Large Scaled Green Pit Viper
wildlife
Collaboration Without Borders
Until they mate, acorn woodpeckers devote their time to gathering food for their relatives’ young. Credit: Walter Koenig
Let me tell you why I love Tuesdays. Tuesdays are the designated “Science” day in the New York Times. I should also say that I love Wednesdays, too! That would be the “Food and Wine” day.
The fact that today is Friday only goes to show that I don’t always have time to view the paper on a daily basis.
In light of the Vijaykumar Thondaman‘s Bird Of The Day posts, I was excited to see this article about the collaborative nature of this species of woodpecker.
Acorn woodpeckers are industrious, cooperative birds that live in family groups. Each family has several “helper” woodpeckers that do not breed. These birds devote their time to gathering acorns and other food for the young.
In other words, they’re the equivalent of ornithological “nannies”.
I hope you’ll agree that the concept is interesting…and the photo isn’t bad, either!
Unveiling Fungi
Fungi are some of the most under-appreciated organisms on the planet, and even the most simple forms can be fascinating and capable of enthralling all but the most listless eyes. Most people associate the word ‘mushroom’ with the button-shaped, styrofoam-flavored Agaricus bisporus, also known as Portabella, Crimini, baby bella, et cetera, ad nauseam. The marketing ploys for peddling this poor excuse for a mushroom are legion, and no matter what name comes on the package, it’s always the same. In that light, the purpose of this post is to unveil the magnificent beauty of the Fifth Kingdom.
Organikos 