Browsing: environment feature

Mama bird to baby bird – “Caterpillars – its what’s for supper.”

Tea from backyard plants is a change of pace.

Despite the island’s sordid past (unknown to many) and prediction of eventual demise, for anyone with an access to a boat and a little time to relax the island still boasts of white sand, clear water, bountiful nature and a wonderful time.

A visitor reminds us of a special place – the Pascagoula River.

Helping native bees helps ourselves.

Finding your very own blueberry patch.

Trees still provide much of what we use everyday

Attract more kinds of birds to your backyard this winter with suet.

Our fall colors shine.

Nature has a language of its own, often expressed in colors or structures that send signals to the rest of the world. So it is with spines on caterpillars, like those on the beautiful Io moth.

A name can make an impression – good or bad. So it is with Gulf Toadfish. Brings a smile to your face, right? Well, let me speak up for the lowly Gulf Toadfish, with a face only a mother could love.

Some birds just take your breath away when you see them. That is the case for the large and brightly colored Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks that seem to have appeared out of nowhere in the past few years in South Mississippi.

I take great pleasure in telling anyone just how cool and beautiful spiders can be. This is especially true for my spider-phobic friends, for whom I have great empathy. I also like to allay the fears of others that have grown up with the belief that spiders are creatures to be feared.

As with many plants in our landscape, we tend to notice those with bright colors or bold shapes, that catch our eyes and inspire us to take the time to enjoy.

Their scientific name, Romalia microptera, as with most, also tells us a bit about these creatures. Romalia is Greek for “strength”, as indeed they are strong – try holding onto one!

How could you not say “cool” when these creatures go from running across your arm to rolling into a ball.