today’s walk took an unexpected turn when we had to rescue 45 (!!!) snapping turtle hatchlings from the road by the park. while not many of a clutch are meant to survive, the nissan rogue is not a natural predator so today they got a little help. ❤️
the australian owlet-nightjar (sometimes nicknamed the ‘moth owl’) is a nocturnal bird found across forested areas in australia and southern new guinea. they are the most common nocturnal bird in australia; despite their name, they are closely related to nightjars, but have no close relation to owls. they are gray overall with white barring on the front and underside. in addition to woodland, they can thrive in a variety of other habitats, and are found in swamps, grassland and mallee scrub. these birds primarily feed by diving from a perch and snatching an insect from the air, in a manner similar to flycatchers. they primarily feed on beetles, grasshoppers, and flying ants. when raising young, both australian owlet-nightjar parents work to construct a nest within a tree hollow, and while the female incubates the eggs alone, both parents work to feed the chicks. eucalyptus leaves are added to many nests; it is believed they may be favored due to their use as a mild insecticide, protecting the young from nest parasites.
