Archive [ON HIATUS: June 30th, 2008]
The archive was started on June 2nd, 2008.
Contents at a Glance
June 2nd, 2008
Falcon peregrinus (peregrine falcon)
Subject: Falco peregrinus (Peregrine falcon)
Discussion: Welcome to the Walkography Photo of the Day. Every day (and that means EVERY day) there will be a new photo here of something I snagged while walkogging, and the most inspirational book or DVD on that subject. You'll find other animals, plants, landscapes, and other photo-creations here in the coming weeks, and I hope you will continue to visit. Maybe this will serve as inspiration for some budding walkoggers out there. If you missed a day, don't worry. After a week I will be creating WPotD archive that will be linked in this module.
Okay so, normally this section is for talking about the subject of the photo. This is a peregrine falcon. Peregrines almost exclusively eat small birds, and were driven close to extinction by the use of pesticides such as DDT. The female is around 30% larger than the male in peregrines (and in most other raptors). They kill by making mid-air dives and striking prey with a closed "fist" of talons, and the falcon itself has several adaptations to deal with its high air velocity (ex. tubercles/bumps in the nostrils that keep air from racing down into the bird's lungs, and transparent "third eyelids" that clear debris from the eyes). Many peregrines now live in large cities, where they prey on "winged rats," also known as the feral pigeon. :P
The Peregrine (New York Review Books Classics)
Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $4.31
Rather than just giving you a standard photo-book on peregrines (there are many excellent ones), I have elected to provide a novel about a man who tracks a pair through the wild. This book exemplifies how the love of nature can dance between exceptional beauty and dangerous obsession. The writing depicts poetic experiences as well as haunting elemental images, and The Peregrine is considered a classic of nature writing. For more discussions of the book, try this article from The Guardian and this blog post on Polybion.
"A falcon peregrine, sable on a white shield of sky, circled over from the sea. She slowed, and drifted aimlessly, as though the air above the land was thick and heavy. She dropped. The beaches flared and roared with salvoes of white wings. The sky shredded up, was torn by whirling birds. The falcon rose and fell, like a black billhook in splinters of white wood." ---- The Peregrine, J.A. Baker
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June 3rd, 2008
Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
Subject: Osmunda cinnamomea (cinnamon fern)
Discussion: It has been rather rainy here the past few days, making for bad lighting. Of course my Dad says the advantage of cloudiness is that the lighting can be more uniform, but my camera is usually struggling unless I pump the ISO up. Anyway, instead of confining myself to the zoo until the weather lets up I snuck out to Beaver Lake today.
This is a young frond of the cinnamon fern. When the frond is slowly unfurling in the late Spring/early Summer it is known as a "fiddlehead," and some people eat them (they are considered delicacies outside of temperate regions). The fuzz you see on this fiddlehead is sometimes used by hummingbirds to line their nests. The genus name "Osmunda" has an uncertain etymology, but is likely either from the Saxon equivalent of Thor or from a legend about Osmunder the Waterman who hid his family in these ferns during an invasion.
Peterson Field Guide to Ferns, Second Edition: Northeastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series)
Amazon Price: $13.60 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $6.79
This is an excellent guide to ferns that includes gardening information. The native cinnamon fern tends to be flexible about sun conditions (though avoid full sun) and requires a great deal of moisture, but it is a very showy plant that may be ideal for your garden depending on where you live. Another important aspect of this book is simply the identification aids, which are well-made and a necessity if you enjoy taking photos in swampy areas where ferns are plentiful. The Internet resources for identifying ferns and other flora pale in comparison to having a good book at your side.
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June 4th, 2008
Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy) and 2 unknown insects, right one probably Collops sp. (soft-winged flower beetle)
Subject: Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy) and 2 unknown insects, right one probably Collops sp. (soft-winged flower beetle)
Discussion: You may be wondering where the second "unknown insect" is. It's the little green splotch on the left flower. Here's a close-up:
This photo is one of my numerous attempts to take a shot of a white flower without completely bleaching out the flower. The ox-eye daisy shown here is an invasive species introduced from the Europe/Asia. Also called a marguerite, this weed is capable of taking over 50% of native grasses in pastures and is difficult to eliminate due to its extensive regenerative capabilities. Despite its "weed" status in most states, officials in South Carolina plant acres of ox-eye daisies along highways every year.
The Secrets of Wildflowers: A Delightful Feast of Little-Known Facts, Folklore, and History
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $12.92
The Secrets of Wildflowers is more than a wildflower guide: it is an investigation of the cultural and historical impact of America's native flowers. Presented with a narrative flair that makes for easy reading, this wildflower book allows anyone to look into the world of wildflowers. Even if you are not a flower enthusiast (I'm more of an animal person myself!), the anecdotes and researched tales of wildflowers seen in this book are among the best in nature writing.
