#we also do river otter research

[nemmiril]

hi! tell me something that made you smile this week? 

Hello!

Today I got to lead a field trip of 11-12 grade AP environmental history students. Normally I teach a lot younger audience so I was able to chat about really weird topics that I couldn’t otherwise talk about.

Like Ctenophores! (Pronounced teen-oh-fours). I got to chat about how they bioluminesce and eat plankton. I also got to chat about otter gut parasites.

It’s really fun just chatting about weird science facts to people who enjoy it just as much as you do.

[warningsine]

Perched atop blackened trees, howler monkeys survey the ashes around them. A flock of rheas treads, disoriented, in search of water. The skeletons of alligators lie lifeless and charred.

The Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, is on fire. Huge stretches of land resemble the aftermath of a battle, with thick green shrubbery now a carpet of white ash, and chunks of debris falling from the sky.

More than 760,000 hectares (1.8m acres) have already burned across the Brazilian Pantanal in 2024, as fires surge to the highest levels since 2020, the worst year on record. From January to July, blazes increased by 1,500% compared with the same period last year, according to the country’s Institute for Space Research.

“The impact is devastating. Animals are dying, wildfires are vanishing huge areas,” says Gustavo Figueirôa, a biologist at SOS Pantanal, a non-governmental organisation. “We expect it is only going to get worse.”

Stretching across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal covers 16.9m hectares (42m acres) and harbours rich biodiversity. It is one of the world’s main refuges for jaguars and houses a host of vulnerable and endangered species, including giant river otters, giant armadillos and hyacinth macaws. Its ecosystem is also unique. Every year its “flood pulse” sees it swell with water during the rainy season and empty throughout the dry months. But the climate crisis, droughts and weak rains have disrupted this seasonal pattern, turning the land into a tinderbox.

With the blazes starting unusually early this year – in late May and early June, before the annual fire season between July and September – experts predict 2024 will be the most devastating in decades.

“The wildfires are a signal – nature is raising a flag,” says Pierre Girard at the Federal University of Mato Grosso. “We had fires before but now thousands and thousands of hectares burn every year. We are losing the battle.”

On the banks of the Paraguay River, several hours by boat north of the nearest city of Corumbá, three children stand in their garden, their bodies intermittently concealed by smoke. Their mother, Jane Silva, 53, watches from her blue, wooden house.

“This year’s fires are really bad. There is a lot of smoke and the children are struggling to breathe,” she says. Fifty of her animals died in a recent fire, and she has received no support from the state, she says.

“The fires get worse every year – we thought this year’s fires had been extinguished, but the wind has brought them back to life. Now it is getting close again,” she says. “The Pantanal is dying, but we have nowhere to go.”

Hospitals and health centres in Corumbá are crowded with patients suffering respiratory issues, with children under five and those over 60 most affected by the smoke. But while humans can usually flee the infernos and seek medical help, animals perish in their thousands.

Reptiles and amphibians face the greatest risk, while monkeys die from smoke inhalation, and jaguars, too, have been found suffering with third-degree burns. In the 2020 fires, known as “the year of flames”, which saw almost 30% of the biome burned, 17 million vertebrates were killed.

Deep into the charred wilderness, a team of volunteer animal rescue workers search for signs of life. Luka Moraes, a 26-year-old vet, says: “In one week I have already seen hundreds and hundreds of dead animals, maybe thousands. Reptiles, snakes, frogs – all the animals that cannot run – they do not stand a chance.”

While naturally occurring blazes take place in the Pantanal, including those sparked by lightning, humans start the vast majority of wildfires. Ranchers use fires to clear land for their cattle – as they have for centuries – but those that were once contained by the wetland’s abundant water now rage out of control.

“They think that they can probably contain the fire. They have been doing it for generations. But dry matter is accumulating, and the fires spread quickly,” says Girard.

More than 90% of the Pantanal is privately owned, of which 80% is used for cattle ranching. Almost 95% of outbreaks in the first half of 2024 started in private areas, according to the National Institute for Space Research.

The wetlands have also lost 68% of their water area since 1985, and suffered a lack of rainfall over the past six months. “The Pantanal is getting drier and drier. It used to flood for six months, but now it floods only two or three months,” says Figueirôa.

Fierce winds rip across the landscape at up to 40km an hour, fuelling the flames.

André Luiz Siqueira, a director at the conservation organisation Ecoa in Brazil, explains that dead vegetation accumulates during the flood period, becoming highly combustible during the dry season. The layers of dense, built-up material “can burn underground for weeks,” he says.

Along with the important role they play for biodiversity, wetlands are also of global importance for the climate, storing 20-30% of terrestrial carbon despite covering only 5-8% of the land surface. During the 2020 fires, 115m tonnes of CO2 were released.

Local people and experts are now calling for greater investment in fire prevention. Ivani Silva, 50, whose land in Porto Laranjeira has been thick with smoke for weeks, says she has been visited only once by authorities. “They gave us a leaflet with instructions, but that is it. They don’t help at all and do nothing to prevent it,” she says.

The government of Mato Grosso do Sul declared an emergency situation on 24 June, while the federal government has recently expanded its wildfires taskforce. The Brazilian air force airdropped 48,000 litres of water on to the burning land last weekend.

Still, the fires burn on. Underneath the nest of a jabiru stork, the tallest flying bird found in South and Central America and the symbol of the Pantanal, the firefighter Cabo Sena, 30, works to douse the flames.

“We extinguish the fire and then, after 24 hours, it starts again,” he says.

Lucineia Oliveira, 50, who was born and still lives on the banks of the Paraguay River, says the fires have changed drastically in recent years. In 2021, she narrowly survived after a burning tree set her house alight overnight, trapping her inside with her 75-year-old mother and three-year-old grandson.

“The fire was far away when we went to sleep, but then the wind became strong and carried it to us. It happened fast,” she says. “I was desperate, we were covered in ash, my grandson was crying and my mother praying. We fell to our knees and held each other.”

Oliveira worries about what their future holds. “Every year is worse, and I am afraid,” she says. “The animals and plants and the land are dying, from the bees to the jaguars. We need even the smallest animals to be able to survive. The fires are destroying the beauty of the Pantanal.”

[support1212]

trips to the amazon,

trips to the amazon,

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth," is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, boasting unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. For adventurous souls and nature enthusiasts alike, embarking on a trip to the Amazon is a journey into the heart of wilderness, an opportunity to witness the wonders of nature in its purest form.

Discovering the Enigmatic Amazon Spanning over nine countries in South America, the Amazon Rainforest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, making it the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Its sheer size and complexity offer an endless array of experiences for travelers seeking adventure and immersion in nature.

Wildlife Encounters One of the main attractions of visiting the Amazon is the chance to encounter its rich and diverse wildlife. From colorful birds like macaws and toucans to elusive jaguars and playful river otters, the rainforest teems with an astonishing variety of fauna. Guided excursions deep into the jungle allow visitors to observe these creatures in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable moments of connection with the natural world.

Indigenous Cultures and Traditions Beyond its ecological significance, the Amazon is also home to numerous indigenous communities, each with its own distinct cultures and traditions. Many tour operators offer opportunities to visit these communities, providing insights into their way of life, ancient customs, and deep spiritual connection to the land. These encounters offer travelers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and the environment in this remote corner of the world.

Adventure and Exploration For those seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills, the Amazon offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Whether it's trekking through dense jungle trails, kayaking along winding rivers, or zip-lining through the canopy, there's no shortage of activities to get the heart racing. Experienced guides lead these excursions, ensuring the safety of participants while providing valuable insights into the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Conservation and Sustainability Despite its immense natural wealth, the Amazon Rainforest faces numerous threats, including deforestation, climate change, and illegal logging. Responsible tourism plays a crucial role in supporting conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices in the region. By choosing eco-friendly tour operators and engaging in activities that minimize environmental impact, travelers can contribute to the preservation of this invaluable ecosystem for future generations.

Planning Your Trip When planning a trip to the Amazon, it's essential to do thorough research and choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and responsible tourism practices. Consider factors such as the duration of the trip, the activities offered, and the level of comfort desired.

It's also important to pack appropriately for the jungle environment, including lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking boots, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Additionally, be prepared for the humid and often unpredictable weather conditions typical of rainforest regions.

Conclusion A journey to the Amazon Rainforest is an experience like no other, offering a rare glimpse into one of the last truly wild places on Earth. Whether you're drawn by the allure of exotic wildlife, the thrill of adventure, or the opportunity to connect with indigenous cultures, a trip to the Amazon promises memories that will last a lifetime. As we strive to protect and preserve this ecological treasure, let us also embrace the opportunity to immerse ourselves in its untamed beauty and discover the magic of the world's greatest rainforest.

[naturecoaster]

April Hernando Audubon Activities

April Hernando Audubon Activities Hernando Audubon meeting, Thursday, April 25 Conservation Biology of the Imperiled Southeastern American Kestrel in Florida, with speaker Dr. Ken Meyer. Ken Meyer is Executive Director of Avian Research and Conservation Institute. Dr. Meyer has studied the conservation biology of birds in Florida and beyond since the 1980s, beginning with his research on Swallow-tailed Kites, which continues to this day. He has served on species status-review committees for state agencies and biological review panels for National Wildlife Refuges, and as a graduate student advisor and committee member in his position as an adjunct Associate Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida. Ken received a Partners in Flight Research Award for his contributions to bird conservation. The meeting will start at 7 p.m., at Brooksville Woman’s Club, 131 S. Main Street, Brooksville. Free, all are welcome. Contact Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460. Hernando Audubon birding trip to Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, Saturday, April 6. At 6:45 a.m. meet on the south side of Croom Road (CR-480) at the horse corral at the intersection with Forest Road 7. This is 7 miles east of US-41. Find Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow, and other resident forest birds and look for early spring migrants. Make reservations with Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460 Hernando Audubon birding trip to Honeymoon Island State Park, Tuesday, April 9. Meet at 7:15 a.m. on the causeway, at the first pull-off on the south side of Curlew Road (SR-586) in Pinellas County. We expect to see a variety of waders, gulls, terns, and shorebirds. Park fee: $4 for lone driver or $8 for 2-8 people. Make reservations with Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460 Hernando Audubon birding trip to Big Pine, Saturday, April 13. We will walk the upland trail through longleaf pine habitat. The trail eventually leads down to the lowlands and into a lovely oak hammock. There is a forty-foot change in elevation making for a variety of vegetation and birds. Expect to see many woodpeckers and some songbirds, including possible spring migrants. The walk is about 2 miles. The entrance to the Big Pine Tract is 1 mile north of where Old Crystal River Road intersects with U.S. 41, just north of Brooksville. Meet in the parking lot, which is on the east side of the road, at 8 a.m. Make reservations with Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460. Hernando Audubon butterfly walk at Aripeka-Sandhill Preserve, Saturday, April 20.  April is a prime time to view butterflies. Join Don Fraser as he helps us identify butterflies during the two-mile walk. We may see as many as eight species of hairstreak butterflies nectaring on sparkleberry as well as many other butterflies. Bring binoculars (close focusing, if you have them—or your regular binoculars will do). There will be good opportunities for close-up photography of butterflies. At 9 a.m. meet at the parking lot, which is a half mile west of US-19 at 18000 Aripeka Road in Hudson. There is no drinking water or bathroom there. Make reservations with Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460 Hernando Audubon birding trip, kayaking the Chassahowitzka River, Wednesday, April 24 Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the parking lot of the Chassahowitzka River Campground near the boat launch. The campground is located south of Homosassa Springs and west of U. S.-19 at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Citrus County. We will kayak the river for approximately two hours and expect to see various herons and egrets as well as Limpkins and nesting Ospreys. We hope to see migrating birds as they fly north to their breeding grounds. If lucky, we may also see manatees and river otters, which are always a highlight of this trip. Participation is limited so you must reserve a spot, and arrange for a kayak rental, if needed, by contactingTom: tomstclair8@gmail.com or 904-303-0919. Hernando Audubon Beginning Birding, Friday, April 26. Meet at 8 a.m. at Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville. Learn to identify birds at feeders and during a short walk. There will be binoculars available for use. Make reservations with Linda: lindalark85@gmail.com or text 352-428-2629. Hernando Audubon birding trip to Fort De Soto County Park, Monday, April 29. Meet at 8 a.m. in front of the bathrooms, at the boat ramp parking lot, which is on the right immediately after you cross the Bunces Pass Bridge on the park entrance road. The park is at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde. Fort De Soto Park is one of Florida’s most popular birding spots. Because of its location as the first landfall for many trans-Gulf migratory birds, many birds stop to feed and rest in the 1,136-acre park with a variety of habitats. Since this is the season of migration, we will have a chance of seeing many birds that are migrating to their northern breeding grounds, as well as numerous resident wading birds, gulls and terns, and shorebirds. Park fee: $5, payable at any machine in parking lots. Please note: You will need coins or SunPass for the toll booths on Pinellas Bayway and Pinellas Bayway South. Make reservations with Bev: bevalhansen@gmail.com or 352-686-0460. Read the full article

