Browsing: Qu’est Que C’est

We see pollinators at flowers, and marvel as they collect nectar and pollen. Besides bees and wasps, we may not know what many are and only see them when they visit blossoms. But where do they come from and where do they go? Visiting flowers is only one part of their lives. Oh, and what is a pollinator in the first place? These are the unseen aspects and questions about the multitude of pollinators that fill our world. This is the story of why we owe them our lives.

Seeds can fly – I kid you not! I have witnessed this force of nature on many occasions and admire the strategy of the plants that launch their precious projectiles toward a future life. OK, OK, I may have stretched the definition of fly a bit, so let’s just say sail instead. A variety of plants have evolved fruit that upon drying, explode open to expel their cargo into the air – flying, if you will.

My series of short stories about the creepy crawly and green pieces and parts of our natural world is based on my lifelong curiosity about nature, regardless of if I knew what they were. I grew up in the 60s in south Louisiana, before air conditioning was a thing. I do not recall being hot but outdoors was where I spent most of my time, looking for stuff! That was the origin of my Qu’est Que C’est journey.

Somehow, summer has passed and birds are starting to migrate to winter homes. It is still hot, mind you, but birds are attuned to their annual timetable that drives many species hundreds and thousands of miles across continents and oceans. For those of us along the shorelines of the Gulf of Mexico, it can be a fun time to spot birds that we may have missed when they came by last spring. 

Want to join a project that is educational, fun, and contributes to celebrating nature? It is as easy as using the free iNaturalist app to record what you see at some of your favorite nature trails, or better yet, new trails that you can enjoy. You will be helping grow knowledge of biodiversity along the Pascagoula River Basin as part of the Discover Nature on the Singing River Project.

I love to forage for wild fruit. I love to eat them right off the plant. But if the pickings are plentiful, I am just as apt to collect what I can to make jelly. And late summer is prime time to collect a number of my favorites, including Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), the most common of seven species in the southeast. The taste is out of this world.

Spiders are all around us: in our landscapes, our homes, and even our vehicles. My grandchildren are always excited to report a web or small spider lurking in my vehicle. They all know not to kill them and that Paw Paw will show them the door, or not. Of course these are the spiders in plain view, but many others reside out of sight, like Trapdoor Spiders. Of the spiders that live underground, these critters take concealment to the max.

Yes, I am writing about flies – again. In my previous story, An Ode to Maggots, I acknowledged that larval flies get no respect. For the most part, that is true of adult flies as well, especially the species that bite, buzz your face, or fly up your nose. And yet, may I argue that flies are important in our world, whether we appreciate them or not. In part, I offer a few photos of flies that are less offensive, but beautiful, captured with skill by my friends Curtis and Sharon.

What looks like a mass of yellow spaghetti draped over a plant is, well, another plant – Dodder (Cuscuta spp). It is in fact a parasitic vine that is draining the life out of its host. The name dodder is largely thought to be derived from the German word dotter, referring to egg yolk, a reference that fits it well. But if you look close, this vine has flowers, cute ones at that, and an interesting and successful way of life.

Finding a click beetle, and watching it flip itself over, is as exciting as it gets with nature, especially for children. The dramatic flip and audible sound that they make when they do is almost always followed by a scream or giggle. And sadly, for the poor beetle, repeat performances are required, at least until it stops on its own. But what are these critters and why do they flip out.

Summertime Nature with Bored Kids – Nighttime Activities  

This is the second in this series of suggested activities for kids to do during summer, besides being glued to screens. In this case, nighttime is a great chance to entice them outdoors to listen and look for nature in the dark. Who knows, it may catch on!

School is out for the summer. What to do with those kids that have nothing to do but stare at a glowing screen all day. Try to entice them outside with hands-on activities that keep their interest. Here is one of a couple I will share in the coming weeks.

Identifying living things in our world has become as easy as opening up an app on your phone. But which one to use? There are so many, most focused on specific groups of organisms. But one app stands far above the rest. As a naturalist and scientist, the only app I use is iNaturalist. Let me explain why.

Poor maggots, they get no respect. Even my trusty Webster’s Dictionary includes a reference to them found usually in filth.…

OK, so have you ever wondered about what seems like a small swarm of birds flying out from and back under the bridges you cross on your way wherever? They are not winged trolls, but one of the most abundant species of swallows that live across our globe – Barn Swallows.

Lyreleaf Sage is an early spring wildflower across the southeastern U.S., often adding a splash of color in the landscapes where is thrives. Common along roadsides, open woodlands, and urban spaces, this small, yet attractive plant benefits many animals and can add value to our landscapes.