Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
“Yank, Yank, Yank,” came the sound from the trees near the bird feeder. Looking out, the small bird with clean black, gray, and white markings, became visible, headed down the tree face-first. The white-breasted nuthatch is a favorite for many of us who enjoy them around our homes.
The nuthatch name comes from their feeding habit that includes jamming nuts or seeds into the tree’s bark. They then pound at them with their sharp bill to get the seed inside. Seeds are as much as 70% of the white-breasted nuthatches winter diet, which they cache, or store, under loose bark or in tree crevices. They hide the food with a piece of moss, bark, lichen or snow. During the warm months, the white-breasted nuthatch will eat beetles, stink bugs, gall flies, scale insects, caterpillars, or ants. They have been observed feeding on the ground, and of course, enjoy feeding stations for sunflower seeds, nuts, or suet. When we see the birds making frequent, regular trips to the feeder and returning more quickly than it seems it would have taken them to eat the seeds, the nuthatches are most likely storing those seeds away for another day!
White-breasted nuthatches have some extremely interesting behaviors. As cavity nesters, they will often smear insects around the nest entrance to deter their main competitor for the same cavities, squirrels. When they leave the nest hole, they will also wipe the entrance with fur or vegetation, presumably to make it difficult for predators to smell their presence.
During the winter, white-breasted nuthatches travel with mixed flocks of other birds such as chickadees, titmice, red-breasted nuthatches, and downy woodpeckers. Scientists believe that chickadee calls carry information about predators, offering protection and a means to find food easier.
If we are to go looking for a white-breasted nuthatch, they are most commonly found in mature, deciduous forests, while the relative red-breasted nuthatch prefers the coniferous forest more. Explore and enjoy the wonder of this nature in your own back yard.
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Goldenrod Gall
Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
As I was walking down the road, the goldenrod stalks were waving in the wind. In late summer, the yellow colors of the goldenrod lights up the fields and roadsides. Now, its dead stems sometimes show life, with a round ball evident on some of the stems. This round ball is an insect gall, the home of a small fly spending the winter protected inside this plant. My body shivers in the cold, just thinking of what it might be like to be an insect inside that small ball, tucked inside a plant. What an interesting place to spend the winter!
A goldenrod gall is formed by a small fly, a fruit fly. The insect’s relationship with goldenrod began last spring when a female fly laid one egg in May to early June on the leaves of a goldenrod stem. After four days, the egg hatched and immediately the young larva chewed into the stem. The larva injected chemicals into the plants, causing cell division to increase and form the round gall. Its hard corky exterior protected the inner nutritious starches that provided food for the larva. As the gall grew, the fly larva created a central chamber that it lived in until the next spring. During the summer, the white larva fed on the inside of the gall, growing until early October. Since the adult flies have no mouthparts with which to chew, the larva then chewed a tunnel out to the surface of the gall, leaving a thin protective exterior over the outer opening.
During the winter, the mature larva went into a diapause, or dormancy. As winter approached, the water content in their bodies was converted from glycogen into glycerol, acting as antifreeze to keep ice crystals from forming in their bodies. Additionally, they had the plant gall to provide physical protection from predators.
In the spring, the fly larva will leave its dormant state and pupate inside the gall. Once it emerges as an adult fruit fly, it will crawl along the previously created tunnel, inflate a balloon-like body part between its eyes to create an opening in the thin covering, and escape its winter home. As an adult, the fly is smaller than a house fly, and lives about ten days. The cycle then begins again.
The goldenrod gall is not harmed by the insect’s presence. It seems like an ideal, and amazing, way for a small insect to survive and adapt to the harsher elements of our winter season. However, the small fly is still susceptible to dangers. Downy woodpeckers and chickadees are known to feed upon the insect larvae. Two species of parasitic wasps deposit their eggs through the growing gall tissue into the fly larvae, so that a small black wasp may emerge in spring instead of a fruit fly.
Wander the snowy fields in search of some goldenrod ball galls. Take a closer look at one of nature’s amazing delights. Enjoy nature in our own back yards.
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
As I was walking down the road, the goldenrod stalks were waving in the wind. In late summer, the yellow colors of the goldenrod lights up the fields and roadsides. Now, its dead stems sometimes show life, with a round ball evident on some of the stems. This round ball is an insect gall, the home of a small fly spending the winter protected inside this plant. My body shivers in the cold, just thinking of what it might be like to be an insect inside that small ball, tucked inside a plant. What an interesting place to spend the winter!
