DavidMcNab

Killdeer are beautiful birds found throughout North America. Many people have seen them running in meadows, grass lawns, and even on gravel driveways. Their shrill cries are unmistakable and their feigned broken wing act is something most of us have witnessed at one time or another. Devoted parents, they will risk themselves to lure predators from their precious eggs or babies. They provide one of the most dramatic acting efforts in all of nature. These babies have just entered the world a few hours before these images were captured. The parents dutifully kept their eggs warm for almost 4 weeks. Suddenly, the eggs hatched and the babies got their first glimpse of the meadow and the blue sky over them. Instinctively, they seem to know that danger lurks in the grass and even in the skies. They stay hidden under their mother or father for their first day, venturing out briefly to explore. One shriek from the adults and the babies will squat quickly in the long grass and tuck their head in. They will remain completely motionless until the parent signals with a chirp that the danger has passed. The babies resemble tiny pompoms on stilts as they clumsily make their way through the vegetation, falling adorably as they walk. Few things are as cute as newborn killdeer chicks.

These killdeer have been incubating their eggs for 3-4 weeks and they have been vigorously defending the nest against intruders. Their habit of feigning a wing injury to lure predators away from their eggs is awe inspiring and fascinating to watch. After weeks of commendable effort, they have just been rewarded with success. Their eggs hatched several hours before this video captured the newborn's first look at the world. The egg shells have barely been cleared away and the babies have dried off. They are adorably fluffy with impossibly long legs and they are alert and ready to eat within an hour of hatching. But they still need to be kept warm. The parents share the responsibility of heating and protecting the babies for several hours. The parent who is not on the nest will eat insects and even bring a few to the babies. They learn instinctively peck at anything that moves and they will learn how to feed themselves before the day is done. If anything threatening approaches the nest, both parents will engage in a dramatic display, pretending that they are an easy meal, all in the hope of drawing the danger away from their young. One of the babies can be seen here as he ventures a few inches from the father's protective care. He is like a small pompom on legs and he walks with an adorable clumsiness as he gets used to the long grass beneath his feet. Suddenly, the father sounds the shrill alarm chirp that indicates danger and the baby drops to the ground, tucks himself into the grass, and waits motionless for the moment to pass. With a reassuring sound from the parents, he is on his feet again and he is eager to get back under dad's wing. The four chicks left the nest by mid afternoon on their first day, taking cover under long grass while they fed and learned from their parents. Instinctively, they seem to understand that the world is a dangerous place and they are cautious and wary, always staying close to cover. They must feed and grow quickly if they are to survive. Approximately half of killdeer eggs will live through the egg stage and the first few days of life. These killdeer have been lucky thus far.

Agnes is a wonderful cow who lives on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. She has just given birth to her first calf only moments earlier and she has licked and cleaned him. This is important for bonding and for establishing the calf's understanding that he is safe and cared for in this strange and new world that he has just entered. He's had a very tiring experience and he rests for several minutes as he adjusts to breathing the air. But the little fellow must get to his feet quickly. Although he is safe on this farm, there could be predators that will take advantage of a newborn who cannot follow the heard for protection. He must walk quickly and run soon after. He will need to get to his mom's udder soon too for that crucial first drink of milk that is loaded with colostrum. These are the antibodies that form his immune system and it is vital that he begins to develop immunity to infection right away. His mother is ready to feed him and the milk is actually dripping from her. Agnes patiently waits and grazes while her baby adjusts. She moos gently and she licks and nudges him encouragingly. Flossey, a seasoned mother comes over to inspect the calf and offer congratulations. She sniffs at the baby and stands protectively as Agnes recovers from the effort of giving birth. Cows often form relationships and close bonds with other cows in the herd. Agnes may not let the other cows wander too close during these first moments, but she adores Flossey and she tolerates her getting very close to the newborn. Farms like this one exist all over North AMerica, but they are far from ordinary. This is an ethical beef farm and the farmers here have a very different approach to producing our food. They have a genuine desire to take proper care of the animals. It's a small, family run farm where the animals get names and the farmers know their likes and dislikes. The cows respond to kindness and allow their keepers to handle them and even their babies. Herd health is far more important than profit and each animal receives proper veterinary care. The cows have vast expanses of meadow for roaming and grazing. A massive, but gentle bull named Gus watches over his ladies protectively and carries out his duties in a very natural way. The cows have ponds full of fresh water and forested area for shade. The cows can nap in the sunshine or seek shelter under the trees. It's life as close to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. Factory run farms treat their animals much differently. They transport their cows great distances in confined spaces, and the meat is also transported across the country or around the world, driving up cost which inevitably means other corners must be cut to maintain profit. A competitive market means less care and more cruelty in the production of our food. Many people choose a vegan lifestyle and that is commendable. But for those who will continue to eat meat, sourcing a family farm that is local and natural means that the cost of raising the food has been spent on proper care. The meat is often healthier too and the impact on the environment is reduced when we shop locally. There are many good reasons to support those farmers who care enough to do things right for their animals and for us.

