DavidMcNab

This big, beautifully colored insect resembles a giant grasshopper but it is actually a Vestria katydid that makes its home in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador. Colored with gorgeous shades of blue, yellow, and green, he has most of the colors in the rainbow. He even has bright orange feet that make him look as if he is wearing socks and mittens. These gorgeous little animals are often referred to as rainbow katydids. He makes his home high in the canopy, nearly 150 feet (50m) above the forest floor. Although they inhabit the forest at all levels, they are often found high in the trees. This beautiful creature was found by a group of Canadian tourists who were on a guided tour of the jungle. They were taken on a canoe ride, followed by a long hike that led them to a giant kapoc tree. Kapoc trees are enormous trees that tower over all other vegetation in the rain forest. They have wide trunks with giant bases and a massive root system to hold them in place, even in fierce storms. Life in the Amazon thrives around, an on these majestic trees. Plants such as ferns, mosses and beautifully colored flowers grow on the branches and in the crooks along the trunks. These plants are host to a very diverse collection of birds, insects and other animals as they provide food and nesting areas as well as shelter. The kapoc tree is regarded by local inhabitants as the grandfather of the forest. This katydid is one of the many creatures that live on this tree. There is more than enough vegetation to provide his food and his shelter. While katydids are omnivores, they generally prefer plants for most of their diet. But the Vestria katydid is an exception. It hunts and eats other insects for its main source of food. He will also be able to find all of the moisture he needs in the mosses and in the cracks of the tree. He may live his entire life without ever leaving this kapoc. The colors on this little fellow are no accident or coincidence. Nature is complex and almost everything about the animal kingdom has a purpose, even if we don’t understand it. The bright colors are a signal to predators, such as monkeys, birds, lizards, and spiders, that the katydid is foul tasting and may be toxic. One of the defenses of this katydid is the ability to emit a chemical called pyrazine. This chemical is excreted from scent glands and it is another signal to predators that the katydid cannot be eaten. Tourists are able to reach the top of the kapoc tree, where this katydid lives, by climbing a steel staircase that was constructed beside the tree and is carefully strapped onto the tree so that it will not cause any damage. The world at the top of the canopy is fascinating enough that tourists spend hours on the small platform, learning from their guides all about the wonders of the forest and the creatures that inhabit it. And if that were not interesting enough, the spectacular view of the rain forest from above certainly is.

Bullfrogs are enormous creatures with an equally enormous voice. Their loud calls can be heard more than one kilometer away. With a baritone voice, they show their dominance and stake their claim on territory, hoping to attract a mate. Bullfrogs are the largest North American frog, weighing up to 454g (1 pound). They are ambush predators that will eat almost anything they can capture, including insects, other frogs, worms, and even small birds. Bullfrogs are long living, reaching 7 to 9 years of age in the wild and up to 26 years in captivity. Although adult frogs have lungs and breathe air, they can also absorb oxygen through moist skin. They can obtain some oxygen underwater and are able to remain below the surface between 4 and 7 hours at a time. Females have smaller eardrums in comparison with the males. The eardrums of males are much larger than the eyes, while the eardrums of the females are similar in size to their eyes. This videographer had a close up encounter with this very large male bullfrog. As the view zooms in on the eye, the videographer is visible in the reflection as he watches the frog at the edge of the shore.

The Massassauga Rattlesnake is found throughout the midwestern United States and parts of Canada. It is a pit viper, and like all pit vipers, it is venomous, capable of killing its prey by striking and injecting poison into the blood stream of their food. They have hollow fangs which penetrate the skin and inject venom like a hypodermic needle. The venom digests tissue, interferes with blood clotting, and causes internal bleeding. There have been rare cases of human death from a bite, and almost always when medical treatment was not sought. For this reason, they are widely feared by people and they are commonly killed. But, despite the perceived threat, it is not an aggressive creature and it rarely poses a danger to humans. A bite can cause serious illness, and only occasionally, death of a human. But these snakes do not eat people and they have no desire to harm a human. They will strike if startled or harassed, and their defensive behaviour can be mistaken as aggression. They are shy animals and walking through their habitat will rarely result in an encounter. Long pants, proper footwear and a keen eye are usually all that are needed to prevent a misunderstanding. Additionally, rattlesnakes have a callous on their tail that creates an audible sound when they are alarmed. The rattle produces a buzz that closely resembles an angry bumblebee in dry leaves. This is meant as a warning to give the snake space. Massassauga Rattlesnakes are listed as threatened or endangered species in most areas of North America and it is generally illegal to kill one. In contrast with the widespread myths that they are dangerous killers, a bite is almost always survivable. In many cases, the snake will not even inject venom. Dry bites are very common, and completely harmless. Rattlesnakes are essential for keeping rodent populations in check. With snakes, we would be overrun with mice, rats, and the parasites that come with them. We would have increased fleas, ticks, as well as other damage. Crop and property damage would increase without these beneficial animals. The next time you see a rattlesnake, keep a respectful distance and have a good look at their features and their behaviour. They are most likely enjoying a sunny spot to warm up, since they are cold blooded. Unless they feel the need to defend themselves, they will usually remain still or they will retreat. Moving a rattlesnake a significant distance will often interfere with their ability to find their hibernation spot and it can mean death for the snake. They are best left alone, or moved only a short distance if safety requires it.

