I need to do more crepuscular hiking. I’d love to see a burrowing owl!
Athene cunicularia
Tag: #naturejournalshowchallenge
Gyrinidae
Here’s something strange: the compound eyes of a whirligig beetle are divided into a higher part that is above water level when the beetle is floating passively, and a lower part that sits below water level. Gyrinidae are the only type of beetle with this feature.
The antennae are also unusual among beetles, being short and plump, and placed about at water level.
Whirligigs get their common name from their habit of swimming rapidly in circles when alarmed. Adults carry an air bubble under the elytra at the tip of their abdomen, allowing them to breathe underwater. They are very social creatures, often found in large numbers swimming around on the water’s surface. There are about 700 species worldwide.
paratha
We’re having a dinner party tonight, and this is on the menu, along with a bunch of other dishes. You know how it is with Indian food, the more the merrier.
Petoskey stones
I went down a rabbit hole researching scales, and found Petoskey stones, fossilised Hexagonaria percarinata corals. Learn something new every day!
Papilio rutulus
mix / match
Though I still like to start with a recipe, I’ve definitely become a more freewheeling cook over the years. Current herbs in the garden: mint, tarragon, chives, basil, sage, thyme, oregano and rosemary. Most used: basil, thyme and oregano.
After work
Before driving home from my shift at the state park visitor center, I sat under a tree in the parking lot to record thoughts and sounds. I really love my (volunteer) job. The people who come in — they want what we’re selling. I don’t mean drinks and branded swag, but hiking trails, wildlife, history, geology, a respite from the city. It’s such a pleasure to answer their questions (and provoke more), show them something they‘ve never seen, give them a new experience, or provide a comfort.
And when your colleague sends you home with a bunch of art supplies? Bonus! (thanks Dave!)
Datura wrightii
Some people find taking hallucinogens fun, but I’m not one of them. However, I did enjoy a trip down memory lane, back to that day when we ditched high school and went down to the river to skinny dip, and there was lots of datura growing on the sandy banks …
Toxostoma redivivum
For a long time I thought we only had one thrasher in our yard, but now it’s clear we have a pair. They are busy all day long bringing food to their nest in the bougainvillea. Fingers crossed for a successful fledge!
Argiope argentata
Even big Californian spiders are small by Australian standards, so it’s hard to get excited about them. But this one’s pretty cool, with its shiny mother-of-pearl cephalothorax.
hashiworks 