[fuckyeahtx]

With their thick, glistening manes, proclivity for play, and taste for crawfish, members of a growing southeastern species are flocking to Texas. And no, we’re not talking about recent graduates of Louisiana State University. North American river otters, which were scarce in the Lone Star State for most of the last century, are on the rebound.

A recent spate of otter sightings along Texas waterways, including in downtown Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, tracks with what the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has known for a while, says Diana Foss, an urban biologist with the agency: otters are making a comeback across the state.

Exact numbers are hard to come by—in part because the creatures are so elusive, and in part because the populations have been doing so well that TPWD no longer conducts otter surveys regularly.

“We have finite resources regarding biologists’ availability, so we try and tackle the rarer species,” Foss says. “In the next ten or twenty years, I’m anticipating that more people will see river otters in the wild or in their backyards, depending on where they live.”

If you are lucky enough to spot a river otter, odds are it’s a juvenile, according to Foss. They seem to be more adventurous than the adults and are willing to venture many miles to expand their territories. “It’s usually the young ones who are trying to find their own place in the world,” Foss says. “They’re like pioneers, moving westward.”

River otters were once among the most common mammals across North America, but extensive hunting and trapping decimated their numbers by the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Prized for their chocolaty brown coats—which are waterproof, warm, and incredibly soft—millions of the animals ended up as hats or mittens. They were especially prevalent in East Texas rivers and in the Houston area. Otters also likely once roamed other corners of the state, including the Panhandle and South Texas. Still, until about a decade ago, TPWD researchers believed that the species’s population in the state was limited to the Piney Woods of East Texas.

But over time, as states placed stricter limits on hunting and trapping and as otter pelts became far less fashionable, Foss says that otter populations have grown. (Hunting otters is legal in Texas, but a special license is required if you want to profit from the activity.) For at least a decade, TPWD listed Lontra canadensis as a “species of greatest conservation need,” a step down from a federal listing under the Endangered Species Act; that designation was recently removed.

Enthusiasts have posted more than 250 verified Texas sightings of the species on popular nature and conservation site iNaturalist.org in the last two years. And Foss says TPWD now believes otters and their pups inhabit “every river system in East Texas,” all the way west to Seguin, with word-of-mouth sightings even cropping up in San Antonio.

A video of the frisky critter taking a dip in a suburban Texas swimming pool was all over the internet in 2019. And a September post from Fairfield Lake State Park, southeast of Dallas, shows three otters squeaking as they munch on mudbugs—their favorite delicacy. Otters are familial critters, known for their obsession with play; families often frolic and splash together, pups and adults alike exuding cheerful, carefree attitudes. But they can also wield their sharp teeth and claws when threatened.

“Play is very important to otters, but they are ready to do some damage. When it comes down to it, they’re a carnivore,” says Brooks.

Still, their cuteness is hardly contested—especially from a distance (and on social media). Perhaps the most viral spottings occurred last month, when a pair (or pairs) of the species was seen on two different occasions near downtown Houston, swimming in Buffalo Bayou Park’s urban waterway shortly after Tropical Storm Nicholas made landfall.

David Armendariz and his husband were jogging along the bayou when they spotted the two otters swimming and diving in the muddy brown water. “I thought they were rats at first,” he told the Houston Chronicle. Armendariz’s Instagram video drew hundreds of comments. Five days later, the bayou otters popped up again: local photographer Christine Wilson filmed a video of the duo while walking with her five-year-old grandson.

“I saw what looked like a deep brown tail of a fish. I got excited as my grandson was there and then a small head popped up, and I knew. We had an otter,” she says.

Wilson had seen jumping fish, herons, egrets, and even a snapping turtle on the bayou. But never an otter before or since. One swam to the right, and from the bank across the way its curious companion splashed in to meet it in the middle of the murky brown waters. The video shows the pair leisurely paddling together, looking like nothing so much as a married couple out for a morning stroll.

“I’ve lived here forty-seven years, and this is the first time I ever knew [otters] to be inside the city limits,” says Dan Brooks, curator of vertebrate zoology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and founder of the Houston Urban Wildlife Project. He spends much of his time researching birds and bats along Buffalo Bayou.

Otters seek calm, quiet territory where they can create dens near the water’s edge, Brooks says. They’re looking for clean, fresh water—which is not exactly Buffalo Bayou’s claim to fame, though efforts are underway to change that. They avoid noise pollution and often get confused by roadways (including Allen Parkway, Memorial Drive, and Interstate 10, which border the park’s green space) and car lights that leave them disoriented. They are often struck by cars, says Brooks—and sightings of their carcasses listed on iNaturalist sadly confirm that. Spotting them alive and well in an urban setting is still a rare treat.

Also, Brooks adds, it’s extremely rare to see an otter in the same area twice, so if you go looking for them, it’s best to keep your expectations low.

“They move around quite a bit,” he says. “With some birds or a beaver dam, people will see it and say, ‘Go check this out’ and you can see it. Otters are not that way.”

His prediction? “I am ninety-eight percent sure that [Tropical Storm Nicholas] played a role in seeing them where we saw them,” he says. Flash flooding could have whisked the otters away from their less densely populated home upstream around Katy, where Buffalo Bayou begins. Strong winds can potentially pick up small animals, he says, or at least leave them disoriented.

“Them just getting thrown off course and confused is probably the most likely explanation,” he says.

Foss, however, thinks the downtown sightings are a hopeful response to activists’ efforts to improve urban habitat for wildlife in Texas, and particularly in the Bayou City.

“In the past Buffalo Bayou’s been kind of a forgotten, polluted bayou,” she says. “It goes through the heart of Houston, and people have been working really hard to bring the water quality back up to good standards, preserve the habitat along the bayou, and plant more riparian zone, which is what the otters use.”

As habitats continue to improve for native species—not only along Buffalo Bayou, but also along greenbelts and even power easements through the state—Foss expects Texans will encounter more and more otters as they continue expanding their territory westward or as they lay down roots in new homes.

“It’s a natural event,” she says. “And hopefully it continues. We’re starting to see other wildlife come back to the bayou, too.”

Where to See River Otters in Texas

River otters are elusive, but not impossible to find. Patience and low expectations are key. Nature lovers and wildlife trackers have spotted North American river otters in these areas in the last few years, according to sightings posted on iNaturalist.org.

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, southwest of Port Arthur

Bayside Regional Park, in Bacliff

Davy Crockett National Forest, west of Lufkin

Fairfield Lake State Park, in Fairfield

Honey Creek State Natural Area, in Spring Branch

Lake Houston, northeast of Houston

Lewisville Lake, west of Frisco

[mallowstep]

i decided to look at canon prefixes that won't work in my setting because i'm procrastinating doing the dishes

adder — that's right, adders are european snakes. this one surprised me, actually, so i'm glad i checked. (sorry, ravenpaw. i'd have to rewrite your scene, probably with a rattlesnake.)

arch — unclear, as i'm not sure what this refers to, but it's only been used once, so i'm adding it.

bluebell — i could argue in favour of twoleg gardens, but i'm in a "feels like talking about renaming characters" mood, so no bluebell.

buzzard — complicated. the short answer is, the only bird called a buzzard in the us is a turkey vulture, but i don't call it that, and this is my list.

cinnamon — i remember getting really into this at one point to try to see if i could get cinnamon to work but right now i'm saying no.

ferret — kittypet argument applies, but otherwise... (this one is actually really interesting because afaik the only wild ferret species is native to north america which makes it work better for my setting, although i'm too west for it to work i think. everyone who has ever been mean about names and chooses to rename tallstar ferretstar and hasn't taken into consideration that the only place that would make sense is in the great plains and therefore all other ecology details must be taken into note can now be shamed. go on, feel ashamed of yourself.)

fringe — but only if i'm taking a very specific meaning of fringe, i.e., a fringetree.

hickory — from what i can tell, no, but i could have missed something.

lavender — afaik, no.

maggot — i just refuse to name a cat maggot-, there's no setting reason.

mistle — technically a species of mistletoe was introduced to northern california, but no.

myrtle — no.

oat — no. but to my surprise, canon viable. (not confirmed, i'm not digging through england native species, it's just possible.)

olive — no, and not canon viable, but i'll give it a pass because olivenose is really cute.

parsley — don't think so, could be wrong.

pear — no (probably), but again to my surprise, canon viable.

rook — no.

rowan — i hovered between "no" and "yes but" and decided to go with no because ultimately the rowan trees are, i believe, all mountain-ash trees. that said, this is a very weak no. like, if i wanted to be serious about renames (e.g., rename olivenose, myrtlepaw, etc.), i wouldn't bother renaming rowanclaw, but i wouldn't name a new character rowan.

rye — no, buuut i'm not 100% certain.

sage — no, but similar to rowan in that there are plants that fall under the category of sage but aren't called such.

sloe — no. interesting name though.

sorrel — no and this one hurts me. sorreltail and sorrelpaw my beloveds.

starling — no, and this one hurts more than most because i've used it in sayings, which means i have no excuse not to remove it.

swan — i'm quite hesitant about this, but i don't think so.

tansy — no.

tulip — no and i don't feel bad about it. reject tulip. embrace onion.

yarrow — i waver: an argument could be made, but i'm not convinced.

and a few that work but were interesting to me while researching:

bramble — taking bramble to refer to blackberry as that's the british usage (which means brambleberry's name is a compound word, much like sandstorm), this very nearly was disallowed. blackberries are an invasive species. that said, i'm comfortable allowing it, especially considering a broader usage of bramble.

chive — could maybe replace with onion, but i like onion. hm.

eel — yes, interchangeable with lamprey.

flax — complicated, because it's really a cultivated plant, and as you might have noticed, for these purposes, i'm really only looking for wild species. but there is a wild flax that has been introduced to the pacific northwest, so i'll permit it.

furze/gorse — recently introduced invasive species, but i don't really want to have to remove every reference to gorse, so we'll allow it.

heather — a technicality wrt. huckleberries; the gorse problem.

lynx — in canon, a mythical name. in my setting, a perfectly reasonable one.

milkweed — not a logical name in canon, i feel superior. not 100% sure it would work, bc i don't feel like digging through a bunch of different types of milkweed, but when i was first reading warriors, there was across-the-country milkweed planting efforts, so i'll say don't worry about it.

monkey — not on the main list for the same reason as bella, but i think it's a cute name and wanted to call attention to that.

otter — yes, and we get both sea otters and river otters!!

plum — yes, but not the one you're thinking of.

primrose — yes, but not the english primrose i assume was intended.

rose — yes, but not the one you're thinking of.

sheep — just commenting it's an exception because canonically, clan cats have met sheep. otherwise, it'd fall under every other, "this is only found in cultivated areas." also i'm maybe biased in favour of sheep. who are you to say.

sparrow — yes, but (say it with me) not the one you're thinking of.

thrush — yes but i gave myself a heart attack bc for a bit it looked like no.

whistle — it's a good prefix. birds can be perceived as whistlin, so i'll accept it.

wren — yes and I get the win because this is a new world bird.

