333 dolphins die from virus

Photo: Reuters

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Federal officials say a virus is likely what's causing hundreds of dead bottlenose dolphins to wash ashore along the East Coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says 333 dolphins have been stranded between New York and North Carolina since July 1. That's more than nine times the historical average for the region during July and August.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/aug/28/measles-virus-dolphin-deaths

Wednesday's Nature Walk for Kids

Here are some photos from today's Nature Walk for Kids which started at the back door of Museum of Science and Industry (10 a.m.):  
http://passitonchicago.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/nature-walks-for-kids-wednesdays/

Photos by Marge Ishmael

Wonderful Wedding Weekend!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.418534874919301.1073741836.128886350550823&type=1

Sunday morning walk on Hunter's Hill and Harrock Hill

Two photos taken during Sunday morning walk on Hunter's Hill and Harrock Hill. The ruined windmill (below) must have been a hive of activity at one time as it was used to grind local grain. The mill caught fire and burned down in 1880. Tom Culshaw, a local farmer, wrote a verse describing the fire and this was subsequently set to music and recorded by a local folk group. Now it stands in peace; just the place to take a well earned rest.

My brother at ruined windmill on Harrock Hill

View over the West Lancashire Coastal Plain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Lancashire_Coastal_Plain

Shark found on New York subway

BBC: "Pigeons and even an opossum have made their way on to the trains before, but never a shark, transit officials said. However, where it came from remains a mystery. Isvett Verde, of Brooklyn, New York, who took a photo of the shark, said she noticed that the empty carriage of the N train "smelled extremely fishy" when she boarded at 8th Street."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23610105

Great egrets and cormorants in Jackson Park

Two photos taken by my friend, Jane, in Jackson Park this week:

Six great egrets and three cormorants.
A butterfly on butterfly weed.

Photos: Jane Masterson

George Clooney tastes sustainability in Nespresso Coffee

Photograph: Nespresso PR

George Clooney -- he's not just a pretty face!

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2013/jul/17/george-clooney-nespresso-coffee-ad