WildCreatures

Bull sharks are large, powerful sharks that have little fear of anything. They are known for their aggressive nature. They are one of the few species that can thrive in both salt water and fresh water. They are believed to be responsible for the majority of near shore attacks on humans. The average length of a female bull shark is 2.4m (8 feet) with the largest recorded being 4m (13 feet). Typically, the maximum weight can reach 600kg (1300lbs). With a bite force up to 5,914 newtons, they rank among the most capable biters of all fish. Bull sharks inhabit many coastal waters and inland rivers, with several sightings in flooded canals and streets in Australia. There are even a few bull sharks in a golf course lake in Carbook, Logan City, Queensland, Australia.

Manta rays are beautiful and graceful creatures that create a sense of awe and wonder among those fortunate enough to get a close look at them!

Jack Daniels is known throughout the world as one of the greatest whiskey producers to have ever lived. His life is the stuff of legends, and and it is also filled with mystery and intrigue. His legacy was passed down to two of his nephews when he died in October of 1911 and they continued the tradition of making Jack Daniel's whiskey according to the original recipe and in the traditional methods. Most people in North America, and in most countries around the world have sampled this whiskey, or have at least seen it served. But few people know the incredible story behind Jack's final years, ad his death in 1911. The Jack Daniels distillery is set on a beautiful piece of property in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Jack arrived for work before anyone else on a morning in 1909, or 1910. There are conflicting stories about the date and poorly kept written records in that era have made it difficult to be precise. But Jack needed documents from his steel combination safe in his office. He struggled with the combination and could not open the safe. Frustrated, he kicked the safe and broke his big toe. Infection set in and Jack was forced to have his toe amputated. But the infection had spread and gangrene began to form in his foot. The foot was removed, followed by a leg amputation and it was eventually clear that Jack was losing the battle with gangrene. Beyond the full leg amputation, there was nothing that could be done. Blood poisoning set in and Jack knew he was dying. Legend has it that Jack led the life of a ladies man, with love and romance at every turn, but he had never married or had children. With no heirs, Jack passed on his distillery and his fortune to two nephews who continued the business as Jack would have wanted. Tours of the property are conducted, showing guests the operation and the method for producing this beloved whiskey. There are few secrets here, and guests can see the entire process. Grain is ground and fermented. Maple is charred precisely to create the charcoal pellets that are used for the filtration process. Storage buildings are open, and samples are provided. A knowledgeable tour guide explains the entire operation and shows guests the different steps. The tour is a fascinating one, full of interesting sights, smells, and facts. The legend behind this distillery, and behind the man who created it is well worth the time. Jack Daniels died because he didn't have the right combination for the safe, but he sure had the right combination of ingredients to create a whiskey that lives on, more than 100 years after he was gone.

Canada is a vast country with some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. The landscape is very different as you move from one coast to the other. Everything in between is unique and beautiful too. These images were captured as a team of Canadians drove from one side to the other in a Lamborghini to raise funds for a small child fighting cancer. Stopping briefly to rest and plan, they launched a drone at various points to record the beauty of this incredible country. From Cape Spear on the easternmost point of North America to Vancouver Island, this journey spanned the country from one ocean to the other and 7,500km (nearly 4,700 miles) in between. Historic lighthouses, salt flats, rock cuts, mountains, prairie, pronghorn bucks, waterfalls, deep river gorges, towering trees, horses, and much more. Just a tiny fraction of Canada's beauty is recorded here. Enjoy the scenic wonder as seen by this team of adventurers on a trip that will never be forgotten.