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June 5th, 2008
Nothing!
Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $11.85
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June 6th, 2008
Syracuse University, "stone woman"
Subject: Syracuse University, stone woman
Discussion: I had a hard time finding the names of any of the statues on the campus, so I have decided to call this one "stone woman" (I know, my creativity is running high today). SU was founded in 1870, and is a private school in my hometown. I really would have liked to go there for college (they have a famous journalism school and my dad went there for political science but had to leave before he graduated), but it is extremely expensive. Still, the campus is beautiful and my favorite spot is probably the music school, which was previously a college for women. This statue and a couple others can be found on the large green near the SU dome.
The school is home to about 13,000 students (my colleges had 2500 and 5000 respectively), and if you're coming to Syracuse I highly recommend giving the campus a walkaround. A full tour of the outer buildings takes 1.5 to 2 hours for a walkogger.
The Hill: An Illustrated Biography of Syracuse University, 1870-Present
Amazon Price: $27.55 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $8.64
Here is a photo-biography of Syracuse University. Yes, it is literally called "The Hill" in Syracuse. Students going to the adjacent SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) are called "stumpies." Syracuse is an old and prestigious university, known especially for its school of journalism. This book tells you everything you could want to know about the buildings, with both historic and present-day photographs.
June 7th, 2008
Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer)
Subject: Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer)
Discussion: This deer appeared while I was going on one of the shorter trails at Beaver Lake and hustled over to a nearby meadow to feed. On one hand the deer wasn't very shy, but on the other she also refused to turn both ears toward me at any one time, resulting in the slightly quizzical expression you see above. She took off after getting rushed by a swarm of 6-year-olds coming up the trail (I would too).
In Romulus, New York, there is an old army depot with a population of these deer that are entirely white (but not albino). White-tailed deer use their hallmark tail to signal danger by raising it as they leap away from a potential predator (or walkogger). They can also communicate dangers by stamping their feet, which produce vibrations in the ground other deer can detect. The average deer can jump 15 feet at a time. Populations in many areas are controlled solely by human hunting, diseases, and car strikes.
Most deer collisions occur in November and December, which is the rutting (breeding) season. In NY it is thought that for every reported collision there are 6 collisions that go unreported. In 1993 10,000 deer were reported killed by collisions in NYS, but that number is probably nearer to 60,000. Across the U.S. there are around 1.5 million car accidents with deer every year, with several hundred people (and most of the deer) killed as a result.
Deer Wars: Science, Tradition, And the Battle over Managing Whitetails in Pennsylvania (Keystone Book)
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $29.74
I have decided to go with a book that confronts a controversial subject for many nature enthusiasts: deer hunting. The statistics I mentioned above and more are covered in the context of Pennsylvania's deer herds (Pennsylvania has the largest number of deer collisions in the U.S.). Whether you take your shots of deer with a camera or with a gun, this book offers valuable insights from both sides of deer management. If you enjoy history (like me), it's also a well-documented tale about American animal conservation.
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June 8th, 2008
Nothing!
The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography (BetterPhoto Series)
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $14.95
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June 9th, 2008
Aix sponsa (North American wood duck)
Subject: Aix sponsa (North American wood duck)
Discussion: Can you tell it was a bit rainy out when I took this shot? This duck was actually in the drinking/bathing pool in the Rosamond Gifford Zoo yak exhibit (hence the hay-like debris in the water).
Wood ducks are monogamous through one breeding season (they change partners each season, then stay with that partner till the next season). Females display a behavior called egg-dumping, where they will lay their eggs in another female's nest when she is not there. If she accepts the eggs, the energy burden has been placed on her while she gets no genetic advantage by raising the cuckold duck. Unlike many bird species, the male wood duck does not participate in caring for the young. Females with ducklings will sleep on the water, but otherwise wood ducks are diurnal (day-loving) animals that rest on-shore. The wood duck is the second most popular game bird, and its scientific name actually translates "water bird in a bridal dress."
The Wood Duck and the Mandarin: The Northern Wood Ducks
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $17.23
Overviewing both the mandarian and the North American wood duck, this book combines science with anecdotes and wonderful photographs. Did you know that ducks exhibit many distinct and unusual behaviors, and use a wide variety of calls to communicate? I often buy these books for the photography alone, but this volume has a particularly good narrative style as well.
