Why that’s as big as a full grown wolf!—Thorne Sherman in The Killer Shrews (1959) As implied by its name, the shrew mole has features of both. It is in the family Talpadae with the moles but differs in a variety of ways. Its teeth are white, which is typical of moles and in contrast […]
American Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) Read More »
This has no digestive organs, and gets no food but from the fire, in which it constantly renews its scaly skin. The salamander, which renews its scaly skin in the fire,—for virtue. — Leonardo da Vinci. These are large, brightly colored salamanders found along the east coast of the U.S. They are rather stout and about
Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) Read More »
Occasionally the plaintive note of a white tufted tyrant flycatcher may be heard, concealed neat the summit of the most lofty trees, and more rarely the loud strange cry of a black woodpecker with a fine scarlet crest on its head (this being worn by adult males only) June, 1834 Journal entry – Charles Darwin
Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) Read More »
In return the Indians would receive two glass beads for every loaf of cassava bread they supplied; two lace points for two hutia, the large rodents Christopher’s crew had eaten on Colba during his second voyage; maize, or other items they supplied. –Christopher Columbus Across the Ocean, Janet and Geoff Benge. This is one of
Hispaniola Hutia (Plagiodontia aedium) Read More »
Science and art should be mutual pathways to understanding: We need something to confront sensually, something about which to feel, in order to place value on nature; we need the opportunity to interpret, to reflect on our own experiences and those of others in the context of new details and new perspectives. –Dr. Harry W. Greene;
Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Read More »