When in Calgary, Alberta, Canada it is not uncommon to experience the effects of Chinook winds. Chinooks are warm, dry, and typically powerful winds that flow eastward from the Canadian Rockies onto the prairies. A Chinook arch cloud formation is a welcome winter sight. Pushing typical cold winter air masses away, the chinook weather allows […]
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Tag: Nature
Why is a Zebra Black and White?
When observing zebras in South Africa a few years ago, I began pondering. Why is a zebra black and white? What is the function of those zebra stripes? Why are zebras so unique within the Equus genus, which includes stripe-less horses, asses, and donkeys? To my surprise, there is no consensus. Why are the stripes […]
The Canadian Badlands – A Time Travel Dinosaur Adventure
As we drive eastward from Calgary Alberta across the wide open Canadian prairies quilted in various grain crops, we are lulled into the somewhat predictable conjecture as to what’s around the next rolling hill. “A barley field?” “A canola crop?” The road sign indicates we’re nearing the town of Drumheller, about 140 kilometres (87 miles) […]
Canada Goose Gosling Gone Missing
My winter frozen limbs begin to thaw at the sound. The Canadian geese migration, with familiar goose honking overhead, signals that spring is springing in Canada. Months later than many other parts of the world the appearance of the first Canada goose gosling signals winter’s defeat. Estimates suggest five to seven million of the species […]
African Wild Dog – An Endangered Hunter
“Hang on!” Our African safari guide, turned Formula 1 racer, roars with a glee filled tone. I am already white-knuckling the safety bar of the safari jeep, so attempt to curl my shoe covered toes into the floor mat. “You’re going to see an African wild dog!” His excitement floats in waves, or possibly that […]
African Wildlife Greater Kruger National Park
No matter how I try I can not fit the entire tusk in the photo. So close has the elephant wandered to our safari jeep that the soft thudding of his giant ears flapping becomes a clear rhythm. On arrival to the bush lodging in Greater Kruger National Park, we are warned that the accommodations […]