A goldenrod gall is formed by a small fly, a fruit fly. The insect’s relationship with goldenrod began last spring when a female fly laid one egg in May to early June on the leaves of a goldenrod stem. After four days, the egg hatched and immediately the young larva chewed into the stem. The larva injected chemicals into the plants, causing cell division to increase and form the round gall. Its hard corky exterior protected the inner nutritious starches that provided food for the larva. As the gall grew, the fly larva created a central chamber that it lived in until the next spring. During the summer, the white larva fed on the inside of the gall, growing until early October. Since the adult flies have no mouthparts with which to chew, the larva then chewed a tunnel out to the surface of the gall, leaving a thin protective exterior over the outer opening.
During the winter, the mature larva went into a diapause, or dormancy. As winter approached, the water content in their bodies was converted from glycogen into glycerol, acting as antifreeze to keep ice crystals from forming in their bodies. Additionally, they had the plant gall to provide physical protection from predators.
In the spring, the fly larva will leave its dormant state and pupate inside the gall. Once it emerges as an adult fruit fly, it will crawl along the previously created tunnel, inflate a balloon-like body part between its eyes to create an opening in the thin covering, and escape its winter home. As an adult, the fly is smaller than a house fly, and lives about ten days. The cycle then begins again.
The goldenrod gall is not harmed by the insect’s presence. It seems like an ideal, and amazing, way for a small insect to survive and adapt to the harsher elements of our winter season. However, the small fly is still susceptible to dangers. Downy woodpeckers and chickadees are known to feed upon the insect larvae. Two species of parasitic wasps deposit their eggs through the growing gall tissue into the fly larvae, so that a small black wasp may emerge in spring instead of a fruit fly.
Wander the snowy fields in search of some goldenrod ball galls. Take a closer look at one of nature’s amazing delights. Enjoy nature in our own back yards.
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
At the Feeder
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
At the Feeder
Much activity has been at the bird feeders this past week, and one of my favorite views and sounds came from observing the mourning dove. Their gentle woo-oo-oo-oo sound made from their cooing perches that gives the bird its name can comfort us, and the rapid flight on whistling wings is pleasant when they burst into the air.
Mourning doves feed mostly on the ground, swallowing seeds to store them in their enlarged esophagus we call the crop. One mourning dove was found to have over 17,000 seeds in its crop. Once they are finished feeding, they fly to their safe perch for digestion of their meal. Wild seeds, grasses, herbs, cultivated grains, and the occasional berry make up the most of this dove’s diet, with a once in while meal of snails. The birds peck or push aside ground litter while searching for food.
Known as a lover of baths in the sun or rain by lying on the ground or on a tree limb, mourning doves stretch out a wing, holding it in place. Our bird baths and shallow pools of water are also bathing places, and the doves will bathe in dust as well. They will often gather at their drinking spots at dawn or dusk. The bird drinks through suction, not needing to lift their heads.
Adult mourning doves feed their nestlings "pigeon milk," milk secreted from their crop lining. This food is fed to the hatchlings for three days, more nutritious than cow or human milk because of its protein and fat. Except for during the breeding season, the doves roost communally in conifer or deciduous trees, spending more time in them on colder winter days. Take a walk outdoors, and look for their roosting areas, listen to their mournful morning call, and enjoy the beauty in our own back yard.
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Cable Natural History Museum
At the Feeder
Much activity has been at the bird feeders this past week, and one of my favorite views and sounds came from observing the mourning dove. Their gentle woo-oo-oo-oo sound made from their cooing perches that gives the bird its name can comfort us, and the rapid flight on whistling wings is pleasant when they burst into the air.
Mourning doves feed mostly on the ground, swallowing seeds to store them in their enlarged esophagus we call the crop. One mourning dove was found to have over 17,000 seeds in its crop. Once they are finished feeding, they fly to their safe perch for digestion of their meal. Wild seeds, grasses, herbs, cultivated grains, and the occasional berry make up the most of this dove’s diet, with a once in while meal of snails. The birds peck or push aside ground litter while searching for food.
Known as a lover of baths in the sun or rain by lying on the ground or on a tree limb, mourning doves stretch out a wing, holding it in place. Our bird baths and shallow pools of water are also bathing places, and the doves will bathe in dust as well. They will often gather at their drinking spots at dawn or dusk. The bird drinks through suction, not needing to lift their heads.