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June 10th, 2008
Elaphe obsoleta (black water snake)
Subject: Elaphe obsoleta (black water snake)
Discussion: My ID for this snake is tentative-- I need to do a little more research to confirm. As you may have noticed there seems to be an injury to the snake's nose and a bit of blood on its lip. Notice also the dead leaves the snake is lying in-- naturally it isn't Autumn here yet, but the leaves from last year have been uncovered and have yet to decay.
Locally we call this the "black water snake," but it also known as the black rat snake and the pilot black snake depending on where you are from. The first thing I learned about this snake is that it is very aggressive, unlike the more common garter snake. Black rat snakes are not venomous, but still have a powerful bite. When I was in the Catskills on Memorial Day Weekend I had the misfortune of nearly stepping on one of these snakes, which I realized was a rat snake due to its length (6-ft, though black rat snakes have been known to get up to 8-ft in length). The black rat snake is the largest in NYS. The snake was still far more scared than I was, and quickly slithered away to hide itself in a crevasse.
The individual in this photo was much smaller, I would say around 3-ft. Black rat snakes can "rattle" their tales, but they are not rattlesnakes (the only venomous snakes in NY are the Eastern timber rattler, the massasauga, and the copperhead, all of which are extremely rare). These snakes kill prey by constriction.
The Snake Charmer: A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $3.77
There are over 2,700 species of snakes. In the jungles of northern Burma, Dr. Joseph Slowinski was hunting for new species when he was bitten on the finger by a tiny snake called a krait. In the middle of a monsoon and 8 miles from the nearest radio, Slowinski began to succumb to the paralyzing effects of the krait's neurotoxic venom. On September 12th, 2001, Slowinski died from the bite of a cobra relative less than ten inches long. He was 38 years old.
In this book, Slowinski's life and the role of herpetologists (reptile scientists) is examined in the context of his journey into the wilds of Burma. Discovery the risks Slowinski and other scientists take, and the insights they bring to our world by going where no one else will.
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June 11th, 2008
Syracuse University
Subject: Syracuse University
Discussion: After some technical difficulties I finally managed to get this picture up. It's a type of walkography I don't do often (i.e. not nature, form-based) but for some reason I feel absurdly proud about the way the sun looks behind the tower on the right.
This is another Syracuse University building, and just in case the age wasn't apparent enough there are a collection of vines on the surface. The thing about shooting buildings is that you absolutely need the right light: late afternoons and sunsets. You could say this about any kind of photography but in many cases I think sunsets are only mandatory if you're looking for spiciest possible shot of your locale. With buildings it's necessary because the shadows of buildings help define their architecture. There is a lot more "emplotment" involved in shooting buildings-- that is, the photographer or walkogger is trying a lot harder to make the subject look beautiful or artistic. Remember that any composition you see in a photograph is the work of the person behind the camera: the choice of what's emphasized and how the elements come together is all theirs. In the actual scene they shot, everything is three-dimensional and nothing is arranged so precisely as it is in the photo you see.
The City Beautiful Movement (Creating the North American Landscape)
Amazon Price: $22.50 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.50
My hometown of Syracuse is an old city. It was first colonized by Europeans in the 1600s, and today it has winding, kinked roads and is constantly undergoing revisions to its street architecture.
However, go to a new city like Phoenix, AZ and you will find that the city is designed to accommodate expansion, ease traffic, and provide an ergonomic living environment. Why the difference? What goes into "city planning," the field of architecture and environmental study that decides your commute, your sidewalk availability, and even the level of pollution in your city? The City Beautiful Movement discusses cities across the North American continent, how they were planned (or not planned at all), and how we are coping with old decisions about what makes a beautiful city.
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June 12th, 2008
Paleosuchus palepebrosus (Cuvier's dwarf caiman)
Subject: Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier's dwarf caiman)
Discussion: I was lucky enough to have some sunlight coming in through the skylight for this shot, which is my first successful photo of one of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's caimans (my ISO was set to 800, but in the area containing the caiman exhibit I sometimes go to 1600).
Caimans are relatives of alligators (Order: Crocodilia, Family: Alligatoridae), and the Cuvier's dwarf caiman only grows to about 1.5 meters in length for males and 1.2 meters for females, making it the smallest crocodilian in the world. Because of their small size and the number of bony plates on their body, caimans have generally escaped the hunting practices that have devastated so many species of crocodilians. P. palepebrosus has a conspicuous brown iris that exists in only one other crocodilian (the dwarf crocodile from West Africa).
