WildCreatures

Bull sharks are massive animals that instill awe and respect. They are top predators, moving aside only when tiger sharks appear, or the occasional orca passes through. They are sleek and powerful, with a commanding presence. Their huge jaws full of razor sharp teeth intimidate even the most seasoned scuba diver. Nothing about sharks is predictable and it is wise to remember that this is their domain. Humans are the visitors here. But, despite their fearsome reputation and the obvious ability for them to easily overpower a human, unprovoked attacks are extremely rare. Hollywood movies and misconceptions have fueled the fear of these beautiful creatures. These tour guides in Fiji have a different perspective. They have a deep respect and understanding for the sharks here. They work hard to educate people and to help them understand the sharks, with the intent of creating appreciation for them. Our ocean ecosystems would not be heathy without these great beasts. They prey on injured and sick marine life, keeping the genetic lines strong. The sharks here also provide a much needed income for the nearby villages. The tour guides create tourism dollars with these controlled feedings, which allow the villages to sustain their residents without the need to sell fishing rights to commercial agencies. The fish are worth more alive than they are in a net. Commercial fish operations have depleted fish populations in the past, harming the reefs and creating imbalance. A strong economy due to shark tours gives the people a better option and protects the sharks and other fish. These very lucky scuba divers are witnessing the power and beauty of many sharks species as they perch on a ledge to see the bait bucket open. The bucket is full of fish scraps and the sharks wait for the opportunity to snatch some free food.

When the fish were not biting, these fishermen believed it was because there were none to be caught. But this father decided to attach a camera to his hook to see if his sons' claims were correct. When he looked at the footage, he was surprised to see not only a bunch of fish, but that he nearly bonked one on the head when the camera hit the bottom. This father and his sons are fishing in a remote lake in Ontario, Canada. They have chosen a spot in front of a beaver lodge, usually a sure place to catch fish. But as the fish are reluctant to bite, it became difficult to believe that they were there. The camera shows that it was skill, not a lack of fish that made them go back to the cottage empty-handed. The bottom of a lake is a mysterious place and a camera on a string reveals that there is more going on than meets the eye. These fish were actually more curious about the camera than they were about the bait being presented. The lesson in this might be that persistence will pay off eventually and that they shouldn't give up, thinking that nothing lurks below.

Sea lions are adorably playful animals that capture our hearts. They are often called sea dogs or puppies of the ocean, and for good reason. They closely resemble those loveable canine characters that we share our lives with. It's not just the faces that resemble land dogs, but also the behaviour and the antics. Watching sea lions glide gracefully through the water brings joy to anyone lucky enough to witness their sleek movements. Agile and quick, it is no wonder they can catch fish, despite the fact that they are land dwellers. Clumsy on the shore, they are equally adorable. These lucky scuba divers were greeted at the surface after a dive by a colony of sea lions that were having as much fun watching the divers as the divers were watching them. Almost every rocky shore and beach in the Galapagos Islands are inhabited by sea lion colonies. Typically, one bull male has breeding rights over 10-30 females. He will protect them and their offspring as they lounge on the beaches between feeding times. When a male sea lion is full grown, there are few animals in the ocean that will prey on them. Large sharks and orcas are the only threat to these formidable beasts.

Not everyone is a fan of electric cars and Tesla drivers often experience people who show their disapproval of the cars in unusual ways. They are cut off and given the finger for no apparent reason. This Tesla owner was stopped in traffic, waiting at a red light. A biker on a Harley Davidson motorcycle was stopped behind the Tesla. He was pointing aggressively at the car and appeared to be yelling disapproval as they waited for the light to turn green. As the traffic light changed and cars began began to move, the Tesla driver accelerated to pull away. He had little interest in what the biker had to say. The biker pulled abruptly around the Tesla, entering a median lane and he cut in close enough to the front bumper that the Tesla driver had to brake. The biker immediately slowed and signaled left, intending to turn from the straight through lane. His intention was obviously to annoy the driver of the electric car. The Tesla owner honked his horn in defiance, ready to give the biker a proper reprimand in the process. But what he had forgotten was that his wife had set the horn of the Tesla to play "La Cucaracha" (The Cockroach") The biker was obviously mad at the audacity of being honked at until he heard the tune and saw the sudden embarrassment of the Tesla driver. His angry scowl turned instantly to laughter. Although it's not visible, the biker raised his hand and shrugged as if to say "Seriously?!", clearly unable to be annoyed at any of this. The Tesla owner slunk lower in his seat and continued on his way. Instead of turning left, the biker drove up beside the Tesla owner to pass him one more time and laugh heartily at the juvenile horn sound. It is safe to say that the biker got the last laugh, and the best laugh in this encounter.

