Urban Wildlife Watch: 13 Year Cicadas

Cicadas, sometimes called locusts or katydids, seem to be everywhere right now. Here in my part of the country - St. Louis, Missouri and as far away as Nashville, Tennessee - the flying insects seem to be everywhere. And the numbers of them seem to be in biblical proportions. That's not a mistake or judgement day occurance, it's simply Mother Nature at play. The ones that we are witnessing right now are called 13 year Cicadas. Scientific name Magicicada.

 from Bungalow Bill's Blogspot

Coming from the south, I have always been familiar with Cicadas, in fact I think fondly of them. That characteristic an an an sound from the trees actually lulls me asleep on warm humid nights. However, I never actually laid eyes on a cicada until last year. I had only heard them! There are thousands of species of cicadas that live all over the world. But this year, we are seeing a whole lot of these:

 from Bates County Live


These 13 year cicadas are about an inch and half long with dark brown bodies with orange coloring and red eyes. Despite their annoyance, they are not harmful. They don't bite or sting; and I have heard some people say they don't have mouth parts or eat. (But I need to get an up close look at these guys to see if that part may be true. Look out for a blog post about dissecting a cicada.) So other than just being a pest, they really aren't a problem for people or pets. As to your plants, that's another story. Cicadas feed on the juices from plants, as well as lay their eggs in the bark of trees.

Overview of a cicada life cycle

from Enchanted Learning

Adults emerge in the summer and life approximately 6-8 weeks. The tend to be found in wooded areas and perched in trees and chorus on hot summer days and nights. They mate during this time and all adults by the end of summer.

Eggs are laid by the females in brood patches of up to 20 eggs or so in the bark of trees. Incubation can last 6-8 weeks. When they are hatched tiny nymphs emerge and drop to the ground.

Nymphs burrow holes in the ground (near the tree where they were 'born' and live the majority of their lives underground as juveniles no wings) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymph_(biology). Nymphs live in the soil eating tree root juice or sap, before finally emerging to the world above. Depending on their species, they remain underground 3, 4, 7, 13, or 17 years (periodical cicadas) or one year (annual cicadas) to feed on juices from roots of plants and trees. Once they are mature, they burrow to the surface and leave distinctive holes in the soil (about the diameter of a fat pencil or dime) often near trees, bushes and other tall green vegetation. The nymphs then hold on tight to a leaf or stem or tree tunk and begin its final metamorphosis into an adult cicada with fancy wings. The shell or exoskeleton of the nymph is left behind and serves as a great indicator of the abundance of cicadas in a particular area. (pic)

To answer some questions posed by others already:
Why are there so many of them all at the same time? 13 year Cicadas are what biologists referr to as a developmentally synchronized species. They all emerge at the same time and time their activity together. Right now, we are witnessing the finally stage in the life cycle of this cicada – the adult stage when they mate, lay eggs (the next generation) and soon die. This timing is actually benefical to them. With so many coming out at the same time they actually overwhelm predators such as birds, wasps, and praying mantises. With so many cicadas available the predators get plenty of food and there are still plenty of cicadas left to mate and continue the species.

Why do they make so much noise? That distinctive sound is the mating chorus of male cicadas announcing they are available for mating. So, that's their mating call we hear. Males perch in trees and chorus together in a rhythmic sound to attract females for mating. There are other calls for courtship as well as for distress - as when attacked by a wasp or praying mantis - but most people are not familiar with those sounds. I certainly am not.

Where does the sound come from? The sound comes from vibrations of tiny membranes lining the outside of the abdomen or belly of males. Males perch in trees and chorus together in a rhythmic sound to attract females for mating. There are other calls for courtship as well as for distress - as when attacked by a wasp or praying mantis - but most people are not familiar with those sounds. I certainly am not.

It seems like they make more noise when it's hot and sunny outside, does the weather condition have anything to do with how loud they are? Yes, the amount of noise they make seems to correspond with the temperature. For example, Saturday, June 11th was an overcast day and it was considerably cooler than it was earlier this week. Some people noticed that the cicadas in their yards and nearby parks were not as noisy yesterday compared to how they sounded before when it was very hot outside. The thinking is that it has to do with body temperature regulation. When it is cooler outside, the insects spend more energy staying warm and less on singing. It may also have something to do with sound traveling faster in warm air.