Like the American alligator, the Cuvier's dwarf caiman excavates burrows along the shoreline. After a mother caiman has laid her eggs, she will bury them in a large nest and wait for the hatching babies to call to her about 90 days later. At that time she will break open the top of the nest, which is too thick for hatchlings to open on their own. Like many crocodilians, adult caimans (even those that are not the parents) will attempt to protect hatchlings.
The Ultimate Guide to Crocodilians in Captivity
Used Price: $24.68
Many people are drawn to the allure of "exotic pets," especially the primitive-looking and predatory crocodilians. Before you consider taking on one of these animals, even the dwarf caiman, you should examine the ecology, behavior, and needs of crocodilians in this excellent book.
Covering every aspect of various species, this inexpensive guide makes for good reading even if you are not interested in keeping a crocodilian. Studded with beautiful photographs and drawings, the guide is a must for any private keeper.
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June 13th, 2008
Nothing!
...it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. =P
Rainforest
Amazon Price: $26.40 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $17.63
Amazing, inspirational nature photography. Over 500 photographs of rainforest life and the stories behind the photos.
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June 14th, 2008
Iris versicolor (blue flag iris)
Subject: Iris versicolor (blue flag iris)
Discussion: This flower is disappearing quickly from the local forests now that Summer is coming in, so I figured I better get one shot before it disappears entirely. Unlike the ox-eye daisy I shot a few days ago, the blue flag iris is native to North America. It is generally restricted to the edges of swamps and marshes (by the way, do you know the difference between a swamp and a marsh?).
Native Americans used the root of the blue flag as a remedy for dropsy, and the leaves for soothing burns. Irises tolerate locations with annual average minimum temperatures of -50 degrees F, and can survive with the plant immersed in up to 6 inches of water. Muskrats are known to feed on the roots, while moose will feed on the actual vegetation. Rarely (and possibly due to crossbreeding) I. versicolor will be white instead of blue.
The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
Amazon Price: $32.97 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $24.99
Despite the mouthful of a title, this book by Rick Darke (a landscape artist and photographer from Pennsylvania) is truly astonishing and easy to read. Darke studies the natural woodlands of America from ecological, aesthetic, and philosophical perspectives and reproduces the "spirit" of the title in beautiful photographs and illustrations.
Among the most inspiring chapters in the book is the study of Red Clay Creek over a period of years. Darke finds the beauty in the American forest, then teaches you how to reproduce it in your own garden. A wonderful book for any gardener or naturalist.
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June 15th, 2008
Nymphaea odorata Aiton (fragrant water-lily)
Subject: Nymphaea odorata Aiton (fragrant water-lily)
Discussion: I went out on Beaver Lake in a canoe today, returning just before it started to rain. It was a great day for it with temperatures around 80 degrees F and a consistent breeze. I saw muskrats, seagulls, a blue heron (which I saw catch and swallow a fish from about six feet away-- pretty cool), and many, many dragonflies. Unfortunately I thought I had loaded new batteries into my camera, yet I ran out of juice only halfway around the lake. My charger is presently with Kodak since it needs to be replaced.
Anyway, here is the fragrant water-lily, the most pervasive water-lily in North America. In some states it has been evaluated as a weed for being so ubiquitous and overgrown. Remember, the lily itself is not the plant but only a reproductive appendage of the plant. When you see a water-lily it will be surrounded by large green disks (lilypads): those comprise the main body of the plant, so if you only see one lily in a huge mass it may mean that all the pads in that mass are part of the same plant.
Here is a close-up (cropped from the photo above) of the lily itself. The yellow stalks you see are called stamens, aka the male part of the flower. Water-lilies are hermaphroditic (many flowering plants are) and also carry a female part, called a pistil, beneath the stamens.
Storm over Mono: The Mono Lake Battle and the California Water Future
Used Price: $2.59
What do lakes mean to you? Are they simply puddles off to the side, good for canoeing, maybe, but not worth much else? In a world suffering from intense desertification the value of lakes like the African Tanganyika and Malawi, or the American Great Lakes is constantly underestimated. Suffice to say, we are running out of water.
In states like California, where Lake Mono (unrelated to the disease) resides, plants in populated areas are generally kept alive by irrigation. Water is siphoned from rivers or lakes and pumped to new locations. Lake Mono is a unique Californian lake ecosystem responsible for safeguarding many of the native resources of the state. In this environmental law book, Mono's supporters are pitted against a thirsty Los Angeles. This text is an excellent, easy-to-read introduction to water laws and the problems associated with irrigation.