The people of this village in Kenya are hardworking people who live off the land, farming and growing food to feed their families. They find food where they can, making the most of every opportunity that presents itself. Termites are a much needed source of protein and nourishment for everyone here. As this migration of termites begins, the people of the village hurry to gather as many as they can. The young boys who are picking them for their family are enjoying a snack while they work. The termites are sweet and they have a flavour similar to carrots. Kenya is a harsh world where water is scarce and crops are difficult to grow. The good people here rely on corn, carrots, greens, and other vegetables, but there isn't always enough to go around. They raise animals such as cows and goats, but meat is expensive and difficult to raise. A feast such as this is an exciting and welcome treat that doesn't come often. The villagers know it is a short-lived opportunity for them to gather as many of the insects as possible. Their enthusiasm is obvious as they work quickly. What might be considered unappetizing, or even repulsive in one part of the world is a delicious delicacy in another part.

Social media allows people to have friendships with people in countries all over the world. North Americans often wonder what our life here is like, in comparison with life overseas. It's hard to imagine living in a world where water is scarce, or where peace is elusive. Many of us don't fully understand what severe hunger and uncertainty over our survival feel like. Dave is a Canadian who connected with 25 year old Naomy in Kenya, a country on the east coast of the African continent. The two began talking over Facebook and comparing their daily routines and the conditions in their countries. As they exchanged pictures and videos of their families, their food, their water source, and their living conditions, the differences in their world was both fascinating and surprising. Naomy supports her grandparents and a young child who was abandoned by his parents. She put her pursuit of education on hold to work and bring food home for her family. She rents a plot of land where she can grow enough vegetables to feed the others in her household, and also enough to sell at the local market so that she can buy the rest of the things that they need. Noamy's grandparents are in their eighties but they continue to farm and raise animals that they rely on for food. The land is dry and the water is scarce, so their small property is barely able to produce a small portion of what they need. Naomy manages her little farm that is several hours from the family home. She grows corn, carrots, swiss chard, and other greens that can earn her a few dollars per day. This farm also provides employment and food for some of the children who live near her farm plot. Even with her hard work, there is no extra food. Yet, out of the kindness of her heart, Naomy took in a two year old child, Emmanuel, who had been abandoned by his parents. They faced incredible hardship and they ventured far away in search of work and a means to survive. Naomy has cared for her foster son for 9 years, feeding him and paying for his schooling. Her own parents had been unable to care for her and she was raised by her grandparents. Naomy wanted young Emmanuel to know the love and support that she was missing in her life. As Dave watched the videos and heard the story of how hard Naomy works to care for her aging grandparents and her foster son, he could not help but be impressed with her determination, resilience, and her generous spirit. We take health care, education, and clean water for granted in our world while others struggle daily just to eat. But among the hardship, there is hope. Naomy is a strong woman who works as hard as she needs to so that her family can thrive.

Pileated woodpeckers are giants in the woodpecker world. The largest woodpecker species in North America, it commands respect when it shows up at the back yard feeders. With their large claws and solid heads, they are often compared with prehistoric birds. This majestic fellow has been coming to the back yard of this Ontario home to feed on the suet and drink from the pond. With few water sources in the area, the habitat created by these nature enthusiasts provides the local birds with much needed water for hydration. The suet and seed stations are an added bonus. While he's in the neighbourhood, this large male likes to peck at some of the dead trees and the stumps around the campfire. pileated woodpeckers are powerful birds that can deduce a decaying log to fragments very quickly. They prey on the insects that make their homes in sick or dead trees. They are also fond of suet cakes with grubs in them. Bird lovers adore these huge animals. They have gorgeous colouring and their impressive size inspires awe and wonder. Even the sound of their beak striking a tree is impressive. Pileated woodpeckers are territorial and a mating pair will often be the only ones in the area. Their nests are created by drilling out the trunk of an upright tree to create a space for their eggs. As they abandon their nest when their young fledge, the cavity will often become a home for other birds, such as owls. Pilleated woodpeckers are a spectacular sight!