[thiswasinevitableid]

Hi there! If you're feeling it for mermay, I would like to request #9: folklore with OT4? No preference on rating: go with whatever feels best! Thank you so much and I hope you have a nice day!

Here you go! I went SFW on this one.

“You did what??” Dani stares at Barclay, shocked.

“I offered him a job. He needed work while he was here in town for his research, and he seemed nice, and, uh, and-”

“And attractive.” Indrid adds, turning to a new page in his sketchbook.

“Branchin out a little from your usual type, sugar.” Duck kisses his cheek.

“Barclay, he’s a folklorist. A folklorist who specifically studies selkies.”

“Yeah he, uh, he said so. I figured if he’s working for me, or even if he wants me to show him around, I can steer him away from all the selkies.”

“Except for the one showing him around.” Dani gives him a look only an older sister could give.

“It’s not like he’s gonna see me transform.” Barclay mutters.

The meeting ends much as it began; with everyone agreeing that the new guy in town was a potential threat and should be given absolutely no information whatsoever. It’s not that Barclay doesn’t see the man, who introduced himself as Joseph Stern, as someone after Keplers secrets. It’s more that the guy uprooted his entire life to come to an obscure, Alaskan bay in hopes of finding the thing he wants most in the world. Barclay sympathizes. 

Kepler is notorious among selkies; a safe haven, a place where there are humans who will protect them, help them, even love them. More than one enterprising selkie, trapped in a loveless marriage or unending servitude, has tricked the human who betrayed them into going north. It’s rare that a human who committed such a breach of trust remains there long; and they always give the pelt back, usually while packing their things in a desperate rush.

It’s a pity, then, that Barclay never got the man who tricked him up here.

He finishes the dinner rush at Amnesty Lodge, located on the edge of the bay and a welcome stop for travelers from land and water alike. As he usually does this time of night, he heads to a dock, far from the lights of town or the ships out at sea, and sits with his feet in the water, solitary and solemn. Tonight, he’s not alone for long. 

Silvery hair emerges from the water as Indrid, now sporting a lovely grey tail, swims over to him. They met when Barclay first came here, Indrid more than a little odd but appreciative of Barclays skill in the kitchen and bedroom in ways he’d been without for years. The gift of future vision meant Indrid was nomadic, in that he was determined to use his powers to prevent tragedy whenever he could, and so one day he swam away from Kepler.

Barclay didn’t see him for years. No one did. Until a ranger by the name of Duck Newton was helping tag seals that kept swimming too far up the salmon runs and got the shock of his life when the one he caught turned into a man as he was holding him. Indrid pointed out that his ear was already pierced and if they needed him to hunt somewhere else they could just ask. Duck who, in spite of living in Kepler for years, did not believe in the supernatural until he was holding it, offered the first apology that came to mind, which included inviting Indrid to dinner.

They’ve been dating for two years now.

Indrid rises from the water enough to rest his head in Barclay’s lap, “Come stay with us tonight.”

“I...do you really want me to?”

“If you do not, you spend all night brooding and unable to sleep, thus making for a miserable morning. Too, I am rather fond of your company.” Indrid tilts his chin up with a grin and Barclay leans down to kiss him, “and before you ask, yes, Duck remains fine with this. He says, and I quote ‘Barclay’s my friend and also if you’re hugging him I can escape bed long enough to get ready for work.”

He chuckles, “Okay, I’ll be over soon. I, uh, is there any chance-”

“No” Indrid shakes his head with a sigh, rubs his cheek against Barclays leg, “there are still no futures where we find your coat. Wherever that bastard sent it, he hid it well.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Barclay’is in trouble; not only is Joseph a good cook, he’s good company too. He finishes his shifts sweaty and exhausted, same as Barclay, and the selkie wonders what it would be like to see him breathless and red faced in other contexts. He suspects he’s not the only one.

Joseph’s research regularly takes him into the national forest or the adjoining state park on the beach, meaning he’s routinely running into Duck. The ranger initially worried his inability to lie convincingly would be a problem. But after some cursory questions that Indrid saw coming and coached him through technically true responses to, he and Joseph have struck up a passing friendship. 

“Joseph is also very interested in his love life” Indrid reveals while swimming circles around Barclay as he stands in the cold water, “not that I blame him. He has excellent taste in men. Present company included.”

“He’s just being nice to me. And I’m practically his boss.”

Indrid pauses his swimming to stare at him, “Dearest, when he’s not working, what does he do?”

“Uh, crosswords? Or he reads, and he likes trying new restaurants and going to movies.”

“And you know all this how?”

“Because he does it near me or asks me to go with him. Oh, uh, huh. Maybe he does have a thing for me.”

Indrid floats into his arms, kisses him, “invite him to dinner. The others at the Lodge are, understandably, still wary of him and don’t want him around. But there’s no harm in him having over for a meal.”

Barclay pulls Indrid closer, tickles his cheek with his beard as he teases, “Seems like I’m not the only one with a crush on him.”

“Not in the slightest.” Indrid grins, “Our lives have not been easy. I don’t know about you, but I intend to embrace affection and love whenever the opportunity presents itself. “

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There’s no way Joseph is passing up this opportunity. 

He’d been refilling his travel mug at the complementary coffee kiosk in the Lodge and asked if anyone happened to know which rivers had the most reported selkie sightings. After each blurting out a different answer, his fellow guests (tenants, really) decided on the Bluff Creek river as the best option.

He wonders if they know just how obvious it is that they’re hiding something. 

Joseph is well aware that folklorists are seen as credulous and gullible. He uses that to his advantage. There’s no reason for anyone to know about his seven years in the FBI prior to this. No reason for them to know he knows that Dani will propose to Aubrey soon, that Jake is sneaking out every night, that Barclay is searching for something as intensely as Joseph is. 

Most nights, he falls asleep under a burnt orange bedspread dreaming that he’s what the cook is looking for. 

Barclays feelings for him are one of the few things at Amnesty he can’t decipher. He offers him a job, takes a personal interest in his welfare, and makes him coffee just how he likes it. Every single morning. But he gets jittery when Joseph asks him about himself, and some days he outright hides from him until they’re in the kitchen. 

The dinners with Indrid and Duck aren’t helping his confusion. Barclay practically holds his hand during them, but turns pink whenever Indrid winks at him. And Duck…well, Joseph knows he’s good looking, and he’s never had a hard time hooking up while traveling. The rangers attention just makes him so hot under the collar he wants to strip down at the table. Which is why he can’t decide if Duck agreeing to be his guide on the river is a stroke of luck or a brilliant plan to keep him from noticing things they don’t want him to see. 

When Duck meets him at the dock, his casual outdoor clothes unfairly flattering (Indrid likes the uniform better, but Joseph finds it hides too much of Duck’s arms and chest), he decides there’s no point in looking a gift hunk in the mouth. 

They paddle upriver, trading bad, pun-based jokes until the wind picks up and drowns their voices out. It’s slow going, and there’s no sign of a selkie, but Duck remains excellent company. They make camp an hour before sunset, in a two man tent that leaves them smushed shoulder to shoulder. 

As they’re comparing notes on growing up trans in a small town, Joseph shares the story of the time he nearly broke his tailbone after slipping on a packer he left on the floor. Duck guffaws, shaking the tent as he does, and ends up giggling into Joseph’s shoulder as they both wipe tears from their eyes.

“You have a great laugh, you know that?”

“Sound like a bird of paradise gettin hit by an accordion.” Duck isn’t moving his head.

“That’s a remarkably accurate description, but my point stands.”

He feels Duck turn his head, “Joe? Would, uh, would it be okay if I kissed you? You can say no, swear I won’t abandon you or leave you for the bears so some shit. Just, uh, been thinkin about it all day and figured I’d ask.”

“It won’t upset Indrid?” He slides his hand from his sleeping bag to hold Duck’s own. 

“Nah. He and I talked about it. And, uh, his uh, his social circles ain’t super invested in monogamy.”

“Oh. Um” He wants to roll over, wants to pin Duck and kiss him until dawn. But if he does, it might mean he never gets a chance to do the same to a certain someone else, someone who he wishes would just tell him how he felt-

“If it, uh, helps any, happen to know Barclay sees things the same way ‘Drid does.” 

“In that case…” he crawls from the sleeping bag, Duck unzipping his own and kicking it open so there’s nothing to stop Joseph’s hands as they stroke and grope their way across his body, “I have a proposal for you.”

Unsurprisingly, they get a late start the next day. As Joseph is paddling, he spots a tail flipping out of the water, far too large to be an otter. Before he can say anything, the roar of the river changes, turning rougher and deeper.

“Fuck, the snowmelt must’ve started earlier than usual, these rapids normally ain’t this big.”

“Should we try to reverse?”

“Maybe we can, nope, fuck, okay we’re goin through whether we like it or not, try’n stay low and hold on.”

Duck’s excellent advice goes out the window at the same instant Joseph goes out of the boat, a swell catching him off guard. He hits a rock at just the wrong angle, pain shooting up his wrist as he releases his paddle. He’s not panicking, but the more he fights to keep his head up, the closer he gets. 

Then an arm is around his waist, pulling him to shore. He has just enough time to see his rescuer has a grey tail before they disappear under the water. There’s no sign of the boat or of Duck. A tremendous splash resolves one of those problems. 

“Duck!” He hurries to where the ranger coughs water onto the pebbles, “thank the lord.”

“Nah” he coughs again, “thank him.” He gestures weakly to the familiar face and torso now attached to a tail coated in silver-grey fur. 

“You’re a selkie.” Joseph scoots across the rocky ground. 

“Indeed.” Indrid taps his fingers together, “I, ah, I am sorry my love. I know we agreed he could not know, but when the timelines showed the rapids most of them involved you both going into the river and in, in many of them one or both of you was knocked unconscious on the stones and did not resurface. I could not let that happen to you. Either of you.”