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June 16th, 2008
Cumulus clouds in Liverpool, NY
Subject: Cumulus clouds in Liverpool, NY
Discussion: I didn't have much time to walk today, as a storm blew in and my county got a tornado warning. As I left I took some shots of these clouds coming in from the west. It has been a great few days for cloud shots, which is rare because most of our storms tend to occur in the very early morning hours (my experience, not fact). We have also never had a tornado while I've been here and the closest we've ever come is a phenomenon during the Labor Day Storm of 1998 called a derecho. We have also had one or two microbursts.
The clouds you see here are of the cumulus type (cumulus means "piled up"). Cumulonimbus clouds specifically are the ones associated with storms and other types of weather events. The reason clouds appear white is because the billions of water droplets that make them up can reflect 70-95% of our visible color wavelengths (white is a complete reflection of all color). Water droplets in clouds also scatter the light, and with a tall enough cloud this means that the light penetration at the bottom is very weak, making the cloud's base appear grey or black.
You don't need to have water to make clouds: Jupiter and Saturn have clouds made of ammonia, while Venus has clouds of sulfuric acid. There are many different kinds of clouds, and there is even a Cloud Appreciation Society to celebrate their variety.
The Cloudspotter's Guide: The Science, History, and Culture of Clouds
Used Price: $11.12
"Constable believed that 'we see nothing truly till we understand it'. I agree. If cloudspotters appreciate the way clouds form, what makes them look the way they do, how they shift from one formation to the next, how they grow and develop, how they decay and dissipate, they will have learned more than mere principles of meteorology."
--- Gavin Pretor-Prinney, Founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society
This tongue-in-cheek look at the world of clouds is full of solid meteorology and cultural study. Pretor-Prinney addresses the roles clouds have played in human societies the world over, past and present. His enthusiasm for the subject is palpable, and his charts and photographs make The Cloudspotter's Guide a handy identification text as well as enjoyable read. A must-read for anyone who looks up!
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June 17th, 2008
Thamnophis sauritus (Eastern ribbon snake)
Subject: Thamnophis sauritus (Eastern ribbon snake)
Discussion: This beautiful snake is a close relative of the common garter snake (both are in the same genus, Thamnophis). A semi-aquatic reptile, the ribbon snake feeds primarily on amphibians and small fishes. Reptiles are known for laying eggs, but the ribbon snake (and the rest of the garter snakes) gives birth to 10-12 young instead-- 27 young has been the max litter size recorded. However, unlike the American alligator which lays eggs but provides an immense amount of parental support to hatchlings, ribbon snakes provide no further care to their offspring after they are born.
Again unlike conventional wisdom of reptiles, the ribbon snake is fast and agile, and will actively chase down prey. As a note, the "red plant" behind the snake here is actually the fertile fronds of a fern. Unlike seeding plants, which reproduce via flowers, ferns carry their reproductive structures on special leaves (these leaves can still photosynthesize). So the normal green leaves of a fern are the "sterile fronds," while the red/brown structures are the "fertile fronds."
The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology (Animal Natural History Series, Vol 2)
Amazon Price: $52.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $37.76
There are around 30 species of garter snakes, but never before has research on this genus been laid out in a book form that anyone-- the biologist, the environmentalist, the pet owner, the naturalist, and the layperson --can read and appreciate. Overshadowed by their larger, more venomous relatives, garter snakes are underappreciated reptiles that comprise the most common species in North America. Some garter snakes even live in Alaska, where few ectothermic animals dare to tread.
The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology covers everything from captive care to the natural history of garters, complete with clean illustrations and full color plates of all known species.
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June 18th, 2008
Nothing!
National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $12.80
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June 19th, 2008
Apis sp. (honeybee)
Subject: Apis sp. (honeybee)
Discussion: Bees are fun to photograph, mainly because they're very busy (sorry). Finding a bunch of flowers usually means you'll find at least a couple kinds of bees, like this honeybee or the giant black bumblebee (Bombus sp.). While I find the latter to be almost too active (and dark on top of the fact) to get easy shots of, honeybees are very thorough in their search of each flower so they spend a few extra seconds there.
Honeybees are relatively advanced insects: they only started appearing in the fossil record about 35 million years ago. They were introduced to the Americas in 1622 by European colonists. Bees produce honey for their own (and our) consumption, but their most important function from a human perspective is the pollination of plants. This is why the Colony Collapse Disorder discussed in recent years has been such a big problem.
Essentially, our food crops require bees. If bees went extinct, our crops would start to follow. In the U.S. bees are responsible for pollinating 1/3 of our food crops. Normal winter losses for beekeepers are around 15-25%, but American beekeepers that reported CCD last year had 45-50% losses. From 1971 to 2006, wild honeybees have also experienced sharp declines (remember, these bees are also responsible for pollinating many non-food crops).