The whitespotted file fish is a beautiful species that lives throughout the Caribbean Ocean. These two gorgeous creatures were seen in the waters of Belize. They were as curious about the scuba diver as the diver was about them. Whitespotted filefish are able to control their pigmentation and change color at will. This is likely for camouflage but it may also serve as communication. They grow to approximately 45cm (18 inches) in length. They have strong teeth for eating coral polyps, their only food. The polyps that they prey on cause the fish to take on a unique smell that disguises them from predators. The whitespotted filefish is not aggressive, but their large teeth would render a nasty bite if they were cornered or harassed. As with most ocean creatures, a slow and cautious approach will often allow a close look at them as they feed or explore the reef. These fish are often seen in pairs. They drift slowly along, picking at coral during the daylight hours. Capable of impressive speeds if they feel threatened, these fish can easily put distance between themselves and other animals if they wish to. Very little is known about these fascinating creatures. They are as mysterious as they are beautiful.

Soft corals are a beautiful and essential part of a healthy reef. They are crucial to the ecosystem because they support life and supply food to an endless number of marine animals. This xenia coral is unique among the corals because it has hand-like appendages that it uses to pulse and grope for plankton and baby brine shrimp on which they feed. But xenia coral is also unique because it has a symbiotic relationship with an algae that grows within it. This algae relies on the coral for structure and for protection and the coral benefits from the algae's ability to transform light into energy through photosynthesis. Xenia coral is mesmerizing as it moves rhythmically to draw food from the ocean.

The slipper lobster is a very strange looking animal that lives in warm oceans around the world. They are closely related to the lobster but they are instantly recognizable by the flattened plates on their snout that serve as antennae. They have plates of armour, much like other lobsters that provide them with defense from predators. Slipper lobsters are slow moving and they lack the ability to flick their tail rapidly enough to outswim predators. Instead, they flatten themselves against the bottom or retreat into crevices and under rocks and coral. They can exists at depths up to 500m (1500 feet) beneath the surface. Their main food is mollusks such as limpets mussels and oysters. Slipper lobsters have a tough exoskeleton that must be shed by molting in order for the lobster to grow. They form a new shell under the old one and the older shell splits. The lobster works its way out of the old shell and then it uses water to swell the skin cells to make the soft shell larger. They lack the large claws that the maritime lobster possesses. They have strong jaws which they use to crack the shells of small animals. Slipper lobsters are now commonly eaten and they are commercially harvested. As other lobsters have become more difficult to find, slipper lobsters have become a more popular food source. Due to overfishing, the slipper lobster is also much more difficult to find on the reefs now.

Sea anemones are predatory animals that anchor to the coral and sway in the ocean current as they search for food. Their tentacles resemble the long leaves of a plant as they grasp at fish and small animals that serve as food for the sea anemone. The tentacles contain stinging cells that are equipped with an external sensory hair. When triggered, the cells fire a harpoon-like barb and inject a toxin. This can be used as defense or for hunting. Small fish and other marine animals become paralyzed and are then devoured by the sea anemone. But there are fish that are immune to the sting of the sea anemone. Clown fish are a well known exception, with their mucous that prevents the activation of the sea anemone's stingers. Clown fish are not the only fish with the ability to produce this mucous. There are many species that are referred to as anemone fish. These two are the Fiji anemone fish. They live among the deadly anemones, taking cover at the slightest sign of a threat. Predators don't dare follow the anemone fish into the tentacles and the small fish are safe within. These fish continuously rub up against the tentacles, even when predators are not near. The contact with the anemone helps them accumulate mucous which combines with their own mucous to produce the substance that masks their presence from the stinging cells. The anemone benefits from the fish in a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship. The anemone fish becomes aggressive and chases other fish away that might nibble at the tentacles of the anemone. The fish excrement provides the anemone with nutrients. The entire arrangement is a win-win situation for both animals. Anemone fish are loyal to an anemone, remaining in the same location and protecting their host. Often found in groups, there will be one breeding male and one breeding female. If the female dies, the male will turn into a female and the largest non-breeding male will assume the role of being the male breeder. Anemone fish feed primarily on zooplankton that drift past on the ocean currents. As expected, these fish were found on the reef surrounding an island in the Republic of Fiji.