The last place anyone would expect a wild chicken to go is on the grill of a BBQ. But that is exactly where these chickens can be found each morning. They roost in the trees each night near a family home on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. At sunrise, the chickens and the rooster emerge from the trees and wander, looking for compost, bugs on the ground, and any food scraps that have been dropped. These chickens have also learned that the food left stuck to the grill from last night's dinner is a tasty treat. They hop up on the BBQ to peck at the remaining scraps of food to the delight of the family that lives there. Wild chickens roam freely on Santa Cruz Island. Many find their way onto the BBQ when it is hot. The chickens are an important source of food for many families here. But these chickens have captured the hearts of the two young girls who live at this home. They have named the chickens and they have made their father promise not to turn them into dinner. The names of the chickens are as amusing as their habit of climbing onto the BBQ. They are called Chicken With Rice, Chicken Soup, Chicken Stew, Chicken Nugget, Chicken Drumstick, and other food related names. The chickens will never understand the irony of their names or the good fortune they enjoy.

The solar powered nudibranch (Phyllodesmium longicirrum) is the largest sea slug in the ocean. The large surface area allows it to make use of a feeding technique that is unusual for animals, although most plants use this technique with ease. The solar powered sea slug anchors in light rich areas and waves its appendages to capture energy from the sun. It cannot do this without help though. Inside the sea slug lives an organism, that performs the photosynthesis using chlorophyll. These little guests are zooxanthellae, single celled organisms that create the yellowish brown colour that we see on the sea slug's exterior. The zooxanthellae are an algae that receive carbon dioxide and the benefit of being positioned well for sun exposure. They would never be so mobile on their own. They also thrive, producing far more food than they need for themselves. The host, the slug in this case, receives energy from the zooxanthellae. The end product is sugar, which powers the sea slug. It's one of the rare cases of true symbiosis in nature. The solar powered sea slug could be mistaken for a plant due to its appearance and the very slow movement. The solar powered sea slug also feeds to a lesser extent on soft corals. This is the manner in which they collect and store the algae. They are able to absorb it intact from the surface of the corals as they feed. Because the algae breed and multiply within the sea slug, it is actually a form of farming. Their large surface areas that are spread out, then function akin to solar panels, benefiting both creatures. The wonders of nature are limitless. Scuba divers are able to witness animals and plants that are unlike anything that we see on the surface. This one was filmed in Indonesia, near Komodo Island.

British Columbia is home to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world!

Galapagos Flamingos are wading birds that can be seen feeding in the shallows and mud flats around alkaline or saline lakes. Flamingos are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They have long legs and a long, curved neck. Galapagos Flamingos reside in the salt-water lagoons hidden in the lava fields behind the coast of the Galapagos Islands. These beautiful birds have a unique bill that allows them to filter the mud and extract the brine shrimp, their primary diet. Their beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume. They use their bills in a uniquely used upside-down manner. They filter the mud using hairy structures called lamellae which line the mandibles and the tongue. Flamingos also feed on small crustaceans. The Galapagos Flamingo reaches 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) in length. Males can weigh up to 2.8 kilograms and females are slightly smaller at 2.2 kilograms. Most of their plumage is pink. Their colour is more vivid than that of the European species. Flamingo calls resemble the honking of a goose. These majestic birds are a beautiful sight to see, especially when they gather in large flocks.

Amateur photographers and videographers have been using hobby drones for years, capturing breath taking footage from the air. They have been used to inspect buildings, towers, wind turbines, search remote areas, and even to find lost people and animals. They are used for providing unique perspectives of landscapes, cities, and weddings. They accomplish a lot of amazing things and can be used at a fraction of the cost of aircraft. As drones become more popular and more widely used, their abilities increase dramatically and the cost continues to drop. This drone videographer has purchased the latest DJI Mavic 3 Pro, a drone designed to be affordable to the average consumer at a price that is short of $2,000 for a basic drone and controller package. The drone weighs less than 1kg (2.2lbs) and can be launched in seconds. It flies at nearly 45km/h (27mph) and can stay in the air approximately 45 minutes. But when we look at the capabilities of these drones for seeing things at a distance, it is easy to understand why people are concerned about their privacy. This drone pilot took his camera to a height of 120m (400 feet), in accordance with local regulations. He has registered the drone and he has obtained certification to fly it. Everything about this flight is legal. When he films the cows in a neighbouring field, we can see that they are just specs in the distance, barely recognizable as anything. With the touch of a button, the camera reaches 3x and 7x optical zoom. It is progressively increased to 60x (digital and optical combined). We can now see clearly enough to recognize individual cows and see that they are eating. If the drone had been focused on people, we would have no trouble recognizing a face, yet the drone is far enough away that the person being observed would not hear or see the drone. The ethical considerations have become very complex, with heated debate on all sides about whether there should be tighter laws regarding safety and privacy. Fortunately, as the drones become more sophisticated, the laws have become stricter. But we have to ask ourselves if we are ever going to enjoy full privacy in these times of technological advancement.