If you would like to learn more about CCD, consider reading the USDA's Colony Collapse Disorder Q&A.
Robbing the Bees: A Biography of Honey--The Sweet Liquid Gold that Seduced the World
Used Price: $8.28
Robbing the Bees covers three stories. The first is author Holley Bishop's novice attempts at beekeeping, the second is the yearly routine of professional beekeeper Donald Smiley, and the third is the overarching history of all bees. The third line of narrative covers everything from the evolution of bees to the roles they have played throughout history.
Bishop overviews quality selections from science and history to synthesize verbal honey; try this book out if you have ever wondered about the natural history of bees or how important beekeeping really is.
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June 20th, 2008
Unidentified plant
Subject: Unknown plant (aka I didn't have time to run an ID check)
Discussion: Leaves are excellent sources for learning about light. Next time you go for a walk, look at what effect the shape of leaves in an area has on the light that reaches the ground. You can take photos of shadow patterns, but they usually aren't very dynamic without something else in the image (the same can be said for clouds-- you need a foreground object).
This particular plant inhabits a crossroads on the Lake Loop Trail at the BLNC. I pass it virtually every day, yet I've never taken a photo of it. Today the light was just right, so I took a couple shots of the leaves and berries you see here. Unfortunately I haven't had the time yet to run an ID check.
The Hidden Forest: The Biography of an Ecosystem
Used Price: $15.99
"I thought I knew a great deal about forests, since I live next to a park, hike in the mountains, and have read many books about trees, but this book showed me that there really is a hidden forest right under my nose that I'd been mostly unaware of."
---J. Branson
Why is the plant above something I am going to return to later? Why does it need to be identified? IDing an organism is the first step to learning more about it, as Jon R. Luoma's book fantastically illustrates. I have been walkogging for years, but I am certainly not a forest specialist, nor do I know every entity in the Beaver Lake forest. Here Luoma takes on a truly old forest in Oregon and dissects the community to find the animals, plants, and other lifeforms we never see walking along our set paths. Discover the woods as you never have before, even if you are a seasoned nature-lover.
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June 21st, 2008
Pavo cristatus (Indian peacock)
Subject: Pavo cristatus (Indian peacock)
Discussion: Fairly standard peafowl picture, but I suppose everyone has to take one at least once. "Peafowl" is the general term for these birds: "peacocks" are males and "peahens" are females-- but I don't think anyone will get on your case for just calling them all peacocks. Like many birds, peacocks have exceptional sexual dimorphism with the male very colorful and the female brown and as nondescript as possible. However, the female still possesses a crest and she will display her plumage to other females and to creatures that threaten her chicks.
The plumage of peacocks is very interesting. Most people are familiar with the concept of pigments, or chemical dyes that exist in the skin/hair/scales/feathers of animals (including humans) that help give our bodies color. For example, your hair color is due to pigments. Peacocks use a different method of producing color which is known as structural coloring.
Each feather on a peacock possesses a central stem, and a series of barbules (barb-shaped stalks) on either side of that stem. Furthermore, on each of the large barbules there are arrays of smaller, flatter barbules. A single barbule contains many proteins arranged in a crystalline, lattice pattern on its surface. These latticed proteins scatter light in different ways depending on what direction they are viewed from, so the peacock achieves iridescence on its plumage via specific light reflections. This mechanism was discovered just recently in 2003.
For more about peacock plumage and structural color, read the National Geographic summary of the study.
Bird
Used Price: $19.20
Like David Burnie's Animal, this book is an incredible overview of its subject. In this case it's birds, and this text covers them all: representative species, information on different genera, and a CD of bird calls. Also like Animal, this book features some of the most breathtaking nature photography in the world.
You'll learn something about the birds in your backyard as well as the ones on distant continents, and you can start to grasp the basics of identifying birds from different families and locales. I cannot emphasize enough how beautiful the photos are in this book. It is produced in partnership with the Audobon Society.
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June 22nd, 2008
Panthera tigris altaica (Amur tiger)
Subject: Panthera tigris altaica (Amur tiger)
Discussion: Apparently the water is very tasty. This tiger is one of two "cubs" at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Their mother also lives at the zoo but is generally out-of-sight.
Amur tigers are the largest cats in the world, with a recorded body weight up to 700 lbs and body lengths between 5 and 9 ft. They are also one of rarest cats, their territories confined entirely to the Amur River region in the far east of Russia. Note the "altaica" after the Panthera tigris species name-- the Amur tiger is a subspecies. There are 6 subspecies of tiger scattered throughout the Asian continent.
