Archive for April, 2010

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    Hum of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | April 2, 2010
    The striking red throat is characteristic of the male ruby-throated hummingbird. The female hummingbird lacks this coloration. The acrobatic style of flying has not been matched by other birds. They beat their wings nearly 53 times a second. If you wish to witness their ruby throats, you would need to exchange a quick glance. The ruby-throated hummingbird tends to hover frequently. They also fly upside down and backwards. Due to the presence of short legs, ruby-throated hummingbirds find it difficult to walk or hop. These hummingbirds primarily inhabit woodland regions. Gardens rich in flower density are also a famous zone for the ruby-throated hummingbird. They hover in the air to feed on flowers, nectar, and sap. In the process, they pollinate  [...]
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    Everglades National Park

    Posted in North America | April 2, 2010
    Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Florida (Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Collier counties) in the USA. The park, which is one of the largest national parks (area: 6,110 square kilometres) in the US, protects Everglades, the largest subtropical wetlands in the country. Everglades National Park is among the only three locations in the world that has also been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance besides a World Heritage Site. The park was set up in 1947. Nearest city is Florida City. Geography: The elevation of the park ranges from 0 to 2.4 metres above sea level. However, a shell mound built by Native Americans on the Gulf Coast is 6.1 metres. Lake Okeechobee  [...]
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    Cute Chipmunks

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | April 1, 2010
    Chipmunks are members of the squirrel family. They are lively and speedy critters. They have pudgy cheeks and large, glossy eyes. In addition to this, they have wonderful stripes and bushy tails. These characteristics have attracted animators from Hollywood. Chipmunks have played quite a few substantial roles in Hollywood movies. There are nearly 25 species of chipmunks. Of these, all except one have been found in North America. Asia’s Tamias sibiricus is the only exception. Chipmunks have been found from Canada to Mexico. They generally scamper through the undergrowth of a number of environments from alpine forests to shrubby deserts. Many chipmunks dig burrows for their homes. Some of these burrows are complete with tunnels and chambers.  [...]
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    Fabulous Flight of the Flying Snakes

    Posted in Wildlife A-Z | April 1, 2010
    It may be frightening to picture a group of flying snakes. This could be the stuff that nightmares are made of. However, flying snakes are a reality in South and Southeast Asia. The term ‘flying snake’ may sound strange as these creatures do not reach high altitudes. They have strong updraft. They are generally gliders and use the speed of free falls with body contortions to remain in air and generate appropriate lift. The flying snake is thought to be more of a parachuter than a glider. Recent research has thrown up interesting facts on how these limbless creatures plummet in the air. By preparing for a take-off, a flying snake will move to the end of a branch and dangle in a ‘J’ shape. It then uses the lower half of the body to propel  [...]
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