Explore the Outdoors!
Most people know foxes as vicious predators, but did you know that they also eat plants? Foxes are among the most common and widespread mammals in cities. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, and their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in a wide range of habitats – from forests and grasslands to…
Bats can be primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers since different bat species can eat insects, fruit, nectar, or blood. Bats are flying mammals that are active at night. They are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight. There are over 1,200 species of bat, which is more than one-fifth of all mammal species in…
Squirrels are small rodents, with long tails and include tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, marmots, and prairie dogs1. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. Squirrels are omnivores (secondary consumers) and not herbivores (primary consumers) as most people think. This is because they eat a small number of insects and other…
I recently wrote about the thinner nylon fabrics (from 10D to 40D) and how these are often used for weight-critical constructions like tents for backpacking or sports jackets. Thicker nylon fabrics like those made from 70D and upwards are sturdy and can be made more waterproof with the right surface treatment. And whereas 70D nylon…
Flamingos are filter-feeding sea birds that occur naturally in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. Their diet consists of brine shrimp, blue-green algae, diatoms, and other microscopic organisms. Flamingos are carnivores, or secondary consumers, because they eat animals and plants and their cross-kingdom diet classifies them as omnivores. A notable feature of flamingos is their…
Modern rain jackets and rain pants can be made from several different materials, but most of these are derived from nylon or polyester to some extent. Both nylon and polyester are good choices when it comes to rain gear, but there are some crucial differences that you should know before buying your new jacket or…
Mice belong to the redent family and are one of the most versatile eaters in the animal kingdom. They are able to digest a wide variety of plant and animal matter including fruits and vergetable grains, insects and even meat, thus are known to be omnivores. Yes, mice are indeed omnivores, eating almost anything edible…
If you are looking for a new jacket, blanket/duvet or sleeping bag, there are essentially two filling options to choose from: Down and polyester. Alternatively, cotton or other natural fibers such as wool may be used for filling in clothing, sleeping bags and blankets. However, down is still the golden standard for lightweight insulation, so…
I admit it. I am a light sleeper and I hate when people are snoring or otherwise making noises during the night. I enjoy the soft sounds of the outdoors, but I hate synthetic man-made noises and especially when caused by my own gear! Therefore I set out on a journey to find the absolute…
Wood can be used for a variety of purposes in terrariums. It can be used as a frame for the glass walls, providing stability and structure. It can also be used to create shelves or other features inside the terrarium. Birch wood is a good neutral wood type that, in its dry chemical free form,…