In 1940 there were only 50 wild Amur tigers left in Russia and an unknown number in northeastern China (this may have been as high as 100). Today there are estimates of 350 to 400 wild Amur tigers. However, it is important to recognize that a total population estimate does not mean all these cats have access to each other at all times. Like with the Bengal and the Sumatran tigers, this total estimate is made up of a number of fragmented populations, most of which are too small to be genetically viable. "Genetically viable" here means a population large enough that inbreeding and gene defects can be mitigated.
National Geographic's Tigers of the Snow
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $6.00
The Amur tiger (once known as the Siberian tiger) occupies the largest tract of contiguous forest in the world. However, megafauna have never fared well with humans in their midst and habitat destruction is only part of this cat's problems. The pelt of an Amur tiger fetches $10,000, and the bones are used in many varieties of herbal "junk medicine."
Tigers of the Snow is a stunning National Geographic production highlighting the Amur tiger and the efforts made by scientists to track the remaining wild population. Eloquent narration, signature National Geographic visuals, and a compelling conservation story make this DVD a good buy for anyone interested in big cats.
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June 23rd, 2008
Dragonfly (Order Odonata)
Subject: Dragonfly (Order Odonata)
Discussion: Dragonflies are great insects for beginning photographs, especially in the midst of Summer when they've been warmed up by a noon sun. This is the adult stage of the dragonfly, which like in many butterflies exists primarily for the purpose of mating. Most adult dragonflies will have died by Fall, shortly after mating. The "nymph" stage of dragonflies (similar to a butterfly caterpillar) lives underwater and encompasses most of its life-- for example, the longest nymph stage known in dragonflies can last five years, but the longest adult stage is only four months.
Why do dragonflies make great subjects? Well, for starters they tend to be large insects, so even cameras with reduced macro capabilities can get very clear shots of their complex features. Though some dragonflies will flutter about in a seemingly incessant pattern, they almost always return to a favorite roost after a few minutes and will spend a considerable amount of time there. In my experience these roosting flies will not move even when I bring the camera lens (which resembles a large predator's eye) very close to them.
They're also fairly charismatic for bugs, constantly tilting their heads around and investigating their surroundings. Dragonflies are an ancient species, dating back to a time when the Earth's oxygen content was 30% higher than its present-day levels. This excess of oxygen was one of the factors that contributed to the immense size of ancient dragonflies: Meganeura monyi, which lived 300 million years ago, had a wingspan of 2.5 feet.
A Dazzle of Dragonflies
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $41.39
The authors of A Dazzle of Dragonflies used flatbed scanners to create fantastic new images of different species. Accompanying the photos are stories behind the technique, the dragonflies, and the scientists that study them. A "dazzle" is the actual term for a group of dragonflies, like herd is for cows or gaggle is for geese. If you are a photography lover who enjoys learning as you look through the best photos on a subject, look no further.
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June 24th, 2008
Nothing!
John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.98
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June 25th, 2008
Nerodia sipedon (Northern water snake)
Subject: Nerodia sipedon (Northern water snake)
Discussion: This is another of NY's fantastic native snakes, and one I never got a chance to see before today. I needed the help of some of the snake experts at Kingsnake.com to ID this animal, and naturally since I didn't know what it was I didn't get too close. This snake is often mistaken for the highly venomous copperhead, and while nonvenomous itself it can be aggressive. I would argue that snakes are only as aggressive as any other cornered/stressed animals, and that personalities are really up to individuals. This snake, for example, was very calm even when I kneeled down to take some photos from about two feet away.
Northern water snakes have extremely variable coloration, which accounted for part of my identification woes. The Midland subspecies is much redder than even this snake. A curiosity in both snakes is a dramatic pattern on their bellies. Why would a snake need color where it crawls?
One hypothesis is that since the Northern water snake naturally spends a lot of its time swimming, the markings on the stomach help break up its silhouette when viewed by an organism deeper in the water.
Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature
Amazon Price: $23.32 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $10.75
With over 200 high-quality photographs of snakes from around the world, this book offers the latest in herpetological discussions on these animals as well as fascinating imagery. Rather than being a simple encyclopedia of snakes, the text traces the natural history of the many different species.
Have you ever wondered why snakes do not have legs, but once did? Why does snake morphology work in so many different environments, including coral reefs, deserts, rainforests, and mountains? There are 2,700 species of snakes currently known. If you want to find out how snakes got where they are today, try this book.