Bobolinks are strikingly beautiful birds with black feathers and gorgeous white accents. The back of their head is adorned with white plumage that resembles a crown or a helmet. As interesting as their plumage, the song of the bobolink is unique and unmistakable. They create a wide range of chirps, whistles, and beeps that all blend together in a fascinating call as they flit around the branches of trees and brush in meadows. Often found where cattle graze, they are unconcerned with the larger, but gentle animals that share their territories. Bobolinks are a listed as a species at risk in North America due to habitat loss and human impact. They nest primarily in hay fields and meadows. When horses were our primary mode of transportation, the bobolink had more hay fields to nest in. Now, with reduced hay production, their numbers have declined. Another issue for the bobolink is that pressure on farming has created a need for third harvests in hay fields and earlier cutting. Cutting hay earlier in the season will not provide the bobolink with enough time to fledge. The nestlings are killed in the process. Bobolink are migratory birds, covering long distances in a season, occasionally flying as much as 1,100km (660miles) in one day.

This baby swan, or cygnet is adorable as he watches his mother and father stirring up the mud at the bottom of the pond so that they can eat the roots and the babies can eat the insects that float up. But he's even more adorable as he comically struggles to get free after finding his head trapped between his mother's neck and back. His mother is oblivious to the panic and she continues to drift around in search of food, not realizing that her baby is frantically trying to get free. The cygnet eventually gets out of his predicament and shakes it off as his mother continues with her foraging. Trumpeter swans are beautiful birds that were once near the brink of extinction. It was believed that they had plummeted to less than 70 in North America in the 1930s until a small population was discovered in Alaska. Through conservation efforts, populations of trumpeter swans made an incredible recovery. A large and powerful bird, they are a favourite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. They are a symbol of all things majestic and graceful. Two swans caring for their babies as these two are make a very memorable sight.

Tires don't last forever and most of us have experienced a flat tire at some point or another. But few people have to suffer a tire that blows out during higher speed driving, as this truck driver did on a Canadian highway recently. This is Highway 115 north of Toronto, Ontario. It's a 4 lane highway with a grass median in between. The posted speed limit is 100km/h (60mph) but the general tolerance here is such that driving at 115 or 120km/h will rarely attract the attention of law enforcement. Traffic in the right lane is going roughly 115km/h and the driver in the truck has pulled into the left lane to go around them. Etiquette and common sense require the truck driver to complete the pass smoothly and then promptly move into the right lane. He has increased his speed to a little over 130km/h (80mph) to do all of this in a brief period of time. But as the truck hits a patched section of highway, the right, rear tire suddenly pops with an audible bang. The car behind the truck would like to get back into the right lane as well and he has been following at the same speed as the truck. His dash camera captures the moment that the tire bursts and the truck swerves abruptly. This could be a dangerous moment as the truck might have gone out of control and caused an accident. The driver of the truck quickly pulls things together, straightens out the vehicle and compensates for his loss of steering. He slows calmly and then moves over into the right lane which is clear. This is what would be expected and other drivers will move into the left lane to go around him. All of this is in keeping with the applicable laws and expected reactions of other drivers. As the truck reaches the slower lane on the right, the driver begins to look for a spot to pull over. He has a guard rail blocking him but his tire is starting to fragment and he knows that it will not stay on the rim if he doesn't get the truck stopped. Traffic around the truck moved left and carefully passed as the truck reached the safety of the gravel shoulder. Tragedy was avoided due to the calm and controlled efforts of a skillful driver.