Many areas of the world have been trouble with pests and animals that are considered a threat to crops and produce. In an effort to control the populations of these animals, humans have introduced predators. The goal is to find an animal that will prey on the creatures that are destroying crops. But the results are often unpredictable, and occasionally disastrous. In Fiji, and many other Pacific islands, sugar cane is an important crop. Rats and mice thrive on sugar cane, causing massive increases in production costs due to their consumption and contamination of the food. The Indian mongoose was a natural candidate for the government that sought to find a predator that could easily kill and eat the rodents. The mongoose did a very effective job, easily cutting the rodent population in a timely fashion. The mongoose also preyed on venomous snakes, which were a serious hazard to the workers in the cane fields. This was considered a positive in the efforts to make sugar cane farming easier. But those introducing the mongoose didn't consider the fact that the snakes were already a great predator for the rodents and that reducing the snake population would give the rats and mice an advantage. Luckily, the mongoose filled the void and killed the rodents that the snakes had been preying on. But the mongoose has few predators on the island and they multiplied rapidly. Stealthy and very agile, their speed gives the mongoose a great advantage over larger animals, making them very formidable and difficult to catch or take down. The mongoose is one of the few animals capable of killing many large snakes. The biggest problem with the mongoose came when they also began preying on lizards and birds. They even took the eggs from birds' nests. The population of birds in Fiji was rapidly threatened. The mongoose prey on migratory birds and domestic poultry as well. Being such capable hunters, these populations have also been affected. Humans seeks to control their environment and nature, often without enough understanding of the long term consequences. History is full of examples of how this has gone horribly wrong, as it did with the introduction of the mongoose here.

The ocean is a world of strange creatures, gorgeous colours, and fascinating sights. It is a world unlike anything above the waves. Scuba diving opens the door to this realm of incredible beauty and wonder. By day, the animals are found in great numbers looking for food among the coral or out in the open ocean. But much of the life beneath the waves lies in hiding during the daylight hours. At night, the reef comes alive with a change in the animals as they emerge to hunt and explore under the cover of darkness. This is a nudibranch, often referred to as a sea slug. They can be found on the coral, feeding on algae as they move in slow motion over the surface of the coral. Occasionally, they leave the security of the reef and swim in the open through an undulating movement of their mantle. The combination of fluid movement and vivid colour makes this a spectacle to behold. This tiny, but unforgettable beauty was filmed in the waters of Fiji. Group trips like this can be be booked through Float N' Flag Travel in Burlington. They have a knack for finding remote and breath taking corners of the world.

Bull sharks are the top predators in the waters around Fiji as long as the tiger sharks are not present. Enormous and beefy animals, they are solid muscle and teeth. Sleek and graceful, they are a commanding presence in the water. Although sharks rarely attack humans, they are animals to be respected and admired from a distance. Yet, this guide is comfortable taking hold of this shark's fin like he is giving her a friendly handshake. This scuba guide has been swimming with bull sharks on this reef for almost 20 years. He has come to know most of them by name and he is very familiar with their behaviour and their unique personalities. He knows that some of them will tolerate being touched is he is careful in the way he goes about this. But to watch him reach out with his bare hand and get so close to the rows of razor sharp teeth is an astonishing sight. The guide we see here has a serious love for sharks that runs deep. He and his fellow guides have been promoting a love and a respect for sharks for many years. They conduct controlled feedings and show guests that sharks are not the killers that Hollywood has made them out to be. The guides promote conservation and understanding. They also tale things a step further on occasion when injured or hooked sharks need a little help. Approximately 6 years ago, a massive tiger shark had come to the deeding area and they saw that she had a large hook in her mouth that prevented her from opening her jaws. This made feeding impossible and she was showing signs of emaciation. The guides lured her in close and managed to rub her nose which kept her very calm. They pulled the hook from her mouth and she was able to eat. The tiger shark returned for feedings regularly for three years, although they have not seen her in recent years. Sharks inspire great fear in those who do not understand them. Despite their terrible reputation, sharks are responsible for very few attacks on humans and even fewer fatalities. They keep the fish populations in check and by preying on the sick or injured, they ensure that only the strongest animals live long enough to breed. Without sharks, the overall health of the oceans would decline.