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. A Canada goose is resting with the flamingoes, just off camera to the left. He suddenly honks and 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.

Trumpeter swans are magnificent birds that can reach an incredible size with a wingspan of more than 2.5m (8 feet). They are the largest bird native to North America, growing to more than 13kg (30 pounds) in weight. Although the young will eat insects as well as plants, these birds are herbivores once they reach maturity. They feed mainly on water plants and algae, foraging beneath the surface for aquatic plants and roots. These swans are stomping the mud with their feet to clear and loosen the soil around the underwater roots. They eat pieces of plants that rise to the surface and they also reach underwater to twist and bite plants and roots that have been made accessible. The babies are taking advantage of their parents' efforts and watching closely to see how it is done. Although they are tagged, these are wild swans that have been released as part of a breeding program at the Toronto Zoo in Ontario, Canada. The tags help to track the birds and evaluate the success of the mating pairs, as well as providing valuable information for future conservation. Trumpeter swans usually mate for life and they will often return to this pond at the zoo after release. The zoo provides ideal habitat for breeding and raising the young, known as cygnets. Both makes and females courageously defend the young for 3-4 months. A unique behaviour of the trumpeter swan is prolonged thrashing of the water with their wings and feet in what is believed to be a deterrent for snapping turtles that would prey on the vulnerable young cygnets. Trumpeter swans came dangerously close to extinction in the 1930s when it was believed that there were as few as 70 individuals. A population was discovered in Alaska and conservationists and wildlife agencies teamed up to assist in breeding and reintroduction. Healthy populations have been restored throughout North America. While most people understand the issues of concern that exist with some zoos around the world, there is also a very positive side that is less understood. Organizations like the Toronto Zoo play a vital role in understanding, and conserving wildlife around the planet. Through education, volunteering, funding, and providing critical expertise, we have been able to reverse some of the catastrophic effects of human population growth.

The world is a beautiful enough place from ground level, but it is simply breath taking from above. The landscape looks surprisingly different and the colours are more spectacular from a bird's eye perspective. These farmers have been working the land and growing food here for generations. They have an appreciation for how gorgeous the meadows are and how lush and green the rolling hills look from their wrap-around porch high on the hillside, but they rarely see the property from above. A neighbour with a drone decided that they should get a chance to see it from the sky. While they were cutting and baling hay, this videographer captured video of the scene. He flew over the cows and the ponds, around the forested area, and then out and over the hayfields where they were cutting. With the drone following the machines, he even captured some closer looks at what goes on in the typical day of a farmer. Their days start early and they run until the the daylight stops. Few jobs are as demanding or as honourable as farming. It is hardworking people like these who put food on the tables of families around the world. This is an ethical beef farm and the herd wanders freely over a vast expanse of lush pasture. The farmers consider herd health to be a priority over profit and they treat their animals very well. The cows have responded to this kindness, and they welcome a scratch behind the ear or a rub on the head. The farmers find it very easy to handle the calves for treatments and health care since the mothers have learned to trust them. The next time you see a farmer, feel free to thank them for their hard work and their dedication. Our food doesn't get to our tables without a farmer somewhere putting in the long hours to make it possible.

