The Friendly Pennsylvanian

While visiting my parents this week, they notified me of a unique guest. Return of the wheel bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus). This guy was hanging on a screen outside of their porch. In 2004, I found one in PA at my parents house and made him a pet for a few weeks. See: Ferdinand -Wheel Bug He enjoyed ''assisted'' meal worm feedings, but I am pretty sure he would have preferred softer prey like caterpillars. They are interesting to watch, but as with any predatory creature, they can be dangerous. The proboscis is said to pack quite a punch = to about 10 wasp stings. I don't have first hand knowledge of this, but several websites with wheel bug info describe the sting. If you are interested in learning more about these stellar assassins check out these sites. wheel bug

Whole Foods Now Offers Live Feeders!

One of my students, Marguerite, was making a salad with her dad and her sister Céleste, when her father noticed a rotten leaf! He was about to remove it when he said, "Oh my god there is a frog in this lettuce!" Marguerite and her sister looked and saw it was still alive. "We wanted to touch him," commented Marguerite, "but dad said no." So, they put him in a big jar and brought him to school. By the way, this guy spent 10 days in the fridge before anyone knew he was there. He is now their pet and his name is Francis. He is smaller then an adults fingernail, and he likes to eat baby crickets. Happy hopping Francis!

Late Night Spider Sight

This scary little fellow was hanging around my apartment the other night. I noticed him while wandering to get a late night drink of water. I quickly fetched my camera and caught him in this nice pose. It is a daddy long legged spider, Pholcus phalangioides. More info about them can be found here.

The Adventures of The Urban Naturalists

My first attempt at running a summer camp was a true success. The campers had a blast, as did I. Not only did we take advantage of all Central Park has to offer, but we really explored the 5 bouroughs of Manhattan, ok 3 of the 5, but it was only 5 days! As would be expected, I photo documented the experience, and here are some of the great critters we took note of on our journey, The kids did learn quite a bit too!

Did you forget that I can dance? Ohh ya.

The garden snails are everywhere! My brooklyn garden is packed to the rim with these guys. Its a very shady, ivy filled garden. Nice place for snails and slugs. I watched quite a dance the other night. Many critters wandering. Felt like I was in Ulster County. Stripe says ''whats up!''

Can I Help You?

This hornet(not sure which kind), was very focused on building a nest with two others from his colony when I located them on the side of my brothers house in upstate NY. My brother said he had already removed 2 hives in progress. They are very persistent. Not only are they busy building, but it looks like something else is in the works as well.

Oh Color, Return To Me!

After a bout with worms, and some mild skin discoloration, Derek is once again strong as ever. With a huge appetite as an aggressive "live" hunter, he is looking good. Angelo is posing in the lower left corner, and his mighty claw is also pictured. They seem to both be doing well, aside from becoming very picky eaters. No green bean debates.

Sam the Salamander

Found this guy camping out under a log with his pal. Make sure not to touch salamanders if you find one because they have a layer of slime on their bodies that can react with the natural oil on your fingers. He was about 4cm long.

The Trees Deceive

While visiting my inlaws during spring break week, I went for several walks and took quite a few photographs of trees, the sky and other interesting natural objects. This is a thick bramble gone mad. Happy holidays.

Ashokan, NY: Early Spring 2006

Last week, 10 staff members in our school went on a trip with our 4th grade students who found several opportunities for investigation and discovery in the care of counselors. This gave me time for some photo journaling and investigating of my own. Fun was had by all who attended. For those in the dark, Ashokan is a camp which provides children with outdoor education and hands-on crafts that were developed long ago. Broom making, tinsmithing, and blacksmithing are just 3 of the trades they get to sample on their journey.

Hello There, I'm Pinky

This pink betta fish, Betta splendens, belongs to my niece. It's name is Pinky, but i'm pretty sure he's male. Most female betta fish are duller and have shorter fins. He is in a very small bowl right now, and looking a bit bored. Wonder what he thought of the camera flash.

Canadian Invaders

In Bethlehem Pennsylvania, the town I grew up in, these geese have been making this creek their own for as long as I can remember. This late February shot was the first major snowfall of the year for the people of this fine town. I was glad to witness the happy scene.

A Cold Blue Winter's Night

Central Park, NYC.

Triple the Ootheca, Triple the Fun!

With all the warm weather, it is making me think about the 3 preying mantid egg sacks I found. Two were found in Pennsylvania, the other in Long Island. It will be interesting to see what comes out, and when. We will have to wait until spring, unless this unseasonably warm weather causes them to hatch early. Lets hope we can have some survivors this year. The Green Beast had his day in the limelight, but it is time to clear the stage for some of his fellow species members!

Identify the rocks!

My 3rd and 4th grade students are learning about the 3 main types of rocks. They examined and compared different types of rocks in order to discover characteristcs that could help them identiy them. When all is said and done, these rocks will be no problem for the young scientists I have the pleasure of guiding. The rocks are all numbered for categorization, but they looked great close up. Test your rock knowlege on these beauties. Good luck.

meow

Four Leaves, Countless Memories

Over the Christmas weekend, I was visiting my grandmother and taking photographs of some of her hand-made art work when I came across this 4 leaf clover. I asked her about it and am I glad that I did. This 4 leaf clover which was pressed and laminated, was given to my late grandfather by my great grandmother before he entered World War II in 1941. When he died last year, my grandmother found it in his wallet. Not only did he survive the war, but he lived a happy, healthy life.

Rock, Scissors, Paperwhites

Early in Novemeber, I planted 3 paperwhite, Narcissus tazetta, blubs in a glass jar I had in my science room. I used several rocks to hold the blubs tight, and they grew over the course of the month. They developed lavish root systems, and after they flowered, I kept them close to my desk so I would have something lovely to smell for a change. It seems the science room is the butt of several "stinky" jokes. Noone ever said a science room is suppose to smell good. Anyway, enjoy this series of pictures.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Flowers!

One Year Later...

Last November, Kat and I were married in Mexico. Quite a wonderful time was had by the 45 participants, especially us. After everyone else left we stayed for an extra week in Mexico and adventured. This is my "one year later" shout out! Enjoy these views of the Observatory and The Temple of The Warriors at Chichén Itzá and a Tulúm Sunset, that are still fresh in my mind. Happy Anniversary Mrs. Hammill!

Welcome To Long Island

Last weekend a few friends, my lovely wife and I went to the eastern end of L.I. to visit the "wine county". To my suprise the vinyards were quite nice and the views were suprisingly foreign. I made time to search for interesting objects. Coming soon: ootha release party. ...Sometime in 2006. The mantids will be coming.