Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution explains not only how creatures became good at securing food sources and surviving in the wilderness, but also how they produce the next generation. A good example of this, explains Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright, is the male Wood Frog, whose strong thumbs ensure he has a […]
Nat Wheelwright
Nature Moments: Galls, Cankers, and Witch’s Brooms
In his latest Nature Moments video, Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright asks: Have you ever noticed tumor-like growths on plants? Fungi, insects, mites and bacteria are like “body snatchers,” penetrating plant cells and manipulating them to produce galls, cankers and witch’s brooms for the parasites’ benefit. Fortunately, most are benign. Nature Moments�are […]
Nature Moments: The Odd Thing about Mosses
In his latest video, Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon board member Nat Wheelwright explains that mosses are among the most ancient plants on earth — and their peculiar biology shows it. The lovely leafy green plant that all of us are familiar with? It has just half the normal number of chromosomes, like an egg […]
Nature Moments: Sugar Maple Tappers
In February, when it’s still frigid at night but daytime temperatures are starting to warm, it may look like trees are just sitting their doing nothing — but inside their cells, changes are happening and sap is starting to flow, explains Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright in his latest video. Nature Moments�are […]
Nature Moments: How to Keep a Nature Journal
The latest Nature Moment from Nat Wheelwright and acclaimed natural history writer Bernd Heinrich gets at the gist of what it takes to be a naturalist: being attentive. (Bernd authored the excellent feature article on this topic in our Fall 2017 issue of Habitat magazine.) Do you sometimes wish you could take a break from […]
Nature Moments: Outsmarting Squirrels
Check out Nat Wheelwright’s latest “Nature Moments” video! Why is it so hard to keep squirrels off birdfeeders? After all, they’re just rodents with brains the size of a ping-pong ball. Squirrels are such amazing problem-solvers because they’re observant, social, experimental and persistent. Nature Moments�are filmed with the help of Wilder Nicholson, Rebecca Goldfine, Tom […]
Nature Moments: Life Under the Ice
Check out Nat Wheelwright’s latest “Nature Moments” video! Have you ever wondered what could be living underneath the ice of a frozen pond? With no light or air, and temperatures just above freezing, you’d think life would be impossible, but… Nature Moments�are filmed with the help of Wilder Nicholson, Rebecca Goldfine, Tom Porter, Paul Benham […]
Nature Moments: Leaf Behavior in the Cold
In the latest Nature Moments video, Bowdoin professor and Maine Audubon trustee Nat Wheelwright takes a closer look at the fascinating ways some plants�hold onto their leaves throughout the year — including through the freezing winter months. Nature Moments�are filmed with the help of Wilder Nicholson, Rebecca Goldfine, Tom Porter, Paul Benham and Genie Wheelwright. […]
Nature Moments: Leaping Snow Fleas
The latest Nature Moment video from Nat Wheelwright takes a close look at a creature that can be easy to miss in winter — the Snow Flea. What animal can jump 100 times the length of his body � without using any of his six legs? Take a walk in the snow on a sunny […]