This close up video footage reveals that dragonfly faces look remarkably similar to fighter pilots with aviator shades. Although these insects appear to have two eyes, they actually possess nearly 24,000 cell clusters, called ommatidia that make up a compound eye of the insects. This allows the dragonfly to see in a mosaic form. Dragonflies are extremely agile fliers, possessing skills and maneuverability that also imitates a fighter plane. They can propel themselves forward, backward, up, down, and to either side. They prey on flying insects, snatching them out of the air and taking them to a nearby branch or stone to devour them. Strong in terms of insects, the dragonfly is able to easily overpower and carry off moths and horseflies with ease. Cottagers love dragonflies and delight in seeing them buzzing around because they know that these nimble creatures will save them from the deerflies and horseflies that plague the areas near lakes and summer homes, causing frustration and pain among those who are bitten by the flies. Dragonflies possess impressive intelligence, demonstrating that they understand that humans attract their preferred food. In that sense, humans are bait for the dragonflies to catch their meals. Dragonflies symbolize strength and courage in western culture, and many see them as a sign of hope. They appear on pottery and in paintings and pictures, bringing joy to many. And to most people, they are sign of summer as they are very numerous in the hotter months. Dragonflies are large insects but they are descended from an even larger creature called a Protodonata, one of the largest insects to have ever lived. It had a wingspan of nearly 75cm (30 inches). These would have been large and powerful enough to carry off a bird or even a small dog. We frequently see these little animals flying around us rapidly or flying past us. Occasionally, we see them perched and still, but getting such an extreme close up reveals a very endearing face that appears to be smiling at us from behind a pair of sunglasses.

JuJube and Josie are very fortunate calves who are living the good life on a wonderful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's known as ethical farming and the cows here roam freely, grazing on lush green grass. They have vast acres of rolling meadow as well as forested areas for shade. They can drink fresh water from ponds and they have a large and protective bull who watches over them as he grazes and does his other duties. The farmers here are as concerned with heard health and happiness as they are with the business aspects of running a farm and everything that they produce for their table or for the cows is organic and ethically grown. Life here is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. The cows here respond very well to the kindness they are shown and they are remarkably trusting of their human caregivers. The white calf in this video is JuJube and he has been struggling with an infection that he developed due to inadequate colostrum after birth. His mother, Bernise is a devoted mother and she put in a wonderful effort, but JuJube is now struggling. He cannot get to his feet and he cannot nurse easily without help. The farmers and a farm hand have teamed up to provide him with the help he needs. He gets fed extra milk every morning and evening and he is helped to his feet to nurse several times each day. He even gets washed to keep him clean and healthy because the last thing he needs now is another type of infection. JuJube has been receiving veterinary care and he's given anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and some pain relief medication. He's a fighter and he has lots of people in his corner who will not give up on him. Josie is another little calf who is getting some help. She was born healthy enough but her mother, MJ just does not have enough milk for her. Josie also gets a large bottle of milk every morning and every night, as well as all the milk that he mother can provide. Josie comes running when she is called, licking her lips as she hurries toward her bottle. As JuJube was getting his breakfast, Josie came looking for hers too and Dave had his hands full feeding both at once. These cows are incredibly relaxed about all of this. Normally, approaching a newborn calf would not be acceptable to a new mother and humans would be wise to keep their distance. But on this farm, the animals have learned that they can trust their people and they allow the calves to be handled without any concern. In fact, Dave actually helps JuJube to his feet and washes him while Bernise grazes contentedly very close by. Even if JuJube cries out as he struggles to get his legs under him, Bernise will not act aggressively. Farms like these can be found in most places. When looking for a place to buy food, it's worth supporting farmers like these who do their best for their animals and refuse to take shortcuts to increase profits.

Phyllis is the most relaxed cow in the world. She wanders freely over her meadow and enjoys the fresh air. When she's grazed enough, she simply lies in the sunshine, or the shade, as she prefers, and she close her eyes while she chews her cud.