Bull sharks are big and beefy sharks with a reputation for being aggressive feeders. Dominant in comparison with other sharks, they are strong and very capable hunters. Smaller sharks will move out of the way when bull sharks arrive at a location to feed. Bull sharks are also commonly hooked by fishermen who are intending to catch other species such as marlin or even grouper. They eat almost any prey and they will take a hook that is baited with fish. This large shark frequents the area to the south of the Island of Viti Levu in the Republic of Fiji. It has a large hook imbedded in its mouth. Incredibly, the tail of the bait fish is still attached. It appears that the shark became hooked very recently. These sharks are eager volunteers in a controlled fish feeding that is conducted by scuba diving guides who take their guests to a ledge in 20m (60 feet) of water. They use closed bait buckets that can be opened with cables in order to release fish scraps that the sharks quickly devour. Scuba divers who watch are able to see sharks' feeding behavoiur. Although there conflicting opinions about shark feeding operations, the benefits here are difficult to ignore. In previous years, fish stocks were in balance when the Fijian people were the only ones harvesting fish on the local reefs. Sharks were seen as competitors and a threat to their food supply. Protecting the sharks represented a loss to the people and an impediment to the survival of the people. Outside commercial fishing operations came and offered lucrative deals for the rights to fish in the coastal waters. This depleted fish supplies at an alarming rate, causing an even greater need for the money that the fishing operations offered. Conservationists and shark lovers found that the sharks could provide the answer. Scuba diving tours offer the possibility of generating revenue without harming sharks or fish. The sharks are worth a lot in terms of tourist dollars and it became obvious that they needed the protection of the people living here. The income generated was more than enough to offset the money lost by limiting commercial fishing operations. The fish populations rebounded and the natural balance of the reef was restored. The Fijian people that own this land are thriving from the tourist revenue. These shark feeding tours also represent an opportunity to educate people about the sharks and their benefit to the ocean. Guides provide interesting facts about the role they play in the ecosystem and the effect that losing sharks would have on the planet. Guides also explain that they are not the cold blooded killers that we have believed them to be. After seeing these majestic creatures close up, it is hard not to fall in love with them and to develop a healthy respect for these beautiful animals.

Pileated woodpeckers are spectacular birds that are a delight for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. They are the largest woodpeckers in North America. This claim to fame was once held by the ivory billed woodpecker, which sadly, is now believed to be extinct. Pileated woodpeckers are heavy birds with a serious presence at the backyard feeders. Attracted by suet cakes, they will often announce their arrival with a loud call that sounds like maniacal laughter. As they fly in to an area, the call warns other woodpeckers that their territory is occupied. It is also a warning to the smaller birds that they are coming in for a landing. This pileated woodpecker is the male in a nesting pair. They have their home in a stand of trees not far from this feeder. At least once each day, the woodpeckers arrive at this suet holder and feast on the cakes within. Pecking and eating for a minute or two is all that they need to fill their bellies. They fly off happily after a brief visit. The woodpeckers also enjoy a few sips of water at the backyard pond. They have a few spots at decaying trees where they peck at the holes for insects burrowed into the wood as well. Pileated woodpeckers do a great job of keeping insect populations at bay that would otherwise attack and harm trees. Their abandoned nesting cavities also make great habitats for owls and other woodland creatures. They are beneficial for forests and the animals that live there. They are also a delight to see with their commanding presence and eye catching colour.