Adult mourning doves feed their nestlings "pigeon milk," milk secreted from their crop lining. This food is fed to the hatchlings for three days, more nutritious than cow or human milk because of its protein and fat. Except for during the breeding season, the doves roost communally in conifer or deciduous trees, spending more time in them on colder winter days. Take a walk outdoors, and look for their roosting areas, listen to their mournful morning call, and enjoy the beauty in our own back yard.
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Where Do Birds Sleep
Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
One of my favorite Christmas presents this year was the gift of a new mattress. I was pondering the other day, as I just woke up from a long winter night’s sleep, what is a night’s sleep like for a bird? How do they keep themselves warm? How do they survive such cold temperatures? Do they nest? Find other places to sleep? Whatever they do, a bird’s sleep could not compare to the comfort and warmth of my new memory foam bed!
Many people assume that birds use their nests during the winter, but a nest is a baby’s crib, something to be used during the spring rather than winter. However, some birds do use our human-made bird houses to sleep in for the night. Birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other species curl up inside tree cavities for cover and heat. Many owls and other cavity-nesters find their favorite tree holes. Other birds crowd together in whatever nooks or crannies they find.
Our favorite, cheery goldfinches, sleep in thick evergreens, as do some sparrows, crossbills, snow buntings, and sometimes the chickadee. Songbirds such as blue jays and cardinals find dense thickets in which to sleep within. Crows and turkeys roost in trees. Crows sit close to the branches in their roost, feathers covering their feet, tucking their heads beneath their wings.
Some birds that prefer open fields will burrow into snow holes to escape the wind and cold. Ruffed grouse will dive down from the aspens in which they feed during the day to the deeper snow below, allowing the snow to insulate them from the colder night temperatures.
Some ducks sleep in icy water. Bobwhites sleep on the ground, heads facing outward to conserve body heat while protecting them from other dangers.
Wherever a bird sleeps, its first protection is from its feathers. Feathers repel water and insulate birds’ bodies from the cold. Using muscles, birds can raise or lower each feather, fluffing them to create warm air spaces. Burying their heads and feet also reduces heat loss.
Occasionally as I take a walk at dusk around the house I will pick up on the commotion as birds are settling in for the night. I keep my eyes open for the birds as they are getting ready for sleep. I wish for them sweet dreams and success throughout the night, and I appreciate my cozy warm home just that much more!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
One of my favorite Christmas presents this year was the gift of a new mattress. I was pondering the other day, as I just woke up from a long winter night’s sleep, what is a night’s sleep like for a bird? How do they keep themselves warm? How do they survive such cold temperatures? Do they nest? Find other places to sleep? Whatever they do, a bird’s sleep could not compare to the comfort and warmth of my new memory foam bed!
Many people assume that birds use their nests during the winter, but a nest is a baby’s crib, something to be used during the spring rather than winter. However, some birds do use our human-made bird houses to sleep in for the night. Birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other species curl up inside tree cavities for cover and heat. Many owls and other cavity-nesters find their favorite tree holes. Other birds crowd together in whatever nooks or crannies they find.
Our favorite, cheery goldfinches, sleep in thick evergreens, as do some sparrows, crossbills, snow buntings, and sometimes the chickadee. Songbirds such as blue jays and cardinals find dense thickets in which to sleep within. Crows and turkeys roost in trees. Crows sit close to the branches in their roost, feathers covering their feet, tucking their heads beneath their wings.
Some birds that prefer open fields will burrow into snow holes to escape the wind and cold. Ruffed grouse will dive down from the aspens in which they feed during the day to the deeper snow below, allowing the snow to insulate them from the colder night temperatures.
Some ducks sleep in icy water. Bobwhites sleep on the ground, heads facing outward to conserve body heat while protecting them from other dangers.
Wherever a bird sleeps, its first protection is from its feathers. Feathers repel water and insulate birds’ bodies from the cold. Using muscles, birds can raise or lower each feather, fluffing them to create warm air spaces. Burying their heads and feet also reduces heat loss.
Occasionally as I take a walk at dusk around the house I will pick up on the commotion as birds are settling in for the night. I keep my eyes open for the birds as they are getting ready for sleep. I wish for them sweet dreams and success throughout the night, and I appreciate my cozy warm home just that much more!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Blue Jay
Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
“Jay! Jay!” is a familiar sound around our bird feeders. These blue jays are identified by their perky crests with blue, black and white plumage. Seeing them in large groups around our feeders is not uncommon. Find out the following information about these intelligent birds worth getting to know better.
