Nature & Wildlife
The beginning of November always makes me think of the fall migrations of birds. In the United States, this annual ritual typically begins around August 1 and lasts through November 30; although, some birds may migrate earlier or later, and migration can start as early as mid-June and last until early January.
Nature & Wildlife
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “size matters,” used today quasi-humorously in almost every imaginable context in which the size of a particular object—animate or inanimate—is discussed. For example, one ESPN Classic article by writer Mike Puma on the racehorse Seabiscuit was titled Size Doesn’t Matter.
Nature & Wildlife
When people are deciding where to live, factors such as a community’s cost of living, employment opportunities, ease of transportation, and proximity to family and friends are usually considered on a somewhat equal basis. It turns out that for other mammals, the process is a bit more straightforward.
African Safaris
Celebrated each September 24 since 2017, World Gorilla Day is meant to inspire international awareness and appreciation of what pioneering primatologist Dian Fossey called “the greatest of the great apes.”
Alaska
Alaska’s Chinitna Bay on Cook Inlet near Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is the very heart of coastal brown bear country, according to the National Park Service. And now, having visited it, I can say I wholeheartedly agree.
Conservation
Water is the driving force of all nature. And it seems to take on an added significance in summer when heatwaves roll across the nation. Water cools us and sustains us, but we are abusing it.
Antarctica & Arctic
American environmentalist, historian and novelist Wallace Stegner called our national parks “the best idea we ever had.” In 1983, he wrote: “National parks are … absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”
Nature & Wildlife
Teaching was once considered a uniquely human behavior. Today, however, scientists recognize a small but diverse group of species who have the ability to act as instructors.
Nature & Wildlife
Haunting photos and mysterious stories of the stone statues—or moai (pronounced mo-eye)—on Easter Island have probably fascinated you since you were a child.
Nature & Wildlife
Songs have power. That was never made clearer to me than when I recently read about some new discoveries involving the songs of animals. Songs can lead us to find rare wonders.
Nature & Wildlife
Many Native American communities belong to a clan that identifies with an animal, such as a bear, eagle or turtle. Such four-legged, winged or swimming family members are considered brothers and sisters. Several play major roles in creation stories, and conversations between them and people flow freely.
Conservation
Here, in the United States, 80% of us live in cities. If you’re in that majority, how do you feel about your wild neighbors, the animals who also live in our urban areas? It’s an important question to ask because your answer has major implications for biodiversity protections, nature conservation and urban planning.