Killdeer are known for their striking plumage and near perfect camouflage. A beautiful bird, slightly larger than an American robin, it is a delight to see. But it is known for something more unique than the beauty of its feathers. These dedicated parents both take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young, and both will place themselves in danger to distract predators that approach the nest closely. Known as the "injured wing act", these birds convincingly feign a wing injury and make sounds of distress that excite a predator and have them thinking there is an easy meal for the taking. The birds lure the predators away until they are convinced that their young are safe and then they take flight, circling back when the coast is clear to sit on the eggs once again. Eggs hatch 21-28 days after the eggs are laid and the parents will spend the entire time keeping watch over them. Killdeer are named for their shrill call that resembles the words "killdeer" with the application of a little imagination. They prefer open meadows, short grass, and even pastures with cattle. Their nests are small indentations and are not readily visible to the untrained eye. Once the eggs hatch, the family will seek shelter in taller shrubs and vegetation where they can avoid predators until the young are able to care for themselves. These birds eat insects and they forage by day, and also during times when moonlight is higher, allowing insects to move about during the night. These birds are impressive in their dedication and their willingness to place themselves in front of danger to protect their eggs.

Joe is a happy little calf who lives on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's a magical place where the cows wander freely over vast expanses of lush, green meadow. They graze happily in the fresh air and lounge in the ponds on hot days. They can soak up the sunshine or find shade under the trees on the edge of the forest, as they choose. Joe has everything he needs, including an endless supply of warm milk to fill his belly. He follows his mother around the pasture and nurses whenever he wishes. After a satisfying breakfast, Joe had the foamy remains all over his little face. It was the most adorable milk moustache and beard ever. Joe has very few cares in the world. He plays with the other calves in the meadow and he explores his surroundings as his mother grazes and keeps an eye on him. Joe lives on what is referred to as an ethical beef farm. The cows live outside, except in the harshest winter months. They have lots of room, the companionship of the herd, and all efforts are made to give them a stress free life. There is even a bull named Gus, who watches over them protectively and does his job in a natural way. It's life as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle souls. Joe is only a few weeks old and he is just starting to nibble at the grass, but he will rely on his mother for a few more months before he starts to graze like she does. Until then, his life is about as care-free as it can be.

Indigo buntings are one of the most vibrant and beautiful birds in North America. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts take extreme delight in getting a close look at one, whether at the edge of the forest or at the back yard feeder. But these bird lovers have a pair that frequent their feeder and their pond. Indigo buntings are one of the most striking of all the songbirds that appear at the backyard feeders in North America. They are a rare sight and an exciting one with their vibrant blue plumage. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers anxiously watch and hope to catch a glimpse of these beauties paying them a visit. Indigo buntings frequent the edge of forested areas and farm land, enjoying the hardwood lots where they meet meadows. The birds love seeds and berries, but they also eat a lot of insects and caterpillars. This is extremely beneficial for keeping the moths and caterpillars in check. Without them, trees and other vegetation would suffer and decline as leaves were devoured by the insects. The male of the species is a brilliant blue during mating season, while the female is a brown colour and far less striking. During winter months, even the males are brown. This is very common in birds as more vibrant colour is a signal to the females that the males are robust and carry strong genes, making them the most desirable mates. Amazingly, Indigo Buntings migrate at night, using the stars for guidance. These birds possess an internal clock that enables them to continually adjust their angle of orientation to the stars, even as that star moves through the night sky. This is a very unique trait. The indigo bunting is as fascinating as it is beautiful!

JuJube is a calf who is facing some serious challenges. He was born a few weeks ago on a beautiful farm in Ontario, Canada. It's known as an "ethical farm". Family owned and operated, they raise a small herd on a vast expanse of rolling pasture. This farm is much different than the massive factory farms that are profit driven. Here, they treat the animals more like pets here and the farmers place more emphasis on herd health than profit. The cows have acres of lush, green pasture and meadows to wander and graze on. There is forest for shade and exploration, and there are ponds full of fresh water for drinking. Bernise is a seasoned mother and she has been a good cow, having lived on this farm for ten years. She has a wonderful disposition and she trusts the farmers. She will even allow them to handle her new baby and treat him, as he has needed since birth. JuJube was born with difficulty walking and getting up. A cow who cannot stand will not be able to nurse and he will not be able to follow the herd. He will not thrive and eventually, he will starve. Farmer Dave will not let this happen to JuJube and he felt he owed it to Bernise to do all that he could to help her calf. Dave has had the veterinarian out to the farm every few days to examine JuJube and check on his progress. They initially suspected that he might suffer from white muscle disease, which is a deficiency in selenium. Dave gave JuJube vitamins and supplements by injection and the veterinarian also prescribed anti-inflammatories and antibiotics because JuJube could also be suffering from an infection in his joints. JuJube has responded well to treatments and he has gained the strength to walk and follow Bernise. But farmer Dave and a helper have been taking turns lifting JuJube to his feet several times each day. He is given extra milk as well, to help him build his strength.

