Remarkable Reptiles!
Elusive “blue-tailed” western skink
A boa constrictor in Idaho!
Garter snakes most common snake in Idaho
Discover nature on a deeper level
Why do fish float when dead?
From winterkill in ponds to pet goldfish in bowls, fish tend to float at the surface after they have died. Why? Most fish species have…
Winterkill: A rough winter for some fish
Driving along the West Side Road in late March, the ponds at Ball Creek Preserve were all frozen except for a small opening. I did…
Realistic expectations on and off the trail
Exceeding expectations is great. I remember hikes when I was bursting with energy and hiked far beyond what I planned–reaching the peak and then exploring…
Wildlife attracted to dead trees
I often notice snags because of the woodpecker holes or woodpeckers drumming on the tree. However, woodpeckers aren’t the only ones utilizing snags. What animals…
What happens inside a chrysalis?
Butterflies, moths, beetles, flies and bees all look different when they are young. From caterpillars to grubs and maggots, these young undergo a major transformation…
Metamorphosis transforms many insects
One of the most fascinating transformations in nature is the change a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly. Small, wriggly caterpillars hide within a chrysalis…
Elusive wolverines travel impressive distances
Certain animals are elusive–lynx, bobcats and most notoriously wolverines. I’ve been lucky enough to see two wolverines in all of my hiking–way across a valley…
Every burl is different
Every so often while hiking I find a tree with a burl. Sometimes the burl is a small globular protrusion on a branch and…
Larger birds visiting your feeder
Little songbirds may be the most frequent visitors to bird feeders but occasionally larger birds stop by. Over the past few weeks, I’ve written about…
Less colorful birds visiting feeders
Little brown birds. Often sparrows and finches are called little brown birds because they look similar at first glance. Their markings may not be as…