Can anyone help explain this behavior of pigeons circling for a tower for at least several minutes? Seems like a massive waste of energy (but I mostly work with animals concerned wjth energy conservation). #birds #behavior #ornithology #birders #animalbehavior

People naming the siren, an elongated and drab aquatic salamander:
"What's that word for something that is irresistibly alluring yet dangerous?"
"You okay?"

With snow on the ground now, here is the last box turtle found during my research season. He was at the bottom of a small gorge at my study site. Did he tumble down or climb down, and how much energy will it take to get out of the gorge? It's a struggle for me. #herpetology #ecology #turtles

New here, and to outward facing social media. I'm a biology professor, researching #ecology and animal personality in #herps. Mostly focused on box turtles these days. This guy is my favorite - a 76+ year old named Robin who has graced a journal cover and been the subject of a published poem.