The double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, is one of our most common waterbirds. Standing atop pilings and buoys, black wings spread like some fallen angel, cormorants do not receive the admiration egrets, osprey, and other coastal species do: one could call them the “dark horse” of our local avifauna.
Read MoreI spent some time this week looking at bees. I know little about these insects, so this period of observation was one of child-like wonder, freed from the blinders of preconception. For this post I thought I’d walk readers through the process of observation, describing what I saw and learned from one peer to another.
Read MoreThe period around Fourth of July, in all its bravado, is one of high risk for beach-nesting birds. These remarkable species make do in an already exposed and unforgiving habitat, and the pressures put on them by human neighbors exacerbate such stressors to no end. As a result, they are some of our most threatened local species. Few are as imperiled as the much-loved, much-hated, Piping Plover.
Read MoreLet us not forget that, while dragonflies certainly fall prey to some large insectivorous birds, they are formidable predators in their own right. Not only that, they’re a fascinating group of organisms to observe and study: a remarkable diversity exists here in Connecticut, but only becomes apparent when you take the time to look and learn. Introducing: The Seaside Dragonlet.
Read MoreAside from entomologists, there aren’t many people who would say that they love spiders. In fact, around of 30% of the US population have some form of arachnophobia, an extreme fear of spiders. Fortunately, spiders pose little threat to humans. Most people will never have a medically significant spider bite, and there are many ways that spiders are helpful to us instead. In the future, spiders may become even more important to humanity… with the help of science.
Read MoreAre white tigers a separate species of tiger, or just a color variant? The truth is more complex than many are aware of, and has great implications for conservation.
Read MoreCleared and stained specimens are strikingly beautiful, with colorful bones and cartilage showing through transparent flesh. The process used to make these specimens was first developed in 1927, and continues to be used by comparative anatomists, vertebrate embryologists, and anyone else with an interest in skeletal form or development. Many cleared and stained specimens are on display in our most recent science exhibition, Under the Skin.
Read MoreAre you making a New Year’s resolution this year? If so, you aren’t alone. Approximately 40% of people make New Year’s resolutions each year. However, by the end of a year, only 10 - 20% of people are continuing towards their goals. Why do so many resolutions fail, and what can be done to make them more successful? Answers can be found in science.
Read MoreStories about animals and artifacts by scientists at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT
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