Those bugs are really annoying. They fly in my face, in my car, make a lot of noise and get everywhere. What good are they? As nymphs, cicada live underground and dig through the soil. This aerates the soil to benefit plants. Although we don't know very much about their behavior at this stage, I am pretty sure that nymphs are food for underground insect predators like moles and shrews, plus they are an important part of the food chain above ground for many animals.

Citizen Science Spring & Summer Field Season opens

The warmer weather calls us outside to run, jump and play.  And if you take a close look or listen, you'll notice that the nature is all-abuzz, too.  All of that new life sprouting and peeping around is waiting on someone just like you make very important scientific observations and report them.  There are alot of projects out there and scientists like myself who could use a hand and your eyes!

Why get involved in a citizen science project?

It's a perfect way to spend time with your family. You're always wondering what you can do that's different, will make for a great adventure and doesn't cost alot of money.
Start a fun learning project. If you're a home schooling parent, after-school teacher or camp counselor and you want the kids to have a meaning experience that will go with them forever. This is it. Just a little time once a week or once a day yields the perfect opportunity to do a big end-of-camp presentation and capstone experience.

It is so easy! Seriously, simply visit a website, sign-up for a project (and sometimes you don't have to do that), and email the results back (or fill out an online form).  If you find a local project, then you show up and lend a scientist a hand and get a chance to get up close and personal with some exciting plants and animals.
Here are some Citizen Science projects you can do right now!

1. Nature Notebook with The USA National Phenology Network.

Basically, you adopt a special place, like your backyard, special area of your neighborhood park, your school yard, or even the empty lot along your street.  You visit your special place at least once a week. Make notes in your nature journal (are you journaling? if, not it is so much fun and you should do so right now) and share your results with the online data base. The data from you and others all over the nation will be used to track any changes our natural world is making to climate changes and human influences. Go to their website to learn more and  sign up. Also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

2. Firefly Watch.  As a child I loved catching lightning bugs and putting them in a jar.  I didn't know it then, but the little fluorescent bug was a scientific wonder - producing this yellow-green glow to communicate with other fireflies to mate or catch prey.  How neat! Now, you can take that simple pastime and make a difference.  Scientists using that information to track any changes in firefly distribution, habits, and population growth. You can sign up to be an observer and submit your weekly observations at the website sponsored by the Museum of Science.

3. If you live in my neck of the woods, you can participate in BioBlitz in Creve Coeur Park! The Academy of Science of St. Louis is leading an expedition of citizens and scientists on a 6-hour exploration and cataloging of urban wildlife biodiversity of this St. Louis Metro area park on Saturday, April 16, from 6 am - 12 noon. This is Creve Coeur Park’s first BioBlitz. Teams of public volunteers led by biologists, naturalists and environmental enthusiasts search natural areas within the park, listing as many different species as they can find. You can follow the Academy @AcademyofSciSTL on Twitter.

4. Shark tagging. My friend David Shiffman needs volunteers to help him with his research for school.  Do you like Shark Week?  Then, you're going to love being a citizen science with David.  He tags (small) sharks for his research in sharking feeding behavior and ecology; and his research also helps to measure the size and health of the shark populations in the Coastal South Caroline sea.  Over 30 different species of sharks call that coast home. It's very interesting work and definitely will give you something to talk about at parties forever.  You can learn more about his research here and follow his blog about sharks, marine biology and conversation of the ocean and its creatures at Southern Fried Science and on Twitter @WhySharksMatter.

5. Interested in more citizen science ideas? Then check out Science for Citizens. You can look up upcoming projects or submit your own ideas.  I bet you find something perfect.  Be sure to come back and let me know what you've been up to.

