Discover Nature Notes

The Creature with a Mobile Home

Peg Craft

Mar 23, 2019

It's always on the move and brings it's home along too! It is both common and unusual. Its mouth is on the bottom of its foot. It has a foot but no leg. It leaves a trail wherever it goes. This mobile critter has a lot of mechanical features with special attachments. Learn more about this ancient creature found worldwide in this week's Discover Nature Note.

The Bird with the Sky on Its Back

Peg Craft

Mar 17, 2019

Poet Henry David Thoreau wrote that the bluebird, "carries the sky on its back". Learn more about this symbol of happiness and how you can help them and watch them raise a family by building a nest box.

GAGA Over Ferns

Peg Craft

Mar 10, 2019

There are thousands of ferns with creative names and healthy features. You can now officially go "gaga" over them with a new genus of 19 plants named after Lady Gaga, inspired by a grammy costume and DNA sequencing. Discover the resurrection fern. It comes back to life, has been to space, and is used medicinally. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Notes blog.

Nature's Slow Take on Speed Dating

Peg Craft

Mar 03, 2019

Male prairie chickens boom, jump in the air, and compete for the attention of hens. The hens take their time strolling by before picking a mate. See their spring dance and learn what's being done to save them in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Toad or Frog?

Peg Craft

Feb 22, 2019

Which picture is a toad and which is a frog? Learn their differences and what they have in common in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Wily Coyotes

Peg Craft

Feb 17, 2019

Wile E. Coyote never could catch the roadrunner in cartoons, but in reality, coyotes have keen survival skills. Learn how two famous Missourians shaped their image, and how to deal with them in urban areas in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Nature Valentines Top 5

Peg Craft

Feb 10, 2019

Many species use showy displays and fancy moves to attract a mate. Catch our top five countdown on the best in show on land, in the air, and on the water.

Hollywood's Voice of Choice

Peg Craft

Feb 03, 2019

Their piercing calls are often dubbed for eagles in the movies. Red-tailed hawks have strong senses as well. Learn more in this week's Discover Nature Note.

Groundhogs and their Day

Peg Craft

Jan 27, 2019

Groundhogs rule their day with a popular weather forecast. They're also expert home builders. Learn more and the answer to an age old question in this week's Discover Nature Note.