Common or northern watersnakes are found throughout North America in almost any body of fresh water. Although they can grow to nearly 1.8 m (5 feet), they are not harmful or venomous. They feed on fish, frogs, toads, and crayfish along the shorelines and shallows of lakes. And, despite being as beneficial as they are to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, they are seen as the true villains of cottage country by many. Fear of snakes ranks as the number two irrational fear in the world, closely behind public speaking. Many people who fear snakes cannot articulate exactly what it is that scares them. Some believe that it is because of their slithery motion, while others say that they expect them to be cold and slimy. But one thing is certain; snakes rarely receive a warm welcome. This snake is doing exactly what would be expected of it as it hunts for fish and frogs in the shallows around a weedy shoreline. The water in Northern Ontario is still cool enough that this snake cannot maintain her body temperature for long. She finds a quiet spot on this family dock to stretch out in the midday sun. Being cold blooded, these snakes must warm themselves in the sun so that they are able to move properly and also to raise their metabolism and digest food. When they lie across a dock, they have no more interest in an interaction than we do. But, like us, they do enjoy a warm, dry spot to catch some rays. Snakes are capable of dislocating their jaws to swallow prey that is much larger than their mouth would usually be. This allows them to slowly work their jaws around a larger animal and over them. Watersnakes are often confused with venomous rattlesnakes due to their markings. But watersnakes are easily distinguished by the round shape of their pupils as opposed to a slit like appearance like a cat. They also lack the heat pits on their faces. And while swimming, a watersnake's body is submerged, while a rattlesnake's body floats on top. These differences will not be completely reassuring to those who are simply afraid of all snakes, but knowing that a visiting snake is of the harmless variety should help ease their minds. Left alone, watersnakes will be on their way after warming up for an hour or two in the sun.

Great horned owls are one of the most spectacular of all the owls in North America. They are the heaviest and most powerful of the owl family, capable of taking down large prey and killing them instantly with their razor sharp talons. Their grip strength exceeds that of all other owls and they prey primarily on large rabbits and other rodents. They have even been known to prey on other owls. This mother has been out hunting in the nearby meadow and forest. She has returned to the nest with part of a rabbit and she carefully tears off chunks of meat for her baby. He eagerly gobbles up the pieces that she offers. She demonstrates how to tear chunks off and swallow them and then she shows him how to swallow a large piece. Great horned owls will often swallow their entire prey, or large pieces of it. They digest the meat and regurgitate the bones and claws, along with any other inedible parts. These can often be found as "owl pellets" littered around a nest site. Owls keep the rodent populations in check, often eating several each day. This adorable and fluffy baby is approximately 9 weeks old. He has spent the past few weeks growing rapidly and developing the feathers that he will need for flight. The day following this footage, this baby clumsily dropped to the ground and fluttered into nearby brush to take a perch and learn how to fly. He will be cared for by his parents until he learns to hunt and fend for himself. Great horned owls can live for nearly 30 years and they can swivel their heads more than 180 degrees. When we think of owls, it is often the Great Horned Owl that we envision. They have distinctive yellow eyes, prominent ear feathers, and a deep hooty call that is unmistakable. A wonder to behold, owls like these are a delight for any bird watcher or nature enthusiast. To capture such close up footage of a parent feeding a baby owl is an unforgettable experience.

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 beautiful little calf who has had a very rough start in life. He was born on a warm day in May on a wonderful farm in Ontario, Canada. But JuJube has had serious difficulty walking since the first few days of his life. He seemed to do alright at first, getting to his feet and nursing well. His mother, Bernise was dedicated and caring, doing all of the things a good mother cow should do for her newborn baby. But despite this, JuJube began to show great pain when he walked. A calf who cannot stand, cannot nurse and he would starve to death without help. He also could not follow the herd and he would be left alone as they moved through the meadow to graze on fresh grass. Fortunately for JuJube, the farm where he lives is not an ordinary farm. It’s a family run operation where the animals are more like pets than investments. The cows have a vast expanse of meadow so they can wander freely and graze on lush, green grass. They drink from ponds full of fresh water and they have forested areas for shade. They even have a bull who watches over them protectively. It's a life that is as close as possible to what nature intended for these gentle creatures. It is also a farm that is owned by two very compassionate farmers who place herd health above profit. Bernise has been a wonderful cow and she has a beautiful disposition. She trusts the farmers completely and she lets them handle her baby without complaint, as if she understands that they mean him no harm. Her trust in them is touching. Dave and his wife, Catherine want to do the best they can for JuJube and Bernise. Each morning, JuJube needs help getting to his feet and he needs a giant bottle of milk to help him build his strength. They watch to see that he is also able to nurse on Bernise. They keep a close eye on his pain and they have had the veterinarian out to the farm regularly to help treat JuJube. Initially, they he was treated for white muscle disease, a selenium deficiency that is common in some herds. They gave JuJube supplements, vitamins, anti-inflammatories, and some pain relievers. They also gave him antibiotics to treat the infection in his joints. JuJube needed a lot of help keeping clean. Spending a lot of time lying down, he was more difficult for Bernise to groom. A soiled calf is more likely to have issues with parasites and infections so JuJube is given a sponge bath every morning to help him avoid complications. JuJube and Bernise both tolerate this very well. When JuJube’s pain started getting worse again, Dave decided it was time to get the veterinarian out to reevaluate JuJube's condition. His legs had taken a turn for the worst. Dr. Greg Aitken from Peterborough Veterinary Services came straight out and gave JuJube a thorough examination. Dr. Aitken had seen the file and had spoken to the first vet who had treated JuJube. He confirmed that the infection in the calf's legs was worsening. Veterinarians have a very difficult job, and for large animal vets, this is especially true. They work in a world where costs must be carefully considered and advice must be given with this in mind. Advocating for the expensive approach is not always the most ethical or fair thing to do when a farmer needs to balance his budget and feed their family. Decisions on a farm must often be made with their heads instead of their hearts. Dr. Aitken first needed to be clear about JuJube's questionable prognosis and the inevitable cost of trying to help him. But he knows Dave and Catherine are extremely compassionate and when he heard the decision from them that they wanted to keep trying, he gently steered the conversation towards what could be done for the deserving little calf. JuJube was putting in the effort and so was Bernise. He had showed some signs of improvement and he had always been eager to nurse. A healthy appetite and a strong will to live have impressed JuJube’s owners, as well as Dr. Aitken. They could not help but admire the little calf's courage and determination. The first thing the vet wanted to try was a stronger antibiotic for eight more days. JuJube would need continued care for long enough to know if this worked but Bernise and JuJube deserved this much. JuJube is fighting and Dave is doing all that he can too. Farming can be a world full of tough decisions and unfortunate choices, but it's a beautiful thing to see that there are farmers like Dave and Catherine who will go the extra mile for their animals. JuJube will have a good chance at life. He has a dedicated mother and farmers with very big hearts.

