The Greatest Organism of Them All

We need more of these.  Period.  STAY GREEN.

Creepers are Lurking

Parthenocissus quinquefolia.

 

Or the Virginia Creeper.  Whichever one you prefer.  I made this post bolder, because that it what this plant is.  People don't realize that this plant is not only very ugly looking, but its berries are toxic and poisonous.  To point out this plant, look for the 5 leafs around the stem.  It can grow on walls, poles, pretty much anything.  Growing to about 3 centimeters, this little guy can pack a punch if you are not careful.  We got this outside of my backyard, near a forest.  Check it out!

Eastern Gray Squirrel's day at the park

Sciurus carolinensis

I found this little feller hanging around at a park near my house. I managed to snap this picture moments before he ran away. Boy was I lucky! These squirrels enjoy eating seeds, fungi, tree bark, and various nuts. These little guys live in dense forests and suburban neighborhoods alike. While they may look adorable, they are able to team up with others to take down their predators.

American Crow on the prowl

Corvus brachyrhynchos

It took me a few tries to get close enough to take a photo, but it has easily paid off. These birds can be found almost throughout North America. This all-black bird is especially common within the United States. Being omnivorous, crows eating a wide range of foods including seeds, eggs, fish, grains, and nuts. They are often found scavenging for food in landfills. Crows will often stay within a family of 15 or so for a few years, and they will help each other out during that time.

Musclewood to the rescue!

Carpinus Caroliniana

When I first saw this Musclewood in my neighbor's back yard I just knew I would have to photograph it. After receiving a few odd glances from my neighbors due to me having forgotten to change out of my bathrobe, I decided it would be best to take my picture quickly and leave. The tree is native to eastern North America. Because the wood is heavy, it is often used for tools, walking sticks/canes, and even longbows.

The graceful swimming of Canadian Geese

Branta canadensis

I was lucky enough to see one of these today at Burke Lake. It is a shame I didn't have my video camera with me, I would have loved to film this breathtaking creature. It is too hard to resist watching these birds, and I spent a whole ten minutes gazing at it (all you bird lovers out there know what I'm talking about). They can be found throughout Canada and northern United States. They mostly eat grains and vegetation, but on rare occasion will eat insects and small fish. Canadian Geese are monogamous, meaning they will stay with one partner for their entire lives.

Common Buckeye

Junonia Coenia

I spotted this beauty earlier today as I was leaving the house. I felt almost mesmerized by it's majestic movement. Common Buckeyes can be found in sunny, open areas. They feed off of leaves from various plants. When they become adults, they are very well camouflaged.

EEK, is that a Grass Spider? Get it away from me!

Agelenopsis

I found this little guy walking atop my desk today. It may look small, but it's still scary as anything! Grass Spiders like to have a balanced meal consisting of small insects such as grasshoppers and crickets. They can be found almost everywhere in the continental United States. Grass Spiders are known to make their webs in the form of a funnel, which makes it easier for them to catch their prey. Did you know that they make emergency exits at the end of their funnels in case they need to escape from a predator? How fascinating!

Poison Ivy

Luckily, we just saw this, and didnt step on it.  This is the famous poison ivy.  This is that plant that always ruins nature walks and hikes.  These pesky plants grow in shrubs, or can also grow as groundcover.  They like growing in shady places, so always be careful when in a forest.  Remember the line people, "Leaves of three, let it be."

Stay safe!

Cardinal in Burke

This is a cardinal, the official state bird of Virginia.  And seeing by its beautiful colors, we now see why.  The cardinal's diet consists mostly of weeds, grains, and fruits.  This bird is often seen around these parts, as it is mostly attracted to trees and forests.  Not only that, but cardinals are attracted to bird houses and feeders.  They do not migrate, so they always stay near, even in wintertime.  However, they dont hibernate either.  Instead, they go into a semi-hibernation state called torpor, in which they just stay but in their habitat, and try to minimize their noise to repel predators.

Crayfish- The Mini Lobster

This is a crayfish that we found at Lake Braddock.  Did you know that these little creatures who resemble lobsters, are actually related to them?  They are both part of the Decapodia family.  These little creatures can grow up to 7 inches.  They are commonly found in lakes and riversides.  They are pretty much found on all continents except Antarctica (yes, they are found in South Africa).  These pesky scavengers crawl around the floor, and eat up pretty much anything they can find.

We Spotted an Eastern Spotted Turtle, Jr Version

We saw this baby turtle, and we caught it on camera!  This little guy in an Eastern Spotted Turtle.  This little guy will grow to about 5 inches.  They live on the Eastern side of the United States, hence their name.  Their main characteristics are their spots, which are located on the top of their shells.  The spotted turtles usually hang out in the shallow water.  These fellas will eat anything from worms and snails, to crickets and aquatic vegetables.

Frogger In Real Life

While taking a stroll at Lake Braddock, we came across this American Bullfrog.  These aquatic frogs grow to about 5 inches in lenght, and live about 8-10 years.  These amphibians are found all across the Eastern and Southern United States, and are also found in California and even some southern parts of Canada.  Females can lay up to 20,000 eggs in one clutch!  Wow!

Hey there folks!

Hey'all!

Welcome to the environmental postings of Rojas and Branny.  We shall explore the nature around us, and bring you what we see.  Enjoy, my fellow troopers!

Stay green.