Cardinals are one of the most beautiful birds in North America and bird enthusiasts and nature lovers take great delight in seeing them at the back yard feeder or drinking at the pond or garden bird bath. This female is brightly colored and spectacular with her striking plumage.

JuJube is a wonderful little calf with some troubles. He was born with weakness in his legs that made it nearly impossible for him to get up and walk. He was otherwise healthy and the mother had lots of milk for him. She tried to position herself so that he could nurse, but it wasn't going to work unless he could get to his feet. She nudged him and licked him, bellowing encouragement. JuJube tried to stand, but he just wasn't able. Farmer Dave saw that neither of them was ready to give up and he decided that he would not give up either. He bottle fed JuJube and helped him stand long enough to nurse. Bernise did her part and seemed to understand that the farmer was helping them. As this continued, she became less protective and she allowed Dave to do his work to make life easier for both of them. A veterinarian was called and they believed that the problem was a selenium deficiency, known as "white muscle disease". They gave JuJube vitamin and selenium supplements by injection. They also wondered if it was a joint problem that made walking painful. They began a series of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The farmer and an assistant took turns helping JuJube to his feet several times each day. Bernise eagerly stood in position to let him nurse and JuJube gained strength each day. But a calf who lies down is difficult to clean and Bernise could not keep her baby clean enough. The farm hand gave JuJube daily sponge baths in order to help him stay healthy. Surprisingly, Bernise had enough trust to allow this unusual task to be done. Normally, a mother cow will not let humans handle newborns, but Bernise has been well treated on this wonderful farm and she has come to trust those who care for her. As time went on, JuJube began gettung up on his own and he began following Bernise around the pasture. It looks like JuJube will be okay, thanks to a trusting mother and a farmer who cared enough to never give up.

Red-tailed hawks are large and formidable predators. They are one of the largest predatory birds in North America and they are the most commonly seen of all the raptors. Farmers love these birds since they play an important role in keeping rodents and pest populations in check. These magnificent birds can be seen perched on fences, telephone poles and in trees, scanning the fields for prey. They are enormous birds that can reach 60cm in length (2 feet) and have a wingspan of 150cm (nearly 5 feet). This hawk was found injured by a farmer, Peter, who was driving his truck along the fence line on his farm. The hawk seemed stunned or possibly injured by a car. Peter is known for being kind enough to give you the shirt off his back, and that is exactly what he did for this injured creature. He used his shirt to capture the hawk and he also knew enough to wear heavy gloves. But despite his caution, the hawk's razor sharp talons pierced the leather and injured Peter's hand. He was determined to get the poor bird some help and he took it to the farmhouse nearby. Dr. Kristy, a country veterinarian who also works with wildlife was only minutes away. She came straight over when called. She examined the hawk and determined that the left wing was seriously injured. She reached out to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge which was located an hour and a half away. They not only agreed to take the bird, but they kept their doors open well past closing to help. Dr. Kristy's son, Cameron delivered the bird and filled out a report. He also has a lot of experience with wildlife and he was delighted to do what he could for this beautiful animal. Within minutes of arrival, Shades of Hope staff had diagnosed the injury as a fractured humerus in the left wing. It would require a pin to be placed surgically, and many weeks of care as it healed. The bird will need help to learn to use the wing again so it can be returned to the area where it was found. Not all injured wild animals survive, but rehab and treatment centers like these are the best chance an injured animal has. These staff are experts on medical care, diet, and animal behavior. Successful treatment is made possible due to their extreme dedication. Red-tailed hawks are amazing animals. In flight, they are breath taking and impressive. They can reach speeds of 60km/h (40mph) on level flight and up to to 190km/h (120mph) on steep dive. They can hover or glide gracefully on the air currents. One of the most impressive features of a red-tailed hawk is their keen vision. Eight times as powerful as a human's vison, they are able to see a mouse on the ground while they are 30m (100 feet) above. These hawks would be able to focus on a rabbit or other animal approximately 3km (2 miles) in the distance. Hawks are also extremely intelligent and they have been found to have the capability of recognizing and distinguishing one human from another based on facial features. When this hawk makes its way back to the farm where it was found, perhaps it will actually remember the kind farmer who gave it the shirt off his back. Please visit shadesofhope.ca to see the incredible work that they do. The refuge is grateful for any financial support that is provided.

