frogs, salamanders, and shore birds that thrive here in summer months, and provides drinking water for elk, bison and pronghorn.
Shore birds such as these avocets and dowitchers have long bills to capture aquatic insects that are their main food source. Avocets are especially fiercely protective of their nests and young, and will dive bomb intruders while screaming a loud "blee-blee-blee" warning. (This photo was captured with a long zoom lens so that the birds and their families were not disturbed.)
Be sure to experience some of the surprisingly diverse ecosystems of Great Sand Dunes on your next visit!
#greatsanddunes #wetland #shorebirds #oasis#desert #avocet #dowitcher
#animals #birds #nature #wildlife #Colorado #CO
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American Avocets and Dowitchers in Wetland West of Dunes
NPS/Patrick Myers
#WildlifeWednesday - The presence of fresh water in a stark dunes environment is a hopeful phenomenon that all people can relate to, because it represents life-giving renewal in the midst of the barren deserts of our lives.
This water originates as snowfields on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, flows around the dunes, and emerges as wetlands in the sandy desert west of the main dunefield. It supports wetland plants, aquatic insects, frogs, salamanders, and shore birds that thrive here in summer months, and provides drinking water for elk, bison and pronghorn.
Shore birds such as these avocets and dowitchers have long bills to capture aquatic insects that are their main food source. Avocets are especially fiercely protective of their nests and young, and will dive bomb intruders while screaming a loud "blee-blee-blee" warning. (This photo was captured with a long zoom lens so that the birds and their families were not disturbed.)
Be sure to experience some of the surprisingly diverse ecosystems of Great Sand Dunes on your next visit!
#greatsanddunes #wetland #shorebirds #oasis#desert #avocet #dowitcher
#animals #birds #nature #wildlife #Colorado #CO
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Grasshopper
From Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge:
Identifying grasshoppers can be pretty tricky, but the dark stripe by this one's eye makes us think it's a member of the "spur-throated" grasshopper family. Spur-throated grasshoppers are common across North America.
Photo: Grasshopper by Rachel Kromrey/USFWS.
#Animals #Insects #Grasshopper #nature #wildlife #USFWS
Identifying grasshoppers can be pretty tricky, but the dark stripe by this one's eye makes us think it's a member of the "spur-throated" grasshopper family. Spur-throated grasshoppers are common across North America.
Photo: Grasshopper by Rachel Kromrey/USFWS.
#Animals #Insects #Grasshopper #nature #wildlife #USFWS
STRANGEST Creatures of the Galapagos Islands!
Controlled Burns at Everglades
From Everglades National Park:
Park staff will conduct prescribed fires today in the park's Cape Sable coastal prairies in an effort to limit the spread of exotic plant species, and reduce detritus that could contribute to wildfires.
#Everglades #NationalPark #EvergladesNationalPark #Florida #FL #Fire #Wildfire
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Park staff will conduct prescribed fires today in the park's Cape Sable coastal prairies in an effort to limit the spread of exotic plant species, and reduce detritus that could contribute to wildfires.
#Everglades #NationalPark #EvergladesNationalPark #Florida #FL #Fire #Wildfire
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Broadhead Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region:
A broadhead skink spotted at Marais des Cygnes National #Wildlife Refuge in #Kansas. These lizards are often found in wooded habitats (they're "arboreal," meaning they can live in trees). They eat insects, small mammals, and other reptiles.
Photo: Amy Coffman/USFWS
#animals #reptile #lizard #skink #nature #wildlife #KS
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A broadhead skink spotted at Marais des Cygnes National #Wildlife Refuge in #Kansas. These lizards are often found in wooded habitats (they're "arboreal," meaning they can live in trees). They eat insects, small mammals, and other reptiles.
Photo: Amy Coffman/USFWS
#animals #reptile #lizard #skink #nature #wildlife #KS
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Seen at Colusa NWR Auto Tour
Female Spiny Softshell Turtle
From USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System:
Basking in the sun. A female spiny softshell turtle catches rays at Vermont’s Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (http://1.usa.gov/28NuGA9). Typically, the carapace (upper shell) of a female spiny softshell turtle is larger than that of a male. More: http://bit.ly/1EnDxNF Photo by Ken Sturm/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife #Vermont #VT #USFWS
Basking in the sun. A female spiny softshell turtle catches rays at Vermont’s Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (http://1.usa.gov/28NuGA9). Typically, the carapace (upper shell) of a female spiny softshell turtle is larger than that of a male. More: http://bit.ly/1EnDxNF Photo by Ken Sturm/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife #Vermont #VT #USFWS
Blooms in the Caspian Sea
From NASA Earth:
Blooms in the Caspian Sea
Given adequate sunlight and nutrients, phytoplankton populations can swell into blooms large enough to be visible from space. On August 3, 2017, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of several blooms in the Caspian Sea.
