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Have a Happy Thought: One of the best things about learning about nature is coming to understand that there is so much more going on than we can see. Sometimes it’s because things are too small for our eyes to pick up. Sometimes it’s methods of communication that are simply beyond human senses. Sometimes, it’s because so much is happening under the surface. Like with plants – root systems are often much more extensive than one would think. Which is why when they are drawn out for us, it becomes something that I had to share. Take, for example, this illustration of plants native to the North American Great Plains. It utterly fascinates me that a plant that seems so small above surface has 2-3 times the depth and biomass underground. Image: Root Systems of Prairie Plants   This seems to hold fairly true around the world – see this drawing of a kōwhai ( Sophora tetraptera ) tree and its root system: Image: Marden, M., Lambie, S. & Rowan, D. Root system attributes of...

Have a Happy Thought: Another two-for one 😊 Proof that I’m still seeing cool stuff to share! Part 1 – Birds acting a little too smart Some myna birds in Sydney have recently made the news for doing something that humans do every day – commuting. Apparently two myna birds have taken to hopping on a passenger train, riding a couple of stops to a different neighbourhood, and then getting off to scrounge for food there. And then they take a different train back “home” later in the day. Image: still from Instagram video uploaded by @jackiedentwrites Local wildlife experts assume that this is a mated pair, just living their best lives.   Part 2 – The fourth annual waterlily weigh-off results are in! For the past four years, botanic gardens around the globe have been virtually (on Instagram) participating in a competition to see who can grow the waterlily that can hold up the most weight. Here’s a sample of how that ...

  Have a Happy Thought: I’ve been a bit inconsistent lately, so this week is a two-for one. Part 1 – Nagori One of the great things about learning about other cultures and languages can be finding a out about a word that doesn’t exist in your language, even though the concept resonates deeply. Many English speakers find this in German words (like schadenfreude ). This week’s example comes out of Japan: Nagori: appreciating the fleeting beauty of the passage of time; or savouring something that you know will soon be ending. ·       The first hit of colour in leaves that reminds you to relish those last lingering summer nights ·       The last night in an old house before moving to a new one ·       Gathering for a (family or friend-group) reunion photo ·       Looking back at your footprints toward the end of a particularly enjoyable walk Here’s the nudge to make som...