Fiji is a republic in the South Pacific that is made up of 330 islands. The main Island, Viti Levu is surrounded by some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. The island provides miles of healthy coral that is home to an abundance of marine life. Fiji is also home to scenic, hidden waterfalls nestled in the jungle. The pools beneath are crystal clear and tremendously inviting. The people of Fiji are warm and welcoming, leading visitors through traditional villages and inviting them to experience a world rich with history and culture. These Canadian tourists journeyed to the far side of the world to experience the underwater beauty and mystery that Fiji offers. Staying at Volivoli resort, they ventured out to the reefs each day and night, slipping beneath the waves and coming face to face with some of the ocean's most fascinating animals. They traveled across the island to the Uprising Resort and connected with Aqua Trek Fiji Diving to witness a controlled shark feeding. Bull sharks, reef sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and other species gather for their chance at the fish scraps. This results in an opportunity for stunning pictures and videos. It also creates an opportunity for education and discussion surrounding sustainability and conservation. Jona from Aqua Trek explained that the nearby village relies on a harvest from the ocean. In order to survive, fishing rights have been sold to commercial operations that have depleted the fish populations. Shark feeding brings tourism and revenue without the island inhabitants having to give up their precious ocean resources. The sharks inspire a love for the species and people who come here leave with a sense of responsibility to protect the sharks. Guests see that sharks are not dangerous killers. They are majestic creatures that benefit the reef populations and also us. The Fijian people welcomed these tourists with open arms, sharing their homes, their food, and their traditions. Guests witnessed a recreation of basket weaving, traditional cooking, arts and crafts, and ceremonial dancing. There was even time for an impromptu game of rugby with a coconut. This adventure was built around a scuba trip through Float N' Flag Travel (And Dive Centre) in Burlington, Ontario. Although the focus was on underwater adventure, the group experienced unexpected adventures and thrills on land too. This was truly a voyage that immersed these lucky Canadians in the magic of Fiji. Journey with them as you watch the highlights of their experiences.

Sea cucumbers are marina animals that are found on the ocean floor throughout the world. Many are shaped like the vegetable after which they are named. Others resemble giant caterpillars with a rectangle shape and small appendages that act as legs. This sea cucumber is approximately 1m (3 feet) in length. It was making its way across the coral in Fiji, propelling itself in slow motion. Feeding on rotting debris on the seabed, they break down animal and plant matter that is then more easily processed by bacteria. Essential to keeping the ocean clean and free of rotting organic debris, they feed continuously, processing massive amounts of waste due to their great numbers. In deeper regions of the ocean, sea cucumbers make up a large proportion of the animal life. They are capable of surviving in shallow water or in areas that are several kilometers deep. Most sea cucumbers have no eyes. A few species have light sensit9ve organs that function similar to primitive eyes. Most possess tube feet that they use for locomotion. Their mouths are made up of tentacle-like appendages that filter food from the water and draw it into their mouth. These creatures filter obtain oxygen using organs that are located in the anus. They draw water into their anal cavity, extract oxygen and expel the water. Scuba diving is a sport that allows people to immerse themselves in a very unusual world where the animals are like nothing we find on the surface.

Imagine seeing one of the biggest back yard birds drinking water out of the pond right outside your window. This enormous fellow came to sip water, peck curiously at the cedar deck and then feed at the suet column. Pileated woodpeckers are the largest species of woodpecker in North America. They would be second to the ivory billed woodpecker, although sadly, it is now believed to be extinct. The pileated is a giant bird that feeds on insects burrowed into rotting trees and logs. It uses its keen sense of hearing to detect grubs and beets beneath the wood. Once it locates its prey, it hammers with its powerful beak to uncover and devour the insects. They actually play a vital role in the health of many forests, keeping the population of destructive insects in check. A pileated woodpecker can be heard for miles as it beats loudly on hollow trees to announce its presence and dominance to other woodpeckers. They are territorial and this display is meant to keep rivals from entering their feeding or breeding area. A pileated woodpecker grows to an incredible 49cm in height (19inches). It is a heavy bird, weighing up to 300g (2/3 lb). They are also known to eat fruits and berries, including the berries of the poison ivy plant. They will also eat ants in large quantities when the colonies are found in dead trees. The nest of the pileated is constructed by hammering out large holes in dead trees. The male makes a nest and this attracts a female where they will work together to raise their young. The nests are not used twice and the large cavities often become a shelter for other birds and woodland animals, such as owls. This also plays a beneficial role in the health of forests. Pileated woodpeckers are a welcome sight at back yard bird feeders such as this one. They love suet cakes that are filled with nuts and seeds. Their large size and bright plumage make them a delightful sight for bird enthusiasts and photographers. This videographer placed a GoPro camera on a pole right beside the suet feeder in his back yard and he was fortunate enough to capture this large male paying a visit. Providing food for local birds can make a great difference to their survival, especially when harsh conditions make it more difficult to find food.