DNLee
demystifying nature letting everyone experience

Urban Wildlife Watch: How to Find Signs of Animals in City Parks (Guest Post)

Today's post was contributed by an Urban Science Adventures! © reader, Ashley Warner.  Ashley is an astute animal observer and has always been interested in the ways that animals get around human habitation. Ashley asked to write a guest post for outlining tips for finding signs of wild animals in city parks.  I am very glad to host her first contribution.  Please be sure to leave comments.

"Living in the Northwest I get a lot of chances to see animals in and out of the city."

A city park does not need to be just for taking a casual stroll. Instead, it can be a learning opportunity for anyone that wishes to discover more about the animals that may be residing in an area. While finding animals in your local park may sound challenging, the truth is that you don’t need to have an online biology degree or even an encyclopedic knowledge of animals to do so. In fact, you can find wildlife almost anywhere by simply knowing how to look for their nests, dens or other areas that they may inhabit.

Undoubtedly, there are some animals that are going to be found no matter where you go. For example, squirrels are a common animal that can be found in most national parks, city parks, and even some back yards. Yet when paying a visit to your local park you are also likely to come across some less common animals as well, such as owls, ducks, geese and maybe even swans. These animals will especially be present in parks where visitors frequently put out food for wildlife or there is an abundance of open water.

The best way to spot a squirrel is to look very hard. These animals blend in with their surroundings very well. In fact, you might want to look for their nest first, which is about the size of a football and comprised of twigs, grass and bark. Many times these nests will be in between the branches of trees or sometimes in a hole inside the tree. Keep in mind that these nests are going to be more dominant in areas where there are many trees.

Squirrel Nest. Photo by Rodd Dierker.

Another resident of city parks that may be difficult to find are owls. Since these birds prefer to be out in the dark, it is unlikely that you will see them unless you visit the park at night. However, during the daytime you can search for their nests. Look for a hole inside a tree, where the tree is in the shade. Owls generally prefer this location since light does not come into the hole. In addition, you can also determine if owls are in the area by looking for small pellets that consist of decayed bones on the ground, which are the remnants of whatever the owl had for dinner.

If there is some form of water in your park or if people frequently feed the wildlife there, there is a good chance ducks and geese will be at hand. One sign people can use to determine if there are indeed waterfowl in the area is the presence of a nest. These nests will usually be along the path of water or sometimes in the middle of a cluster of weeds. Most of the time the animal is hid from view among all the weeds so people may actually be stepping over them and not even realizing that they are there. The same can also be said for swans. However these birds usually prefer to have their nest right on the water and hardly ever venture far from their home.

Overall, a city park can be a great place to find wildlife. Squirrels, owls and waterfowl are just a few of the animals you can expect to find in your local park. Better yet, if the area was once home to wilderness, you may even encounter foxes, raccoons, ground squirrels or even coyotes.

That ws a fantastic post about spotting animals and animal signs in your backyard.  Also check out Urban Wildlife Watch: Squirrels and Dreys.  Thanks Ashley for sharing your own Urban Science Adventures!  ©. I hope more of you feel excited about sharing your own stories of urban science exploration.

Ground Hog's day 2011

Other than holidays that are celebrated with candy, Groundhog's Day is my FAV.O.RITE.  I'm biased because it's my birthday. I didn't lay eyes on a for-real-groundhog until I was an adult, but I've always felt attracted to all animals, small rodents in particular.  Seems coincidental that my research has been with field mice and in prairies and woodlands. 
Since I was a kid, I was outdoors, playing in the grass, trying to get a closer look at the animals.  Now that I'm a trained biologist, what are considered professional skills seem almost like super powers that I learned to wield.  Part of me sometimes wonder if being born on Groundhog's Day pre-destined my steps in zoology.  Is the Groundhog my spirit guide? Am I ruled by the Order Rodentia? I don't know.


But even as a young child - and still today - I always have had this unexplicable attraction to animals and wild places.  I can just spot a nest or den or an animal hiding in plan sight. I've got the eye or ear or something.  I always seem to be in the right place at the right time. (Though I seldom have a camera or a good lens to document the occassions). This was one of those luck times, however.



Groundhogs in the City.
Recorded summer 2010, behind a business park parking lot off of Brentwood Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri. Shout out to my sister who pointed out the little guys to me.

