A Few Interesting Facts About The Whale
Posted by Nick de Kock | Filed under Reference & Education
A few interesting facts about the whale are needed whenever people begin to consider this endlessly fascinating and warm-blooded, ocean-dwelling mammal. Whales are extremely diverse and live in every ocean and sea in the world. Biologists and other scientists have studied them for many years and have found that they also exist within a complex structure of their own making.
When discussing their evolution, it always comes as a surprise to those who don’t know about whales that their closest living relative is the hippopotamus. Both animals descended from a common ancestor that lived in India, in Kashmir, over 54 million years in the past. This ancestor finally entered the ocean for good nearly 50 million years ago.
Whales communicate with each other in a variety of ways, the most common probably being what is known as whale song. This particular “singing” has proven to be extremely diverse and complex in quality and characteristic. Whales use it in a variety of ways. Also, other than certain species of primates, whales — along with dolphins, humans and elephants — whales seem to be one of the few species that are self-aware.
They also live their lives within an interesting societal structure. The heart of this structure is the pod. Within a pod exists a dominant bull and subservient bulls beneath him along with a number of cows and calves. Subservient bulls tend to live slightly separate from the rest of the pod and usually will leave to go out on their own and attempt to start their own pod at some point as they mature sufficiently.
When it comes to sheer size, it is a species of whale — the Blue — that is the largest animal to have ever existed as well as being the largest mammal currently in existence. The Blue can come in at over 150 tons and 105 feet in length. There are two sub orders of whales, also; baleen and toothed. Baleen whales get their food (plankton and krill) by straining seawater through their mouth (the baleen).
Whales with teeth are considered predator species of whales. The most commonly known of these mammals is, of course, the Orca. It is sometimes also known as a killer whale, though this is unfair to it as a species. It is only fairly recently that whales have been somewhat protected, and many whale species are in danger of extinction because they have been so over-hunted.
Whale communication has long intrigued Nick de Kock while studying the whale along the Eastern Seaboard of Southern Africa.
Tags: Animal Behavior, Animalia, Biology, Cetacea, Chordata, Endangered Animals, Flora and Fauna, Mammalia, Reference & Education, science, Wildlife, Zoology
Fat Redfish with Capt. Paul Braly
Posted by Captain Paul Braly | Filed under Recreation & Sports
Jeff and I went fishing today. We were trying to do some stretching and pre-fishing for the tough competition Texas trout series which will happen on this weekend. We both found fishing at this spot very tough this time. What saved our day was the Devil Eyes lures that we brought along.
As we go through the water, we only found a single inshore fish hopping the wide area, unlike the other day where I saw much of them. Few minutes later, Jeff got the first bite with the Devil Eye of Amber color with 1/4 ounce Truloc. The first hook was empty though. Then I got my hook bitten but it was another empty lure as well. After waiting for another few minutes, the hook got an 18″ Speckled trout on it, and then we went to the second spot.
Jeff and I went to the second spot which was a cleaner one. I decided to put on a Dark Strawberry Blue Devil Eye while Jeff was pulling the white stink bait he had. We both jumped out of the boat with our lures and we looked for better hook-ups but there was nothing for both of us on this spot.
We then came to an area that we needed the boat to get to the other side of to continue our wade so Jeff being the good guy that he is went back and brought the boat.
We continued wading through the deep water to the other side. We checked for the right spot by measuring the depth through a rod. Then we were able to find a spot and I tried casting a lure and got myself a fat redfish. Shortly, I saw Jeff casting his Devil Eyes and he got one too. After some time we both got some more redfish.
During tough fishing, it is always a good decision to bring along and use the Devil Eyes for fishing. Jeff and I used it with 10-11 o’clock triple bounce pausing every 5 seconds and then repeat the casting of lures. If you are having hard time fishing, like what we experienced, always use a bait that can stand the tough situation and make a pattern with every cast and the reds will surely bite in.
Captain Paul Braly is a professional fishing guide who specializes in wadefishing for big speckled trout and redfish in Texas, and uses Brown Lures’ salt water speckled trout lures. Kyle suggests you try out a speckled trout lure from Brown Lures for your next fishing trip.
Tags: fishing, hunting, inshore fishing, outdoors, recreation, Recreation & Sports, saltwater fishing, sport fishing, sports, texas fishing, Wildlife
Support Your Local Wildlife with an Inviting Backyard Habitat
Posted by Jim Navary | Filed under Home & Family
A wildlife habitat consists of a combination of food, water, shelter, and space arranged to meet the needs of wildlife. All yards, no matter how large or small, can be landscaped to attract small animals, birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Trees, shrubs, and other plants can provide both shelter and food for your local wildlife.
