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Nature Study: Bioluminescence

Have your kids ever seen pictures of glowing jellyfish , fireflies lighting up a summer night, or deep-sea creatures that shimmer in the dark? That magical glow is something called bioluminescence —and it’s one of nature’s most fascinating light shows! Angler Fish craft My class recently participated in a STEM workshop where they learned about bioluminescence in the deep sea. They learned about deep sea creatures like the Angler fish and how bioluminescence was part of their adaptation to the dark depths. They also had a blast making their own Angler fish complete with antennaes. Coincidentally, on this day we got to the chapters in ' The Wild Robot Escapes ' where Roz the robot was exploring the deep ocean and learning about bioluminescence, echolocation and the predatory nature of seabirds like the Skuas . (That's for another blog post!) For children, learning about bioluminescence offers an incredible way to bring science, nature, and imagination together. It’s a to...
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Nature Study: The Frigate Bird

The Fregata bird, commonly known as the frigatebird, is a large seabird found in tropical and subtropical oceans. Frigatebirds are known for their incredible flight abilities, often soaring for hours or even days without flapping their wings. Here are some key characteristics:


1. Appearance: Frigatebirds have long wings, deeply forked tails, and long hooked bills. Males are known for their red throat pouch, which they inflate like a balloon to attract females during the breeding season.


2. Size: They have a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), making them one of the largest birds in the sky relative to body weight.


3. Behavior: Frigatebirds are skilled aerial hunters and often engage in kleptoparasitism, where they steal food from other birds in flight by harassing them until they drop their catch. They also feed on fish and squid.


4. Breeding: These birds nest in colonies, typically on remote islands. Males perform elaborate displays to attract mates, including inflating their red throat pouches and making drumming sounds.


5. Adaptation: While frigatebirds are incredible fliers, they have minimal waterproofing on their feathers, so they avoid diving into water. Instead, they skim the surface or catch prey mid-air.


Take Away

They are often spotted in places like the Galápagos Islands and the Caribbean, making them a fascinating bird for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.


If you're a bird enthusiast or budding  birdwatcher you may also be interested in:


Nature Study: 24 Common Birds To Teach Your Child!

Nature Study: The Ring-Billed Gull

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