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OBSERVATIONS OF A NATURALIST Illustrated and entertaining articles about nature.

Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java.	Online illustrated articles about nature. by Boyd Shaffer, artist/naturalist
Boyd has written a large body of work on natural science. He is widely known as one of the foremost experts in this field, yet he has a common sense way of explaining nature that all of us can understand. His articles are always enlightening and his style makes for enjoyable reading. We recommend these articles to anyone interested in nature and finding out more about "how it all works". Many of the articles have appeared in other publications previously, while others are published here for the first time. Some are in depth, while others are short fact snipets. All are timely, and most are very nicely illustrated. We update and add to the articles regularly. We hope you enjoy them! Below is a listing of links to all the articles archived here: Index to the Articles      Travels with Boyd and Susan - The story of the Shaffer's move from Alaska to Belize.      Quillworts and Horsetails - A look into some of the oldest vascular plants on earth.      Flower Nomenclature - plants are classified by the way they reproduce.      The Truth about Monks Hood - a deadly beauty in the forest. Friend or foe?      Fairy Rings - What are they and what causes them?      Why Leaves Change Color In Fall - the real story!      Heartsease - Mother Nature's vitamin pill.      What about the Bark Beetle? - if everything in nature has a purpose...
Trouble with Voles - damage under the snow.      When is a Yam not a Yam? - my little sweet patootie!      Nitrogen and the Plant Cycle - A brief overview      Orchid Trivia - a few facts about one of the most beautiful and interesting plants.      Allspice - What does it look like?      The Banana - How does it fruit?      Euphorbia - It can be a "sticky" subject.      The Name Game - we're still mixed up!      Those Amazing Lichens - a symbiotic relationship.      Bird Houses for Swallows - How to build a really good one and where to put it.      Colloquialisms - common names can sometimes be dangerous!      Baobab - Bounty of the tropics.      Camouflaged Butterfly - mother nature protects her own.      Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Paper Wasps - how they live and how to protect your garden.

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