by Geoffrey Carpentier Last time, I explored the reptiles and amphibians, to determine how they use their jaws and teeth (or non-teeth) to capture or harvest food. Today, we’ll look more closely at birds and how they use their beaks to hunt and eat. All birds have beaks – this is indisputable, but the size, structure, shape and use of them varies considerably between groups of birds. Beaks come in many forms: hooked or curved, cone-shaped, needle-like, spatulate and even cros

by Jonathan van Bilsen The very first time I went to Beijing was in the late eighties. The tallest building was no more than three stories high, and individuals were not allowed to own cars. It was a city of unadvertised adventure, and I fell right into the middle of it. It was my last day in the capital city, en route to Singapore. I had contacted the airport to confirm my flight, only to be told it was overbooked and I would not be able to leave on schedule. I have never be

by Geoffrey Carpentier In the last column, we explored the lives of some amphibians and discovered they use a variety of techniques to...

by Geoffrey Carpentier The observant, amongst you, will notice, as I continue the discussion of animals’ mouths and jaws, I cleverly...

By Jonathan van Bilsen Those of us fortunate enough to remember the sixties (or at least part of them), have two remarkable events logged...

by Geoffrey Carpentier People sometimes ask me how I decide what topics to write about, when I tackle my column. The simple answer is, my...

by Geoffrey Carpentier From time to time I stumble onto an opportunity which is so incredible, I want to share it with others. Usually...

by Jonathan van Bilsen I had only been to Whistler once before, many years earlier, so when my friend Jim suggested we head into the...

by Geoffrey Carpentier Ah, late summer is upon us, and the first late summer blooms are brightening our roadsides and wild places. Rising...

by Geoffrey Carpentier There has been much said of bears this year, for they have been making themselves obvious in and around North...

by Geoffrey Carpentier Summer is upon us, and the news is abuzz with broad and confusing statements about our weather and our climate....

By Jonathan van Bilsen One thing travel has taught me over the years, is that mishaps are often the highlights. I have seen wonders, met...

by Geoffrey Carpentier At this time of year my mind is pre-occupied with birds and other wild things, for a variety of reasons - personal...

by Jonathan van Bilsen I find it interesting how certain memories tend to stay with me forever. I remember the very first time I went to...

by Geoffrey Carpentier People spend a lot of time and money trying to keep their lawns perfectly weed-free. I could not determine how...

by Geoffrey Carpentier Fungi is not a word which leaps to mind when we think I want to know more about that one! Most people know little...

by Geoffrey Carpentier I don’t personally consider myself a forager, but maybe I am?!?! As a refresher, originally foragers were referred...

by Jonathan van Bilsen Thank you all for taking the time to read the first instalment of my new column,  ‘Not Part of the Plan’ . Over...

by Jonathan van Bilsen I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out to say they missed my "You’ve Got to be...

by Geoffrey Carpentier Finally, it’s spring, and look at all those lovely yellow flowers in my lawn. Oh wait, dandelions, yippee! We see...