Joseph reaches out reverently with his uninjured hand, and Indrid guides his tail to meet him. It’s exquisite to touch, and as he smooths his fingers along it, Indrid purrs and rolls onto his back. 

“Mmmm, already you are proving why it was worth it to save you.” Indrid grins, wiggling closer. 

“You, uh, you ain’t angry at us for hidin it from you?” Duck guides Indrid’s head into his lap, petting his hair, looking warily at Joseph.

“Duck, I’ve known you and the rest of the people at the Lodge were hiding things from me, and that given the towns reputation those things were probably related to selkies. It’s not like there aren’t dangers to people learning about selkies and where they live, and I never made it clear whether my research would lead to that. It hurts not to be trusted but, well, I’m used to it.” He looks down at where Indrid is nuzzling Duck’s belly, “I promise, I won’t put you or any of the others in danger.”

“Mmmm” Indrid’s tail relaxes under his hands, “apologies, I am listening, but it took a great deal of energy to reach you in time and pull you from the water. I think I shall nap until our ride comes.”

“Uh, think you’re gonna nap in the car.” Duck tilts his head towards the treeline, where the rumble of an engine rattles up the abandoned logging road. A minute later, a door slams and Barclay appears from the trees. 

“Fuck, he wasn’t kidding that you had rough time.” Barclay helps Joseph into the back seat while Indrid, now sporting legs, climbs into the front, “Duck, med kit is behind the drivers seat.”

“Great. Joe, c’mere, I can secure your wrist and get you some painkillers.”

“Right. Thanks.” He turns back to Barclay, eyebrow raised.

“Guess, uh, guess we have a lot to talk about later. I, uh, I should probably just tell you the big thing now. I’m uh, I’m like Indrid.”

Joseph smiles, “I guessed as much the moment Indrid revealed himself.”

“Oh.”

“Is there, um, anything else you want to tell me sooner rather than later?”

Barclay’s honey-rich baritone comes out as shy as a first kiss, “If you said you’d go out with me, it’d make my whole fucking year.”

Joseph murmurs in his ear, “The instant I’m out of the hospital, you’re taking me to dinner.”

------------------------------------------------

There’s a sturdy hammock at the edge of Duck’s yard, overlooking the river. Joseph had no interest in it until he discovered it was the perfect size to have Barclay lay in so he could then lay on his chest. They’re in that configuration when he asks the question he’s been putting off for fear of upsetting his boyfriend. 

“How did you end up in Kepler? Were you born here?”

“No.” Barclay’s hands settle on his back, “I grew up off the coast of California. There was a guy, a human, we’d been friends since we were teenagers. As we got older he got, uh, he got it into his head that we could go on the road as like a, uh, a sideshow act. That people would pay big money to see a real selkie. I hated the fucking idea, told him to drop it, and he did, went back to being the considerate, cool guy he’d been when we met. He made a big dinner for my birthday, invited me over and…” his fists tighten in Joseph’s shirt, “and when I was there, he stole my coat.”

“Oh, Barclay” Joseph pets his chest, “I’m so sorry.”

“I agreed to work with him because I didn’t have a choice. I hated every goddamn minute of planning, of knowing he saw me as a fucking meal ticket. One night I snapped, told him to give me back my coat and let me go or I’d make him regret it. He locked me in the fucking basement, and when I got out, he told me he’d shipped my coat far, far away, and if I ever wanted to find it, I’d better stay with him. Asshole didn’t realize getting rid of the coat meant he didn’t have a hold on me anymore. I left, looked for it for years, then basically gave up and moved to Kepler because I knew there were other selkies here. Indrid’s convinced the pelt is here somewhere, keeps saying our finding it is just on the edges of his visions. But I dunno. I think it’s gone for good.”

Fear clings to his heart, “Will you get sick if you never find it? Are, are you sick now, or in pain?”

“No. Selkies don’t die or get sick without their pelts. It’s more like...like a part of you is missing, with this ache where it’s supposed to be. Mine’s been gone so long I barely notice it anymore.”

Joseph sits up, frowning, “You’re lying.”

“...Yeah. Yeah I am. But what else can I do?”

“Let me help. I’m an investigative professional, I have been for years, and I can’t think of a better use for those skills than finding your coat. Than, than making you happy and whole.”

Barclay studies him a moment, then yanks him down into a kiss, whimpering when Joseph nips his lips and licks between them. 

“Now, big guy,” he brushes their noses together, “what does it look like?”

“It’s the same color as my hair, with a crescent scar at the base of the tail from where a shark bit me. God, Joseph, I hope you see it some day, if you think Indrid’s tail is beautiful, and it is, mine is fucking gorgeous…”

-----------------------------------------------------

“Joseph! How is my favorite connoisseur of cryptozoology today?”

“ I’m fine, Ned. And since I can see the dollar signs in your eyes from here yes, if you have new merchandise I would like to see it.”

Stationed on the highway at the edge of Kepler, the Cryptonomica is the kind of tourist trap Joseph can’t help but love. Even if the informational plaques contain miles of misinformation, it’s nice to be somewhere that doesn’t scoff at the supernatural or strange. 

As Ned rummages in the back, Joseph circles the room to arrive at his favorite display; Bigfoot, complete with a supposed “stuffed bigfoot” whose fur is so many different colors it looks like a patchwork quilt his grandmother kept on the couch. Not for the first time, he amuses himself with the observation that the back portion resembles Barclay’s hair. 

“Wait.” He says, loud enough that Ned’s assistant, Kirby, looks up from his desk.

“Something you need, Mr. Stern?” 

He kneels down, pulling his penlight from his jacket and peering at the creatures lower back.

“Yes. I need a knife, and I need it now.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------

“Goodness!” Indrid yelps a moment before Joseph bursts through the door. 

“Barclay, Barclay look!” The researcher spins in a circle, searching for the cook.

“What is it, is everything okay?” He hurries out of the kitchen, then drops to his knees in shock, “it, it can’t be.”

“It is. Or, um, there’s a very strong chance it is. Look” He holds out the chestnut cloak, “the scar matches.”

“I, I, I-” Barclay grabs the pelt, holding it to his chest, “I must be dreaming.”

“There’s only one way to find out” Indrid grins as he pulls Duck up along with him, then tugs Barclay to his feet, “to the water!”

They’re moving so fast that Barclay only has a moment to swing the coat over his shoulders as he dives into the water, Joseph calling out to be careful. 

And then is heart thrums, whole for the first time in decades, as warm fur envelopes him. His second skin sings into his nerves, reunited with it’s home, and he let’s the transformation take it’s full form. When he leaps for joy out of the water, there’s not a human feature to be seen. 

Joseph cries out in triumph, Duck whooping out cheers along with him. There’s no sign of Indrid until he returns to the waves, at which point the most stunning silver seal twirls around him. The next time he rises from the water, he reverts to his half-form, savoring the sensation of moving it through the depths as Joseph and Duck wade in to join them. 

He pulls Joseph into a kiss, dipping him so his black hair fans out in the water, “You did it, babe.”

“I, I may as well quit all my other jobs, nothing else I accomplish in my life will compare to the look on your face right now.”

“Oh pet” Indrid smiles, “you’ve not seen anything yet. Did I say that right?”

“Close enough, sugar.”

“Come, dearest, I’ve been waiting for years to see if you can out-swim me.”

“You’re fucking on” Barclay kisses Joseph once more for good measure, “be right back.”

As he speeds through the water, Indrid keeping pace with him, he just makes out the conversation behind them. 

“You, uh, you know givin a selkie their pelt back is a marriage proposal, right?”

“Yes. But we can talk about that later, all four of us.”

[flamingo-writes]

Mixtape Track 03

Humility by Gorillaz (feat. George Benson)

Summary: Even though he's a big city boy himself, Josuke Higashikata still agreed to go camping with you and your dad. Learning in the process that camping isn't as easy as you usually make it sound. However, its during the trip that he discovers something. A new set of feelings for you start clouding his mind.

A/N: this was also inspired by the recent camping trip I had with a fre friends a few weeks back.

Warnings: none.

People were usually surprised by how close Josuke and you were. Considering the both of you were so different. Sure, for two people who basically grew up together, you were very different.

Growing up, you constantly went camping with your father, since he was a botanist. Even though now a days he worked as a teacher in City S's University, he missed his researcher days when he'd go on field trips to research plants. And so, during school breaks, he'd go camping for a few days and take you along into the most recondite places in the middle of nowhere.

While you grew up spending a lot of time in the wild, you grew to be a bit feral and adventurous. Curious of the tiny details nature had to offer, with a lot of knowledge about plants, how to light a fire, how to climb, you were very much like a wild animal yourself. You kept your appereance always simple and practical and despite liking being clean, you didn't really mind if you got dirty.

Josuke on the contrary, was a city boy, despite living in the small town of Morioh. Always looked after his appereance, always clean, always smelling nice. Josuke was a smart kid, no doubt, but when it came to survival skills, he had none, since he usually took many things for granted because he was raised always withing the limits of Morioh.

In the summer before starting highschool, as per usual, your dad planned out a camping trip with a couple of his friends from college. They usually brought their kids along, with whom you got along with, but neither of them lived in Morioh. However, this time, your father told you you could bring a friend with you.

But boy, poor Josuke Higashikata didn't know what he had gotten himself into. He though it was gonna be different, considering how you always spoke so excitedly about your camping trips with your dad.

Its not that he didn't have fun. But it was all too complicated. Sleeping on the floor, not having a mirror and having to style his hair from muscle memory. The cold at night was something he never had lived through, his hands freezing as he tried to eat his very simple dinner, as the small group of people gathered around a small fire.

"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" You asked your father, sitting next to you as he took a big sip of his beer.

"We're gonna go to Sendai, we want to visit the Tama River, probably take a swim there" Your dad said.

"Oh nice!" Kenta, a boy around your age sighed. "I love the Tama river!"

"Sendai? Oh gee, where are we?" Josuke whispered low enough so only you could listen.

"Not sure. But it doesn't matter. When we go to Sendai, we stay a night in some cabins with hot water and beds"

"Oh thank god. I really need a shower. And a roof above my head" Josuke sighed relieved.

"Youre such a city boy" you giggled as Josuke felt a blush creep on his cheeks.

"Yeah, camping its not my thing. I am having fun though" Josuke admitted.

"Thank you for coming here. And I'm sorry I dragged you out of the city" You muttered back, looking at your friend underneath your lashes.

"Hey, don't apologise. I am having fun. You dont get to see landscapes this beautiful in Morioh. Besides, I get to spend time with you, thats ways fun" Josike added apologetically, windering if you felt offended in some way.

It wasnt all that bad, he thought. The cold weather had him sharing a blanket with you. The two of you snuggled together, sharing a blanket. And for the first time, Josuke noticed a different glow in your face.

"Thank you, Josuke" You spoke after a few seconds of silence, resting your cheek on his shoulder and snuggling closer to him as he swore he felt you shiver and tightening the blanket around your shoulder.

Josuke mirrored your movements, getting closer together so the warmth between your bodies helped you stop shivering.

The way you seemed so comfortable in nature, how you breathed in so deeply l every now and then, and how you were quick to day dream while staring at the landscape. He always thought you were objectively a pretty girl, but seeing you like this, he wondered if you had always being this pretty.