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.

Dave is an avid mountain biker who is probably lucky to have reached 54 years of age. He is enthusiastic about any adrenaline sport and he pushes his limits enough to receive more than an occasional disapproving look from his wife. But life is more exciting when it is lived with reckless abandon and Dave is all about the thrills. He is also about the spills and today was a good example of a spill. This trail has been nicknamed "Devil's Drop". It has rock formations that are designed like table tops that allow a fast moving cyclist to get impressive air before dropping down onto the trail and beginning declines that feel almost vertical. The ride is fast and it's hair raising as turns unfold in front of the bike as fast as the rider can react. At full speed, this is a shot of pure adrenaline that lasts for several minutes. As Dave reached a smoother section of the trail, his tire bit into the sand, or possibly, he clipped his handlebars on something. His front wheel turned instantly to the left and he knew that he was about to experience flight. His first thought was to unclip from the pedals and to try his best to avoid hitting one of the many trees. Dave launched over the handlebars like the space shuttle clearing the jumbo jet that carries it. He saw the ground rushing up to meet him and he tucked his arms in, hoping that his landing would allow a tuck and roll. Unfortunately, his landing looked more like a crippled 747 coming in on deep snow with the landing gear stuck inside. He bounced once and came to rest with the wind knocked out of him. In surround sound, this would resemble an epic 30 second long crash scene from an airplane disaster movie. Dave knew he had trouble when his arms would not work. The bike was on top of him and he was on his face. He rolled over and wiggled his toes and fingers. He did not think he had struck anything and he had not injured his head or spine. He suspected that the shoulders were dislocated. Dave had been recording his epic ride in 4K with a chest mounted GoPro action camera. It faired better after impact than Dave had and it continued to record, forgotten. Dave's hands can be see as he tests out his movement. He calls for help, worried that he might be alone in the woods at this hour. He braced his left hand against his chest and tried to rotate his shoulder. He felt a pop and a sensation that his left arm went back into the shoulder socket. He's had first aid training through his earlier career as a police officer, but he's got no advanced medical training. His only experience with dislocated shoulders had been watching Mel Gibson in the Hollywood productions where he put his own shoulder back in. Within a minute or so, a young cyclist comes along to help. Dave becomes self-conscious about his complaints and he tries to "shrug" the pain off. He knows he will need help getting his bike out of the woods and getting to his car. He also knows that an emergency ward visit has now become the biggest part of his evening plans. A lady with a dog named Duke arrives and she offers help. Duke licks Dave's face and Dave cannot lift his arms to prevent the slobbery tongue from covering every inch. Three more cyclists arrive and ask what they can do. One of the cyclists examines the bike and makes sure it is ok. Normally, this might seem somewhat insensitive, but any hardcore cyclist would expect nothing less. Dave isn't concerned at all that he is the second priority. With true Canadian etiquette, these folks exchange names and pleasantries while Dave explains that he is seriously injured. Dave tries to show that his funny bone has not been broken in the crash, but it's really an attempt at bravado. Dave gets lots of help carrying his bike and loading it in the van. And as soon as everybody was out of earshot, the true wailing and crying began. Dave was diagnosed with a dislocated (self-repaired) shoulder and torn rotator cuffs. He was also told that he had broken or bruised his ribs. He was black and blue on his leg, his ribs, his shoulders, and his forearm. Dave's wife has taken his bike and locked it up in the basement. He might be given permission to ride it again in six weeks, if his arms work well enough to unlock the cable. And Dave's wife will do her best to supervise him better.