Monday, June 27, 2011

Peregrine Falcons


pic: amazon.com

I am reading a book called My side Of The Mountain. It's about this boy named Sam. He had a peregrine falcon but I will tell you about that later when I am finished with the book.

Yesterday when I went to the zoo guess what I found? A PEREGRINE FALCON!!!!! What a coincidence!
Here are some facts about peregrine falcons...
  • they are birds of prey
  • they can fly up to 200 m.p.h.
  • they can live almost anywhere
  • they can live up to 17 years
  • it is an endangered species
a long time ago farmers use to spray their crops with stuff called DDT. It kept bugs off of the crops but it turned out to be bad for people and animals. The DDT made the falcon's eggshell very thin and a lot of them died from the mother sitting on them.

DDT was banned and the now the peregrine falcons are returning! I found all of this at http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Mermaids purse and other things.


Last week I went to Ocean Grove beach. I was digging in the sand, and guess what I found? A shark's egg! Look...

Wait a minit, thats not a shark egg! They are sting ray eggs!
Here is what a shark's egg looks like...it is from a Spotted Dogfish shark



This shows the shark before it has hatched.I think they look a lot alike because they both have swirly tips band a rectangular case. Even though they look alike in their eggs they don't once they are hatched! Take a look:
Spotted Dogfish
Stingray
Southern Stingray

I told you so!!
I also found some other things that day here is a picture:



I found some random crab pieces, a sand dollar and a shell. I also found some sand fleas:

They are so cool because when you pick them up, they tickle in your hand. Also, I have a secret how to catch a lot. I caught 274! You dig your hands deep in wet sand, and you will find millions. Here is a picture of some I found...

So next time you go to the beach KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, and you might find really really cool. stuff



Monday, June 13, 2011

fencing



Have you ever used swords before? Sounds dangerous right? Well not anymore! I take fencing and in fencing we use swords. It sounds dangerous but it's really not because you wear fencing gear that protects your body. I like it because it teaches you discipline, balance, coordination, quick reflexes, and last but not least, good sportsmanship!!!

There are three types of swords: Epee, Foil, and Sabre. I chose Foil for of few reasons. Foil is not as heavy as the others. There are more rules with foil, but I like that! And foil is GREAT for beginners! Now if any of you out there want to use swords, just try fencing!

pic: www.medievalweaponinfo.com