Category Archives: Biology

Birds, Conservation

Great Horned Owl Rescued by a Caring and Observant Citizen

A condominium complex resident in Countryside noticed a owl behaving in a strange manner.  Owls are usually nocturnal animals, and are typically cautious of humans.  It is usually a clear sign of distress of some kind when a large mature bird like this one doesn’t fly away at the first sight of humans.  The Clearwater Police Department deputies Continue reading Great Horned Owl Rescued by a Caring and Observant Citizen →

Conservation, Reptiles

Cold Stunns

Cold stunned sea turtles are a common occurrence along the gulf coast.  It only takes water temperatures as low as 65 degrees for these cold-blooded creatures to become lethargic, according to Lauren Bell, a marine biologist in sea turtles and aquatic biology at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “As of now there haven’t been any cold stunned turtles,” she said yesterday evening around sunset.  At the time, the water was hovering just above that critical 65 degree mark.   Because of air temperature in the mid 30s overnight, the water temperature at Pier 60 has fallen to 60°f as of 6:30am, 10 degrees almost overnight.  There is a strong possibility that at least a few lethargic, cold stunned turtles will need rehabilitation this morning.

Opinion, Product Review, Research

Shark Deterrent Wristband

Let’s start this product review by taking a look at the evidence used to show the Sharkbanz product and the claim, which is that this magnetic wristband “really works” at “deterring sharks.” A claim stated using “scientific evidence.” Continue reading Shark Deterrent Wristband →

Adverse Weather, Opinion, Research

Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis)

Red tide is engulfing the coastline after a nasty wastewater spill may have triggered an intense algal bloom. Hurricane Hermine made landfall on the northern gulf coast of Florida on September second. The repeated bouts of rain put many of the aging sewage systems into overload. Even with sewage plants purging water pre-storm, the sewage systems became overloaded. Wastewater was lost into Tampa Bay, wastewater that was quickly washed into the gulf.  Wastewater can be a trigger for the naturally occurring Red Tide (K. brevis) blooms. Continue reading Wastewater Triggered Red Tide (K. brevis) →