Josuke's favorite part of the camping trip was indeed spending the night at a cabin your dad and his friends rented. The first thing he did was take a hot shower while everyone else gathered around a fire outside the cabin exchanging stories of all natures while a friend of your dad cooked dinner.

However, the hot shower was nowhere near close his new favorite experience of the trip compared to when you swam in the river.

The city boy felt slightly intimidated by the idea of swiming in a river. What if something happened to him? Was it really safe to swim in river? It took a little convincing for Josuke to get in there. But nothing you couldn't do.

"C'mon, you know how to swim!" You cheered.

"Its cold!" Josuke whined as he got a si gle foot inside and thought ofnhow the temperature was going to feel in his whole body.

"I know, but as long as you keep moving, you wont feel cold"  You added.

"Its easy for you to say it, you're already in there"

"Come on! I'll buy you lunch when were back if you get in here and swim towards me!"

Josuke looked at you as you slowly swam on your back towards the centre of the river.

"You're gonna be fine! I promise!"

Josuke took a deep breath before jumping into the river and swiming towards you. The cold water stinging his skin at first. However, he soon felt the warmth of your skin underwater, as his arm brushed yours.

"Hey you made it!" You said wrapping your arms around his bare shoulders covered in goosebumps due to the cold. You hugged his as he kept moving his legs, brishing his knees with yours every now and then

"I cant feel the bottom, how deep is this river?" Josuke asked.

"Dunno. But it doesnt matter. Just keep swimming!" You cheered.

"I'm going to be honest, Im a bit scared right now" Josuke admitted, a blush painting his cheeks lightly.

"Hey, nothing's going to happen to you. Here" you said holding his hand "Some otters hold hands to keep themselves from drifting away, so, as long as we're holding hands, you're gonna be fine" You squeezed his hand softly as he looked at your uands, oretty visible through the crystal clear water.

"Are we otters now?" Josuke asked.

"You're my otter half" You giggled mischievously as Josuke glared at you at your bad joke.

"Wow" Josuke laughed as he noticed he no longer felt cold anymore "that is the cheesiest joke you ever made"

"Okay fine, you can stop holding my hand now" You joked.

"No! Dont let go! I'll behave, I promise!" Your friend whined.

You laughed, Josuke tightening his grip on your warm hand as the both of you were floating without going anywhere.

You swam together as everyone was enjoying themselves as well swiming in the river. A few hours went by before your dad and his other two friends got off the water and started a fire ready to warm up the food before the sunset.

It a few instances, you had held hands with josuke, without much of a thoight. However, this time ot felt a bit different. It felt a bit more intimate. The time you spent in the river, you were hding hands the entire time. Outside the river, you remained with your fingers entwine despite it not being necessary anymore.

Something in your chest felt different than usual. And you thought you were just being silly, suddenly feeling romantic about holdong hands with your best friend.

However, what you didnt know is that Josuke was having the exact same thoughts. And the same fast heartbeat you were having, as neither of you let gonofneach other's hands as you approached the fire upon being called for dinner.

[Mixtape]

Dont forget to leave feedback! If you want to be tagged in the future, let me know!

Also, have an actual pic from my camping trip. I did swim in a river and even though the water was very cold, I still had a lot of fun

[prehistoriceurope]

Ertebølle Culture

The Ertebølle culture was a culture of hunter and gatherers who lived between 5300BC-3950BC in modern day Denmark and southern Sweden. Even though the culture is linked to Denmark and southern Sweden, the people of the Ertebølle culture had virtually identical genes with the people of Northern Germany and the Northern Netherlands. The Dutch Swifterbant culture, about which I have written a post before, is the most similar culture to that of the Ertebølle culture.

The name of the culture itself is named after a kitchen midden found in the village of Ertebølle in Denmark. The Ertebølle people lived close to the coasts between modern day Netherlands and Denmark (pretty much the later territory of the kingdom of Frisia) and their food consisted of a lot of sea food like mussels, oysters and fish.

The climate of Denmark was wildly different during the end of the mesolithic era compared to the climate in which the Germanic people lived, the iron age. Temperatures were about three degrees celcius higher than they are today and the sea level was 3 meters higher than today. Denmark, Northern Germany and the Netherlands was filled with primeval lush forests and rich with a wide range of animals and edible plants. Perfect lands for a hunter and gathere culture.

The Ertebølle culture is mostly known for its kitchen midden remnants which consisted of huge piles of shells of seafood. These kitchen middens could be very long, the kitchen midden after which the culture is named, is about 140 meters long and just full with piles of seashells. Not only remains of seafood have been discovered in these middens, bones of otter, wolf, deer, boar, auroch, bear, fox, lynx, eagle, beaver and seals have also been found at these kitchen middens.

Their main weapon of hunting these animals was the bow and arrow but just like their Swifterbant relatives, they used fishing nets in order to catch their seafood. The Ertebølle culture was truly one of the very first cultures in the world that established a coastal fishermen's lifestyle.

The homes of these Ertebølle people looked rather different if you compare them to the houses of other European mesolithic people. The Ertebølle people lived in small cottages made of wood and sometimes with thatched roofs. Some of the cottages might have been covered in animal skins. They were however also able to make wattle walls. The climate in Denmark was warm enough during the end of the mesolithic age to not have needed special isolated homes against the cold.

The Ertebølle people also hollowed out trees to make canoes in order to travel on rivers and lakes. They could have been used to transport goods to another settlement just like what the Swifterbant culture people did but they could also have been used for fishing of course.

How did these Ertebølle people look like? We do not exactly know how they should have looked like but we have some ideas based on DNA research of several remains. The average life expectancy was only 35 years old but remains of people older than 60 have been found which suggests that infant mortality was quite high. Sex determination is also difficult to perform since the females were actually quite robust. The DNA of the Ertebølle and Swifterbant people are linked to the Cro Magnon, these people were fairly light skinned with possible blue eyes.

The Ertebølle culture is very interesting to explore and perhaps, if more settlements were found across the coastline between the Netherlands and Denmark, the Swifterbant and the Ertebølle people were actually one single culture instead of two distinctly different ones. This is very well possible judging by the fact that they are genetically identical and lived very similar lifes.

Here are photos of: Ertebølle cottage reconstruction, Artists interpretation of an Ertebølle cottage, The remains of an Ertebølle girl from Tybrind Vig, Ertebølle flint tools, Ertebølle canoe, Reconstruction of a face of a Dutch Swifterbant which is also how an Ertebølle male would have looked like since the two cultures are genetically identical, Map showing Ertebølle finds/territory,

[crysta-cub]

Crysta’s Lamia Experience: A Good Move

After a week of recover, Crysta realizes that some big changes are needed to move forward.

AO3

Previous

Oh boy, has it been a long week. I’m not much for being a low energy creature, I do enjoy roaming and going out, but its harder to get away with coming and going without my human form. I was able to get my car returned to me, which was nice to not worry about that.

During this time I observed a few things that began to bother me. The first main issue was that this house just seemed to be just too small for one of our newest members of the family. Hero was struggling to get around. In my soul, I knew he would never complain, but going from free roaming in the forest to being shoved in an older home, built for humans. I knew Guardian also desired to roam and explore, it just never felt safe enough with his age. I was sure that Hero would also prefer to have some territory to explore and patrol. And if Hero was too big for the house, the ever growing Munchkin would also soon be too big.

The second problem, maybe a little to the fact that Butterscotch had become a bit more protective over his twins than originally thought. Alpha would be the only Lamia to be allowed in the room, barring Munchkin when I carried him in. I began to wonder when the older young lamias would want a room of their own.

The third, well Hero pointed it out to me. I’m no longer comfortable living here. The encounter with those hillbilly folks had really unnerved me. If they were able to track me and catch me while I was out in the open… maybe this place isn’t as safe as it once was. I’m finding myself more comfortable in areas closer to the pet shops, where all sorts of creatures seem to be able to live freely. It was like a bubble on earth that melded all sorts of realities.  

All week I kept tinkering away at my laptop, using some of my smaller forms with more dexterous toes, ranging from my Black-footed ferret form to my smooth-coated Otter to my Opossum, to manage the keyboards. I had an idea and hopefully the others would allow for this bit of change. I wouldn’t want to do anything that they would be uncomfortable with.

I think I found the perfect solution.

I called all the lamias for a family meeting. There was only a mild struggle getting Butterscotch to finally come out of the room, the twins took a little to be rocked to sleep before he could be carried away to the living room by Alpha. Butterscotch gave an affectionate huff as he was sat upon the cheetah printed throw pillow, I knew all would be fine.

Munchkin wiggled in Hero’s arms, he was just excited to see everyone in one place, calling out to his momma Butterscotch and waving frantically at him. Everyone turned to look at me expectantly. Well, I am the one to call the meeting, guess it’s time to get started.

“Alright everyone,” I shift my paws, currently sitting in my Greyhound form, “I have been noticing for a while that, well, to put it simply, I think this house has gotten to become a little too small for our family now. It’s definitely too small for Hero to get around comfortably and we’re probably going to be needing more rooms. I have been doing some research and I think I found a solution.”

I nudge the laptop around for the lamias to look at. It's a large two story wooden home with a wrap around deck and stairs leading to a trail into a large wooden area. A sizable fenced yard, large enough for Eevee to run herself silly and a fenced in pool, large and deep enough for a growing Twister.

Alpha approached the laptop and began to scroll through the pictures. It was a large lot with practically no neighbors. There were several rooms, a basement and garage. A theatre room that Guardian and Moonstone Oooo’d and Ahhh’d to. A sizable kitchen and not a tight space in sight, even the doorways seemed wider. There was something whimsical about it and the price… “How much isss it?”

“That’s the thing, It’s in the same area as Vex and Selie’s adoption centers and all those rescues we see online. All you have to do is want it hard enough and it’s ours. I just, don’t want to make a decision on it without you guys wanting for it too.”

“you want usss to move? now?” Butterscotch asked

“Well soon, there maybe something we’d have to get done, packing and all that.” I answered. “But only if all of you want to.”

“I think it would be bessst.” Hero commented, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You haven’t felt entirely ssssafe.”

I shrug, “I know I’m safe with you all here to protect me, but I do have a sense of unease. Like something could happen at any moment, and not just to me. But I also want you all to be comfortable and happy. I don’t want to force anything.”

“I really like it,” Moonstone piped up, “It looksss really cool and I think we can all be happy there, Munchkin can learn how to ssswim in sssomething bigger than the kiddy pool.”

“It looksss like there’sss a river along the trail.” Guardian began going through the outdoor pictures. “There’sss ssso much to explore.”

Alpha nodded then looked towards Butterscotch. “What do you think, love?”

Butterscotch took a moment to ponder, glancing from the images, to the teenage lamias to Munchkin. Then he glanced back to the singular lamia room. Coming to a decision, he looked back at me. “i think thisss isss a good idea. you ssshould go for it Crysssta.”

I smiled a doggy grin at Butterscotch, “alright, I should make a call to the agency.”

“Are you able to shift to your human form, not many can underssstand you otherwise.” Alpha ask, giving me a raised brow.”

“Hmmm, let’s see.” I felt for my human form and sure enough it seemed it had healed from the previous ordel. In a puff of red smoke, I shifted from my Greyhound form and emerged Human, still clothed in the clothes I was captured in. “Aside from the need to change, I think I’m doing better.”