Phytoplankton blooms are often harmless, and are an important food source for marine life. Other times, blooms can be harmful; they can deplete the water’s oxygen and suffocate marine life, and produce toxins that can be harmful to both aquatic creatures and humans.
Lake Urmia is visible west of the Caspian Sea. Microscopic organisms periodically turn the lake’s salty water striking shades of red and orange.
https://
Read more about Lake Urmia:
https://
#Phytoplankton #CaspianSea #Satellite #NASA
Blooms in the Caspian Sea
Given adequate sunlight and nutrients, phytoplankton populations can swell into blooms large enough to be visible from space. On August 3, 2017, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of several blooms in the Caspian Sea.
Phytoplankton blooms are often harmless, and are an important food source for marine life. Other times, blooms can be harmful; they can deplete the water’s oxygen and suffocate marine life, and produce toxins that can be harmful to both aquatic creatures and humans.
Lake Urmia is visible west of the Caspian Sea. Microscopic organisms periodically turn the lake’s salty water striking shades of red and orange.
https://
Read more about Lake Urmia:
https://
#Phytoplankton #CaspianSea #Satellite #NASA
Butterflies in Action
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region:
Photobomb! A tiny white butterfly wants in on the #pollinator action as a #monarch sips nectar from a sunflower.
Photo: Kristin Terwilliger/USFWS
#animals #insects #Butterfly #Butterflies #nature #wildlife
Photobomb! A tiny white butterfly wants in on the #pollinator action as a #monarch sips nectar from a sunflower.
Photo: Kristin Terwilliger/USFWS
#animals #insects #Butterfly #Butterflies #nature #wildlife
Today is the 10th anniversary of the bald eagle being removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species!
From USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System:
Today is the 10th anniversary of the bald eagle being removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species! Enjoy this USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System photo essay: "Eagles Across America" http://bit.ly/2iEp8cS
#animals #birds #eagle #EndangeredSpecies #nature #wildlife
Today is the 10th anniversary of the bald eagle being removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species! Enjoy this USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System photo essay: "Eagles Across America" http://bit.ly/2iEp8cS
#animals #birds #eagle #EndangeredSpecies #nature #wildlife
Study: Pesticides in Streams
From U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):
One hundred small streams in 11 Midwestern states were tested during the 2013 growing season and found to contain, on average, 52 pesticides per stream.
The pesticides pose both short- and long-term threats to aquatic insects, like stonefly and mayfly larvae, which are an essential link in the aquatic food chain.
The streams, like the two pictured, are in agricultural and urban areas and are unlikely to be used as sources of drinking water.
Learn more about the study:https://on.doi.gov/2uqbcdr
#environment #stream #water #pollution #pesticide
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One hundred small streams in 11 Midwestern states were tested during the 2013 growing season and found to contain, on average, 52 pesticides per stream.
The pesticides pose both short- and long-term threats to aquatic insects, like stonefly and mayfly larvae, which are an essential link in the aquatic food chain.
The streams, like the two pictured, are in agricultural and urban areas and are unlikely to be used as sources of drinking water.
Learn more about the study:https://on.doi.gov/2uqbcdr
#environment #stream #water #pollution #pesticide
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Wednesday, August 9, 2017
The Recovering Pacific Pocket Mouse
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region:
BREAKING: Once believed to be extinct, the
🐭Pacific pocket mouse🐭 just hit a major milestone in recovery!
Last night, 40 Pacific pocket mouse individuals, including babies, were found at one of our release sites in Orange County. Based on this info, we're happy to report that the captive-bred animals are adjusting to the wild and have reproduced successfully!
🎉
🎊
🍾 Shout out to San Diego Zoo for their work on this.
Captive-bred Pacific pocket mouse released in July, 2017 by Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS.
#animals #mammal #mouse #mice #nature #wildlife
BREAKING: Once believed to be extinct, the
🐭Pacific pocket mouse🐭 just hit a major milestone in recovery! Last night, 40 Pacific pocket mouse individuals, including babies, were found at one of our release sites in Orange County. Based on this info, we're happy to report that the captive-bred animals are adjusting to the wild and have reproduced successfully!
🎉🎊🍾 Shout out to San Diego Zoo for their work on this.Captive-bred Pacific pocket mouse released in July, 2017 by Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS.
