Posts Tagged With: science

REPTILIAN TUESDAY # 50

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

REPTILIAN TUESDAY #50

We’re going to Africa today to meet a large and ferocious reptile! These big guys inhabit watery spots and are definitely not an animal to mess with! Let’s load up on the E & E safari truck and head out!

 

MEET THE NILE CROCODILE!

    Range/Habitat: Africa/ rivers, lakes, wetlands

    Diet: Carnivore: fish, antelope, zebra

    Length: 11-16 ft/500-1,000 lbs

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Nile Crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in Africa.
  • They are dark olive in coloration.
  • Nile crocodiles have long jaws. Their teeth are exposed when their mouth is closed.
  • The males are very territorial.
  • Nile crocodiles are ambush predators.
  • They cannot chew their prey and must swallow chunks whole.
  • Nile crocodile females lay their eggs in a nest. They use the same nest throughout their lifetime.

Nile crocodiles are very fierce! Their ancestors have been on the planet for millions of years. Despite their bad dispositions we really like these predators and give them loads of respect!

 

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, reptiles, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MAMMAL MONDAY # 50

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

MAMMAL MONDAY #50

We hope you enjoyed Halloween Week last week, we have one last surprise up our sleeves (we don’t actually have sleeves) on Wednesday for you! Today though we are off to Europe to meet one of the most beloved and adorable native animals there. Grab a flashlight and let’s head out into an English garden to meet today’s animal.

MEET THE EUROPEAN HEDGEHOG!

   Range/Habitat: Europe/ gardens, forests, woodland

   Diet: Omnivore: worms, spiders, slugs

   Length/Weight: 26”/ 20 lbs

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • European Hedgehogs are a favorite resident of gardens of Europe.
  • They are covered in pointy spines that help protect them.
  • When threatened European Hedgehogs roll into balls, exposing only their spiny covered backs.
  • European Hedgehogs are nocturnal.
  • They are generally solitary.
  • European hedgehogs hide under bushes and logs during the day.
  • Some European hedgehogs hibernate during the winter.
  • Baby hedgehogs (hoglets) are born with their spines just under the skin.

Hedgehogs are so iconic and adorable. There are so many people who love these spiny mammals. We know we do, just don’t try and pet one!

Categories: adventure, Animals, backyard, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

OCTOBER CRAFT!! BAT MASK!!!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

October Craft!!

BAT MASK!

It’s almost Halloween and we thought a bat masks would be perfect! We have come up with a bat mask design! We have instructions for both the paper mask and a felt version!

 

Materials: (We showing the felt version here)

  • Pattern for Paper or Felt Mask
  • Print out on Cardstock (if making paper mask)
  • Crayons, Markers or Colored Pencils (if making paper mask)
  • Felt (brown)
  • Hot glue (for felt masks- to be used by an adult)
  • Hole punch (For both)
  • Scissors (For both)
  • String or ribbon (For both)

 

Instructions for Paper Mask:

1.     Print out the pattern for your mask on cardstock

2.     Cut out your mask and color.

3.     Punch holes in each side of the mask.

4.     Attach ribbon to each side and tie it your face J!

 

Instructions for Felt Mask:

1.     Print out Pattern and trace it on the felt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     Cut out the mask. When done, cut out eye holes by folding bat wing in half & cutting an oval.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.     Decorate your mask with glitter, etc… if you want to dress it up!

4.     Punch holes in the sides of mask. Tie or glue ribbon to the holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.     Wear your mask!

 

Categories: Animals, bats, Children, crafts, education, Environment, Halloween, mammals, nature, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HALLOWEEN WEEK- FRIGHTENING FEATHERY FRIDAY!

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

HALLOWEEN WEEK!

FRIGHTENING FEATHERY FRIDAY!

It is Frightening Feathery Friday and we’re going to Europe to meet one of the world’s largest owls! Get your night vision goggles and let’s go exploring! Whooooooo do you think we’re looking for?

MEET THE EURASIAN EAGLE OWL!