The plants you use to provide food and cover will play a large part in determining the specific wildlife species that might be attracted to your backyard. Adding nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites, such as fountains and garden ponds, can greatly improve the habitat.
Planning is an important step in providing an attractive and productive wildlife habitat. Keep in mind that you have both a horizontal area to work with (the size of your yard) as well as a vertical area that stretches from the ground to the treetops. The vertical area is composed of four distinct zones: — the canopy formed by the tallest tree branches — understory vegetation consisting of smaller trees, shrubs, and vines — the floor which is often dominated by low-growing ground covers, and — the basement where a variety of organisms exist in the soil. Different wildlife species favor each of these zones, so a wide range of habitats can be provided on even a small piece of land.
Of course, trees, shrubs and flowers are the backbone of any landscaping design and are important for wildlife shelter. Many tree and shrub species are excellent sources of food for wildlife. Proper selection of plant material will meet both the aesthetic needs of the homeowner and the food and shelter needs of wildlife. Don’t forget, you are also an important part of the habitat!
Native and non-native plants Native plants are more helpful to a wildlife habitat than non-native exotic plants. They generally require less fertilizer, less water, and less effort in pest control. Native plants are especially important to native wildlife. Pollinators, such as birds, bees and other beneficial insects may have co-evolved with a particular native plant species. Pollinators often depend upon a certain type of flower as a food source, while the flower depends on the pollinator to transport its pollen to other flowers for reproduction.
When non-native plants are used, they can often upset the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. They may even out-compete native species to the point of crowding them out completely. Native animal species benefit more when these native plant communities are maintained, or are restored to their natural habitats, providing the best source of food.
When you begin developing your habitat you may want to consider including garden water fountains or garden waterfallsto make your backyard more appealing for you and your family in addition to your local wildlife.
Tags: animal habitat, backyard wildlife, bird watching, environment, gardening, Home & Family, homeowner tips, landscaping, natural habitat, nature, nature lover, outdoor projects, Wildlife, wildlife habitat
Where To Find Whale Displays
Posted by Andrew Keet | Filed under Reference & Education
Many people want to visit some of the interesting whale displays that are around the world. There are many places that they can go to see these displays. All over the world there are areas that can be found that will allow people to observe the way that whales behave. Here we will talk about some of the most popular ones that are around.
One of the most spectacular places that offer whale displays is in Alaska. Here you can see the humpback whales in huge numbers in many different parts of the state. Here a person can view the humpback whales doing the things that they love in their natural environment that they are accustomed to. Some of the whales have even been known to come very close to the side of the boat that people are in. This can just add to the excitement of the trip.
Going to the Hawaiian Islands is another great spot for people that are looking to see whale displays. Not only will you see whale displays, but you can enjoy the warmth that the tropics offer tourists as well. The best times to see the whale displays here are during the months that run from December thru February. It is at this particular time of the year that the male humpback whales can be found to be seeking out the females. You may even see a mother and her baby if you are fortunate enough.
In Canada there are whale displays that can be seen at Marineland. This is an amazing spot for tourists with aquatic interests. They have shows that involve the use of killer whales. These have been highly trained mammals that can do some of the most amazing tricks that a person could imagine. They will thrill all those that are watching with the manoeuvres that they have been trained to do.
One of the other neat things that can be found here is Friendship Cove. This is the largest known beluga whale habitat in the world and has thousands of people that visit it every year. This offers tourists with numerous walkways that have been designed to allow people to view the whale displays from both below and above the water. This can allow you to see how they truly act when they are swimming beneath the water. Feeding the whales is another thing that this spot also offers at periodical times throughout the day.
These are just a few of the many areas that offer whale displays. Being able to see these creatures in an environment that is very close to what they have in the wild can be a beautiful experience for people to see. It can be one of the most enthralling trips that you take.
If travelling is not in your budget there is no need to despair. You can still view whale displays that are offered all over the internet. Museums are also another option that is offers displays like this as well. No matter what type of whale display you are looking for there is something available for everyone.
Johannes Klipdrift has been watching whales around the world all his life and is fascinated by their displays.
Tags: Animal Behavior, Animalia, Biology, Cetacea, Chordata, Endangered Animals, Flora and Fauna, Mammalia, Reference & Education, science, Wildlife, Zoology
