Observations Of Nature Through The Seasons.

[knocker]

Reindeer shrink as climate change in Arctic puts their food on ice

Warmer summers boost numbers but average weight falls by 7kg because winter snow turns to rain, which then freezes and locks away its food

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/12/reindeer-shrink-as-climate-change-in-arctic-puts-their-food-on-ice

[knocker]

Great photo from the Times 'Photos of 2017'

[Daniel*]

Some bad pics taken today, I love how quiet it is on Xmas like a zombie apocalypse it’s quite nice, living in the hustle and bustle of London everything is always on the go.

Edited December 25, 2017 by Daniel*

[knocker]

By shifting nesting times, early birds adjust to climate change

As the West warms, some songbirds in California are raising their young earlier.

http://www.hcn.org/issues/49.22/climate-change-by-shifting-nesting-times-early-birds-combat-climate-change

 

Edited December 25, 2017 by knocker

[knocker]

The ancient Xanthorrhoea: uncovering grass trees in Bailieston

Quote

The state forest around Bailieston in Central Victoria consists of acres of Box-ironbark and other Eucalyptus trees. Their leafy canopies offer shelter from wind and rain to resting birds. With strong competition for water and sun, young trees produce a narrow trunk reaching towards the sunlight. Older, established trees have broader trunks and far-reaching branches, and bear the clumps of cascading mistletoe in light, golden shades of green, evidence that Mistletoe Flowerpeckers, or Mistletoebirds, inhabit the area.

http://www.rememberthewild.org.au/the-ancient-xanthorrhoea-uncovering-grass-trees-in-bailieston/

[knocker]

Caught up with Judi Dench, My Passion for Trees, last night. Very interesting and brought home again how little I know.

[knocker]

Alwal’s Christmas dinner

https://www.bushheritage.org.au/blog/alwals-christmas-dinner

[knocker]

 

[knocker]

Baby Elephants Fend Off Myanmar Cold Spell With Homemade Blankets

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/elephants-myanmar-homemade-blankets_us_5a4052b6e4b06d1621b5082b

[knocker]

Biologists record the machine-gun sound of the loudest known fish

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/12/19/biologists-record-the-machine-gun-sound-of-the-loudest-known-fish/?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.7f6b0d86824b

[knocker]

 

[knocker]

List: The damselflies and dragonflies of Australia

They may be small, but these delicate creatures have survived the test of time.

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/2017/07/list-the-damselflies-and-dragonflies-of-australia

[knocker]

A tufted on the lake this morning. I feel one needs to get the angle right to show the eye to best effect.

The little fella was suddenly lit up by a shaft of sunlight

reflections

Edited December 28, 2017 by knocker

[knocker]

He's got some neck! Great programme on ants in a minute.

Edited December 28, 2017 by knocker

[knocker]

A winter morning down at the lake

[knocker]

UK gardens threatened by 'game changing' plant disease from Europe

Pest responsible for devastation of olive groves in Italy and Spain could bring problems for British gardeners

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/xylella-fastidiosa-uk-gardens-plant-disease-europe-eu-british-flowers-gardeners-invasive-a8131901.html

[ciel]

 Ratty helping him/herself this afternoon. 

Think I'll have to move the hangers to a more open area and get a feeding pole.

[Allseasons-Si]

Spotted a thrush earlier but i had to google it first as i did not know what it was,not seen one for quiet some time,maybe years,or i have not been observing enough

 

Edited December 29, 2017 by Allseasons-si

[knocker]

17 hours ago, ciel said:

 Ratty helping him/herself this afternoon. 

Think I'll have to move the hangers to a more open area and get a feeding pole.

Yes they sure get about. I've noticed that they are not adverse to the odd swim either.

[knocker]

New species of marine spider emerges at low tide to remind scientists of Bob Marley

https://m.phys.org/news/2017-12-species-marine-spider-emerges-tide.html

[knocker]

I happened to catch an interesting programme on lionfish on the World Service this morning. Not knowing much about them I did the usual

The Worst Marine Invasion Ever

I could not believe what I found inside a lionfish.

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/07/lionfish_invasion_the_invasive_fish_are_eating_so_many_native_species_that.html

[knocker]

The heron seems to be a regular visitor these days

[Polar Maritime]

Waits every morning for me to get up for a feed.

[knocker]

[knocker]

Quote

The sparrowhawks in the bottom of the neighbour’s yard have beaten the odds.  Despite the visits of the hungry currawongs and randy cuckoos, two strapping fledglings have emerged from the nest this week.

https://berowrabackyard.com/2017/12/19/sparrowhawk-summer/