First off, I don't miss Sturnus vulgaris. The starling is a real pest in most parts of the year but fortunately they seem to take a vacation starting in Fall. I wonder if we could find out what cues make them leave or migrate and then use that to give them the hint that they are not wanted during the Spring and Summer? They normally roost in large flocks in the maple trees that overhang our cars in the driveway and you can imagine what the result is.
Instead of starlings at this time of the year, I see several blue jays in the yard, along with sparrows and wrens. At the pond there are still huge flocks of Canada geese, a few ducks and lots of gulls (that seems strange).
laughingcicada
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Squirrels and bushy tails
As I type I am watching another squirrel do the tightrope walk on the power lines over the busy street outside my house. I am struck by the movements of the squirrel's tail and I am fairly sure it is how the squirrel is able to maintain such exquisite balance on narrow tree branches and wires. All it takes are constant, minute adjustments in tail position to maintain the squirrel's center of gravity in the proper position. It reminds of tightrope walkers who hold long poles to maintain their balance. It would be interesting to look at animals with bushy tails and their habitats and niches to see if they also perform delicate balancing acts as part of their survival.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dandelion phenomena
This is something I noticed last Spring, around mid-May here on Long Island. In the yard, all of a sudden dandelions popped up everywhere all over the lawn. This was after I had mowed the lawn several days ago, and we had an extended dry period. Guess what happened after the yard was covered with dandelions? We had a day or two of record wind! I wonder, do plants have mechanisms that respond to humidity and air pressure, so that they can take advantage of upcoming weather to optimize seed dispersal?
Birds unraveling window screens in grove city, ohio
I recently visited my brother in Grove City, Ohio. When I entered his house I noticed a window screen laid out on a table for repair. It seems that the birds have learned how to unravel window screens! I wonder if this is a local, learned behavior or if it occurs in other parts of the world?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More information on the laughing cicada
Here is a link with an image of the laughing cicada
2011 Philippine Biodiversity ExpeditionPreliminary Results: Terrestrial Arthropods by Ireneo I. Lit, Jr.
2011 Philippine Biodiversity ExpeditionPreliminary Results: Terrestrial Arthropods by Ireneo I. Lit, Jr.
Labels:
animal behavior,
animal sounds,
insects,
laughing cicada,
rare
Guess which mammal has the fastest muscles?
According to researchers, the muscles in a bat's larynx can contract up to 200 times per second during the "terminal buzz" as they make the final approach to a flying insect.
A side note, if you want to observe the effects of a terminal buzz, here is how to do it. On a hot summer night, when moths are flying around outdoor lights, such as on the front porch, shake your car keys. You should see any nearby moths immediately take evasive action. Supposedly the jangling keys produce high frequency sound similar to the "terminal buzz" of a bat.
Superfast muscles are also in rattlesnake tails, songbirds, and the oyster toadfish which uses superfast muscles to generate a courtship whistle.
For more information, check out the link below:
A side note, if you want to observe the effects of a terminal buzz, here is how to do it. On a hot summer night, when moths are flying around outdoor lights, such as on the front porch, shake your car keys. You should see any nearby moths immediately take evasive action. Supposedly the jangling keys produce high frequency sound similar to the "terminal buzz" of a bat.
Superfast muscles are also in rattlesnake tails, songbirds, and the oyster toadfish which uses superfast muscles to generate a courtship whistle.
For more information, check out the link below:
BATS HAVE FASTEST MAMMAL MUSCLES
Fish uses tools
http://news.discovery.com/animals/fish-uses-tool-110929.html
You have to watch this video.
It shows a fish "throwing" shellfish at rocks.
It shows a fish "throwing" shellfish at rocks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)