The Great Backyard Bird Count is almost here! February, 9,

Anyone can do it, and it’s easy.  Just log-in to ebird, http://ebird.org/ebird/submit , set-up an account, then tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 15-18, 2019.

You’re only supposed to put in the birds you recognize.  If you see a bird you can’t figure out, just skip it.  If this is your first time, keep it simple.  You can count from any location, anywhere in the world – including your backyard.  You too can make a difference in advancing the understanding of bird location and behavior, and be a part of this global citizen-science project!

Pop quiz February, 7,

What critter creates this structure?

And the answer is……

Leafcutter ants!

They’re thought to be the only animals besides humans that cultivate their own food.  They carry bits of leaves into their colony and farm the fungus that lives on them.  The ants eat the fungus.  They excavate huge underground dens, creating these sand piles on the surface.