Creek Meringue?

Neither meringue nor soap suds! This post from January 2013 explains 'that soapy stuff' in the creek.

Photo by Marty Horowitz 1/16/2017

Mammals seen

• Javelina
  
• Bobcat
  
• Mountain Lion

And, because I'm a big fan of books for children, a bonus list of recommended children's books.

Sky and Island

Photo by Marty Horowitz 1/12/2017

Photo by Marty Horowitz 1/19/2017

And another reminder to beware of celebrities and doctors from Oz selling quackery.

Fog webs

Some beautiful patterns from January 2015

Insects are amazing

Fred sent this post a while ago. Still amazing!
Photos and text from Fred Heath.

Most dragonflies seem to be more picky about not liking cold weather than even butterflies. Of course, they also need water to lay their eggs,because the nymphs breathe through gills. So it was no surprise that with very little water in Sabino Creek and generally wintery conditions, there were no signs of dragonflies until mid-December. Then after some rain that got the creek moving again, the tracks of dragonfly nymphs starting showing up. I imagine that like the Gila Chub, there are always some nymph survivors in the pools that remain. Certainly there wasn't much evidence of adults flying around….until December 24 when the Variegated Meadowhawk in the photo was found sitting on a prickly pear far from the water. Although dragonflies are usually quite wary, this one allowed close approach (maybe it enjoyed basking in the sun). In the close-up photo, the legs spines can be clearly seen. These spines are used to help scoop up aerial prey and bring it to the mouth.

Photos by Fred Heath 12/24/2016

Click photo for larger view

Thanks, Fred!

And here's a rerun of another amazing insect!

The Science of Blue

Photos and Text from Marty Horowitz 

We have previously discussed the fact that hummingbirds take advantage of unique nano-structures in their feathers to generate their bright, iridescent reds, greens, and purples. On our walk this past Wednesday (1/18/2017), Fred pointed out that Western [and Eastern] Bluebirds also use nano-structures, rather than pigments, in their feathers to generate their signature hue. A nice article on the general subject of structural coloration in nature. (Bluebirds at the end of the article)

Photos (c) Marty Horowitz 1/19/2017

Western Bluebirds show their true colors.

More Patterns

Photo (c) Gene Spesard 12/28/2016

Photo (c) Marty Horowitz 1/4/2017

Photo (c) Marty Horowitz 1/4/2017