To understand a blue jay's mood, just look at its crest. If it is up, this suggests a stressed or aggressive bird.
Blue jays are primarily vegetarians, eating mostly nuts, fruit, grain and seeds from trees and shrubs. They especially like acorns. They also eat small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars or grasshoppers. Having a reputation for raiding nests for eggs or young birds, studies have actually shown that this behavior is less common. Jays hold their food in their feet while pecking at it.
Blue jays store food in caches during the fall so that they may eat the food later in winter. They can carry food in their throat and upper esophagus, an area called a “gular pouch.” This “storage method” can allow jays to store one acorn in their bill, one in their mouth, and up to three acorns in their pouch. Six blue jays fitted with radio transmitters each cached up to 5,000 acorns in one autumn! It is no surprise this bird has the reputation as being a re-forester of the oak tree.
Blue jays have been observed "anting," rubbing their wings with ants. They even lose their balance as they are doing this. Why do they do this anting behavior? Scientists believe the substance from the ants can repel parasites, or perhaps help clean the feathers.
Some blue jays migrate, while others stay put all year-round. Migrating flocks of up to 250 birds have been observed flying over hawk-watching spots. The groups have included adults and young birds, but there seems to be no age difference between migrating jays and those that remain as residential birds. Some jays migrate one year but not the next. Scientists believe that the amount of jays that migrate is less than 20 percent. This migration continues to be quite a mystery.
The striking blue color with the snow as a backdrop makes a delightful winter sight. Our resident blue jays are fun to have around, and their sounds a joyful greeting to our ears. Be sure to get outside this week to enjoy what winter brings!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
“Jay! Jay!” is a familiar sound around our bird feeders. These blue jays are identified by their perky crests with blue, black and white plumage. Seeing them in large groups around our feeders is not uncommon. Find out the following information about these intelligent birds worth getting to know better.
To understand a blue jay's mood, just look at its crest. If it is up, this suggests a stressed or aggressive bird.
Blue jays are primarily vegetarians, eating mostly nuts, fruit, grain and seeds from trees and shrubs. They especially like acorns. They also eat small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars or grasshoppers. Having a reputation for raiding nests for eggs or young birds, studies have actually shown that this behavior is less common. Jays hold their food in their feet while pecking at it.
Blue jays store food in caches during the fall so that they may eat the food later in winter. They can carry food in their throat and upper esophagus, an area called a “gular pouch.” This “storage method” can allow jays to store one acorn in their bill, one in their mouth, and up to three acorns in their pouch. Six blue jays fitted with radio transmitters each cached up to 5,000 acorns in one autumn! It is no surprise this bird has the reputation as being a re-forester of the oak tree.
Blue jays have been observed "anting," rubbing their wings with ants. They even lose their balance as they are doing this. Why do they do this anting behavior? Scientists believe the substance from the ants can repel parasites, or perhaps help clean the feathers.
Some blue jays migrate, while others stay put all year-round. Migrating flocks of up to 250 birds have been observed flying over hawk-watching spots. The groups have included adults and young birds, but there seems to be no age difference between migrating jays and those that remain as residential birds. Some jays migrate one year but not the next. Scientists believe that the amount of jays that migrate is less than 20 percent. This migration continues to be quite a mystery.
The striking blue color with the snow as a backdrop makes a delightful winter sight. Our resident blue jays are fun to have around, and their sounds a joyful greeting to our ears. Be sure to get outside this week to enjoy what winter brings!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Orion
Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
The longest nights of the year are upon us, but at least we’re past the solstice and days begin lengthening again. With the addition of a new dog in our family, I find myself outdoors at night more often than previously. These walks are pleasurable for in spite of the cold, there is an amazing night sky to greet me. Even in early evening, sky-watching is worthwhile, as Orion, a constellation we see only in the winter, is peeking into view as night falls. Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky, also sparkles in the south. It makes for a lovely view!
Orion, known in historical legend as the hunter, shines in prime time during winter's long nights. It can be viewed in the east soon after nightfall. It is perhaps one of the most easily found and identified constellations we can view. Bright stars make up Orion’s three-star belt. Around the belt at similar distances are four bright stars that make up the outline of the hunter’s body. An orange star named Betelgeuse is Orion’s left shoulder, and a blue star named Rigel is brightly showing Orion’s right foot. Moving down from the belt is a small line of three stars that create the hunter’s sword, although technically the middle star is not a star but the Orion Nebula, which can be seen with binoculars as a glowing cloud of material. Sirius, the bright star to the south, is part of Canis Major, the big dog or big dipper.
