Hobbies

The Oriental Rat Snake

The Oriental Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa) is a medium-sized, active, diurnal snake associated with open habitats, including agricultural systems; much of the diet consists of amphibians and commensal rodents....

The Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)

Description The spotted sandpiper is a member of the family, Scolopacidae. It includes numerous species of shorebirds, e.g., sandpipers,...

The Orographic Effect and Rain Shadow

The orographic effect, also known as the rain shadow effect, is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when moist...

The Facts of Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925

Are you a history lover? Do you know the facts about the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925? The...

Gladiolus Flowers are Popular For Bright Color

Gladiolus, or glads as they’re sometimes nicknamed, are popular flowers. They're tall, brightly colored red flower spikes that...

Gymnocalycium: Most Popular Cacti among Hobbyists

Gymnocalycium is the most popular cacti for hobbyists—and certainly exciting to see in the field. A vast genus of globose cactus from eastern South...

Matucana krahnii: Stunning little clustering cactus

Matucana krahnii is a species of matucana in the family CACTACEAE. There are more than five known locations in Peru where this cactus can...

Tom Brown: The Apple Hunter Rescuing Over 1,200 Lost Varieties

The story of Tom Brown, the retired engineer who became an 'apple hunter', rescuing over 1,000 'lost' varieties in the last 25 years. The...

Samuel Dale (1772-1841)

Samuel Dale was born in Rockbridge County, Va., to Pennsylvania parents who were of Scotch-Irish descent. He was also known as “Daniel Boonie of...

Jaguarundi: A Small and Beautiful South American Cat

The enigma is the jaguarundi (Puma Yagouaroundi). This small South American cat looks different from any other small feline and shows some behavioral similarities...

Puppy Developmental Stages: What You Need to Know

Puppy Developmental Stages: What You Need to Know Is your new furry friend always underfoot? Do you find yourself tripping over toys in the middle...

Can You Use Spray Paint on a Gun?

Can you use spray paint on a gun? The simplest answer to this question is yes; however, there are things to consider to ensure that...

Dazzling Series of Siamese Fighting Fish

Visarute Angkatavanich is a commercial photographer right now living in Bangkok, Thailand. He takes mind-blowing portrait pictures of Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens). Visarute ongoing...

Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is the only species named for its habits and diet, but several cat species will catch and eat fish...

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) was once considered the southern form of the Canada lynx. However, the fossils and DNA studies show that bobcats' ancestors...