Moray eels are among the ocean's most misunderstood creatures. Up to 2m (6 feet) long, with large heads and fearsome jaws, these animals are widely feared. They are known to have a second jaw, located in the throat, referred to as a pharyngeal jaw. These jaws move forward to seize prey and pull it deep into the moray eel's throat. Moray eels are the only animals known to use pharyngeal jaws to actively capture and restrain prey. Despite their reputations as ferocious beasts, moray eels rarely bite humans, and in the rare cases where it has happened, the incidents have been related to irresponsible feeding and misunderstanding. Moray eels have poor eyesight and can mistake a hand for food if they are being fed by scuba divers. Hollywood movies that depict these animals as aggressive contribute to the misconceptions. Although the eels are capable of inflicting serious wounds with their large teeth, they demonstrate no desire to bite people. Eels are more intelligent than they are given credit for. They have been found to engage in cooperative hunting with groupers. Groupers will approach the eel and perform a head shaking behaviour, communicating to the eel that they are ready to hunt. The eels can work their heads into crevices where fish hide, flushing out the prey and giving the grouper the opportunity to catch them. For scuba divers who understand these beautiful creatures, they are a welcome sight. This eel was seen swimming in the open. It was as curious about the scuba divers as they were about it.

Loons casually swimming past swimmers at a cottage make for a serene and beautiful scene. Loons are known for their distinctive calls and striking black-and-white plumage. These swimmers were enjoying a dip in a picturesque lake outside a cozy cottage, when a pair of loons gracefully swam past as they were enjoying the water. The loons' sleek, black-and-white bodies create a striking contrast against the shimmering blue lake. Loons are iconic figures, well associated with summer cottages and peaceful lakes. Loons are heavy set birds with webbed feet, well adapted for propelling through the water as they dive and hunt for fish. Surprisingly agile beneath the surface, they are able to catch fish which they swallow whole. They are able to fly, but takeoffs are ungraceful as their feet are situated far back on their bodies, making takeoff from land particularly difficult. Once aloft, loons are capable of extended flights. Loons eat small pebbles which they store in their gizzard to help in breaking down their food. They feed on fish, crayfish, frogs, and leeches. Loons lay two eggs in a clutch and are often seen carrying their chicks on their backs. The babies are able to dive and feed immediately after hatching, but they ride on their parents' backs for up to two weeks to conserve heat and to help them avoid predators.

