Browsing: nature

With a name that ends in “roach,” you have to feel a bit sorry for that creature, right? Let’s just say that our aversion to roaches is solely human and for a different critter, but it does not bode well for warming up to Sea Roaches.

Birders are our best teachers and naturalists. Today’s birders are those that not only look but also document what they observe (the list). Bird watchers, like myself, enjoy seeing birds but are not keen to keep a list.

Baby birds best cared for by their parents.

Fear not the brush pile and create a home for wildlife.

A hole in an acorn tells us that something once lived inside.

Looking for a Monarch Butterfly Look Alike

Discovery Skippers amongst the Butterflies in your flowers.

Scorpions can be dangerous, although they are not common in Mississippi.

Qu’est Que C’est Nature is a series of short notes about local flora and fauna across South Mississippi.

OK, yes it sounds like the name of a monster in a “B Movie”, and that may well be how the “blob” was inspired, but Bryozoans are so much more interesting.

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.

In my world there are two kinds of pawpaws – the loveable grandfather that goes by that name (me included) and the ones you eat!

This Jewel of Jackson County has been providing Stewardship, Research, Education, and Training about our unique coastal estuaries for 19 years now.