Scat Photo: N. Sincero 2011, Scat Wrangler: S. Sumrall
This scat changes depending on the time of year. It consists of many pellets, which may scatter or, when moist, may stick together. It can be found in forested areas on the Pacific Coast.
Who pooped?
Leave a comment below with your guess. We will reveal the answer in the comments section on Tuesday, September 27th.
If you have your own natural history mystery (an unidentified animal, plant or other specimen), send a photo or two to naturalist@calacademy.org. We’ll do our best to help out. Please include location, date and any other details that seem pertinent.
Source:
Scats and Tracks of the Pacific Coast, including British Columbia: A Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species / James C. Halfpenny; illustrated by Todd Telander. Helena, Mont.: Falcon, c1999. Naturalist Center Reference QL768 .H36 1999
Know any 8-12 year old poets?
Vultures Rock!, a site with lots of great resources about vulture conservation, is sponsoring a poetry contest. Get all the details here: http://vulturesrock.com/contest/
Need inspiration?
Photo: A. Barr 2011
Here in the Naturalist Center we have a specimen and book display, as well as coloring and activity sheets.
Photo: Rachel Tom
The Academy of Sciences also has our own rescued vultures, including Friendly, who you can see Monday through Friday at 2 PM at our Live Birds of Prey program.
Come see why vultures rock!
Saturday, September 24th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Meet at Baker Beach picnic area
Did you know that the Presidio is a birding hotspot in the Bay Area? After a short “binocular bootcamp and birding basics” kids and their families will join experienced birders in teams on different routes throughout the Presidio. After an easy 2 hour walk counting observed bird life, groups will return to Baker Beach to tally their numbers during lunch. The day will be topped off with presentations of the day’s numbers by kids!
Lunch will not be provided, so bring a lunch and snacks as needed. Please remember to dress in layers and bring water. Binoculars are not required, but recommended if you have them (a supply of binoculars will be available to borrow for the day).
Because space is limited for this event, please RSVP to Damien Raffa at: draffa@presidiotrust.gov or 415- 561-4449. This event is free and co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust and the Golden Gate Audubon Society.
Check out this week’s featured specimen!
(Pictured below, really close up!)
Photo: N. Sincero 2011
Can you guess what it is?
Here are some hints:
- This animal has 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch of skin.
- This animal uses tools.
Leave us a comment with your answer! Then come see us outside the Project Lab on Friday, September 23rd at 11:30 AM for Specimen Spotlight in order to find out if you’re right.
Replica Scat Photo: N. Sincero 2011, Scat Wrangler: S. Sumrall
This scat can reach up to 8.8 cm (3.5 in) in length. It is a distinctive green color, often with a nitrogenous white coating. You can find this scat all over North America, but you’re more likely to see it in the south during the winter months.
Who pooped?
Leave a comment below with your guess. We will reveal the answer in the comments section on Tuesday, September 20th.
If you have your own natural history mystery (an unidentified animal, plant or other specimen), send a photo or two to naturalist@calacademy.org. We’ll do our best to help out. Please include location, date and any other details that seem pertinent.
Sources:
Scats and Tracks of the Pacific Coast, including British Columbia: A Field Guide to the Signs of 70 Wildlife Species / James C. Halfpenny; illustrated by Todd Telander. Helena, Mont.: Falcon, c1999. Naturalist Center Reference QL768 .H36 1999