Election Day - Vote for Urban Science Adventures! (c)

It's Election day in many parts of the United States. I got up early this morning and voted in the Missouri Primaries and ballot initiatives.
But it also the beginning of the Black Weblog Awards Election season.

Thanks to you all, this blog has once again made the short list and is a finalist for the 2010 Black Weblog Awards in the Science & Tech Category.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To vote, please visit this link and vote for all of your Black Weblog Favorite Finalists (there are some really great and new blogs) in the 35 categories. Check out all of the nominees. Voting ends August 31st. You will have to provide a valid email address to cast your ballot.  And while you are there, consider makiing a pledge to the 2011 Black Weblog Awards Kickoff campaign.  The award committee is actually trying to create a live award presentation program next year.  So, maybe I could receive my blog award in person. Who knows.

And...I have submitted a proposal for SXSW 2011. Yes, THE interactive social media conference event!  Panel title: "OMG! Ur Prof is tweeting Science!" a dual panel to discuss how social media can be used to reach and engage broader and diverse audiences in science.  Voting for panels begin Monday, August 9th and continues until August 21st.  I'll keep you all posted on details.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with pictures from this summer and the great urban wildlife spotted at summer camp in St. Louis, MO...and remind you why my blog should win best Science blog.

a lightening bug (also called firefly) in the day time on this bee balm flower (also called wild Bergamont)

Me holding a Fowler's toad

a dead crayfish, next to an OutdoorAfro lip balm tube for size comparison

pointing to a frog

it's a Grey Tree Frog

another Fowler's toad

What's the difference between a toad and a frog?  They are both amphibians (having a life cycle in the water and on land) and both have tadpods - the baby stage.  But the quick way to tell the difference is by the skin. Toads are dry and have warty skin. Frogs are moist and slippery skin.  Color doesn't matter. Both frogs adn toads can be green, gray or brown.

Happy Urban Wildlife sighting.

Blog Book Review: Jack in the Box presents Science Kids Mini-books

I love junk food.  I just do. And one of my guilty pleasures are kids meals.  The other evening I was picking up a hamburger meal at Jack in the Box.  BTW, I love Jack.  I'm from the south, so this fast food chain was so novel to me when I moved to the Midwest.  They serve all kinds of tasty and savory treats.  But I digress.
I gobbled my right size burger with the right amount of ketchup and mustard and right size fries and soda.  I then automatically grabbed the toy and prepared to just toss it on the back seat.  But this was no ordinary kiddie meal toy.  It wasn't a toy at all, it was book, a science book, just for kids.

This is the book I have.

Title: Animal Homes
Author: Angela Wilkes
Publisher: Kingfisher

It's a book that explains a very important concept in ecology - habitats.  I love how the author explains why animals need homes, how different animals build and use homes, and the different places animals build homes - trees, under ground, and in the water. It is a trade book for sure, but only 7 x 5.5 " it fits perfectly in smaller hands. The bright bold photographs of birds, fish, mammals, insects, rodents, and more in the their homes illustrate the importance of homes - or habitats - to our wild neighbors.  Plus, it is just the right amount of text for young readers.  Along the footer of each page are definitions of some of the more complex words used in book I recommend for pre-K-grade 1 students. And my absolute favorite part of the book...Activity suggestions!  Yes, Jack encourages the youngsters to 'investigate the world of science' and offers simple instructions, using upcycled materials, to watch their wild neighbors.

Synopsis from Jack in the Box Kids Toys website.
ANIMAL HOMES

In this book about animal homes, you'll discover an ant colony, learn about animals in mobile homes and take a look at how some animals live underground. More fun included with hands-on projects for you to do.

Okay, Jack. I didn't realize you loved sharing science and encouraging the citizen science in your younger patrons, like me. But now that I know, expect a call from me. I see us doing great science outreach together in your urban markets.

Dr. DNLee, at your service!
demystifing nature, letting everyone experience.

Happy International Beaver Day

Happy International Beaver Day!

photo credit: Gainesville State College Tumbling Creek Woods Beaver Pond web page

Today, Tuesday, April 7th is International Beaver Day!