Guardian and Moonstone cheer, Munchkin following their excitement a moment after. I can tell Hero is watching me, his relief filtering over to my soul.

“May I asssk sssomething?” Moonstone raised his hand, waving it around.

I smile down at him. “Sure.”

Moonstone turns towards Butterscotch, wringing his hands nervously. “Can I give you a hug, Momma Butterssscotch? I really misssssssed you this week.”

Guardian swept his tail over the floor. “Me too. We underssstand if your not ready yet.”

Butterscotch’s jaw trembled with emotion before throwing his arms open. “Of courssse. I misssssssed you two, too.”

Moonstone and Guardian rushed into his arms and into a deep hug. Munchkin began to fuss and squirm in Hero’s arms. Hero lowered him to the floor and allowed Munchkin to bolt forward. Moonstone and Guardian moved aside to let Munchkin join them. Alpha leaned back, smiling proudly at them before Butterscotch, pulled him into the cuddle pile.

I smile at them, leaning against Hero, feeling him finding joy at the sight. Maybe Butterscotch might ease up on his protectiveness soon, though with a move, who knows how that would change. Well, looks like there’s a phone call to make.

It would take a few weeks to pack up the house, toss or donate things we just didn’t need anymore. But once it was all said in done, we got into the new house with very little stress. No one would let me take any other room than the master bedroom, with a bathroom that had a tub big enough for even Hero to be able to soak in.

I abandoned the old bed, one little queen size bed was no longer enough. I opted for two cal king beds, side by side, creating a colossal bed that would fit Hero comfortably, and myself, especially if I chose to be in my largest snake form, one that has been described to be a 16ft snake with the markings of a Diamond-back Rattler, with the rattle, the hood and fangs of a king cobra, all on a body much to the size and strength of an Anaconda. One of the many species of the universe that hadn’t had a name to it. Hero kindly refused to have his own room, I can feel that he really just wants to be close to me. I don’t mind sharing.

It seemed that aside from the obvious Dragon form, most to all my forms will fit within the house. It was like a dream come true. A dream home. I know we’ll all be happy here.

Alpha and Butterscotch claimed the next room, one with a beautiful bay window, overlooking the forest behind them. There were plenty of napping spaces, most hidden for when Butterscotch needed a little extra space. There was a safe little nursery section where the twins Tempest and Nightwish could be found sleeping and playing. While everything was still being arranged, Butterscotch maintained his stance of keeping the babies to himself. Moving boxes could be dangerous and a certain curious pup wasn’t always great at being gentle.

Moonstone and Guardian’s room was more of a play room than a bed room, still preferring to sleep with me and Hero. Video games and board games, everything in their proper spots as well as cubbies for their collections of shiny outdoor collectibles. Munchkin would be able to pick out a room when he’s older, for now he enjoys drifting from either my room or Butterscotch and Alpha’s room, as well as joining Moonstone and Guardian to play in their room.

Last box put away for the day to be dealt with later. I flop down on the couch, Eevee jumping up to sniff at my face before running off to explore more of the house. She’s been loving it, except for being locked outside when the doors were left open, don’t need her running off in unfamiliar territory. Hero comes over and hands me a glass of water. I thank him and watch as he coils up next to the couch.

“This place really feels like home.” I comment before taking a sip of water. Hero nods, the tip of his tail taps the ground. I can feel a little bit of nervousness coming from him before he slowly wraps it around my leg. I smile, sending a happy acceptance to his forward motion. I motion for Hero to lean closer, waiting for him to be close enough to lean back against him. A pleased rumble resonates from his chest before he wraps an arm around my waist and rests his skull against my head.

I reached up and began to pet him behind his hood. Yea, things are definitely shaping up just nicely. Definitely a good move.

[jackplotke]

Primary Research

When reading Driscoll’s essay on primary research, it occurred to me that the last time I actually wrote a research paper, or did any formal research at all, was in my fifth grade Language class. The topic was animals we found interesting, and I chose to research the incredibly adorable North American River Otter. However, due to the fact that I was living in inner city Chicago, and also that I was literally ten years old, most, if not all, of my research about the semi-aquatic animal had to come from library books. I realized then that I have never conducted any kind of primary research in my life, and the research that I had completed was mainly irrelevant to any real-life issues or matters of importance (no offense to the North American River Otters). So, I had a lot to learn from Driscoll’s essay.

Basically, all I’ve thought about research was limited to what I could find in the library or online, and to be honest, it rarely ever dawned on me that I would one day have to go out and collect my own information for my studies. I mean, humans have been conducting research and studies for about as long as we’ve been writing things down, so how much more could we possibly have left? This was of thinking dominated my perception of research for so many years, and of course now I’ve seen how naïve this way of thinking truly is. As long as humanity keeps interacting with each other and with the natural world, there will always be something new to research and document. Although, it is also true that we all do some research in our day to day lives. If you’re nosey like I am, you’ll find that you’re conducting what Driscoll refers to as “unobtrusive observation” in just your ordinary daily routine.

So, it was interesting to read about all the different pieces of advice that Driscoll had to offer. What stood out to me was the research that we would conduct locally, whether it be in the neighborhood or just on campus. Something that I’ll have to look out for, though, will be choosing a sample of people to interview that isn’t too heavily biased one way or the other. The majority of people on campus are all within the same age group, and honestly, we all share pretty similar views on politics and stuff like that. So, a sample taken from the campus isn't really indicative of Colorado citizens, or really even the surrounding neighborhood. A thorough sampling size will need to be taken that includes a truly diverse group of people, if the research calls for it. The main point of conducting this kind of research is to deepen our understandings of ourselves and each other, and to me this is the most important part of research. Driscoll mentions that you have to be careful of the ways in which you conduct your research, so as to not project your own beliefs onto your findings or cloud your results with your preconceptions. Currently, I’m a political science major, and while that is subject to change (and honestly probably will), I do have to admit that my future in this profession will call for a multitude of surveys, polls, and interviews, so I better get used to getting up close and personal with the opinions of those around me. I’m very excited for the opportunity this quarter and beyond to expand my understanding of conducting and analyzing research and seeing where it takes me!

[wendella]

OUTLANDER Outlander Season Finale: Who Are the “Men of Worth” in Season 4? by Natalie Zutter www.tor.com

After last year’s Outlander finale, which literally shipwrecked Claire and Jamie onto the shores of America, I was expecting a bigger cliffhanger ending to this season—that the letter the redcoats delivered to Jamie at River Run would be conscripting the poor Scot to fight on their side in the American Revolution. Then I remembered that it was only 1770, and that the next big war was a few years (or, I’m going to assume, one season) away. Instead, the season 4 finale, filled with resolutions both neat and messy, ends on Jamie getting a much more pressing, one-on-one assignment that reemphasizes this season’s enduring question: Can a good man do a bad thing and remain a “Man of Worth”?

Spoilers for Outlander season 4.

The thing is, it’s difficult to care too much about Jamie being ordered to hunt down Murtagh on behalf of Governor Tryon, because it seems too obvious that, between the two of them, they’ll be able to come up with a solution. That could mean faking Murtagh’s death or smuggling him back to Scotland, and thus away from Fraser’s Ridge, which would carry its own bittersweet heartache, but it’s not as if there’s an ideological chasm between them—hence the low stakes. It also seems a far-off problem when this season was more than a little uneven, and I’m still working through my frustrations with how the Brianna and Roger plots shaped the latter half of the season.

So, what feels like the most appropriate way to send off Outlander season 4 is to return to the theme linking the past thirteen episodes—good men doing bad things, bad men doing things that might have positive ramifications despite their intent—and reexamine the worthiness of Outlander’s men.

Jamie: If I were Jamie, I would be feeling like a right arse by the end of this season. First he helps outlaw Stephen Bonnet escape, out of a misguided sense of goodwill toward a fellow immigrant in this new country, only for that to blow up spectacularly in his face. Of course, he has no way of knowing how the consequences of his act of charity will lead to his daughter getting raped by Bonnet, but it’s a sobering lesson in the dangers of believing the best of your fellow man. Then Jamie swings to the opposite end of the spectrum by assuming that Roger is the one who violated Brianna, beating him senseless without taking a breath to consider, to question the circumstances, propelled by pure rage. Brianna is rightfully furious at him—and they have one of the best moments of the season, when Jamie screams and kicks a chair in frustration and Brianna snaps, “No! You are not allowed to be angrier about this than I am.” He’s clearly wrestling with so much self-loathing that, after twenty years of maturing and growing beyond the hot-headed lad he was when he met Claire, he has regressed back into an impulsive thug.

But Jamie has also learned self-awareness in the intervening decades, as he demonstrates in his incredible scene of vulnerability, asking Claire if she and Bree think that Frank was the better man. He got the girl—she went back in time for him—and he still doubts that he’s good enough. Sam Heughan has brought so much depth and nuance to a character who could have stayed a one-dimensional fantasy; watching James Fraser grow up has been one of the series’ greatest delights.

Roger: On the one hand, Roger endures indescribable pain and suffering as a slave of the Mohawk—the worst possible time travel experience, all because of a misunderstanding he was only partly to blame for. On the other hand, every time he’s offered the chance to be the good guy, he finds a way to be unlikable. Slut-shaming Brianna for being unsure about marrying him as a virgin was difficult to watch, especially considering that the next time they see each other, she was the one to compromise her comfort and pledge her life to him because of his unwillingness to budge. He reiterates multiple times that he had the chance to leave and kept coming back for her, but we only hear that through his telling, which casts him as some romantic hero. At the last minute of the episode he comes riding in on a horse, for crissakes, but that’s more than a day after Jamie and Claire return to River Run, believing that Roger was unwilling to join them.

Again, these are the kinds of choices one would not wish on anyone—such as being told that there is a good chance that Brianna’s baby is not his, and that to honor the terms of their handfast would mean committing to raising that child and spending the rest of his life in the past. If anything, as much as their plotline aggravated me, at least it forced constraints on Roger’s decision, instead of him getting to set the stakes. Roger is not a bad man, but he has demanded a lot of Brianna; I’m curious to see them build a more equal partnership going forward.

Stephen Bonnet: I’m still so impressed with how Bonnet went from charismatic stranger to fatal threat in the space of one episode, and how just a few acts of specific cruelty did so much to change the course of the Fraser family’s lives. Considering how we witnessed his turn in the premiere, it was difficult to muster up any real sympathy for him when Brianna confronted him with her emotional speech about how her child would be nothing like him. Offering up the ruby seemed like a rare moment of vulnerability for the criminal, but I suspect that was more of a formal obligation to contribute one positive thing to this bairn’s life than any regret for raping Brianna in the first place. Also, I’m not convinced that he perished in that prison, and am half-expecting that he will reappear, cockroach-like, next season to kidnap the baby that might be his.

Brianna’s son: Just born, and as far as I remember they did not mention his name. So, for fear of revealing the few book spoilers I stumbled upon in my research (ironic, I know), I’ll just reiterate that he’s a wee fighter and not tack on “like his da” since we are just ignoring his paternity. It was clear, though, that Bree was anxious to meet the little guy, in case she somehow saw Bonnet reflected in his face, but that upon taking him in her arms she was relieved to feel nothing but overwhelming love.