Bernise is a wonderful cow with a beautiful disposition. She is a seasoned mother who has had many healthy calves. But her new baby, JuJube has had serious trouble since birth. In an industry where farmers are faced with difficult choices, a calf like JuJube might not get an opportunity to overcome such a poor start in life. Most farmers just cannot justify the expense. Fortunately, Bernise and JuJube live on a wonderful farm in Millbrook, Ontario. The cows here wander freely over vast expanses of lush, green pasture. They have ponds to drink from and fresh air and sunshine almost all year round. Life here is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle beasts. The cows are treated almost like pets and the farmers see herd health as being more important than profit. Bernise and her calf deserve a proper chance, and the farmers are caring enough to provide it, even if it means a greater cost and more effort on their part. Bernise has been a good cow and she obviously cares for her baby too. If Bernise isn't ready to give up on JuJube, neither is farmer Dave. JuJube is outwardly robust and healthy. He is a big calf and he nurses well, but he has difficulty standing and he cannot get to his feet on his own. A calf can only nurse if he can get up and he cannot follow the herd if he can't walk. JuJube's weakness may be caused by a condition called "white muscle disease". A lack of selenium in the soil can mean that some calves are born with a deficiency in this important mineral. The first treatment for JuJube is a round of vitamins A,D, and E, along with mineral supplements. A veterinarian has also come to look at JuJube and try to diagnose the problem. But JuJube requires more than medical treatment. Until he is strong enough, the farmer and his helpers will bottle feed JuJube and elp him to his feet several times per day. He needs encouragement to walk and build his muscles. He also needs frequent sponge baths to keep him clean. Because he is less able to move, his hair can get soiled with his feces. Left unclean, this would invite flies, infections, and other problems. Farmer Dave is committed and won't let this stop him from giving JuJube a fighting chance. As the days went on, JuJube responded to treatments and care and he eventually began to walk well enough to keep up with his mother. If he continues to progress, JuJube will enjoy a good life here in the Canadian sunshine, thanks to a farmer who cared enough to make this possible.

Indigo buntings are one of the most striking of all the songbirds that appear at the backyard feeders in North America. They are a rare sight and an exciting one with their vibrant blue plumage. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers anxiously watch and hope to catch a glimpse of these beauties paying them a visit. This beautiful male indigo bunting made a brief appearance at a seed dispenser in Millbrook, Ontario. He circled the feeder and poked his head inside at each hole, sampling the seeds from each spot. He enjoyed a little breakfast and then flew off to the nearby trees. Indigo buntings frequent the edge of forested areas and farm land, enjoying the hardwood lots where they meet meadows. The birds love seeds and berries, but they also eat a lot of insects and caterpillars. This is extremely beneficial for keeping the moths and caterpillars in check. Without them, trees and other vegetation would suffer and decline as leaves were devoured by the insects. The male of the species is a brilliant blue during mating season, while the female is a brown colour and far less striking. During winter months, even the males are brown. This is very common in birds as more vibrant colour is a signal to the females that the males are robust and carry strong genes, making them the most desirable mates.

There is a trail in Ontario, Canada that the local mountain bikers call Devil's Drop. It's a thrilling two minute descent through switchbacks and hairpin curves. It offers impossibly steep, banking sections that test a rider's ability to hang on to the handlebars and lean into the curves. Rock sections appear in front of the bikers and then end abruptly, launching riders momentarily into the air before they drop down onto the hard packed dirt for the next descent. The trees whiz past quickly and the forest is breath taking, but admiring the view is next to impossible when all your attention needs to be on the trail in front of the bike. Sharp turns come out of nowhere, making a rider lean left and right as quickly as they can shift their weight. The handlebars barely clear the tree trunks in some areas and rocks stick through the hard dirt like scales protruding from a dragon's back. The descent is more than two minutes of high speed exhilaration that would leave even a seasoned rider's knuckles white and have the riders gasping for breath. The climb to the start of the trail is also breath taking, in a different sense, but it is well worth the effort. This trail has been expertly engineered for maximum thrills. It is easy to picture a roller coaster ride as a rider navigates the terrain and struggles to stay one step ahead of the twists and turns. Mountain biking is a very thrilling sports and a great way to get exercise in beautiful areas.

