#OTD in 1912 – Death of Bram Stoker, the Dublin born writer who created Dracula. — Stair na hÉireann | History of Ireland

Death of novelist Bram Stoker, author of Dracula which was first published in 1897. Born in Dublin, Stoker was bed-ridden for much of his childhood, but lived a relatively healthy life during his adulthood. Educated at Trinity College, he moved to London in 1878 and married actress Florence Balcombe. Dracula received some praise on its… #OTD …

Summer Residents – Tree Swallow — Birds in My Viewfinder

I am starting to see a few of the birds that reside here in the summer returning from their winter “vacations”. One early returnee is the Tree Swallow. They arrive fairly early, which is odd since they are primarily insectivores. But they are also able to dine on fruit and seeds so they can make […] …

Scientists find signs of horse riding in ancient human remains — News : NPR

Researchers have found evidence of horseback riding in skeletal remains of people who lived about 5,000 years ago, adding to a body of research on when people first started using horses to get around.(Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) Scientists find signs of horse riding in ancient human remains — News : NPR

#OTD in 1848 – First unveiling of the Irish Tricolour by Thomas Francis Meagher at 33 the Mall in Waterford city. — Stair na hÉireann | History of Ireland

The Irish Tricolour flag was first flown publicly by Waterford man and Irish-American Patriot Thomas Francis Meagher in his native city at the Wolf Tone Confederate Club at 33 The Mall, Waterford on 7 March 1848. On the 15th of April he presented a fabulous version of the Tricolour made from the finest French silk… #OTD …

THE BADGER — Wildonline.blog

The Badger (Meles Meles) Despite being rarely seen during daylight hours , the badger , the largest terrestrial carnivore here in Britain is easily  recognisable and still a common sight despite centuries of persecution here in the U.K.  It’s survival owes much to it’s secretive nature .  The low set animal has a solid frame […] …

Field Notes: The Gonydeal Spot — Wickersham’s Conscience

American Herring Gulls in breeding plumage, Fairbanks, Alaska; to the right is a closeup of the right hand bird’s bill A reader asked why some of the gulls currently being featured in recent Return of Bird of the Week series have a red spot on their bill. More recently, Mrs. WC reminded WC of a […] …

What is a Tree? How Does it Work? — #Colorado State Forest Service — Coyote Gulch

Limber pine. Photo credit: Colorado State Forest ServiceClick the link to read the article on the Colorado State Forest Service website: Every year, trees grow two annual rings. In the spring, the usually wider and thinner-walled layer, called springwood, grows. In the summer, a thicker-walled layer, called summerwood, develops. Annual rings are typical in temperate… What …