#animals #mammal #mouse #mice #nature #wildlife
A Team Effort Takedown | Big Cat Week
50" Musky
From Ashland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office:
Last week the aquatic invasive species early detection crew caught a 40" muskellunge, this week they topped that by catching this 50" musky in the St. Louis River estuary. The estuary supports a healthy and diverse fish community.
Photo by USFWS.
#animals #fish #nature #USFWS
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Last week the aquatic invasive species early detection crew caught a 40" muskellunge, this week they topped that by catching this 50" musky in the St. Louis River estuary. The estuary supports a healthy and diverse fish community.
Photo by USFWS.
#animals #fish #nature #USFWS
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Chocolate Tube Slime
Inchworm
From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:
Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, this inchworm will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment - creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. In many species of geometer moths, the inchworms are about 25 mm (1.0 in) long. They tend to be green, grey, or brownish and hide from predators by fading into the background or resembling twigs. Many inchworms, when disturbed, stand erect and motionless on the prolegs, increasing the resemblance. Some have humps or filaments. They are seldom hairy or gregarious and are generally smooth. Typically they eat leaves. However, some eat lichen, flowers or pollen. Photo of inchworm on New England Aster by Rachel Samerdyke/USFWS.
#nature #wildlife #inchworm #Wisconsin #WI
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Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, this inchworm will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment - creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. In many species of geometer moths, the inchworms are about 25 mm (1.0 in) long. They tend to be green, grey, or brownish and hide from predators by fading into the background or resembling twigs. Many inchworms, when disturbed, stand erect and motionless on the prolegs, increasing the resemblance. Some have humps or filaments. They are seldom hairy or gregarious and are generally smooth. Typically they eat leaves. However, some eat lichen, flowers or pollen. Photo of inchworm on New England Aster by Rachel Samerdyke/USFWS.
#nature #wildlife #inchworm #Wisconsin #WI
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Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Nice Doggie!
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mountain-Prairie Region:
Two juvenile mountain lions seek safety from a nearby coyote at National Elk Refuge in #Wyoming.#InternationalCatDay #wildlife
Photo: Lori Iverson/USFWS
#animals #mammal #MountainLion #Coyote #WY #USFWS
Two juvenile mountain lions seek safety from a nearby coyote at National Elk Refuge in #Wyoming.#InternationalCatDay #wildlife
Photo: Lori Iverson/USFWS
#animals #mammal #MountainLion #Coyote #WY #USFWS
An Ectothermic Turtle
From Necedah National Wildlife Refuge:
Painted turtles are ectothermic, which means that their body temperature is dependent on that of their surroundings. You can often see them soaking up the sun on a log, rock or even a lily pad!
Photo: Basking Chrysemys picta By Katelyn Shedden/ USFWS
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife #wisconsin #WI
Painted turtles are ectothermic, which means that their body temperature is dependent on that of their surroundings. You can often see them soaking up the sun on a log, rock or even a lily pad!
Photo: Basking Chrysemys picta By Katelyn Shedden/ USFWS
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife #wisconsin #WI
2nd Annual Photo Contest
From Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge:
Have nature photos of the refuge or Missouri species? We want to see them! Enter in the 2nd Annual Photo Contest! The contest is free, please see the link for more details about contest rules. Photos are due by Friday, September 1, 2017.
Enter in the following categories: Wildlife, Plants/Fungi, Landscape and Scenic, People in Nature, Youth (youth photographers -17 & under), Professional.
https://www.fws.gov/
Photo of trumpeter swan - "Swan Dance" courtesy of Dan E. Staples - 2016 Best of Show
Have nature photos of the refuge or Missouri species? We want to see them! Enter in the 2nd Annual Photo Contest! The contest is free, please see the link for more details about contest rules. Photos are due by Friday, September 1, 2017.
Enter in the following categories: Wildlife, Plants/Fungi, Landscape and Scenic, People in Nature, Youth (youth photographers -17 & under), Professional.
https://www.fws.gov/
Photo of trumpeter swan - "Swan Dance" courtesy of Dan E. Staples - 2016 Best of Show
Monday, August 7, 2017
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
From Neosho National Fish Hatchery:
It is common for us to see humans and the occasional canine walking around the grounds here. But this morning I spotted this guy strolling along the grass above the branch. We'll see turtles frequently when we drain a pond, but this was a bit different. I thought about helping him into the water, but he wasn't very friendly.
Photo: common snapping turtle by Bruce Hallman/USFWS.
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife
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It is common for us to see humans and the occasional canine walking around the grounds here. But this morning I spotted this guy strolling along the grass above the branch. We'll see turtles frequently when we drain a pond, but this was a bit different. I thought about helping him into the water, but he wasn't very friendly.
