The Biak Scops Owl
IDENTIFICATION: A medium-sized Biak scops owl (c.25cm) with prominent ear tufts, lacking any trace of dark shaft streaks but with a few fine streaks...
The Unbelievable Blooms of Amorphophallus
A pair of beautiful plants Amorphophallus with blooms as erratic as their odor is pungent. It is likely to make a short-lived appearance this...
Oregano – A Common Species of Origanum
We’re always felt a bit confused on the subject of oregano versus marjoram. But we don’t feel too bad, because so are the botanists....
Black Metaltail – A Shiny Black Head Hummingbird
Identification
The black metaltail (Metallura phoebe) is the largest of the metaltails. This hummingbird species has a shiny black head, upperparts, and underparts, with a...
Chrysanthemum – A Flowering Plant Comes in Several Shapes
Chrysanthemum, sometimes called “mums” or “chrysanths”, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern...
Maples Leaf (Acer), Grow Nature’s Most Favorite Tree
Well, everyone knows what a Maples Leaf looks like, right? It is the leaf on the Canadian flags as well, the one that lends...
Chervil Herbs – Looks Like Parsley Even More Feathery
Chervil Herbs look like parsley but are even more feathery. It has a very mild, subtle flavor that tastes like spring itself in a...
Citrullus: Member of the Watermelon Family
Citron (Citrullus vulgaris, var. citroides), a member of the watermelon family, is eaten only in candied form and never raw. It is, however, not...
Northern Cardinal Songbird: The Melodic Tunes of the Trees in Scarlet
The Northern Cardinal Songbird (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a beautiful North American bird in the genus Cardinalis. This is also known “colloquially” as the redbird...
Black Sicklebill: A Breathtaking Bird of Paradise
The Black Sicklebill (Epimachus fastosus) is a big bird of heaven in the mid-mountain forests of New Guinea. The lovely sicklebill's diet contains mostly...