Fiona is a beautiful soul who lives on a heavenly farm in Ontario, Canada. She roams freely with acres of lush, green grass to graze on and rolling hills nestled beside a forested area for shade. She drinks from ponds full of fresh water and she enjoys the sunshine and fresh air all day long. She's as happy as a cow can be, living a life that is as close to what nature intended as possible. Fiona has just had her first calf, and she's as perfect as Fiona is. Hope is two days old and she is curious and inquisitive. Dave, a part time farm hand in this meadow has arrived to meet Fiona's baby. He has brought a bag of corn, which is one of Fiona's favorite treats. Hope is nursing away when Dave approaches and Fiona can see that she is about to get a snack. She interrupts the milk session, walking up to Dave. But Hope follows along and checks out what is happening. She can see that her mother is having a good time with her corn but she can't quite understand the appeal. She has a sniff and she tries a little nibble but all she knows is milk and she has little interest in solid food. Fiona is a trusting cow and Hope learned quickly that people will do her no harm. The farmers here are extremely kind to their animals, placing herd health and well-being ahead of profit. The animals on this farm get quality vet care, lots of food, and a life of freedom. The herd wanders safely here with no worry about predators. There is even a gigantic bull named Gus who watches over his ladies protectively. This operation is what is referred to as an ethical farm. The cows live stress free and healthy. The farmers sell beef locally, reducing costs and avoiding shipping the animals from one location to another. Buying food from an ethical source doesn't cost much more and it is well worth the peace of mind knowing that it supports the farmers who are doing things right. Farms like these can be found in most communities.

Kristy is an avid gardener who has a very green thumb. When the pandemic was announced and food uncertainty was very real, she expanded her vegetable patch to make sure that her family had an endless supply of food. There were baskets of potatoes that filled a big part of their cold storage to get through winter and the patch itself was like a potato rainforest. Kristy not only filled the freezer with peppers, tomatoes, raspberries, and beans, but she grew enough to supply her friends and neighbours with a lot of fresh produce as well. She even had enough plants and vegetables to sell many of them for a fundraiser for a deserving family whose child was battling cancer. She worked tirelessly and her efforts paid off in many ways. This year, Kristy told her husband that she could use some help with the huge vegetable patch. Eager to get involved, Dave rototilled for days and he dug out rocks and mulched around the tomatoes that Kristy had started. But he decided to surprise her with some extra effort in the potato section. Dave is pretty good with a shovel, and even with the rake and the hoe, but there's a very good reason why Kristy looks after the planting part of growing their garden. She's surely going to be impressed with his thoughtfulness, if not with his understanding of gardening. Dave should probably stick to digging holes and picking rocks from now on.

Orioles are among the most vividly coloured birds in North America. Their bright orange plumage, contrasted with black make them stand out like few other birds. Easily attracted to back yard feeders, they are such a delight for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts that their arrival in spring is an eagerly anticipated event. Their migration north causes great excitement on social media and other bird sites as their progress is tracked and noted. Birders are quick to put out feeders a day or two before the birds arrive, hoping that they will return to find good reason to stay. Orioles are loyal to feeders and territories so it's not difficult to keep them coming back if there is a good supply of food and water. Orioles are particular about their diet. They enjoy oranges, grape jelly, sugar nectar, and other brightly coloured fruit like mango or grapes. They will eat only foods of certain colours though, and it's wise to keep a fresh supply of these things in an open area near trees. Orioles are cautious birds and they will keep a watchful eye on the skies to avoid predators such as hawks or kites that also like to be near bird feeders. The female oriole is also orange, but her colour is not nearly as vibrantly orange. Her darker feathers are also more brown than black, giving her a much more muted appearance. Cheerful songbirds, the sound of orioles in the back yard is almost as satisfying as the sight of them. As an added bonus, orioles will also eat insects such as caterpillars, making them a very beneficial presence in any woodland area where caterpillars could damage trees.