The Beavers, Wetlands and Wildlife Organization is trying to show people how important beavers really are, and the group has produced an educational DVD and sent 1,000 copies to teachers all over the state of New York.

One member says the beaver is one of the most important wild animals for a number of reasons. First, because they build dams and prevent flooding. And second, because beavers protect us from greenhouse gas emissions.

"Beaver wetlands, like all wetlands, are the best ecosystem for storing carbon," said Sharon Brown, of Beavers, Wetlands, and Wildlife. "And if they are destroyed, carbon dioxide goes into the air and that's a dangerous greenhouse gas."

April 7 was chosen as International Beaver Day because it is the birthday of the late Dorothy Richards of Little Falls, who studied beavers for 50 years.

Beavers, scientific name Castor canadensis, are the largest rodent in North America, and the second largest rodent in the world. Beavers are important animal ecologically and historically. In fact, Missouri (the state where I live now) and the westward expansion of the United States can credit the humble beaver for its place in history. Why? Beaver fur was the number one commodity in the new world and the many systems of rivers and wetlands in the western half of North American proved to be very successful trapping grounds in the 1700 and 1800s. Even today, Beaver are still very important fur species. Though I am no fan of fur, I recognize the important roles trapping, hunting, and fishing have in wildlife species management plans. Because we value our current and urban lifestyles, it is important that we take the time to appreciate wildlife and understand more about their behavior and ecology so that they will be around for centuries to come.

In fact, I know a fellow scientist who researches on beavers. I found one of his scientific papers online that you could read for yourself and learn more about Beavers and why they are important.

Understanding North American Beaver Behavior as an Aid to Management
by Bruce Schulte and Dietland Mueller-Schwarze

The next question you may be wondering is, "Do beavers live in or near cities? Or do they only live out in the forest or country?" The answer is a big YES, to both questions. Beavers do live in and near urban areas if the habitat is right. What's the right habitat? Flowing water like rivers (large or small) or streams and creeks. Beavers live right here in St. Louis along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. I've see their dams under the bridges - the MLK near downtown, the I-270 and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridges. Huge, big, towering dams. Sorry, I don't have any photos (another reason I wish I had bigger, better camera equipment. I love to show real pictures and proof to you.) But they look like this:

photo credit: Skip Mackey Fishing Stories webpage

If you've ever notice a huge pile of sticks and branches in the water, then you can best believe you have come across a beaver dam. Another sign of beaver activity is this:

This chewed off stump, often near a river or stream means you have active, healthy beavers near by. Beavers are important wetland species, because they are engineers, literally. They create habitat for other animals - like fish, insects, birds, other mammals. Create pools of water for land animals to drink from, and bridges for land animals to cross from one side of the habitat to another. This exposes them to new resources like shelter, mates, food, and places to hide from predators. So, think fondly of the beaver and keep your eyes open for these amazing creatures.

More info: http://www.wktv.com/news/local/42613472.html

photo credit: Heywoods Meadow Blog

Wordless Wednesday: Still Stalking in the Snow

The SnowPocalypse isn't all bad. At least I was able to snap some really great animal tracks on my deck and in my back yard.

Cat paw prints

Notice the paw pads. Cats walk intheir own tracks, the back paws step into the same spot as the front paws, creating a single middle pad and 5 smaller pad impressions.

This cat walked the length of my backyard from the back gate (where there is a small hole), past the red bucket to the deck.

The snow is 6 inches deep at this point.

Cats are still active, even in the cold weather.

Paw print with the distinctive 4 toe pads.

Has the SnowPacolypse revealed any animal tracks in your yard?

Urban Wildlife Watch: Learning to keep your eyes open

Observation is the foundation of all scientific pursuits.
-DNLee

The scientific method you learn at school may teach you the first step is the problem or question or hypothesis. But the real first step is observation - the simple and awesome act of paying attention - with your eyes, ears, taste buds, your noses your fingers tips, and yes, even your heart. All of your senses come to play.

