American robins in winter
A robin eats from a sumac tree. (Photo by Mary Holland) Editor’s note: This column by longtime former Harvard Press contributor Mary Holland first…
It’s Only Natural: Most wasps go it alone
An unknown species of solitary wasp stings a caterpillar to bring back to its larvae. (Photos by Mary Holland) When we think of a…
It’s Only Natural: Ticks not entirely to blame for Lyme disease
A white-footed mouse, a breed known to transmit Lyme disease. (Photos by Mary Holland) No longer can we roam the woods and fields with…
It’s Only Natural: Ravens known for their ingenutiy
A common raven curiously eyes the camera. (Photo by Mary Holland) The common raven (Corvus corax) has long been a part of the folklore…
It’s Only Natural: Spider silk unmatched by humans
A black-and-yellow argiope is one of our most common orb web spinners. (Photos by Mary Holland) All spiders can do something that no human…
It’s Only Natural: Conifers built to survive the winter
Eastern Hemlock leaves: The needles of most conifers remain on the tree for two or three years. Their shape and structure lend themselves to…
It’s Only Natural: Mammals get creative to keep warm in winter
Black bear den: There is often very little structure to a black bear’s den, as illustrated by the one in this photograph, which is…
It’s Only Natural: Look, but don’t touch
“Leaves of three, let it be; berries white, take flight.” (Photos by Mary Holland) About the only characteristic that holds true for any poison…
It’s Only Natural: Not your typical dating scene
The male porcupine’s courtship of a mate is elaborate, to say the least. However, it’s worth the energy expended, as 90 percent of female…
It’s Only Natural: Digger wasps live up to their name
Although great golden digger wasps prey on insects for their young to eat, they themselves are nectarivores, consuming the nectar of a variety of…
It’s Only Natural: Parenting, common loon style
Common loon parents take turns feeding their young chicks. At first the adults hold the fish until the chick grasps it, but soon the…