Sea lions dot the coastline on nearly every sandy beach and rocky shore in the Galapagos Islands. These beloved animals amuse and delight locals and tourists alike. Their antics and their personalities remind us so much of our furry companions, the dogs. Sea lions are wild creatures that live in harmony with humans here in the islands. People keep a respectful distance and the sea lions generally do the same. Unless approached too closely, sea lions will ignore humans in most cases. Bull sea lions are formidable animals with large heads and huge teeth. They are powerful and fearless. Surprisingly agile in the water, they are slow and clumsy on land. It is easy to move out of their way if they approach. Sea lions will not expend the energy required to chase human, so getting along with them on the beach is easy. As long as people don't get too close to the females, the males are just as likely to ignore people in the water too. This large bull has barked a warning to a rival male and he has run up the sandy incline to make his threat known. Wisely, the younger male has run off into the sand dunes. He was lucky that he was at the top of the beach, where running is easier and he puts distance between himself and the dominant bull. Having sent his message to the challenger, the boss of the colony is satisfied and he wants to return to the water. But the long distance to the edge of the surf has left him feeling lazy and unmotivated. Instead of waddling his way back down, the bull simply lines himself up parallel to the water and begins a long, slow roll down the hill. Ingenious and hilarious, this bull gives the tourists an amusing show as he coughs and sputters, resting in between attempts to make it to the waves. Caked in sand, he resembles a giant, sugar-coated donut twist by the time he gets close. And to top it all off, he stops to smooch with a female that is basking by the ocean's edge. Then he continues on into the shallows where he can move with ease. The rival bull will not return, at least for a while. Bull sea lions are capable of inflicting serious wounds in their battle for dominance of the colony and the beach. He will wisely wait for another day to challenge this boss.

Emperor sea urchins are inactive and nearly invisible by the light of day, but when the sun sets, they come out on the coral to to graze on the algae that grows there. Algae would overpower the coral if it were not kept in check by the animals that feed on it, such as sea urchins. These emperor sea urchins were found on a night dive in the waters of Indonesia, near Komodo Island, the land known as the home of the largest and most deadly lizards in the world. The urchins are highly venomous to humans, inflicting a considerable wound and searing pain if they are handled or stepped on. Their light sensitivity allows them to sense a threat and angle their spines defensively. The bright colours and the large size make these urchins very obvious and accidental contact is uncommon. The spines of the sea urchin are used for locomotion, as well as defense. The mouth of the sea urchin is on the underside, centrally located. Five sharp teeth converge in the centre of the mouth, allowing the urchin to scrape surfaces to remove coral. Emperor sea urchins are a sepctacular and welcome sight for scuba divers due to their colour and ornate appearance.

Life on a farm like this one is a wondrous thing. The miracle of birth is a frequent one and a calf entering the world on a sunny day is something unforgettable. Daisy is a lucky cow who lives on this beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's acres of lush pasture on rolling hills, ponds full of clean water, and trees for shade. The "girls" here graze freely and lie in the sunshine when they are relaxing and chewing their cud. It's as perfect a life as a cow could want. There is even a bull here who does his duty in the natural way and watches over them protectively. Daisy is a seasoned mother who has had a few calves and she knows her time is coming again. She picks a spot on the hill and lies down to let nature take its course. Her herd mates seem to know what's happening and they line up and take a spot in the grass beside her. Their calm presence seems to comfort Daisy as she begins her labour. The other cows look on, unconcerned, but seemingly there for a show of support. They have all given birth a few times themselves and they must understand that a calf is on the way. Daisy begins giving birth and works quickly, with her calf emerging over the course of ten or twelve minutes. A healthy and chunky male, he slides out smoothly and waits patiently as his mother licks him clean. Slowly, he will gain the strength to stand and nurse. The licking and grooming is important for the bonding between the mother and the calf. It is also imperative that Daisy cleans up anything that could attract predators such as wolves or coyotes. Daisy's new baby will need to get to his feet as quickly as possible and stay close to the herd for protection. He will also need to get a dose of the first milk which contains colostrum, the antibodies that will build his immune system and nourish him in the first day. Calves are able to walk within a few minutes of birth and they are highly mobile in a day or two. Nature looks after the healthy and gives them the ability to care for themselves early in life. This young calf gets to his feet and begins drinking with enthusiasm. The birth of a calf is a wonderful part of nature and a true joy to watch.