This electric vehicle owner is proud of his new purchase and what he can do with it. Steve has bought a Hyundai Ioniq5 that will allow him to travel at a fraction of the cost. With less greenhouse gas emissions as well, he feels like he is doing his part for the planet. And he is finding that it is a joy to drive. But incredibly, he is also enjoying the Ioniq5 for its toast making abilities. Steve is an avid outdoorsman and camping enthusiast. He has a few small appliances so that he can bring along the comforts of home as he treks in the wilderness. But he can power these appliances by plugging in an adapter that draws power from the car's battery and turns it into power for appliances or other devices. Steve has been asked a lot of questions about how useful his car is or what he would do if he were ever stuck on the highway, especially in the cold. Now, Steve answers that he can pull out his toaster oven and make a meal as he sits and waits for the highway to open. He can even fire up a small coffee maker to make that situation a little more tolerable. Steve did a lot of research before buying an electric vehicle. It doesn't fit everyone's lifestyle. Those who are not able to spend 30 minutes charging their car on long trips probably won't enjoy the added time of a long journey in an electric car. But for somebody who makes frequent short trips, Steve can go months without having to spend any time at a gas station refueling. And with the price of gas lately, driving past the gas stations feels good in many ways. Steve enjoys the impressive acceleration, the quiet running motor, and the feeling that there are less emissions. But now, Steve also enjoys the snacks that come with the purchase of a car like this.

Snowy is a house cat who lives in England. She shares her backyard with wild crows, squirrels, seagulls and a few other animals. Snowy's owner, Pam feeds a lot of wildlife and they have become very accustomed to her as she gives them their snacks. The cats have learned to live with these visitors too, having no apparent desire to actually catch any of the birds. The birds have learned that they are relatively safe on the fence. Although not completely relaxed when a cat is beside them, the birds are more playful than fearful. This is Steven Seagull and he frequents Pam's feeding stations and water buckets, He waits patiently for the food to appear and he shares his excitement with Snowy, trying to engage in a conversation. It sounds like he's laughing at an inside joke, or maybe he's asking what's on the menu. Snowy doesn't seem impressed enough to pay much attention. She looks around and ignores Steven, despite his best attempt at socializing. After a few tries, he decides to fly over to another fence to wait on his own for the food to come. Seagulls and cats are not normally so comfortable with each other. Snowy has proven reluctant to fight with the animals who some to see Pam. They've established enough trust that they can share a spot on the fence without fear. It's remarkable to see this kind of comfort between cats and birds!

Bumblebees are very hardworking little creatures. Like honeybees, they are attracted by coloured flowers where they drink nectar and gather pollen for honey production. Like honeybees, bumblebees are important pollinators. As they gather pollen and nectar, they brush against various parts of the flowers, pollenating in the process. There are approximately 250 species of bumblebees in the world. They prefer more temperate climates such as those found in Europe and North America, although some species can be found in more tropical regions. Their colonies consist of as few as 50 many as 400 individuals, which is much less than the colonies of honeybees. They are social animals and they cooperate to find food and care for others in the nest. Bumblebees are remarkably intelligent compared with most insects, having been found to possess the ability to learn by observation. In studies where bees were given a food reward for moving a heavy object, they learned more quickly if they were able to see other bees complete the task first. The bees that observed the object being moved by a magnet also learned, but significantly less quickly than those bees that watched another bee move the object. In a bumblebee colony, only the queen survives the winter. The workers and drones perish when the weather turns cold. The queen emerges and lays eggs that are fertilized by sperm that she has stored from mating the year before. The queen can lay fertilized eggs that hatch into female workers, or unfertilized eggs that hatch into male drones. She cares for and feeds the larvae until they hatch. She feeds them nectar for carbohydrates and pollen for protein. The larvae will need both to thrive. Once enough workers hatch and mature, they will take over the duties of gathering food and caring for the larvae. The queen spends her time laying more eggs. Worker female bumblebees can also lay eggs, but they will only develop into drone males. The males have only one set of chromosomes, as opposed to females that have two sets. Only the queens can lay diploid female eggs. The queen will limit the worker bees' ability to lay eggs through physical aggression and pheromones. Bumblebees are capable of foraging 1-2 km (1 mile) from their nest and they can reach speeds of up to 54km/h (35mph). Queens and female bumblebees are capable of stinging, although most bumblebees are not aggressive and it is unlikely that a bee will sting a human unless handled excessively. The world of bees is a fascinating one and biologists are learning more about these incredible creatures each day. We now understand that bees are vital to the health and survival of most plants and that without them, our planet would be doomed.