There is a host of small, fascinating creatures living just out of sight in the most commonplace of locations. Strolling along the side of a flowing river or stream we are most likely attracted to the general natural beauty of the scene. Flashy birds like kingfishers or herons may grab our attention; raccoons, beavers, or otters might pop up from time to time. But these are generally wildlife observations of short duration. Tone down that hiking pace and kneel down alongside the shoreline and you’ll be in for an eye opening glimpse into the lives of some pretty amazing animals – and most of them won’t run away the minute you see them either.
If you happen to be wandering in the upper elevations of our Northwest region check out the cold flowing waters and you just might see one of our more unusual frogs. Tailed frogs are so named for that little appendage you see in the photo; it is used in mating. Freshwater sculpins hide among the rocks and dash about when uncovered. These fast moving little fish do well in aquariums if you are able to keep up with their feeding requirements of small worms and such. Crayfish also make an interesting pet. By the way, we have a species here that boasts a unique orange color. There is always an assortment of jelly like egg sacks to be found. But the most prominent and interesting examples of streamside wildlife are the insect larvae. Stoneflies and mayflies prowl about like little dragons looking for anything small enough for them to eat. Caddis fly larvae, encased in their colorful stony shelters, can be found clinging to the bottom of large rocks. I understand they are often used as fishbait.
We have dozens of other wildlife visitors throughout the year but this is about an average day. With three ponds on the property we’re pretty popular with reptile and amphibian gang, and thanks to our large unfenced field, the local hoofstock population likes us, too. From time to time the elk number in the dozens. Then there are the nocturnal guests like raccoons, possums, bobcats, and who knows what else creeping about in the night. I’m afraid we have our share of unwelcome intruders like coyotes and great blue herons as well but I guess you can’t have everything.
Note the flared out segments of the sow bug on the left vs the more rounded body of the pill bug.
Some correction here from the earlier post thanks to feedback from an alert reader. Thanks, Victoria! With their similar appearances Sow Bugs and “Roly Polys” are often mistaken as the same species. Although both are crustaceans related to crabs and crayfish, there are distinct differences upon close inspection. But if you don’t happen to have a magnifying glass or macro lens handy one particular behavior will distinguish them. “Roly Polys” or Pill Bugs, Armadillium vulgare, roll up into a ball when frightened. Sow bugs, Oniscus aselus, do not display this behavior. Sow bugs also have a more armored carapace that is slightly flattened out at the edges. They do have a some other similarities, though. Both breathe through modified gills, both feed on decaying plant and animal material, and both are European imports. Those modified gills, by the way, do not do well in dry conditions. And in case you ever wondered what they look like under there – now you know!
References:
“Bugs of Washington” by John Acorn
“Invertebrate Zoology” Rupert and Barnes, 6th edition
We took a stroll along one of our Pacific beaches over the weekend. Kitsap Memorial State is a beautiful park is just north of Bremerton, WA. It’s rocky shoreline is loaded with oysters and an enormous variety of seashore wildlife. Here’s a sample:
Well maybe not tigers but we have been seeing mountain lions and bears here in the great Northwest. I was attacked by a cougar in a zoo I worked in so I can personally attest to what that feels like – and it ain’t good. Despite a couple of close encounters so far the bears have left me alone.
A note to all to all of you bogus robo subscribers using the latest and most ridiculous @dod.bytom.pl “email” account – don’t bother. You are automatically deleted. Same for the rest of you morons who think you’re slick with these idiotic techniques.
This is a trifle embarrassing but since it is wildlife related I went ahead with the post. The other day I noticed an odd sound while driving. It seemed to occur whenever I made a sharp turn or stop, so I assumed it was just some loose something or other rattling around my auto. It kept happening, however. When the rattle scratch noise continued after my car came to a complete stop I suspected rodentia mischief. That night I checked the car thoroughly but found nothing – until I popped the hood:
Amazing! That little mouse had to have been riding back and forth to work with me for quite some time. I guess the wee thing found a warm winter spot and decided to hang on.
I spent a bit of time in Little Rock recently at the National Guard Professional Training Center (PEC) at Camp Robinson. Me being me I strolled about the camp keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. And, of course, I found some great examples of Arkansas natural history.
I am always fascinated by the variety of wildlife that exists right under under our nose. It did not take much effort to find these beautiful animals on Camp Robinson. Military posts, by the way, are great places for wildlife. The prairie lizard is a common, dull colored species but the males display a brilliant turquoise color. Box turtles are often encountered but catching a mating pair is a treat. I love millipedes and this beautiful orange and black specimen caught my eye. I believe the turtles on the muddy bank are painted turtles but they slipped into the water before I could get a precise picture. To the best of my ability to identify it the large snake is a swamp snake, relatively rare in Arkansas. Grubs are hardly everyone’s favorite animal but these big white ones are exceptional. Half the size of my index finger they are the biggest grubs I’ve ever seen. The find of the day, however, was the western worm snake! I’ve been reading about these snakes and wanting to catch one for years. They are tiny little things, normally burrowed or hiding underground so finding this guy under a log was a stroke of luck.
It’s one of my favorite times of the year and one of my favorite animals. For the most part they live mysterious, unseen, secretive lives. But if you creep around enough damp places and turn over enough rocks and logs you’re treated to a wildlife wonder:
Although you can see them just about all year round here 60 – 70 degree spring weather is ideal. Sometimes you come upon a real bonanza like the little clutch of red backed salamanders. One of our biggest is the northwest brown salamander reaching almost a foot in length. The big guys are one of most secretive species, however. But as you can see everybody loves salamanders!