Olive baboons are large, solid primates that can reach 70cm (28 inches) in height and an impressive weight of 50kg (110lbs). They are one of the largest monkey species and one of the most widely spread. Not surprisingly, their teeth are also among the largest of the monkeys. These two olive baboons engage in a friendly playfight in the sunshine, possibly vying for dominance in the troop. As they do so, they display a fearsome set of teeth that are obviously capable of causing severe damage, if the baboon chooses. They have elongated, dog-like muzzles and powerful jaws. The social structure of these baboons is complex, and fascinating. The troops consist of 15-150 individuals with more females than males. There are dominant males within the troop, and also higher ranking females. The higher ranking females are more likely to reproduce, but the whole process of reproduction involves surprising behaviours. A female who is pregnant is highly likely to be harassed by males in an apparent attempt to cause miscarriage of offspring that do not belong to the male perpetrator. This creates an opportunity for the male to mate with that female earlier, as well as a higher likelihood of passing on his genes. Following delivery of an infant, males in the troop will protect her and the infant, especially those who are allowed to mate with her. This means that the male is better to focus his attention on pregnant females who do not have the protection of their male allies. Male olive baboons are highly aggressive with each other in their attempts to mate with females. Younger males are constantly trying to increase their rank in an effort to gain breeding rights. Baboons will often form alliances and coalitions within the troop, This display could be a matter of complex social interaction for many reasons, but it is clear to see that a fully grown baboon is a force to be reckoned with for any animal.

Sunrise is one of the most beautiful times of the day. Vivid colour spreads across the horizon as the sun greets the world. THe land beneath is bathed in gold and crimson and the dark sky turns blue before our eyes. The colour is even more dramatic when clouds obscure the first rays and the light spills over them. For many, the dawn's first light occurs while they are still asleep, but for the lucky ones who are awake to see this moment, it's enough to take our breath away. This scene was filmed with a drone that was set loose over the countryside in Ontario, Canada as the mist rolled across the hills.

The rains in Kenya, Africa are a welcome sight, especially after months of drought that leave crops wilted and fields parched. But the rains can come on with a vengeance and a river can suddenly swell where only a trickle or a dry gravel bed stood moments before. These people near Kisii Village use this road to travel from the village to schools, places of work, and between homes. Runoff from a torrential rain reached this crossing and washed it out in minutes, leaving people standing on both sides, hesitant to cross. As they stood, considering their options, a few of the more adventurous ones linked arms and waded across. Washouts can erode the dirt beneath very quickly, causing deep depressions that people can fall into. Losing your footing in a fast moving stream like this one could see a person swept away and struggling to get out without injury. The water quickly became faster and the washed out section became deeper. The rain began again, adding to the runoff and making it obvious that things would get worse before they got better. As these people lined up, waiting for things to subside, or contemplating their choices, one of the children headed for school recorded the scene to show his teacher why he was late. The result is fascinating footage that shows the power of nature after one brief, but heavy rain.

Flamingos are a vibrant and beautiful bird, magnificent in both size and vivid colour. They are a joy to behold and a peaceful sight when they are resting at the edge of a pond or a marsh. But Flamingoes can also be loud when they are disturbed, as we see here. The honking wakes up the sleepy flamingoes. What happens next is a comical brawl involving honking, squabbling and feigned pecking at each other. Aside from a bit of harmless beak rubbing, there is nothing substantial about this episode, but the sound of it suggests that an enthusiastic fight has broken out. Great debates have raged regarding the flamingo's habit of standing on one leg. One theory is that this is to assist with conservation of body heat. When flamingos feed and wade in colder water, they lose heat through their legs. Adopting a sleeping position with one leg out of the water lessens the heat loss while they are sleeping or resting. Sleeping in a mud flat or pond allows them to hear the telltale splashing if a threat approaches while their guard is down. But flamingos in warmer climates and those that feed in warm water adopt the same sleeping position so this theory is contradicted in some cases. Another theory is that the muscular effort to stand on one leg is much less so the position is adopted to reduce energy expenditure required for balance. Studies show that resting flamingos sway less than those that rest on two legs. Flamingos are gorgeous birds and so brightly coloured that we cannot help but admire them. When gathered in a group, they are simply breath taking in their beauty. The beautiful sunshine adds another layer to the scene, casting a golden glow on the pink feathers of the flamingos and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. It's almost like nature's own masterpiece, with the elegant birds engaging in their natural behaviors under the warmth of the sun. Observing flamingos in such moments can be truly captivating, offering a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of their social structure and the beauty of the natural world.