It's only when you notice your environment or body or whatever do you really begin to recognize a problem or ask more probing questions. And that is the magic of science. It's what inspires scientist - the professional ones and all of you at home, to explore!


Wildlife is everywhere, even in the busiest, seemingly concrete human-occupied places of all.


With this blog (and my offline outreach activities) I point out hidden-in-plain-view wildlife and natural places in urban areas.

In fact, here are some photos of wild scenes I've eye-spied in the last 2 weeks, all right in St. Louis, Missouri.

A male cardinal, only a fledgling. I found him in the street (Elm Street in Webster Groves). As I was driving by I noticed a remarkable bright red object in the line of traffic. I turned around to inspect, and found this fellow stunned. I picked him and brought him home for a day. After 24 hours he was perching in the bird cage and eating sunflower seeds I set out for him so I released him in my back yard. (I have video I will share later).

************

I saw this bird nest just lying on the ground right next to the SCOSAG house in Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, Missouri at Grand Avenue and Arsenal. There egg shells inside. The summer camp counselor said she notice the nest on a branch in the tree above where it had fell the days before. There were little brown birds that lived in it (some sort of little brown job - sparrow, wren, or chickadees). She took the nest inside for show-and-tell for the kiddies at the summer art camp.

**************

This is a nest of duck eggs right along the walkway across from the Forest Park Visitor Center in St. Louis. The nest was obviously abandoned and the eggs didn't mature. But how neat is this?

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I saw this bunny right by a bus stop at the Grand Station Metro link in south city St. Louis (near Saint Louis University and Harris-Stowe State University). People were at the bus stop not 6 feet away from this little fellow nibbling on grass.

He eventually hopped away into the work yard of a nearby industrial business.

_________________________________

Now, it's your turn. Go on Urban Science Adventure Eye-Spy Challenge.

Find a place to sit still and quietly outdoors. You could take a walk through your neighborhood, or visit a park or school play ground or even your back yard. Call this place your Special Sanctuary.

Quietly watch and observe a section of the landscape for 10 minutes. Try not to make any noise or move around too much.

What sounds do you hear?

What new animals or insects have you noticed?

What plants grow there? Is it shady or sunny?

Take a photos or draw a picture of what you see. Write down your thoughts in a journal.

Go back to the same spot at a different time of day. Try visiting your Special Sanctuary in the morning, afternoon, and at dusk.

Are there different animals there? Different plants?

Write me and tell me all about your Urban Science Adventures! ©

Urban Wildlife Watch: Marine Mammals

Living in the middle of the United States, I often forget that major coastal cities experience a variety of urban wildlife that seems exotic to me. I am especially thinking of marine life such as dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles, seals, crabs, sea birds, and the like. I image it must be a very beautiful site to see these creatures while enjoying a day at the beach or strolling along the boardwalk.

photo credit: The Bizza.com website -the Biz Levity files

However, I am also reminded that anywhere people and thriving natural ecosystems meet, human-animal conflicts are also likely to occur. Observing urban wildlife can be wonderful, but some animals we only ever really notice them after they have died. I think of how commonly I come across dead opossums and raccoons as opposed to living ones. **Warning, previous link includes a real pictures of road kill.** Roadkill can be disgusting, but for hard to observe animals it's the best way for scientists and naturalists to prove an animal lives in a certain area. It also presents us with a chance to study the animal, learn more about it's anatomy and physiology, eating habits, and what diseases, parasites, and microbes it is vulneable to and successful against. We can use this information to create policy and make recommendations to government and non-government agencies. Plus, it presents the general public a chance to see an animal close-up. Recently, a fin whale was discovered dead beneath the bow of a cruise ship preparing to dock in Vancouver, Canada. Ship Docks With Dead Fin Whale on Bow. (Check it out the link includes a short video from an observer at the scene.)

photo credit: The Greenlight Show blog - an Environmental Radio show aimed at young audiences in Melbourne, Australia

Though many of us may not think of whales are urban wildlife, they indeed can be (There's college text book about them). Think about all of the urban areas along the northern coasts of the east and west sides of the North American continent. Sightings of whales and orkas were recorded there for a few hundred years. And think about the fishing and whaling towns in the same areas. However, this is the largest case of roadkill imagineable, but if you checked out the National Geographic special on the Blue Whale, it discussed this very problem. Much bigger ships - like cargo ships and cruise ships - are travelling along routes in the sea that intersect with the traditional swimming routes of these fantastic creatures, including threatened species like the fin whale.

