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You might Also LikeThis week will go down as one of those which are rather full of anxiety and I know a lot of people out there are wondering what is going to happen to them. Are their fields going to fallow? Their livestock whither? Their nonprofits unfunded? Their septic systems backed up? Their favorite TV shows canceled?
You don't have to be on one side of 'the pond' or the other to feel a little lost right now. I've been lost before. Lots of times. You know how some people can curl their tongues or remember a ridiculous string of Pi numbers... being lost is my superpower. You find your way out. And here's the best part: you don't have to do it alone. Here's a real conversation I had with Rocko this week: Rocko: What are you doing? Me: I'm posting a painting tutorial about how to paint the American Avocet. It helps take my mind off things. Rocko: I'd grab them by the legs and dunk. That would give you an even base-coat. And then I died. Which means my mind wasn't on my worries, so in a way, I was totally proven right. To the huddled masses - roar. Roar intelligently. Be quick to forget insults. Turn the pain into jokes. Be patient and educate. Bad days have chemistry. I don't always understand people, but I understand wine. Keep moving.
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Avocet Bird Painting VideoFor those who prefer the video version, oh yes. We've got that! Happy Halloween! Now go get some sugar. Want to check out last year's spooky owl? Of course you do. Because owls are the best. You Might Also Like
Sorry I haven't had time to internet lately. If this post seems ridiculous and slightly more random than usual, blame birds. I like birds. I really do. But their personal care and well-being is next to the definition of impossible. They are black holes that will drain all your time and resources and should come with warning labels because I pay taxes, darn it, and my government is totally dropping the ball.
Great question! Take a look at how the antelopes lay down. Some with legs stretched out, sometimes with legs tucked in. Pronghorn Antelopes have a similar anatomy to deer.
"What sort of toad is that?" Fair question! Toads are like the "Ninjas of the prairie", only less assassin-prone. The Great Plains Toad, (Bufo cognatus), inhabit the grasslands of North Dakota. They are accomplished burrowers in loose soil and are found at night along roadsides, ditches, or anywhere else insects are plentiful. Similar to the Canadian & American Toad, these wee beasties can be distinguished by their dark, symmetrical blotches on their backs. They are not spotted underneath. This toad is very fond of holes. Their species enters water for breeding purposes, but not for much else. It breeds in rain pools, flooded areas, and ponds and can frequently be heard singing the song of love. The males erupt in a chorus after it rains, announcing a wave of toad-hormones, which I suspect the the lady toads don't care for, but are too polite to actually tell them, "Hey! Yeah! That song sounds amazing when you croak it." is something the lady toads have to say all the time. And deep down in his little toad heart, he knows it's a lie. Which is why he always looks like this. There are many toads you might encounter through the year in North Dakota. UND has a handy-dandy-cheat-sheet on toads. I recommend. |