Deer are shy and gentle animals that keep to themselves. They wander the forests and the meadows, throughout North America, as well as many other countries. We often see them from afar, or very briefly close up, but they are sure to run away at the sight of humans. Even seen from afar, we cannot help but be deeply affected by their gracefulness and their soulful eyes. But this man has discovered that with a little patience, the deer might just become curious enough to wander closer than usual. He sat on this log in a remote section of a protected Canadian forest and hoped to see the deer close up. The animals cannot be hunted here and they have learned that humans mean them no harm. It is common to see them grazing in the distance. They are usually not alarmed enough to flee. They may walk away or they may stare curiously. A human seated on a log, munching apples seems to arouse enough curiosity that the deer slowly wandered closer as they passed through this quiet section of the woods. When the man ignored them and made no move to go closer, they seemed to smell the apples. He tossed a few chunks in the grass and they actually came almost close enough to touch. The most surprising part of this encounter was that one of the does walked over the hill and then returned, bringing her fawns over the hill with her. This is a very unusual thing for a mother to do with her young. Although there is not much reaction from the man here, seeing the deer so close was a beautiful experience and seeing fawns right in front of him like this was unforgettable. The trust shown by these wonderful creatures was extremely touching.

Raven is a Great Dane puppy who is extremely well loved. She's living the good life with her family in Canada and she's like another child more than she is like a pet. She enjoys free reign of the house, the 3 acres or property, and even the beds and couches. Here, on her first night with her family, Raven has fallen asleep on her back on the couch with her humans. It seems that this position demonstrates complete trust and contentment in a dog. But at the end of the video, we can see the same dog on the same couch. The difference is that 16 months has passed since the first night on the couch and she now takes up the whole thing!

These swimmers in the Galapagos Islands were beyond thrilled when a a group of young sea lions showed up in the water and surrounded them for playtime and a curious inspection. The beaches and rocky shores in the Galapagos Islands are inhabited by sea lions. They are large animals that look and act so much like our lovable canine companions that they are often referred to as "sea dogs" or "ocean puppies". The older sea lions are not very interested in humans. They can actually be quite grumpy if they are approached too closely. Males are especially territorial, and weighing well over 150kg (300lbs), with a head larger than a family dog, they are formidable animals. But the juvenile sea lions are curious and fun loving creatures that will investigate anything interesting in the water. These sea lions suddenly surrounded a couple who were swimming. They were fascinated with the camera and with the pair of clumsy humans who tried to mimic their movements under water. As the couple dove and rolled, the sea lions came closer and it seemed like they wanted to engage in a game. The sea lions floated past on their backs and blew bubbles as if they wanted to teach the humans how to do the same. They arced and swam gracefully in circles around Kristy who was delighted to have such an interaction with wild sea lions. A trip to the Galapagos Islands will provide a close look at some of the most unique and diverse life on the planet. The sea lions are one of the most interesting of all of them.

Hawksbill sea turtles are critically endangered. Hunted to the brink of extinction for meat and for their beautiful shells, their populations dwindled in the last century. Their decline became a focus of conservation groups around the world and efforts were make to protect their nesting areas and to make hunting them illegal. This female hawksbill was rescued as a young turtle and cared for by researchers at a conservation facility in Papua New Guinea. When the turtles were old enough to survive in the wild, they were released in an isolated area near a coral head. Researchers return to the coral head several times per year to document growth, damage, and populations of marine life. They check on these friendly little turtles too and they are always relieved to see that they are doing well. The turtles seem to remember the earlier interaction with humans and they understand that people can provide them with food. The turtles are curious enough to approach and follow scuba divers, but they have an ability to recognize one of the divers and distinguish him from the others. They seek him out first before approaching the others. Ronnie has taught them that they can find their favourite food; yellow sponge, between the rocks and coral and he has shown them how to scrape it out. But some sponges are inaccessible and he gives them a little help. Ronnie will also provide the other divers with pieces of sponge so that they can make friends with these gentle little sea turtles. The life in our ocean is sensitive to even the smallest of changes brought about by climate, pollution, or habitat loss. One small error on our part can have a devastating effect on a whole ecosystem and the animals that depend on the perfect balance. This one loves his treats and chin scratches!

