Darwin, phoebe and International Biodiversity Day
![Eastern phoebe (Photo by John Benson, Wikimedia Commons)](https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/species/bird/eastern-phoebe-John-Benson-wikimedia-commons-thumb.jpg)
Eastern phoebe (Photo by John Benson, Wikimedia Commons)
I saw an eastern phoebe yesterday. Phoebes are small and drab birds, they don’t have a pretty song, they don't do anything particularly endearing, other than bob their tails when perched on branches. I know, I know...big deal. Phoebes...
Wondrous, whimsical and inconceivable words for wildlife
![A romp of sea otters (Photo by Mike Baird, Wikimedia Commons)](https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/blog/romp-of-sea-otters-Mike-Baird-thumb.jpg)
A romp of sea otters (Photo by Mike Baird, Wikimedia Commons)
A leap of leopards. A prickle of porcupines. A romp of otters, an exaltation of larks. These terms are not typically very practical, yet the collective nouns used for animals are fanciful. And fanciful is good. I like to think these charming...