Tiger Swallowtail on lavender. Photo © Gregory Johnston.
2022, 05 May Story Contest
The Horsehead Nebula
Horsehead Nebula. Photo © Morris Yoder. If you’ve ever found the constellation Orion, there’s a good chance you looked right through this complex cloud of dust and gas without realizing it. The...
In Our Skies, May 2022: Lunar Eclipse
Meteor activity is divided quite unevenly between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with the Northern Hemisphere getting a better view of nearly every meteor shower of the year. The Eta Aquarid...
You Win?
Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow. Photo © Dreamstime.com. “Chee! Chee! Chee!” The strident notes eddied through the open living room window and pricked my ears. I dropped The War for Mansoul, which...
Spots of Red
Common Redpoll. Photo © Dreamstime.com. My sister looked out the window and asked, “Is that a redpoll?”We all ran for the window. By then the birds had all flown away, so we had to go over to...
Tadpoles
One time when we were cleaning the pond, we saw a tadpole in the mud. We picked it up and put it into a cup with water. We brought it to the house. Then we put it in a fish tank with water, a fake...
Caption This, May 2022: Common Sailor and Basset Hound
We invite you to submit your caption for this common sailer butterfly on the nose of a basset hound. The photograph will be used on the back of the September issue, along with our choice of a...
The Feathered Thief
Our Pet Fawn
One day my brother James was going along the road when he saw a fawn in the woods. He went over to it, and it just stayed there, so he petted it. It was a very nice fawn.Some days later Mother was...
Exploring Nature, May 2022
Ruffed Grouse eggs hatch in Virginia in late May. You may see them cross a forest road, if you drive through their habitat.May is peak migration for shorebirds at Cape May, New Jersey.The spring...
Study Guide Puzzles, May 2022
Canes Venatici
Canes Venatici is a small constellation, consisting of only two stars. However, it is quite easy to find due to its location just south of the Big Dipper. Like many of the surrounding...
Raised Bed Considerations
Photo © Dreamstime.com. How high should a raised bed be? I find 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) to be a very practical height for growing most crops. With less than six inches, you may start losing some of...
Camp & Cabin Cookin’, May 2022
Recipes: Grilled Pepperoni, Strawberry Shortcake Delight. Recipes: Venezuelan Mystery Pie, Strawberry Cupcakes.
Going Underwater the Easy Way
Predaceous diving beetle with rotifer. Photo © Kevin Shank.