Nature is Awesome

Birding: Is it human nature to fear nature?

We are losing our connection to the natural environment. Between mosquitoes, ticks, rabid raccoons, lions, tigers and bears, the outdoors seems a

When Nature comes to Your Association

Waking up to a chorus of cheerful birds or looking out your windows to a gecko sunbathing on a rock is something most of us enjoy. While we always encourage HOAs to enjoy the nature that surrounds their homes, it is never advisable to feed wild animals. While animals like birds are generally harmless, some

Why birds are nature's master builders

The varied and ingenious ways in which birds build their nests is the subject of a new virtual art exhibition opening for Easter.

Nature Nut: Finding fun, friendship on a hunt for morels

I suspect I am not the only one who has had grackles inhale food at feeders. I keep looking for a reason to like them, as they seem obnoxious at

Three Great New Nature Reference Guides

A review of three new useful and beautiful nature reference guides on owls, butterflies and rabbits.

ENJOYING NATURE: How to distinguish between our swallows

Everyone can identify a bluebird, a robin, or a mockingbird. You can, can’t you?

Why Urban Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature

I did not go tent camping as a kid. I grew up in the inner-city, and the closest my family ever came to communing with the outdoors was a trip to some sort of family camp when my sister and I were very little. I have hazy memories of the experience, but based on the one photograph …

Nature of Things: Decline of bird populations is troubling

Many of us involved in long-term bird surveys have been convinced that birds have been in trouble for a long time.I recently looked at my field notes from

Nature At Risk: How Important Can A Tiny Bird Be?

By Brodhead Watershed Association When you hear that this, that, or the other bird, mammal, fish, or other creature is endangered, or peri...

What Nature Can Teach Us About Decision-Making

The Smart Swarm: How to Work Efficiently, Communicate Effectively, and Make Better Decisions Using the Secrets of Flocks, Schools and Colonies

31 Awesome Facts You May Not Know About "Family Guy"

Why birds hold their heads still (that awesome chicken ad)

First, if you haven’t seen it yet, watch this chicken video. Yes, it’s an ad, but it’s completely worth it. What are those chickens doing? And more importantly, can you learn to d…

How camping technology made us feel at home in nature

Nature Nut: How do monarchs make their move? They follow the blazing star

It is the time of year when monarch butterflies have enthralled me over much of the past three decades. Ever since studying and teaching about them, I have always enjoyed

Want your child to connect with nature? Send them to camp.

How do you support your child’s sense of wonder? Their abundant curiosity paves the way for learning, and they’re eager to discover new facts about the world they live in—especially the great outdoors. While 96 percent of parents say it’s important for their kids to have “a connection with nature,” kids are spending less time …

Nature watch: Does climate change affect bird migration?

Half of migrating species spotted in Erie are arriving 7 to 10 days earlier than ever before.

How animal group rituals can help explain human nature

Behavioral ecologist Caitlin O'Connell explains the importance of ritual in animal societies, and the lessons for humanity

What nature's 'useless' quirks tell us about evolution

From penguins' wings to the human chin, how do we explain these evolutionary anomalies?

What is this moth and why does it look like a bird? Readers’ nature queries

Eanna Ní Lamhna on drinker moths, fly agaric mushrooms and Charlemagne’s remedy