Category Archives: Animalia

All animals and general biology

Snake Hole

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Roger Gosden

A snake has taken up residence in one of our bluebird boxes. Every morning three feet of coiled and blackened steel hose sunbathe on its roof. Four species of snakes call our yard home. This one, the Eastern ratsnake, is … Continue reading →

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Maungatautari

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Roger Gosden

There’s an Isle, a green Isle, set in the sea… If you guessed Jean Blewett wrote this poem for Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day you are right. But the first line is also a good fit to New Zealand’s green … Continue reading →

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Wings

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Roger Gosden

This post is scheduled to go online while I am flying over the Pacific Ocean from New Zealand to Los Angeles.  It is a journey of 10,500 kilometers (6,500 miles) and about 12 hours. That’s a long flight, although short … Continue reading →

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Dog Smart

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Roger Gosden

“I used to think my human was smart, but I now realize he only looks that way. I know I shouldn’t be anthropomorphic about one I’m particularly fond of.”  **************************** Did you ever suspect that dogs often turn out looking … Continue reading →

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Our Mutual Friend

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Roger Gosden

What species has been domesticated for thousands of years, lives in our homes, helps to feed us, comes in different strains (‘pedigrees’), was one of the first to have its genome sequenced, and has limited alcohol tolerance—like us? I’m not … Continue reading →

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