That said, from the moment that Brianna decided to keep the baby, there was no saving her plotline for me. But that’s a discussion for another piece.

Young Ian: I can’t feel anything but oddly maternal pride upon witnessing Ian’s character growth, particularly in this season but even stretching back to when he dragged his poor uncle and aunt across an ocean to save his overeager ass. The season premiere saw him grappling with the trauma of being raped by Geillis, of shaping his identity around what happened to him while not letting it define him; concurrently, he’s learned how to make himself a useful member of Fraser’s Ridge. Sure, offering to marry Brianna was classic dumb Young Ian; selling Roger to the Mohawk was nigh unforgivable. But he more than made up for it by offering up himself in Roger’s place, to live among the Mohawk and replace their dead member. Honestly, it was about time that Ian learned who he was without his blood relations there to protect him. And look how he made it through the gauntlet! That’s our boy.

Murtagh: It’s fascinating to see how the writers fit Murtagh into the narrative, considering that the character is kinda living on borrowed time—that is, he’s long-dead in the books, but they spared him in the adaptation. His and Jamie’s reunion in Wilmington scratched one of my narrative itches—that prolonged moment in which two souls, separated by time and distance, slowly recognize one another while the viewer is screaming omg, hug already!! But now not only are they caught up on the last decade-plus of each other’s lives, but they also recognize that they have landed on different sides of a growing conflict, due to their respective definitions of self-preservation. I’d like to see the series delve more into this next season, to really make it an impossible choice for Jamie.

Side note: Murtagh and Jocasta’s argument-turned-hookup, complete with her throwing whiskey in his face, was amazing.

Fergus: Under-utilized this season, stuck in Wilmington and mostly just reacting to the plot action when it comes to him. What would make Jamie’s dilemma more affecting would be if Fergus (who, it’s been established, can’t find work anywhere else) joins the regulators in earnest—making it twoloved ones that Jamie is contractually bound to hunt down.

Otter Tooth: The initial discovery of Otter Tooth’s skull made it seem as if he and his silver fillings would play a larger role in the season. While at first it was a surprise that it took only half of an episode to lay out his story, it also speaks to the utter tragedy of the failed time traveler. Unlike Claire, who finds a willing believer in Jamie when it comes to Culloden and other predictions of the future, poor Otter Tooth could not convince enough of the Mohawk to heed his warnings about the Iroquois being forgotten. Instead, he was branded a madman, hunted down, and forced to haunt this time and place, unable to bring about the change he so desperately wanted. Moreso than almost any other plot this season, it’s a thought-provoking story that Diana Gabaldon included, and the writers adapted. Plus, the post-credits visual of him in his present watching the two white boys play Cowboys and Indians was wrenching, and one of the series’ best of these little moments.

Lord John Grey: Poor Lord John puts up with a lot this season, mostly in the form of the daughter of the man he loves blackmailing him into marrying her, lest she out him to everyone. But this is the man who maintained affection for Jamie even after being friendzoned, who has proven over and over that he will put his own desires behind those of a child in need of a father, or a pregnant woman who will be dishonored without a husband. LJG is good people.

William: What a fierce, pouty li’l jerk. It’s too bad that we weren’t treated to the narrative weirdness of William’s half-sister Brianna becoming his stepmother, but perhaps he’ll reappear in future seasons.

Lesley: To be honest, I had barely registered him before he got his throat slit by Bonnet, but nobody deserves a death like that. RIP.

Frank: FRANK. His one cameo this season, in a number of revelatory and gutting flashbacks, was the perfect way to bring him back—especially since we see him through Brianna’s eyes, after years of him refracted through Claire’s perspective. But even Brianna doesn’t realize how many complicated feelings it layers on top of Frank’s motivations to know that he had the obituary the whole time and never let on to Claire that he knew about her supposed death. Not that I blame him, considering how she treated returning to their marriage as a consolation prize, but still.

George Washington: Presumably, but we only got a few scenes with him. I’m looking forward to (hopefully) more of the would-be President next season.

Rollo: Very Good Boy. Very glad he made it through the season and will accompany Young Ian on this new adventure.

[my-introvert-hideout]

Recent Movement Regarding the Sumatran Tigers at the Denver Aquarium

I've been obsessed with animals for my entire life. That is not an understatement or an exaggeration. I've had a goldfish and two bettas. 7-year-old me got a corn snake for Christmas, and I've ridden horses as well as trained service dogs. I spend my free time researching animals. By choice lol. I shamefully have Wild Republic stuffed animals. I've visited the Denver Aquarium (also participated in their Zoologist for a Day program where I was intently watching the behind-the-scenes of what they do, and was not disappointed), have been to a wolf sanctuary, stopped going to the soo, and semi-regularly spend time at the Wild Animal Sanctuary - because I "adopted" (sponsored) four of their rescues. Two of those four are tigers. I also track a polar bear, elephant, shark, and sea turtle on Fahlo.

While I DO NOT claim to be an expert, I think I kind of know what I'm talking about. Also:

"Captive wildlife for show is a tragedy. These lions (*sigh*) are under constant stress from the smallness of their enclosure and the nearby public. TWAS is an ethical, caring facility. Please move these tigers there." (Free)

[The actual petitions are at the bottom of this post. The sources "Free" and "Re-home" after the comments for each point correspond to those two petitions. PLEASE do NOT send them any hate. If anything, send information.]

I appreciate the concern of these people, but they're... a little uninformed. If they want to bother an actual bad aquarium, SeaQuest is all theirs and I will fully back them on that. Also, it's a bit disappointing that you don't see this level of outrage for things like the homeless population downtown. Oh, wait, you do! In the form of "Get out of my way, irritating homeless people!"

Anyway... More info on the topic below. Please read first before responding. I promise you won't regret it.

Point 1: Aquarium Species

"TIGERS DO NOT BELONG IN A AQUARIUM THIS IS FOR F I S H NOT C A T S" (Free)

"...least of all, it's an AQUARIUM...for aquatic animals/fish!!" (Free)

"People go to the aquarium to see the aquatic wild life, not tigers!" (Re-home)

Literally every aquarium has non-aquatic animals. I don't really see anyone complaining about the presence of their reptiles (like the emerald tree boa which is DEFINITELY strictly arboreal) and birds (like macaws that are clearly not water-dwelling). They also have a porcupine.

"Does this place not get the idea of an aquarium? It is for marine animals-not tigers or any mammals." (Free)

*eye roll* They have otters, too, which are mammals. "Mammals" and "marine animals" are not mutually exclusive. Y'know marine mammals like cetaceans... seals... sea lions... manatees... Hippos spend a lot of time around water...

"I always thought the tiger exhibit was weird as hell in an aquarium. It makes zero sense." (Re-home)

Facebook comments (that my mom showed me since I don't have or want Facebook) have explained that "the original couple that started the aquarium many years ago owned these Tigers and made a place for them when they built the aquarium." The same person also explained that "It was originally called 'Ocean Journey' to teach visitors how we, in Colorado, impact the whole planet via the Colorado River that flowed to the Sea of Corte and the Pacific Ocean. It was designed and built to teach environmental and ecological messages about ecosystems in the mountains, rivers and the sea. There were two journeys (rivers): the Colorado and the Kampar in Indonesia, hence the tigers, birds, etc. That is why there are tigers there."

Point 2: Tiger Species

"It's important to the world's survival to protect the earths wildlife...it's important to the survival of the human race." (Re-home)

I think they'd have to be not extinct for that to happen. If these tigers were taken from the wild, it was to ensure that there was a population of these ENDANGERED Sumatran tigers, just in case they went extinct outside of captivity.

"I love all animals and I think the tigers need to be outside where they belong" (Free)

"They are wild animals that deserve their freedom from this type of entrapment. We are better than this. Get them to The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keensburg, or another accredited sanctuary where they have the appropriate habitat." (Free)

They DO have an appropriate habitat, just not enclosure. Outdoors would work for mainland tigers (consisting of subspecies like Bengal and Siberian, but DNA tests have shown that they're too similar to necessarily be considered separate), which range from India all the way to Russia. But Sumatran tigers evolved isolated on ONE Indonesian island. They need heat and humidity that Colorado just can't give them. Hence their controlled environment indoors. That, or they need to be moved to a state like Florida or Louisiana, maybe the coast of Texas. Point is, this is no longer a Colorado-centric issue. Also, Sumatran tigers are the smallest subspecies, so yeah, they're gonna look smaller lol.

"It is abhorrent that a place that claims to know and care about animals would subject tigers to such depressing and cruel treatment." (Re-home)

Yes, claims to know and care about animals and the fact that these are SUMATRAN TIGERS. I also saw a Facebook comment about how awful (hot and humid, like Sumatra is) the conditions were where the tigers are kept and I kinda wanna die.

Point 3: Appropriate Enclosure

"The tigers should have room to roam and play" (Re-home)

"The tigers deserve better! They need space to run and roam!" (Re-home)

"Because they Should be free to run and not locked up" (Re-home)

These tigers are quite old (18 years!) so they're not exactly spry or the most playful. Also, they're brothers. It's not like they're random tigers that were placed together willy-nilly. But yes, I do agree that they need more space - three tigers are kept in an area about large enough for one (maybe two). They simply need a larger and lowered enclosure. (Lowered because they don't see it as part of their territory; people being on level ground with them is basically the same as being on their territory's boundary / border and stresses them - this is what the Wild Animal Sanctuary does btw.)

"Why do you feel The Denver Aquarium experience is enhanced by keeping captive wild animals on display, in the 21st Century when we all know now how much mental suffering they endure? Do the right thing and relinquish these poor animals to a bona-fide sanctuary, and STOP keeping wild animals captive. It's extremely inhumane for the animals and distressing for people who are capable of empathy." (Free)

Um, all non-domesticated animals are wild animals... And being in a sanctuary is still being captive. "Captive" just means not free in the wild lol. HOWEVER, I think having robotic animals in aquariums and zoos (more info) is an ingenious idea, though! The live animals should be exclusive to sanctuaries and refuges. It's a win-win for everyone, and better yet, not cruel to the animals. [Links for robo-dolphins specifically: 1 2 3 4] While $26 million is a hefty price, robots don't need to be taken care of like living creatures. Medical bills aren't needed, neither is food or water. They don't sleep. Just need engineers (probably specialized). Either way, I think it's worth it.

Point 4: Regulations

"Utterly disgusting...Where in the hell are the people that should be checking this" (Re-home)

Because the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has checked it. The Denver Aquarium is very open about the fact that they're AZA certified. At least look into who should be checking on them. "The people" kinda gives away your ignorance...

Facebook comments (that my mom showed me since I don't have or want Facebook) have also explained that "the aquarium doesn't own the tigers, so this petition is absolutely pointless and will do nothing." Just mere changes to an animal's living environment must go through the people who actually own that animal. Even if the Denver Aquarium wants to improve it (which I don't doubt that they do), they couldn't - not on their own and not immediately.

Posited Solutions:

"Wild animals should not be held in captivity for the sake of human entertainment. This is sick. If they're not sick or being rehabbed, let them go!" (Free)

These tigers were raised in captivity. They have no idea how to survive. They'd die immediately, scared and likely in pain.

