Turkey Vultures

A turkey vulture gliding through the air...

...and landing in a tree at Starved Rock State Park.

I've never seen them this close, before!  In the wild, that is!  At first, they flew really low to the ground, then soared higher above us before they descended again to rest in the trees.

Yup, there were two of them.  They are usually seen in numbers. 

Turkey vultures are interesting creatures. They can only hiss or grunt because they lack a syrinx.  Having a very keen sense of smell, they mainly eat carrion, but sometimes will eat fruit.  Nests are not built--eggs are laid in hollow trees, on cliffs, in caves, or even in abandoned buildings. If they can't fly away, turkey vultures will hiss and vomit undigested food to deter the few predators they have.  And to cool themselves down, they will defecate on their own legs!  This gives a new meaning to "dirty bird"!!!  --LKR

A Porcupine Sighting!

It was the coolest thing! On our way home from our children's orchestra concert this evening, a porcupine waddled across the road right in front of our van! I've never seen a porcupine out in the wild before, have you?

These large, nocturnal rodents can tip the scales at 30 to 40 lbs. They are peaceful animals that curl up when threatened, protecting their vulnerable bellies while exposing up to 30,000 thorny quills that cover them from head to tail. If attacked, they will whack their predator with their spiny tails. These painful weapons fall off and become embedded in the attacker's skin.

Porcupines live in wooded areas, making their homes in hollow logs, underground dens, and caves. They can also be found climbing around in trees. They dine on clover, grass, fruit, seeds, tender leaves, twigs, and the bark of trees. Like beavers, they also crave salt and will eat things like canoe paddles and tool handles that contain human sweat.

--LKR

Crystal Cave

Welcome to...

Crystal Cave!!!

These photos were taken at today's awesome field trip to Crystal Cave in Spring Valley, WI. This was my third trip there, and I think it was the best one ever! We had an excellent guide who was super with the kids and his knowledge about this cave. Chris is only 17 years old and is homeschooled. He told me he was so thrilled for the opportunity to have this job, which the adults I spoke with agreed suit him quite well!

Descending down into the cave... .
It's over 70 feet deep, and is the safest place to be during an earthquake, something that has me perplexed... . Anyone know why this is true???

Two little bats hanging outCute little faces!A different species of bat!

Cool shapeStalactites and Stalagmites
A way to remember which is which:
stalactites hang on tight to the ceiling,
and stalagmites might possibly reach the ceiling of the cave
You can also see what's called a bacon formation on the top right side of this picture.Cool, huh???
Soda Straws

Can you see them dripping?

I was told this is one of the most photographed formations in the cave.
A fossil on the cave's floor in one of the roomsThis is actually the underside of an old mud puddle!!!
The Refrigerator
Can you see the hanging carrot (top left center), the soda bottle, and two glasses next to it??? There are also two straws, but they are harder to point out.
Use your imagination, and you can see more!
The Wishing Room
A section of a wishing wall
No, I didn't post any pics of the famous Charlie. You need to see it for yourself, and hear the story that goes along with it! Honestly, if you are ever in Eau Claire or the Twin City area, this cave is worth the trip!
--LKR