Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Non-Birding Post

To say that a birder spends a lot of time outside is a bit of an understatement.  Ask the birder and I  bet they'll say that they don't spend enough time outside.  Over this migration I've collected a few non-birding photos that I thought I would share with you.

American Bull Frog

Amphibians are important species in the natural world.  They are important sources of food for many birds from herons to egrets to hawks.   They are also important indicators of the health of an ecosystem.  Since Amphibians have such a permeable skin, populations really suffer with pollution and run-off.  That means that ecosystems with a lot of pollution will have an unhealthy population of amphibians.  Frogs, toads, and salamanders are also pretty cool looking animals as well.  Take a look around for them next time you are outside!

Painted Turtle

Turtles are also great animals to run into.  They are definitely awesome and prehistoric creatures.  My wife and I were lucky enough to see a gopher tortoise in Okefenokee Swamp.  Sadly those pictures are lost to a faulty card reader.  In the mean time, make sure to be on the look out for these reptiles.  Besides, a recent taxonomic change moved them closer birds!

Pink Lady Slippers

Who shouldn't take a moment and enjoy the smell of the flowers.  Pink Lady Slippers are one of the orchids native to the Northeastern US.  They are beautiful plants and one that reminds us all to take a moment and look at the flowers around us.  Pink Lady Slippers and all sorts of others are around to help us enjoy nature all the more.

Leopard Slug

This alien mollusk is at home across the Eastern US.  Slugs are great reminders of the vast diversity of life that we can and should expect to see in our parks.  Without biodiversity, nature would become drab.  At least for a while.

What are your favorite non-bird creatures and plants to observe?

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday - Link here

8 comments:

  1. You are right. Outside time is defined and never enough. I wish I could do more right now but there is nothing nice about our weather here. This weekend I will make up for all the in house days. We'll be birding 4 straight days up in the cooler temps around the Grand Canyon. I CANNOT wait! As for non-bird creature.....well I like the Chiricahua Frog, the Palo Verde beetle, and Coatis....Ring-tailed Cat is another:) For plants? Any cacti and the Mexican Bird of Paradise which isn't the normal one seen in the tropics.....it's from Barbados but LOVES the hot and dry deserts. Beautiful bright orange flowers.

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    1. Never enough time! I've been trying to find a bobcat for a few years now with no luck! Good luck at the Grand Canyon.

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  2. I did a not so birdy blog as well this week and found that the names of all the creatures I found were almost as interesting as the creatures themselves. From Findlay

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    1. Thanks! I find the history of how we named the animals to be interesting as well!

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  3. I am always looking for any kind of wildlife while out birding.. And Yes, I wish I had more time to bird.. I will need to retire from my full time job and I will have plenty of time to go birding.. Cute critter and photos. Have a happy week!

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    1. There are plenty of animals and even insects to enjoy in nature! Thanks for the comment!

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  4. I'm not an actual birder...but, do enjoy them in my yard and birdie bath... when I'm not out golfing and seeing bigger birds or looking at plants and flowers....

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    1. Birds are pretty much everywhere which makes them really unpredictable! Thanks for the comment

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