Photo: common snapping turtle by Bruce Hallman/USFWS.
#animals #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife
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Look! There's Bullwinkle!
From Isle Royale National Park:
Be on the lookout! While hiking the Isle Royale trails, ensure that you don't focus solely on tripping hazards like rocks and tree roots, because you may not notice you're being watched. This bull was seen on the Rock Harbor Trail outside the Rangers' residences. Notice the large, symmetrical antlers, which are a good indication of age. After his 1st birthday, a bull's antlers will tend to increase in size, the number of points, and weight until he reaches his prime. Remember to always look around you and keep the camera ready. #moosecrushmonday#mooselife
#NationalPark #animal #mammal #moose #Bullwinkle #nature #wildlife #Michigan #MI
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Be on the lookout! While hiking the Isle Royale trails, ensure that you don't focus solely on tripping hazards like rocks and tree roots, because you may not notice you're being watched. This bull was seen on the Rock Harbor Trail outside the Rangers' residences. Notice the large, symmetrical antlers, which are a good indication of age. After his 1st birthday, a bull's antlers will tend to increase in size, the number of points, and weight until he reaches his prime. Remember to always look around you and keep the camera ready. #moosecrushmonday#mooselife
#NationalPark #animal #mammal #moose #Bullwinkle #nature #wildlife #Michigan #MI
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Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis)
From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Region:
Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes in fields, prairies and marshes. Their bright red crowns can make them easier to spot!
Photo: Sandhill crane in Wisconsin courtesy of Christopher Wenzel.
#Animals #Birds #SandhillCrane #Nature #Wildlife #Wisconsin #WI
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Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes in fields, prairies and marshes. Their bright red crowns can make them easier to spot!
Photo: Sandhill crane in Wisconsin courtesy of Christopher Wenzel.
#Animals #Birds #SandhillCrane #Nature #Wildlife #Wisconsin #WI
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What’s cuter than one baby moose? Two baby moose!
From Isle Royale National Park:
What’s cuter than one baby moose? Two baby moose! That’s right – twin calves.
After eight long months, cow moose all over Isle Royale have their young in mid-May. Some momma moose on the island have double the trouble! Five sets of twin calves were detected by researchers in 2016. Abundant food supplies and lack of predation make for a healthy parent, which increases the incidence of twins. Watch out mommas, twin calves on Isle Royale are on the rise! #mooselife#watchablewildlife
Photo courtesy of Kristin Thomas
#animals #Mammal #Moose #Nature #Wildlife #NationalPark
#Michigan #MI
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What’s cuter than one baby moose? Two baby moose! That’s right – twin calves.
After eight long months, cow moose all over Isle Royale have their young in mid-May. Some momma moose on the island have double the trouble! Five sets of twin calves were detected by researchers in 2016. Abundant food supplies and lack of predation make for a healthy parent, which increases the incidence of twins. Watch out mommas, twin calves on Isle Royale are on the rise! #mooselife#watchablewildlife
Photo courtesy of Kristin Thomas
#animals #Mammal #Moose #Nature #Wildlife #NationalPark
#Michigan #MI
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Wolf Spider
From Horicon National Wildlife Refuge:
Wisconsin is home to some BIG spiders….including 40 species of Wolf spiders. The largest wolf spiders are the members of the genus Hogna, with five species found in Wisconsin. Hogna carolinensis is the biggest of them, with females reaching up to 1 1/2 inches in body size. Wolf spiders are hunters, and sometimes dig burrows on the ground to wait for insects and other prey. Can you see the eight eyes? They are the black spots that make up the “face” that looks like eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Photo of Hogna carolinensis wolf spider by A.J. Kitchen
#arachnids #Spiders #Wisconsin #WI #nature
Wisconsin is home to some BIG spiders….including 40 species of Wolf spiders. The largest wolf spiders are the members of the genus Hogna, with five species found in Wisconsin. Hogna carolinensis is the biggest of them, with females reaching up to 1 1/2 inches in body size. Wolf spiders are hunters, and sometimes dig burrows on the ground to wait for insects and other prey. Can you see the eight eyes? They are the black spots that make up the “face” that looks like eyebrows, eyes, and mouth. Photo of Hogna carolinensis wolf spider by A.J. Kitchen
#arachnids #Spiders #Wisconsin #WI #nature
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Mountain Death Camas (Anticlea elegans)
From Morris Wetland Management District:
Mountain death camas on a native prairie in Pope County
Alex Galt/USFWS
#Plants #Wildflowers #Minnesota #MN
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Mountain death camas on a native prairie in Pope County
Alex Galt/USFWS
#Plants #Wildflowers #Minnesota #MN
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