Junco hyemalis–the dark-eyed junco–is a small snowbird common in most of North America and is quite abundant on campus during this time of year. Dark-eyed juncos feast primarily on seeds but will also target insects when the opportunity presents itself. The dark-eyed junco’s ecology is a “what you see is what you get” situation. They…
Leuconotopicus vilosus – the hairy woodpecker – is a common woodpecker species that can be found in most of North America. Although omnivorous, these birds are specially designed for insect foraging, uncovering grubs that foolishly believe bark to be an infallible sanctuary. Sometimes evolution gives simple answers to complex questions. How do you find and…
In an age defined by hookup culture and dating apps, I ended up in an interesting situation. Lying in his bed, I found myself asking the question, “Are we exclusive?” What started as something casual slowly morphed into something I couldn’t explain. As the summer went on, I found the “are we exclusive?” question eating…
Is closure a myth? I almost always close the door when I leave a room. Not for any particular reason, like turning off the lights to save the planet or locking a window to keep intruders at bay. Doors were made to be closed, right? Closure. The elusive, tempting feeling we chase after something ends…
Baeolophus bicolor – the tufted titmouse – is a small songbird native to the eastern half of the United States and a common bird on campus, especially during the winter months. These small omnivores are less conspicuous than other birds seen on campus. Although their songs are sweet and their crests tufted, they don’t peacock…
The American robin – Turdus migratorius – is the most common landbird species in North America and a fixture across campus. The robin has weathered and thrived, despite its turbulent environment, to be one of the most successful vertebrate species of our day. Some naturalists may point to its balanced diet of bugs and fruits…
The wind rustled through my freshly curled hair as the moon hid behind dense clouds. Leaves had piled up on the porch in crunchy mountains, neglected by my roommates and me. The wood of the deck stair was cold as I sat, staring at my barren backyard, clutching a crystal goblet with the most childish…
Once upon a midnight dreary, while one Corvus corax flew near me, I saw the common raven’s empathic core. A bird adorned for night, a cryptic healer made for flight, misunderstood due to forgotten lore. Distinctly, I remember one Dec. 10th grade, when I first read Poe’s prose. His poems are dense and dark, his…
Every weekend, the house is alive. Kegs are tapped, pong balls bounce and music blares so loud that the night ends with a noise complaint. This is the frat guy’s natural habitat. He thrives on it: the cheers after a perfect shot, the drunk flirting, the sense that he is always in the middle of…
Feminist empowerment has become the anthem of womanhood. We wear it on T-shirts, tote bags and it’s embedded in our vocabulary. We’ve been told from a young age to be independent, ambitious, self-loving and untouchable. But lately, as I sit across from girlfriends who are top of the class, creators and changemakers, I can’t help…