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June 26th, 2008
Cygnus columbianus (tundra swan)
Subject: Cygnus columbianus (tundra swan)
Discussion: My local zoo is having some issues lately keeping wild mallards away from their duck pond. These wild males are stealing food from the native ducks, and also agitating the two pairs of tundra swans that live there. I took this shot while these two were displaying to the strangers. One thing you should always remember about swans is that though they appear delicate, many species are aggressive and will bite or charge you. I saw several of the invading mallards get bitten on the wing while I was there, and the swan would not let go even as the duck struggled.
The tundra swan is unlike many birds-- it does not have significant surface differences between males and females, though the males are slightly larger. True to their name, tundra swans live primarily in tundras across North America. They feed on aquatic plants and roots and supplement with insects and mollusks.
Tundra swans have interesting tactics for defending their eggs from predators. For small predators like weasels and foxes, the parents will stay right on top of the nest (this is why it pays for them to be so aggressive-- if they weren't, their eggs would be eaten). For large predators like bears, the parents will run away from the nest as soon as they spot the intruder. This may seem like an odd way to defend your offspring, but what the parents are attempting to do is prevent the bear from locating the nest by seeing where they roost. A waddling, bright white target may also be a significant distraction to the carnivore.
Swans of the World: In Nature, History, Myth and Art
Amazon Price: $20.48 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $3.41
Traditionally connected to purity, grace, and peace, swans capture our imaginations. But why did our ancestors make such regal characters out of swans? Are black swans bad omens?
This text gives encyclopedic treatment to the biology of every swan species in the world. But it goes a step further, delving into our own history to reveal our long relationship with swans and the power of the mythos surrounding these elegant birds.
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June 27th, 2008
Order Lepidoptera
Subject: Order Lepidoptera
Discussion: As you may have noticed I'm pretty awful at IDing insects (esp. flying insects) even though I take photos of them all the time. At some point I'll have to buckle down and give them the same attention that I do to vertebrates, including buying a guide and possibly attending some local garden club meetings (garden clubs are about bugs as much as they are about plants due to the intertwined lives of these organisms).
Lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) have a number of curious attributes. For example, females have differentiated sex chromosomes while males do not. In humans we recognize this as XX (female) and XY (male), but these insects have the pattern reversed. The oldest Lepidopterans had mandibles instead of nectar-siphoning tubes, and fed on decaying leaves. Lepidopterans also have "tympanic organs" which allow them to hear, but these organs evolved separately in 8 different lineages! By evolving separately I mean that the resulting organ serves the same function, but each lineage acquired it in a different way. Other examples of independent evolution include wings (birds, bats, pterosaurs, and insects all evolved their wings through different routes), and eyes (easy examples are squid/octopus eyes compared to human or insect eyes). Having an organ evolve independently means it can be specialized to an organism's specific needs.
Florida's Fabulous Butterflies & Moths (Florida's Fabulous Series Vol 2)
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/10/2009)
Used Price: $5.98
You do not need to travel to exotic locations to find beautiful butterflies and moths. In this book on Florida's lepidopterans, you will discover that North America has its own host of fascinating species. In addition to immense, glossy photographs on every page, the text has a great deal of consideration given to many types of North American butterflies. A gorgeous exploration of American lepidopterans, not to be missed by butterfly and moth enthusiasts.
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Walkography Lenses
Want to learn more about walkography? Take a look at these lenses!
Walkography is a sport combining walking and photography to make exercise more fun and more rewarding. Here's where you can learn how to walkogg, and how to make the most of your experience.
- Walkography: How Photographers Get Great Legs
- The original walkography lens. Learn what walkography is, how I started, and how you can too!
- Walkogging at the Zoo
- Get tips on zoo photography, and how you can turn your local zoo into an exercise route.
- Walkography Equipment
- What equipment do I use for walkography? Find out here, and get tips on choosing your own cameras, memory cards, and more!
Nature Lenses
Learn more about animals, conservation, and the environment!
I have been a nature enthusiast since I was little. Here are my lenses on nature and my studies in the field of biology.
- The Evolution of Whales
- Did you know that whales evolved from land mammals that returned to the sea? Ever heard of the "walking whale?" From Pakicetus to Basilosaurus, you can find out about whale evolution here.
- All About Algae Eaters
- What is a plecostomus anyway? Are plecos good for your aquarium? Find out about the diversity and care of these strange, beautiful animals from the tropical Amazon.
Walkoggers Unite!
Share your thoughts, stories, tips, and feedback on the lens here. I hope you enjoy the photos and the books!
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Mark A Moment wrote
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GramaBarb wrote...
Wow! I love your lens and the whole concept of walkoggers and walkography! Good work!
Posted June 12, 2008
by plecostomus
You might be wondering what a plecostomus is, but... (more)