Orion, the hunter, stands by other night constellations such as the river Eridanus, is accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Together they are said to hunt celestial animals such as Lepus, the rabbit, and Taurus, the bull. There are many stories in different cultures of how Orion came to be in our night sky with his dogs. In Greek mythology, Orion was in love with Metrope, a seven sister who forms the Pleiades constellation. Unfortunately, Metrope did not return his affections. Orion’s tragic life ended when he stepped on the scorpion, Scorpius. The gods then felt badly for him and put him and his dogs in the night sky, along with animals he could continue to hunt. However, Scorpius was placed far away from Orion in the night sky so that Orion could not be hurt again. Hungarian tradition also calls him a hunter, but believes that he is the father of Hungarians. The Chinese thought the three stars were a top a man’s head. Australian aboriginals believe Orion is called Julpan, a canoe. They tell the story of two brothers who went fishing, and caught and ate a forbidden fish. Seeing this, the sun sent a waterspout that carried the two brothers and their canoe up into the sky. Native Americans from a tribe in California thought that the three stars were the footprints of the god of the flea people. This legend states that when his five wives ran away because they were itchy, three times the god of the flea people looked in the sky for them. When his footprints are seen only in the winter months, the flea people go into hiding, a time when there were no fleas. Sumerians thought the pattern was a sheep, and Betelgeuse, meaning armpit, was the armpit of the sheep.
There is more than just Orion to take a peek at in our night sky this time of year. On December 29, the thin crescent moon rises in the southeast with the planet Venus to its lower left. Our Christmas star, Sirius, rises around 7-8 p.m. and is worth looking at with binoculars, as when it’s low in the sky it twinkles in flashing colors. In early January, Uranus and Jupiter can be viewed with binoculars. These are all sights worth getting outdoors in your own back yard!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
The longest nights of the year are upon us, but at least we’re past the solstice and days begin lengthening again. With the addition of a new dog in our family, I find myself outdoors at night more often than previously. These walks are pleasurable for in spite of the cold, there is an amazing night sky to greet me. Even in early evening, sky-watching is worthwhile, as Orion, a constellation we see only in the winter, is peeking into view as night falls. Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky, also sparkles in the south. It makes for a lovely view!
Orion, known in historical legend as the hunter, shines in prime time during winter's long nights. It can be viewed in the east soon after nightfall. It is perhaps one of the most easily found and identified constellations we can view. Bright stars make up Orion’s three-star belt. Around the belt at similar distances are four bright stars that make up the outline of the hunter’s body. An orange star named Betelgeuse is Orion’s left shoulder, and a blue star named Rigel is brightly showing Orion’s right foot. Moving down from the belt is a small line of three stars that create the hunter’s sword, although technically the middle star is not a star but the Orion Nebula, which can be seen with binoculars as a glowing cloud of material. Sirius, the bright star to the south, is part of Canis Major, the big dog or big dipper.
Orion, the hunter, stands by other night constellations such as the river Eridanus, is accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Together they are said to hunt celestial animals such as Lepus, the rabbit, and Taurus, the bull. There are many stories in different cultures of how Orion came to be in our night sky with his dogs. In Greek mythology, Orion was in love with Metrope, a seven sister who forms the Pleiades constellation. Unfortunately, Metrope did not return his affections. Orion’s tragic life ended when he stepped on the scorpion, Scorpius. The gods then felt badly for him and put him and his dogs in the night sky, along with animals he could continue to hunt. However, Scorpius was placed far away from Orion in the night sky so that Orion could not be hurt again. Hungarian tradition also calls him a hunter, but believes that he is the father of Hungarians. The Chinese thought the three stars were a top a man’s head. Australian aboriginals believe Orion is called Julpan, a canoe. They tell the story of two brothers who went fishing, and caught and ate a forbidden fish. Seeing this, the sun sent a waterspout that carried the two brothers and their canoe up into the sky. Native Americans from a tribe in California thought that the three stars were the footprints of the god of the flea people. This legend states that when his five wives ran away because they were itchy, three times the god of the flea people looked in the sky for them. When his footprints are seen only in the winter months, the flea people go into hiding, a time when there were no fleas. Sumerians thought the pattern was a sheep, and Betelgeuse, meaning armpit, was the armpit of the sheep.
