David Bircher’s Post

"How strange it is that one silly primate can see itself as separate from all those it shares this world with. What might happen if we remembered we are a part of this wild world — and let that understanding and humility guide every choice we make?" - Craig Foster, co-founder of the Sea Change Project On what at a minimum, we can do to re-connect ourselves with the rest of nature: "It starts with challenging ourselves to reconnect with the wild. So much of our modern world seems designed to tame us: to dull our minds, to separate us from the natural world, to convince us that what will help us survive is more consumption. Like my octopus friends, we fill our houses with shiny new things. But our piles of stuff are much bigger and the cost of acquisition much greater. We can break free of this tame conditioning. When we dedicate even just a few minutes per day to observing wild creatures on their own terms, in their own homes, regardless of where we live, we connect with the concept of biodiversity not simply on an intellectual level but also on an emotional level. We see the world differently — and ourselves, too."

Deep dive...into Pilot whales Pilot whales are often called "the cheetahs of the deep sea", are highly sociable, and travel in large pods. Living in regions all over the world, the pilot whale has two species: the long-finned species which lives in colder waters and the short-finned species which is found in tropical and subtropical waters. Pilot whales can reach a speed of up to 32 kilometres an hour while chasing prey.  Find out more about amazing pilot whales in our blog: https://lnkd.in/eHFwNYrY #whales #whale #PilotWhale #WikiWhale

Different Types and Breeds of Shark There are 500 known types of sharks on the planet, going from the huge whale shark to the small dwarf lanternshark. Portraying all 500+ shark species exhaustively would be a colossal endeavor, however we can investigate a portion of the significant shark gatherings and a few intriguing guides to get a feeling of their entrancing variety. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXTcrqsc

On damselflies, dragonflies and the ambiguity of the term ‘beautiful’. I recently went on an insect recording event to assess biodiversity in an area of grass and streams in part of London. The team went equipped with some best practice knowledge, field guides, butterfly nets and jars that can magnify specimens. We came across these two meadow residents and tried our best to identify them before releasing them. Dragonflies (and damsel flies) count as my second favourite insect, closely following the ever humble bumble bee. These voracious aerial predators are just streaks of iridescent colour that zip across meadowlands in intense sunlight. When the clouds roll overhead and it gets a bit dimmer, they seem to just rest on leaves. When the sun comes out again, they go into frenetic aerial stunt routines. It’s like watching World War 1 fighter planes on fast forward. The most common species we saw were: * the Banded Demoiselle – [Calopteryx splendens] (left) and * the Beautiful Demoiselle - [Calopteryx virgo] (right). Of course, both are amazing, so when someone recording asked: “Did you see a Beautiful Demoiselle?” I had to stop smiling and remind myself they were not in fact asking “Did you see a *beautiful* Demoiselle?” because I’d automatically want to say yes. #biodiversity #damselfly #dragonfly #conservation

🐦 Birds, bees, dogs, cats, and humans communicate with sound. This practice has ancient roots but wasn't always present in nature's landscape 🐦 🌳 A few hundred million years ago in the supercontinent Pangaea, landscapes were silent of any truly meaningful communication through sound. Then animals found their voice 🌳 🐸 Acoustic communication requires both sound production and detection organs. It evolved separately in birds, mammals, frogs, and crocodilians, first appearing in nocturnal animals 🐸 🦗 The oldest evidence for acoustic communication is found in katydids, a cousin to cicadas and crickets, dating back to 240 million years ago 🦗 🎶 These ancient insects could produce trills in various frequencies, mainly to communicate mating signals. Their evolution shaped the hearing abilities of other species, including mammals 🎶 🔍 More fossils and research will continue to narrow down the origins of acoustic communication, revealing how this vital aspect of nature came to be 🔍 #animalcommunication #sound #acousticcommunication #birds #bees #mammals #frogs #katydids #evolution #nature

