The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a major predator of salmon and one of the many dangers that out-migrating juveniles face (Sherker et. al. 2021). The largest North American heron, this bird hunts in shallow water environments like marshes, floodplains, and even agricultural fields. They wade incredibly slowly through the water and often remain still for…
Author: The Ethogram
The official blog of the UC Davis Animal Behavior Graduate Group.
Sci Hero: Ada, Countess of Lovelace
The Ethogram believes that science should be accessible and diverse in order to increase the sense of belonging within the science community. Each month we highlight a “Sci Hero” so the next generation of scientists and naturalists may be inspired.
Field Notes: Why are some cows horny? The structure and function of horns
If you’re driving through the foothills of California, you will likely see lush rolling hills speckled with lots of cows! If we look closely at these cows, we can see physical differences between individuals. They may be a different size, or color, or they may have horns while others do not. While most people may…
Science Heroes: Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace
Science Heroes: the column highlighting scientists and naturalists that if you don’t know, you should! This month highlights the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace!
Sunday Sketch: Dumbo Octopus
Check out this cool creature named after a Disney movie!
Field Frame Friday: First, let me take a shelf-ie
In this photo, Kirsten is in the process of, well, taking a selfie. But JUST before this, she was installing some fancy Raspberry Pi’s (small computers) and cameras onto their custom shelving rack… using a decidedly not-fancy sliding-door transition strip to mount the cameras! Animal behavior experiments are often a wonderful combination of high-tech gear and random…
Creature Feature: Okapi
Learn about this majestic, striped, giraffe-like creature who’ll steal your heart.
Field Frame Friday: Cowry Currency
The appearance of an unexpected visitor during field work is always a treat . . . this one, a humpback cowry (Cypraea mauritiana), was found on the windward side of Oʻahu during a survey of benthic (bottom-dwelling) organisms along a rocky stretch of coast. Cowries are marine snails with smooth, often brightly patterned shells. The…
Field Notes: Bird Brains and Behavioral Flexibility
Flexibility is the cornerstone of any PhD – whether it be recovering from failed experiments or tumultuous unproductive field seasons. One of the most useful skills to learn as a doctoral student is how to adapt and be flexible within your program or institution such that you can navigate all the inevitable obstacles along your…
Creature Feature: Damselflies
Step into the world of these scary, but super cute predators!
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