At the very least, I hope we gain some important insight into the biology of the species and continue a dialogue about how we humans might successfully coexist with our beautiful wild cousins - both marine and terrestrial.

Wordless Wednesdays: Mole Hills

Here is a sure sign of subtarrean life - soft mounds of dirt and mud means none other than moles!

Beware the Ides of March - Keep your eyes open

Keep your eyes open for what?
For all of the nature that is beginning to emerge, sprout and bloom because spring is near.

Phenology is the study of timing of natural events. I'm always encouraging you to go outside and observe nature, now I'm also asking you to jot down notes of your observations (if you don't already).

Science and nature watching organizations depend on great nature-loving watchers like you to keep their data bases up-to-date. Plus, your observations help scientists determine if there may be some changes in plant and animal winter and spring transitions changes due to climate change. Remember, nothing we know about the natural world in science comes to our knowledge without lots of information to support the idea (hypothesis). So open your eyes and report your results.

The Museum of Science (Boston, Massachusetts) celebrates a second year of Firefly Watching. April 11 is Firefly Day.

Join the Firefly Watch Brigade. Observe fireflies in your hometown and report your observations to the Museum of Science database.

image credit: http://www.cirrusimage.com/beetle_firefly_Photuris_lucicrescens.htm

The National Phenology Network is an online community of scientists and citizen scientists. Join as we all catalogue our plant observations. Hat tip to Kim Hannula.

Photo by Alecia Hoyt

And please leave me a comment and let me know what you're seeing (and when) in your backyard. Keep having Urban Science Adventures! ©

***Update: Later today, 4:30 pm. Look what I noticed blooming in my frontyard.***

Plus other signs of bloom.

Book Review: Animal Tracks & Signs

For all of my loyally readers who love the blog and have wished you could take it along with you when you were exploring outside, I have the perfect field guide for you!

Animal Tracks & Signs

Author: Jinny Johnson

Published by National Geographic

Animal Tracks & Signs is perfect for animal lovers and junior naturalists of all ages. It is 192 pages long, but it isn’t meant to read in one setting or at bed time. This really is a reference book, complete with pictures, details, and explanations about a wide variety of animal species. As often you go outside and observe nature, you will use this book. In fact, I recommend taking it along with you on your outdoor adventures and nature walks in your neighborhood.

What I like about the book:
The foreword, by John A. Burton. He gives readers a glimpse into the challenges that wildlife film makers and photographers must overcome to catch those breathtaking shots of our wild neighbors. Tracking and finding animals are long and painstaking tasks. Without basic naturalist skills like close observation patience, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy fine animal programs and photographs.

The How-to Section. You can jump right in and look up information about that critter you spotted the other day, but there are also a few pages in the front to get you prepared for animal watching. Different types of animal tracks and the related foot anatomy and movement of the animal is explained, as well as how to make plaster and casts of animal tracks are also provided. This book is the Official Urban Science Adventures! ©Field Guide.

The Biodiversity. It isn’t an exhausted list of every species known to humankind, but it does introduce us to every basic kind of animal, even voles. With the exception of polar biomes, this book introduces readers to mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects and invertebrates from around the world.

The index card-like details. Illustrations or up-close photographs of animals are provided that includes a quick summary about its size, where the animal lives, what it eats and what eats it and other interesting facts. Plus, accurate pictures of animal signs like webs, tunnels, droppings (or poo), nests and dens, bird pellets and life size silhouettes of its tracks.
Plus, the book gives attention to the ecological roles of the animals described. No animal exists without its habitat and other requirements for life. It explains with pictures and brief details how to locate the homes of secretive animals and how to identify animals from simple clues like its tracks, scat, pellets, nest shape, or flying silhouette.

This book is amazing! Go and get it!