"I am calling for the Denver Zoo and the Wild Animal Sanctuary to get involved. If the Denver Zoo or The Wild Animal Sanctuary could get involved, and encourage the Denver Aquarium to release the tigers to a better home, then perhaps these tigers could live a better life." (Free)

Right, because everyone knows how nicely zoos treat their animals...

EXTRA >>> Jungian Typology: This is a pretty good example of judging functions (Fi, Fe, Ti, Te) being dominant in a cognitive stack. They "judge" or make decisions first. As an INFJ - though I'm technically a "judging" type - my primary function is a perceiving one (Ni). It gathers information first. Hence this long dissection of the topic instead of simply signing on a reflex or giving no explanation.

[mcwater21]

3. Newburg - MKE River

Sunday, April 11 (Stella’s 4th b-day!)

After last weekend’s near death at the Marsh, Cindy and I were looking for something a little safer and much more relaxing.  We really enjoyed kayaking on the Milwaukee River just north of downtown MKE last year, so we went hunting for other sections of this river a bit closer to home.  We found are a number of enjoyable routes from West Bend to Newburg to Fredonia to Grafton to Mequon to Glendale.  After checking out https://www.wisconsinrivertrips.com/segments/milwaukee-river  (great info on why dams are damn bad) we decided to run the relatively short 6 mile trek from Newburg downstream to County A.  Estimated time 2-3 hours.  Much, much shorter than our 8 hour Marsh trek!

Little 6 mile segment of the Milwaukee River

Quick note about our blog purpose.  Our hope is that readers will be inspired by our stories to check out these Wisconsin waterways, particularly for kayaking.  We love our inflatables and we get a kick (but no commission) when we hear of friends purchasing their own inflatables and getting them wet.  We hope that our info will help increase the safety and enjoyment factors on paddling some of the best waterways our beautiful state has to offer.   Yay!

We dropped off my car off Highway A and drove Cindy’s car a few miles south to put-in at the little town of Newburg (check out No-No’s supper club).   Cindy was sporting her new Henderson 7mm booties and a new emergency kit (see Marsh post).  The air temp was low 50’s, water temp was 54, partly sunny, no threat of rain, and calm winds (5mph).  I checked out Google Maps and recent free satellite pics and did not see any route blockage issues.  So a nice relaxing paddle.  And maybe time for a quick 9 afterwards.  And then FaceTiming with my little grandie Stella on her big 4th b-day.  Fun day Sunday!

At the Newburg put-in there were some class I rapids (aka ripplets) which put a little scare into us given our Marsh memory.  But they were fun to start off with (class I is the easiest level) and a piece of cake even for beginners.   We quickly sat back and enjoyed the quiet, low-risk route.  The river was running 2-3 mph so we could often stop paddling and just look around - and relax.  We floated by the Riversedge Nature Center (a must visit for hiking) and a few very interesting homes dotted along the way.  Most notably a huge farm house/mansion with an Amish looking owner whose 2 kids were delighted to get chocolate eggs from Cindy.  No stranger danger along the river today.  Cindy is too cute.

Mansion on the river.  Cindy to the right, egging on the kiddies.

Where’s the birds?  Unfortunately there wasn’t much nature out to entertain us.  One little otter.   We were spoiled by the Marsh variety of birds and gnat clusters.  I’ll have to do some research on the seasonal habits of the local birds and water creatures to help explain our loneliness today.   Surprising the difference between these Sheboygan and Milwaukee rivers within a week span per the amount of birds we saw between the two.

Where are the birds?

When the water level is too low on this stretch, kayaks can often get stuck - yuck.   This lengthens the trip and decreases the enjoyment level (per Sheboygan River run last year that took 5 hours and I missed my 100 year old neighbor’s b-day party).  Before today’s trip I checked out the nearest Milwaukee River water level gauge (Cedarburg) at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv/?site_no=04086600&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060 and saw the river level was at 7.1 feet.  That looked rather average for over the past year.  I took river depth measurements (with my paddle) along the way and most of the river was only 2-3 feet deep.  Again, a very low-risk route.  

River speed is another factor that you sometimes have to worry about.  The Cedarburg site also shows a Discharge rate in cubic feet per second (CFS).  Just like the river height metric, I’m looking for how the current rate compares to the annual highs and lows and average.  And the basic rule is that the higher the river, the faster the water is flowing.   So today the river was at around 800 CFS which was a little above its annual average.  So no worries about it being too fast for us.  We ended up averaging 3mph so it took us just 2 hours to cover the 6 mile route.  Easy peasy.  Again, our Marsh “watermare” was 8 hours!

As the link review noted earlier, this is a very easy route and highly recommended for the beginner paddler.  I’m sure we’ll be taking friends with kayaking-fears here in the next year or two.    And this gets us stoked about “conquering” the other segments of the Milwaukee River, most notably the West Bend to Newburg and the County A to Grafton segments.  And then the Grafton to Glendale segment.  Oh, and then a repeat of the Glendale to downtown MKE segment which we tried last year where Cindy took a spill at the Estabrook beer garden.  But that’s another story.  And one best told by Cindy…

Oh, and stay tune for future posts to include Google Earth fly overs for our waterway routes.  My 3Dconnexion 3DX-700059 Spacemouse Compact 3D Mouse arrives in a few days!  Geek out baby.

[kvenvs3000]

Natures influence in Art

Nature has such a long-standing connection with humans. When I was looking for background information for this post, I found so much literature from the early 1900. This isn’t the earliest mention of art and nature, as we know that Plato the famous philosopher and his teacher Aristotle were a fan of nature and beauty. In a paper by Bawden (1910) he details how these philosophers deemed that nature untouched is the most beautiful, as nature is simple perfection. They also mention how we as humans have always been striving to replicate this beauty, whether it be in drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.

Now this is a published piece from the early 1900 that reflects on ancient Greek philosophers, but this still rings true. Regardless on how much we try we can’t avoid the fact that we all have a deep-seated love for nature. Just think of the first time you saw a waterfall or stood in a forest full of pines. Even the thought of that brings out a sense of peace in my mind.

We as humans have been trying to perfectly recreate nature in every form. Even I do this with my own art. Since I’ve been able to hold a pencil, I’ve drawn nothing but wildlife. I only realized this when I went through my sketch books for this discussion post. I draw my best work when I need to channel my stress or emotions. Which is interesting because my other stress buster is going for a hike. Which brings me to an interesting topic.

A photo of a river otter drawn by myself (Katie Vandrish) during the summer of 2020.

What I found to be even more interesting is how we as a species have managed to use this for psychology. Nature therapy and art therapy are become more popular in modern time (Song et al. 2016; Stuckey & Nobel 2010). We use walks in the park, gardening, painting, and sculpting all to calm ourselves in a racing world. Combing the 2 forms of therapy are both practical and innovative. We now see pottery inspired by leaves, painting replicating grass fields, and songs with birdsong backgrounds in modern media. It amazing how intertwined these 2 subjects are, even though they wouldn’t seem like it at first glance.

Bawden, H. (1910) Art and Nature. Journal of Philosophy, Pschology, and Scientific Methods, 7(19), 521-526.

Song, C., Ikei, H., & Miyazaki, Y. (2016). Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan. International journal of environmental research and public health, 13(8), 781.

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. American journal of public health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

[orbemnews]

Was This Dinosaur More Subaquatic Killer or Giant Wading Bird? Ninety-nine million years ago, a 55-foot dinosaur stalked the river deltas of North Africa. A sail on its back towered over the water as its crocodile-like jaws and curved claws made short work of car-size fish. This was Spinosaurus, discovered in 1915. Paleontologists have since debated how this creature lived. Did it prowl through currents in pursuit of prey, as recent research has suggested, or seek its quarry in the shallows more like an enormous wading bird? New evidence for this second explanation was published Tuesday in Palaeontologia Electronica, challenging a hypothesis that scientists had found a dinosaur that lived a primarily aquatic lifestyle. The idea that spinosaurus spent most of its time underwater has been driven in recent years by the announcement in 2014 by Nizar Ibrahim, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth in England, and colleagues of their discovery of a partial skeleton of the predator. They argued it had spent much of its time underwater, the first dinosaur known to do so. That idea was bolstered last year when Dr. Ibrahim’s team announced the discovery of a finned, eel-like spinosaurus tail. The case for a more aquatic spinosaurus rests on a few genuinely bizarre features, Dr. Ibrahim said. Unlike most predatory dinosaurs — including some relatives such as the slender-snouted baryonyx — spinosaurus had densely mineralized bones, unusually short hind limbs and a tail configuration that allowed for sinuous, sculling motions. “Really, every part of the body we looked at has ‘water-loving’ written all over it,” Dr. Ibrahim said. Other paleontologists raised doubts about this hypothesis. “Real aquatic pursuit predation is a very challenging lifestyle,” said Thomas Holtz Jr., a predatory dinosaur specialist at the University of Maryland and a co-author of the new paper. Aquatic predators like otters, sea lions or sharks have compact, smooth bodies that reduce underwater drag. According to David Hone, a paleontologist at Queen Mary University of London and a co-author with Dr. Holtz, earlier research by Dr. Ibrahim’s team had shown that spinosaurus had a relatively small number of tail muscles, Dr. Hone said, even fewer than crocodiles, which also tend to have trouble with drag and aren’t particularly effective at pursuing prey underwater. With its tall sail and bulky limbs, spinosaurus would have produced tremendous drag in anything but the deepest water, making swift subaquatic chases extremely difficult. Instead, the team points to a different set of traits. Spinosaurus had nostrils back on its long snout, like a heron, Dr. Hone said, rather than atop its face, like a crocodile. It had broad feet, like a stork, as well as a head and neck adapted for a strong downward strike. Isotopic evidence from spinosaurus teeth also suggests that at least some individuals were eating fully terrestrial prey, perhaps including other dinosaurs. Without further spinosaurus remains, it is difficult to tell what differences might have existed between animals of different ages or sexes, Dr. Holtz said. Several species of dinosaur changed drastically as they grew: Young tyrannosaurs were swift pursuit predators, while adults were lumbering behemoths. More fossils would help determine “if the tail sails were mostly for display rather than locomotion (for instance, if males had tall sails and females more normal sails), or if different growth stages had more aquatic adaptations than others,” he said in an email. But in light of available anatomical evidence, Dr. Hone said, spinosaurus seems better suited to stalking along the shoreline, wading out like a heron to snatch prey or swimming at the surface and dipping down to ambush fish below. “The idea that spinosaurs hung out by the water isn’t controversial,” he said. “We’re not saying it didn’t swim, or even swim relatively well. But the idea that this is an otter-like animal is probably going way too far.” Dr. Ibrahim said that while he welcomes the debate, he and his team stand by their earlier findings that spinosaurus was better adapted to hunting underwater than any other known dinosaur, and probably targeted large, slow-moving fish as well as terrestrial prey. “There is really not anything in this paper that we have not considered before — which is not too surprising, considering that it does not contribute any novel data, such as new fossil remains or quantitative analyses and experiments,” he said. Some paleontologists say aspects of Dr. Ibrahim’s earlier findings can be integrated into the hypothesis that spinosauruses were waders. “The heron model at this point in time is the simplest explanation that fits the available data, and in our science, that’s often the best route to follow,” said Serjoscha Evers, a spinosaur specialist at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland who reviewed the paper. Source link Orbem News #Bird #Dinosaur #giant #killer #Subaquatic #Wading