There is more than just Orion to take a peek at in our night sky this time of year. On December 29, the thin crescent moon rises in the southeast with the planet Venus to its lower left. Our Christmas star, Sirius, rises around 7-8 p.m. and is worth looking at with binoculars, as when it’s low in the sky it twinkles in flashing colors. In early January, Uranus and Jupiter can be viewed with binoculars. These are all sights worth getting outdoors in your own back yard!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Balsam Fir
Nature Watch
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
As we head into one of our biggest holiday weeks, some of my most favorite sights and smells include the lights and the smell of our holiday tree, a beautiful balsam fir. The history of the Christmas tree has many interesting and different stories. The Egyptians might not have celebrated a holiday with a fir or pine, but were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. In fact, when winter solstice arrived, they brought green date palm leaves indoors to symbolize life's triumph over death.
Another balsam fir holiday story is associated with a German, St. Boniface, who cut down an oak tree in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local German tribe, and was amazed when a fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak. Another cultural tradition included a tree that was taken to the town market center and lit aflame to celebrate the holidays. Yet another story of the tree includes the decoration of a small tree with nuts, apples, pretzels and paper flowers for the children. Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. No matter what the celebration, today the balsam fir is still a perfect tree as it has the benefit of not shedding its needles when they dry out, as well as retaining good color and scent.
What is special about balsam fir? It’s a great tree to shake hands with, with very soft, individual flat needles. Balsam fir bark is thin, gray, and smooth except for numerous blisters on younger trees. The scientific name "balsamea" is so named because of the many resinous blisters found in the bark. These balsam blisters contain a sticky, fragrant, liquid resin and so they are sometimes called “blister pine.”
A balsam fir provides food and cover for red squirrels, moose, snowshoe hares, deer, ruffed grouse, crossbills, and chickadees. The needles are also eaten by some caterpillars. Porcupines eat the seeds.
The balsam resin has been used to produce Canada balsam, a type of turpentine, and was used as a glue for glasses, optical instruments, and for preparing microscope mounts. It has also been used as a cold remedy and an EPA approved nontoxic rodent repellent. It is a tree of many uses!
I don’t have to enjoy the tree in my living room, as balsam fir grows commonly in the forests around us. Be sure to get outdoors this holiday season and shake hands with a balsam fir!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
By Susan Thurn,
Cable Natural History Museum
As we head into one of our biggest holiday weeks, some of my most favorite sights and smells include the lights and the smell of our holiday tree, a beautiful balsam fir. The history of the Christmas tree has many interesting and different stories. The Egyptians might not have celebrated a holiday with a fir or pine, but were part of a long line of cultures that treasured and worshipped evergreens. In fact, when winter solstice arrived, they brought green date palm leaves indoors to symbolize life's triumph over death.
Another balsam fir holiday story is associated with a German, St. Boniface, who cut down an oak tree in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local German tribe, and was amazed when a fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak. Another cultural tradition included a tree that was taken to the town market center and lit aflame to celebrate the holidays. Yet another story of the tree includes the decoration of a small tree with nuts, apples, pretzels and paper flowers for the children. Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. No matter what the celebration, today the balsam fir is still a perfect tree as it has the benefit of not shedding its needles when they dry out, as well as retaining good color and scent.
What is special about balsam fir? It’s a great tree to shake hands with, with very soft, individual flat needles. Balsam fir bark is thin, gray, and smooth except for numerous blisters on younger trees. The scientific name "balsamea" is so named because of the many resinous blisters found in the bark. These balsam blisters contain a sticky, fragrant, liquid resin and so they are sometimes called “blister pine.”
A balsam fir provides food and cover for red squirrels, moose, snowshoe hares, deer, ruffed grouse, crossbills, and chickadees. The needles are also eaten by some caterpillars. Porcupines eat the seeds.
The balsam resin has been used to produce Canada balsam, a type of turpentine, and was used as a glue for glasses, optical instruments, and for preparing microscope mounts. It has also been used as a cold remedy and an EPA approved nontoxic rodent repellent. It is a tree of many uses!
I don’t have to enjoy the tree in my living room, as balsam fir grows commonly in the forests around us. Be sure to get outdoors this holiday season and shake hands with a balsam fir!
For over 42 years, the Museum has served as a guide and mentor to generations of visitors and residents interested in learning to better appreciate and care for the extraordinary natural resources of the region. The Museum invites you to visit its facility and exhibit, On Lake Owen: The Art of Walter Bohl, in Cable at 13470 County Highway M. Also find us on the web at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more about our exhibits and programs.
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