Blue-winged Teal Pair | USFWS Migratory Birds

That's just ducky--the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission just approved nearly $24 million to protect over 100,000 acres of wetlands, conserve hundreds of species, like blue-winged teal. Lots of good work for wildlife ahead! https://bit.ly/2wGqKfkPhoto: Alex Galt/USFWS

Blue-winged Teal | Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Sure signs that the fall migration has begun and the days getting shorter, the cooler temperatures, and the waterfowl count of the Illinois Natural History Survey. For information on the progress of the migration please visit https://www.facebook.com/ForbesBiologicalStation

Photo: Blue-winged Teal courtesy USFWS.

#animal #bird #wildlife #nature #dabblingduck 

You Haven't Seen a Shark 'Sleep' Until Now | Nat Geo Wild V

#animals #fish #sharks #nature #MarineLife

MOST Terrifying Animal Mouths | Epic Wildlife V

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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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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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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