Strawberry nudibranchs, are a species of marine gastropod mollusks. These captivating sea slugs are widely distributed throughout Indo-Pacific coral reefs, where they play a unique role in the marine ecosystem. Characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, strawberry nudibranchs are relatively small, measuring around 1 to 2 centimeters in length. Their name is derived from their striking resemblance to strawberries, as their bodies feature shades of red, pink, and orange, often accompanied by white or yellow markings. This vivid coloration serves as a form of camouflage, helping them blend into their coral reef habitats. The frilly, tassel-like structures on the back of the nudibranch are the gills. These external gills allow them to filter oxygen from the sea water. Nudibranchs are slow moving, can swim or be propelled along either by muscular contraction or by millions of tiny hairs on the bottom of a fleshy "foot". They have a voracious appetite and feed with a rasp like tongue. Strawberry nudibranchs primarily feed on soft corals. Unlike some other nudibranch species that utilize stinging cells (nematocysts) from their prey for defense, strawberry nudibranchs are known to incorporate these nematocysts into their own tissues. This unique adaptation provides them with a level of protection against potential predators. These sea slugs have a fascinating reproductive strategy. They are hermaphroditic, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. During mating, two nudibranchs exchange sperm with each other, and later, each one lays a ribbon-like egg mass on the coral substrate. The eggs develop into veliger larvae, eventually settling onto the coral reef and metamorphosing into the adult nudibranch form. The presence of strawberry nudibranchs in coral reef ecosystems contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance. They play a role in controlling soft coral populations, helping to maintain a healthy coral reef environment. Scientists continue to study these captivating creatures to better understand their behavior, ecology, and the intricate relationships they have with their surroundings. As coral reefs face numerous threats, including climate change and habitat degradation, the study of species like the strawberry nudibranchs becomes crucial in the conservation efforts aimed at preserving these fragile marine ecosystems.

Naomy is an exceptional woman who lives in Kenya, Africa. She works incredibly hard on her small farm plot to feed her family and to make ends meet. She does all of this in a world where weather, water shortage, harsh climate, and poverty create challenges that most of us would not even understand. Naomy and Emmanuel have also been using videos to tell stories about their home and their life across the world. These videos have generated enough income to pay for Emmanuel's yearly school fees, his shoes, his school uniform, and even a few groceries. Naomy and Emmanuel have made videos about food, farming, water gathering, animals near their home, the local market, and almost anything that would be interesting to people in other areas of the world. Naomy narrates and explains the challenges of water scarcity, the difficulties in the farming business, and the hope that comes with the sprouting of the crops. Emmanuel shows us his fire building skills as he cooks for the family and he sorts beans from the harvest. But farming alone won't pay for all of the expenses in Kenya. Emmanuel's school fees are difficult to manage. Emmanuel and Naomy have been using the small income from uploading videos to pay for the fees. They have even managed to buy Emmanuel a new pair of shoes, a school uniform, and a backpack. Emmanuel proudly shows us the shoes that they bought with his earnings. Naomy recorded a small girl fetching water at a roadside drainage ditch. When that footage was originally uploaded, Naomy took some of the money that she had earned and she found the child in the neighbouring village. Naomy bought a school uniform and shoes for this child as well. There was enough money left in the young girl's share to also buy the family a basket of groceries. It was important to Naomy to share some of her good fortune. Naomy and Emmanuel will continue to upload videos, assisted by a Canadian friend, so that Emmanuel will be able to receive the education that he deserves. If anyone has questions or would like to assist Naomy and Emmanuel in any way, they can do so through this channel or by email at mojo_videos@hotmail.com (David McNab)

This friendly little goat lives on a beautiful farm with a very ideal life. With plenty of hay and a few treats each day, his belly is as happy as he is. Guests visiting this farm often give him a little scratch on the head, right behind his horns where he can never reach. We can see by his reaction that he can't get enough of this.