   Range/Habitat: Europe-Asia/ forests, deserts, mountains, grasslands

   Diet: Carnivore: hares, rats, birds

   Length/Weight: 22-30”/ 3.3- 9.3 lbs

   Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

  • Eurasian Eagle Owls are one of the world’s largest owls.
  • They have bright orange eyes.
  • Eurasian Eagle Owls are nocturnal (active at night).
  • Eurasian eagle owls have large ear tufts.
  • They have powerful talons and fully feathered legs.
  • They nest in cliffs and caves.
  • Eurasian eagle owls live up to 20 years.

WOW! These big owls are so awesome! Do you think it’s creepy when you hear an owl hoot at night or do you wish you could see these creatures of the night? Check out this video of one calling!  We always want to go find them!

Categories: adventure, Animals, birds, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, owls, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SCARY SURPRISE THURSDAY!!

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

HALLOWEEN WEEK!
SCARY SURPRISE THURSDAY!

This Scary Surprise Thursday takes us Central America to meet an usually large amphibian! These big guys have a very yucky defensive system! Put on your wellies on and let’s in to the wetlands!

MEET THE MARINE TOAD!

   Range/Habitat: Central-South America/ wetlands, rivers, lakes

   Diet: Carnivore: ants, beetles, invertebrates

   Length: 4-6”

  Conservation Status: common

Fun Facts:

  • Marine toads are also known as cane toads.
  • Marine toads are world’s largest toads.
  • They have a tough warty skin.
  • Marine toads are nocturnal (active at night).
  • They are very hardy and can survive in many different habitats.
  • Marine toads have large glands that secret a very toxic poison.

Marine toads are big bad dudes! They will eat almost anything too! We do think it’s best if we just let them hang out by themselves, you know with their toxic skin and all!

Categories: adventure, amphibians, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WEIRD WATERY WEDNESDAY!!!

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

HALLOWEEN WEEK!

WEIRD WATERY WEDNESDAY!

We’re taking the E & E sub down to the deep depths of the ocean for this Weird Watery Wednesday! We’re on the lookout for a fish with fangs! Don’t worry they don’t bite and suck blood; they use their large teeth for eating prey! Is everyone ready?

MEET THE FANGTOOTH FISH!

   Range/Habitat: Tropical-temperate Ocean waters worldwide

   Diet: Carnivore: fish

   Length: up to 7”

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Fangtooth fish are also named the orgefish.
  • Fangtooth live in the deep depths of the ocean.
  • They have large heads and small bodies.
  • Fangtooth fish can eat prey that is almost as large as they are.
  • Fangtooth have the largest teeth of any fish in proportion to their body.
  • Their lower teeth fit into specialized pockets in their skulls when their mouths are closed.

 

Wow! Fangtooth fish are crazy weird looking! The deep, deep ocean is full of alien looking creatures! Would you love to be a deep sea explorer?

 

 

Categories: adventure, Animals, Children, conservation, education, entertainment, fish, nature, oceans, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

REALLY SCARY REPTILIAN TUESDAY!

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

HALLOWEEN WEEK!

REALLY SCARY REPTILIAN TUESDAY!

We’re staying in the grasslands of Africa on this Really Scary Reptilian Tuesday to meet one of the most deadly snakes in the world. We’ll be looking for this reptile from the safari truck so everyone stays safe! Are you ready?

 

MEET THE BLACK MAMBA!

   Range/Habitat: East-South Africa/ forests-grasslands

   Diet: Carnivore: birds, small mammals

   Length: 8 ¼-11 ft

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Black Mambas are very fast, they can reach speeds of 12 ½ mph.
  • Black mambas are extremely venomous.
  • They are a brown/gray color. They get their name from the color of the inside of their mouths.
  • Black mambas are very territorial.
  • They are diurnal (active during the day).
  • Black mambas can be fatal to humans.

Black mambas are very dangerous and should be watched from a distance for sure! These fast snakes are definitely best left alone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories: adventure, africa, Animals, Children, conservation, education, entertainment, nature, reptiles, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HALLOWEEN WEEK! MONSTOROUS MAMMAL MONDAY!