Title: The Ocean's Enigmatic Catfish: A Lesson Learned from an Osprey's Catch In the vast expanse of the ocean, where mysteries abound beneath the surface, the notion of catfish may seem incongruous to some. Surprisingly, this sentiment extends beyond land, as social media reveals that there's a misconception about the existence of catfish in the ocean. A recent post featuring an Osprey's impressive catch, pulling out a sizable Gafftopsail catfish, serves as a tangible reminder of the diverse and often enigmatic marine life that lurks beneath the waves. The concept of catfish is not confined to the realm of online interactions; it has a tangible, aquatic counterpart that dwells in the depths of the ocean. The Gafftopsail catfish, with its distinctive appearance and spines, is a testament to the diversity of marine species that inhabit the vast blue expanses. However, it seems that some individuals, perhaps influenced by the freshwater habitats commonly associated with catfish, are surprised to discover their presence in the saltwater domain. The captured moment, shared on social media, portrays an Osprey showcasing its prowess in securing a substantial Gafftopsail catfish. The image not only captures the raw beauty of nature but also serves as a gentle reminder that life beneath the ocean's surface is far more intricate and diverse than our preconceived notions may suggest. Much like the Osprey's unexpected catch, the ocean holds surprises that challenge our assumptions and deepen our understanding of its inhabitants. The symbolism of the Osprey's successful fishing expedition extends beyond the literal catch. It prompts reflection on the adaptability and resourcefulness of creatures in their natural habitats. The Osprey, with its keen eyesight and powerful talons, exemplifies nature's delicate balance and the survival strategies employed by marine predators. Gladly, as humans, we are not fish, particularly catfish, subject to the uncertainties and challenges of the underwater world. Instead, we have the privilege of observing and learning from nature's wonders, as showcased in the Osprey's remarkable feat. In conclusion, the Osprey's triumph in pulling a Gafftopsail catfish from the ocean depths offers a lesson beyond the confines of social media. It invites us to embrace the complexity of marine life, challenging assumptions and acknowledging the rich tapestry of creatures that inhabit our oceans. As we navigate the virtual and physical realms, the ocean's enigmatic catfish serves as a poignant reminder that there's always more to discover beneath the surface. #FutureOfWorkTrends #InnovationInBusiness #LeadershipInsights #TechInnovation #CareerDevelopment #SustainableBusiness #DigitalTransformation #RemoteWorkSuccess #EntrepreneurialSpirit #DiversityandInclusion #ProfessionalGrowth #AIinBusiness #LeadershipSkills #EcoFriendlyBusiness #LinkedInLearning #CareerTips #WorkLifeBalance #SuccessMindset #IndustryInsights #NetworkingNinja

Birds' Lives: Time and Wealth The lives of birds are characterized by simplicity and an appreciation for both time and resources. They soar through the skies, embracing each moment as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Their ability to adapt to the ever-changing sky reflects a constant quest for a new perspective. Birds experience the beauty of life in its purest form, effortlessly creating moments of joy that seamlessly blend with the passage of time. In their brief existence, they find contentment in the simplicity of their surroundings, valuing the richness of their small but vibrant families. These avian creatures demonstrate a unique skill of navigating through challenges with grace, symbolizing the resilience required for survival in the natural world. In their short lives, birds contribute to the harmony of nature, leaving an invisible yet profound mark on the world. In essence, birds cherish the brevity of their existence, utilizing their time and resources wisely. Their lives serve as a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures, find joy in each fleeting moment, and embrace the ever-changing dynamics of life.

It's Wildlife Wednesday and today we are looking at the incredible Cassowary! Here are five amazing facts about the enigmatic bird. 🦖 They have a distinct appearance - with their large, colorful bodies, sharp claws, and crested head, cassowaries are often referred to as "living dinosaurs." They are also known for their striking blue and red necks, making them quite a sight to behold in the Australian rainforests they call home. 🌳 They are flightless birds - unlike most other birds, cassowaries have evolved to become flightless in order to adapt to their environment. Instead of flying away from danger, they use their powerful legs to kick predators into submission. 🌊 They are excellent swimmers - although they cannot fly, cassowaries are actually excellent swimmers. They use their strong legs and webbed feet to move swiftly through water, making them skilled hunters of fish and other aquatic creatures. 🥝 Cassowaries have what is known as a "gizzard," which helps them digest tough plant material such as fruits and seeds. 🌱 They play an important role in their ecosystem - as the largest frugivore (fruit-eater) in Australia, cassowaries play a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Without them, many plants would struggle to grow and maintain biodiversity in the rainforest. 👉 Want to know more about this amazing bird? Click here: https://loom.ly/x-s4A9Y #WildlifeWednesday #StudyOnline #OnlineLearning

The Smartest Sea Creatures In The World Did you know that the ocean is home to some of the most curious creatures? First up, we have the dolphin. These creatures are not just friendly, they're also incredibly smart. Their natural curiosity and intelligence make them fascinating to observe. Next, let's talk about the octopus. Known for their versatility and problem-solving skills, these eight-armed wonders can wriggle their way out of any tricky situation. Lastly, we have the otters. Yes, you heard it right! These playful creatures are not just inquisitive but also skilled tool users. Not many animals can boast of this unique ability, but sea otters sure can. So, the next time you're near the ocean, remember, it's not just a vast body of water. It's a world teeming with intelligent, curious, and incredibly versatile creatures. Share this video if you learned something new about these fascinating sea creatures! #MarineLife #IntelligentSeaCreatures #DrTimsAquatics