Leave it to Caption Obvious to say you might need to build something bigger than a regular bird box to house a barn swallow family. They like to build nests in large wooden boxes such as barns and sheds. Naturally, they would use a space sheltered in a crevice overhang or cave, but their nests are always an open mud made cup that is built against a wall with a bit of ledge for support. Adult barn swallows catch insects in flight easily and their deeply forked tail is an aid to their superior agility.
Illustrated by Kevin
We used Yellowstone National Park as an inspiration for this redesign of our 505 catalog number. Their reintroduction has become a showcase how the presence of wolves has a dramatically positive effect on habitat.
A number of species in this group of wildflowers, also known as Beardtounges, are known for their white to blue and purple colored flowers that attract bees. They are an important species component of prairies and open habitat. The flower petals are fused together forming a tube for the bee to crawl into. From the perspective of a bee watcher the joy is watching the busy insects pause as they disappear into the flower until only their butt shows.
The native range of this famous magnolia almost defines that of the Deep South. Although they do grow as far north as Pennsylvania and there is even one here on Bishop Street. They are well known for large white fragrant flowers that attract beetles for pollination. Their uniquely large durable leaves allow them to thrive as and understory tree growing up in the shade of a mature forest. Eventually the tree becomes part of the canopy itself and the dark leaves.
Illustrated by Nora Steel
These native plants can be found in rare types of habitats, usually with wet acidic soils making it difficult for the plants to obtain nutrients. There for many different species evolving their own interesting methods to capture insects. Nora Steel illustrated this pair featuring purple pitcher plants and a sun dew with its sticky pads. A Sprite Damselfly has landed on the tiny sundew and is probably safe from harm.
Illustrated by Nora Steel
This bright red parrot is the most abundant macaw species living in rainforest of Mexico and Central America. Historically, their valuable feathers were traded and are found in archeological sites hundreds of miles north of their natural habitat. Most of us have already met a living specimen at the zoo or as someone’s pet.
Our staff artist Aline borrowed the macaw design we currently had to create a new Scarlet Macaw design. The original Blue and Gold Macaw was created by Kelly Kling.