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

HALLOWEEN WEEK!

MONSTROUS  MAMMAL MONDAY!

We’re celebrating weird, creepy and feared animals this week as Halloween approaches! These animals haunt your dreams and make you have goose bumps! Ok, these animals are not that bad, but they often have bad reputations! First up we’re off to meet a flying mammal that comes out at night! Grab your night vision goggles and let’s do this!

MEET THE MAURITIAN TOMB BAT!

   Range/Habitat: Central- South Africa/ scrub-savannas

   Diet: Insectivore: insects

   Length/Weight: 2 ¾-3 ½”/ 1 1/16 oz

  Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Mauritian Tomb Bats make a variety of vocalizations (not all audible are to humans).
  • They use echolocation to find prey.
  • Mauritian Tomb Bats roosts in trees and buildings.
  • They roost in small groups instead of large colonies.
  • Mauritian Tomb Bats have good eyesight.
  • They are nocturnal (active at night).

Mauritian Tomb Bats are really cool. Well, all bats are really cool if you ask us. Most bats eat insects, some eat fruit and yes there are a few who drink blood! Wow! What’s your favorite thing about bats?

Categories: adventure, Animals, bats, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, rainforests, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

INTERNATIONAL SLOTH DAY!

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

Happy International Sloth Day!

YAAAAAWN! Do you know what animal sleeps 20 hours a day and spends most of their lives upside down in a tree? If you guessed sloth you’re right!!!

We’re celebrating these sleepy creatures today with some fun facts and great photos! Are you ready to head to the rainforests of Central and South America to meet these cute and lazy animals?

  • Sloths sleep up to 20 hours a day.
  • Sloths are arboreal (they spend most of their lives in trees).
  • They only poop once a week; and they do that on the ground to keep the scent away from where they live.
  • Sloths have algae that grows on their fur. It helps keep them camouflaged in their habitats.
  • They are related to armadillos and anteaters.
  • There are two species of sloth; the three toed sloth and the two toed sloth.
  • Three toed sloths have two extra vertebrae in their necks that allow them to turn them almost all the way around.
  • Sloths eat fruit and leaves.
  • Sloths are very awkward on land, but are excellent swimmers.
  • The ancient relative of the sloth is The Giant Sloth who was almost as big as an elephant! If you are on twitter, you can talk to Rusty the Giant Sloth from the University of Iowa Natural History Museum (@RustyGiantSloth).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sloths are listed as vulnerable species, mainly due to habitat loss. There is a wonderful Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica that helps protects these wonderful animals. Check them out for more info on how you two can protect our lazy friends too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                   Who’s ready for a nap?

Categories: adventure, Animals, Children, conservation, education, Environment, mammals, nature, rainforests, science, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

FEATHERY FRIDAY # 49

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Ellie and Edmond ©

FEATHERY FRIDAY #49

This Friday is full of feathers as usual and we’re going to meet our bird friend in Europe! These birds are very colorful. Let’s get our binoculars and practice our bird watching skills.

 

MEET THE GREATER SPOTTED CUCKOO!

   Range/Habitat: Europe-West Asia-Africa/ woodlands

   Diet: Insectivore: insects, caterpillars

   Length/Weight: 14-15 ½”

   Conservation Status: common

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Facts:

  • Greater spotted cuckoos are related to roadrunners.
  • They have a small crest of gray feathers on their head.
  • Greater spotted cuckoos will remove the venomous hairs off caterpillars before they eat them.
  • They lay their eggs in other bird’s nests, like crows, with the crow’s eggs.
  • The crows then raise the Greater Spotted Cuckoo’s chicks.

These interesting birds use a very unusual method of raising their offspring. Instead of raising themselves they have another bird do it for them! Wow! Pretty crazy!

 

 

Categories: adventure, Animals, birds, Children, conservation, education, Environment, nature, rivers, wildlife | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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