We're on the cusp of the solstice and as unlikely as it seems when the forecast is for snow and frigid weather, the days are going to lengthen. It's nearly dark now at 4:30 and the evenings feel long, especially compared to soft spring days when it's hard to come inside before 8:30 or 9. … Continue reading Nature’s Chill: Finding Joy in Winter Evenings
Author: notes with coffee
When I'm not watching the world around me I'm an animal lover, naturalist, woodworker and photographer. The order changes daily.
Now What?
Like many others I have been feeling a deep anger and sadness for the choice our country made in the last election. The preference for hatred and bigotry fed by lies and disinformation, is said to be a call for change. It looks to me more like a desire to return to “the good ole’ … Continue reading Now What?
Without A Word
Thanks for looking, Stay well, be curious, learn things. KateOctober, 2024
Without a Word
Thanks for looking, Stay well, be curious, learn things. KateOctober, 2024 If you enjoyed this post perhaps you will enjoy these as well.
Aerial Aspirations
I’ve always wanted to fly. I’m not talking about taking a plane somewhere, dealing with crowds, stale air and cramped seats. No, I’m talking about spreading powerful wings and taking to the air. Even a short flight would be amazing. I want to feel the air around me and watch the world pass below. But … Continue reading Aerial Aspirations
Without a Word
Eastern Tailed Blue Thanks for looking, Stay well, be curious, learn things. Kate August, 2024 If you enjoyed this post perhaps you will enjoy these as well. © Kate Taylor
Exploring Small Butterflies
I was out butterflying the other day, looking for hairstreaks. I was hoping to see either a banded or a striped hairstreak, both of which are relatively common in Vermont. That doesn’t mean easy to find. Hairstreaks are small butterflies, often with a drab background color broken up by occasional bright spots or streaks. They … Continue reading Exploring Small Butterflies
Taxonomy part 2: Butterfly families
In my last post I discussed scientific naming in general and I promised to dig into butterflies a bit deeper. If you look at the tree of life it begins with the basic divisions of life into the three major Domains: Bacteria on one "limb" and Archaea and Eukaryota which quickly branch from each other … Continue reading Taxonomy part 2: Butterfly families
Understanding Scientific Naming
All plants and animals identified by science have been given a scientific name and classification. The scientific name is used to help prevent confusion and is used across languages. It is helpful when an organism has several common names, or names that change across an area. I just learned that a flower I know as … Continue reading Understanding Scientific Naming
Pollen Storm
We had a couple days last week where the pine trees were dropping pollen at a great rate. The air was green with it. Eastern Pine Elfins love it. Bumble bees prefer flower pollen.
The Nature of Things 