Wind farms are controversial, with heated debate raging over their ability to provide power safely and efficiently. On one side, there are people who argue that there are health concerns surrounding exposure to electromagnetic waves. Others argue that they reduce property values and spoil the view. There are concerns about the effect on migratory birds and bats. Valid questions have been raised about the number of bird deaths due to crashing into the blades. On the other side, it is argued that transporting oil causes a greater impact on wildlife, especially when there are disasters and spills. Pipelines and coal mines affect habitat. We are far from understanding which method of energy production causes the least amount of harm. But these towering giants show how stunning they can look, especially when seen against the golden hue of a spectacular sunset. A drone flying around this wind farm captured the images on a night in late September. Farmers beneath the behemoths hurry to harvest their crop. The fall colours are spreading across the canopy of the forested areas all around. A gentle breeze was blowing. The sky was alive with colour and contrast. Perhaps all we need to do is really look closely to appreciate them. The alternatives to wind farms include fossil fuels and nuclear power, both with an equal amount of controversy and debate. As our need for energy increases, our need to figure out how to harness it without negatively impacting our planet also increases. We cannot continue to affect the animal life and the air quality without paying the price. Meanwhile, these majestic giants tower above us; immense structures that remind us of how small and insignificant we are.

Raven is a beautiful soul who is living her best life. She lives on a sprawling country property where she runs free whenever she steps outside. Her humans also take her for daily hikes in the nearby forest where she explores and sniffs trees until she's had her fill. She has dog beds and couches throughout the house, allowing her to peacefully slumber in the afternoon sun after she tires herself out each day. Raven often enjoys the company of a dog friend or two when family and friends bring their pups to join her on the forest hikes. Raven loves her forest time even more when she has friends along for the fun. After a particularly long hike with a golden retriever named Aurora, Raven climbed up on her couch and fell asleep happily. Likely dreaming of the day's events, Raven thumped her tail happily while she snoozed. Few things are as adorable as a happy dog. To think that Raven was enjoying a dream wonderful enough to make her tail wag is heart warming.

The beaded sea cucumber is one of the most bizarre animals in the ocean. They resemble giant worms more than they do sea cucumbers. When stretched out, they can reach a length of more than one meter (3 feet). Beaded sea cucumbers move along the ocean floor, extending their 15 feeding tentacles in front of them. The feathery appendages collect their food and pull it into their mouth opening. in the center of the tentacles. They consume algae, aquatic invertebrates like plankton, and waste particles that are found near the bottom. They are omnivores. Sea cucumbers are like mini ocean janitors that clean and filter the waste and debris out of the water. Beaded sea cucumbers have no internal respiratory system. They have no feet or appendages capable of locomotion. They contract and expand muscles on the body wall, moving forward through these actions. Beaded sea cucumbers come in many different shapes and sizes. With their unusual movement and alien looking tentacles, the beaded sea cucumber looks like a creature from another world.

Pileated woodpeckers are among the largest woodpeckers in North America, known for their striking black-and-white coloring and red crest. They have a distinctive call that sounds like a loud, ringing laugh, which can make their arrival at a feeder quite dramatic and memorable. These birds typically feed on insects like carpenter ants and beetle larvae, often found in dead or decaying trees, but they can also be attracted to suet feeders like this one. The huge birds have a commanding presence and they often announce their approach with a loud cackling call that sounds like laughter. A brown thrasher takes heed and clears the runway as the wingbeats tell him that a great beast is about to take over the suet feeder. With a striking red crest and dramatic black and white plumage, these magnificent birds are a sight to behold. This is a juvenile and he will grow even larger as he feasts on the nuts and suet that bring him in daily for his breakfast. There are two young woodpeckers and two adults that come here for their share. A woodpecker family in your back yard is a thrill for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.