Wildlife Spotlight takes a deep dive into individual species or groups of living things you’ll encounter outdoors. Here you’ll find cool facts about exciting wildlife, from wildflowers and grasshoppers to tigers, mushrooms, and whale sharks, and all that falls between.

 

Do you have a species or group you’d love to learn more about? Let me know on theĀ contact page!

What are ferns? Fern facts & Basic Info

Just like mosses, ferns are another widespread part of the wall of green people encounter in the outdoors. They’re found all over the world, but often blend into the background and fall beneath our notice. Ferns don’t grow like wildflowers and trees, and have some cool traits that set them apart from other vegetation. For this Wildlife Spotlight, I’d like …

11 stunning examples of animal camouflage

On a recent hike in South Georgia, I watched a gorgeous brown butterfly take off from a tree, fly along in front of me, and then disappear. I looked, then looked again, and couldn’t find where it had gone. It looked as though it had evaporated as it passed by a nearby oak. I crept close to investigate, and eventually …

What are mosses?

Some of the most special things in nature are the ones that we overlook most often. It’s easy to take some forms of wildlife for granted, especially the ones that are small, or ever-present. Mosses certainly fall under this category. Amidst the flashy green of other plants, it’s easy to lose sight of these widespread but understated features. But what …

17 amazing nature facts about bats

One of my favorite things about summer nights is spotting bats against the evening sky. Although people often give them a bad rap, bats are helpful and important parts of the natural world. They also make up a large and diverse group of animals that live a variety of lifestyles. Let’s get to know these incredible animals, and check out …

17 amazing facts about Dragonflies

Dragonflies are among the most entertaining insects to watch. They are large, easy to find near wetlands, and they move quickly as they hunt for good. Furthermore, they are incredible mosquito control and we owe them for their service! But did you know that there’s a lot more to these fascinating bugs than meets the eye? Check out these amazing …

11 cool facts about the roly-poly

Did you ever play with roly-polies as a kid? You can find these slow, plodding little tank-like bugs bumbling their way around under logs and rocks in many back yards. Their defensive ability to roll into a perfect little ball is fascinating and cute. But there’s more to these harmless bugs than meets the eye! Here are some awesome facts …

What are spring ephemerals?

Spring is a gorgeous time in the outdoors, and it can really keep us nature-lovers busy! However, it’s a vanishingly short time. It seems like we’ve just removed our winter jackets when suddenly summer heat calls for sunscreen. Among the many signs of spring, spring ephemerals are one of the most beautiful and fleeting. Just like Spring itself, these special …

10 wild facts about Blue jays

If you live in Canada or the United States, chances are you’ve come across today’s Wildlife Spotlight. Blue jays are probably one of the most recognizable birds in North America. They live year round throughout much of the region and do well in places where people live. Furthermore, they are loud, boisterous, social, and brightly colored. So they’re hard to …