Fiona is a beautiful cow with a very sweet disposition. She is four years old and she has lived her entire life on this wonderful farm in Ontario, Canada. The farmers here treat her more like a pet than a farm animal and she has responded well to the kindness. This is a farm where the cows spend their time wandering over vast expanses of pasture, through wooded areas and rolling hills. They have ponds full of fresh water to drink from. They only go in a barn during the harsh winter months when snow covers the grass and they need protection for the worst of the winter cold. Fiona is one of about 40 cows here. She has learned to trust people and she is not only relaxed around them, but she often seeks them out for affection and companionship. She will curiously approach most of the people who visit this farm and she is always willing to eat corn from somebody's hand. She will even stick her huge nose in a pocket or backpack to see what visitors have. Dave is a neighbour who loves all animals. He began visiting this farm in the spring when Fiona was very young and she has become very accustomed to him being in the meadow hanging out with the cows or helping with some of the farm tasks. The two have become very chummy over the last few years and Dave often brings her some treats of some kind. It's spring here in Ontario and Fiona and the herd have just been brought back to the pasture. They had been put in the barn in January when snow was deep and grazing was not possible. Now they have been set free again and their reaction was beautiful. Some of the cows trotted around and jumped, happily kicking up their heels. Many calves were born early and they had never seen the meadow until this day. They looked in wonder as they followed their mothers around this huge world. Fiona was obviously glad to see Dave again after a long period and she sniffed and nudged him happily when they met in the field. Dave took a seat on the grass, watching the newborn calves and the cows. Fiona soon joined him, lying down right beside him. She began chewing her cud and seemed to be looking for a head scratch as she relaxed in the sunshine. Dave decided he'd join her in a little grass and cud chewing too, which seemed completely natural and normal to Fiona. Fiona has a very cute calf who watched this interaction curiously from not far away. She is is three days old and she will no doubt learn to be as friendly as Fiona is. Cows are often greatly misunderstood. They are capable of emotion and far greater intellect than we give them credit for. Many people understand that these gentle souls have feelings and an appreciation for life. For various reasons, they choose a vegan lifestyle. While this is commendable, there are many people who will always eat meat. But doing so does not mean that food has to be sourced from large, factory farm operations that are known for cruelty and abuse for the sake of higher profit. "More ethical" farms like this one are easy to find. The animals enjoy a happy life until their last day. If we eat meat, we should at least consider supporting farmers who do things right. A little research, or even a visit to a local farm will make this choice an easy one.

Orioles are among the most beautiful of the all birds in North America. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts excitedly track their spring migration, eager to see the vividly coloured little creatures at their feeders. People count the days and share information about sightings with great anticipation. And finally, when these beautiful birds arrive, they are greeted with seeds and brightly coloured fruits in the hope of attracting them to the back yards. This feeder provides oranges, grape jelly, and seeds of all varieties for the song birds that live in Ontario. Habitat loss along the migration corridors, as well as pesticide use, has decimated food supplies and bird populations, causing experts to tell us that helping the birds with food and habitat is essential to their survival. A rose-breasted grosbeak has been pecking at the suet in this feeder but he would like to wash it down with a little orange juice. The problem is that there is a female oriole dominating the orange platform and she will not share. The little grosbeak makes an attempt to get in on the treat but she scolds him and sends him on his way. He patiently waits on the other side of the feeder and eventually gets his share. A male oriole also frequents this feeder to get orange juice and pulp. He is the most brightly coloured bird in the neighbourhood. He has neon orange plumage with black accents that make him an extremely striking specimen. Within a few days, this feeder will see constant action as more than a dozen pairs of orioles fly in and out. Loyal to their feeding grounds, orioles will return to the same feeders year after year and they will also bring their young to the spots that offer their favourites.