Natural World

Dinosaurs may have been blasted into extinction—or starved to death—some 70 million years ago, but in every kid's imagination they're still with us, and capable of making life more exciting than homework, or even computer games. The High Desert Museum's new exhibit, "Be the Dinosaur: Life in the Cretaceous," has combined interactive video simulations with […]

Experts have stated that even Native Americans in charge of cultural and anthropological affairs for their tribes are sometimes stymied as to what rock art means or even what an image represents. However, Dr. James Keyser, one of the leading experts on the rock art of the Columbia Basin, says that is not the case. […]

As a kid on the family farm in Connecticut during the (first) Great Depression, with the help of my grandfather, I was taught to trap, kill and skin striped skunks. I then sold the pelts to buy shoes for school. But, it is no longer necessary for me to trap, skin and sell the pelts […]

Spring brings with it growing grass, jumping fish and an enduring race between tent caterpillars and their host plants. Seemingly ubiquitous in Central Oregon, the industrious tent caterpillars pitch thousands of tiny silken tents among the upper leaves of awakening bitterbrush throughout the region. Those, oh, best beloved newly hatched tent caterpillars trying to get […]

There was a time—in my lifetime, actually—when anyone wanting firewood for winter simply drove a few miles from town and cut a full season’s supply; no permit necessary. But not anymore. There was a time when anyone could hunt, fish, hike, pedal a bike, drive a motorcycle or snowmobile anywhere they wanted. Not anymore. There […]

As winter recedes, and birds return for springtime, it is a good time to give consideration to a group of birds that thrives during the cold months, but welcomes back the other birds of spring: the accipiters, otherwise known as "bird hawks." Their downy under-feathers keep them warm, and small birds that flock together in […]

Before I get going on rabbits and hares, I have to tell you something about the dilemma we have right at this moment; it involves people who like to shoot "rabbits" and the needs of eagles. There is overwhelming evidence that, without jackrabbits, golden eagles are in big trouble. It's as simple as that: Kill […]

This is one of those "damned if you, damned if you don't" moments. I'd rather no one knew of what I'm about to share with you, but I know, in my heart-of-hearts, if I don't tell you about this you're going to hear and see it on TV or someone in The Bulletin will put […]

“Hey Jim,” my email read. “How about a Source article describing the nature and intent of winter flies? They come into our houses—fly slow and stupidly and do not feed—and within a day or two, they die. When they keel over, they seem almost completely dehydrated and they actually crumble to dust and body parts […]

This memo recently appeared on thewebsite of the Oregon High Desert Grotto chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS) — a not for profit organization whose members study, explore and conserve cave and karst resources; protect access to caves; encourage responsible management of caves and their unique environments; and promote responsible caving. There has been […]