I need to share a feeling with you...its about Vancouver.

I work on the far western reaches of Van. A place with forests and big affluent houses. But I live near the city's eastern boarder, East Van.

This is about my travel between those worlds. The bus ride is an hour long. I usually fiddle with my phone but when thats not an option Im forced to look outside. To peer through the scratched and milky window at the change from west to east.

And observe the level to which it crumbles.

So glad that 2020 didnt ruin everything that is good. Honestly this event (though quite small this year) is probably my favourite event of the season. I mean being a biologist is really hard sometimes...

I wear a speedo when Im on the boat. Makes me feel good and I love my body. I deserve that joy.

But damn Im sick of straight people gawking at me. My whole life Ive been told I cant move or dress in certain ways. Cant like certain things bc they are "girly" things, too effeminate.

Boys grow up having to follow strict unwritten rules of how to behave. No emotions other than mad or happy. No sexiness. Never wear pink!!

Snakes are beautiful.
They are important.
They are misunderstood.

Esp rattlesnakes which are maliciously killed every year. Their heads and tails slashed off. But they have complex social lives & are important predators.

They should be protected.

#WorldSnakeDay I found this tiny rattler at the bottom of a slot canyon in UT. Perhaps not the best location to find such a creature but I was delighted and they allowed me to get this gorgeous shot.

Oh my god!! Little baby seal snoozin at the boat!!

I was NOT prepared for this level of cuteness today!!

(Note we were safely far enough away and not interfering with baby or mum!) Snoozin in the glow of Pyrite the Sailboat which is as you might guess, bright yellow.

(Keep a safe distance from wildlife!)

As a wildlife biologist and bc we are currently in the midst of a global debate on wildlife mgnt practices. I feel like its important to highlight some things to keep in mind as different countries begin to review and ratify their wildlife laws. 1/ I briefly want to explain why wildlife laws may not be as good as we think highlighting a few things that are critical:

1) How is wildlife defined under the law?
2) Are the laws enforced?
3) What are the ways people are interacting with wildlife?

2/

Struggling w/ the taxonomic mess that appears to be Apoid wasps...one source says all the subfamilies are families another thinks that "radical" 🙄...neither help me to figure out what my wasps are.

I cant find higher keys on subfam or even genera in NA.

Any help? 1\ In Goulet & Huber I got all three wasps to Crabronidae...great so now what?

I know everything has been shifted in that time.

Here is wasp one. 2smc, mandible entire, small <6mm
2\

Lets talk about heros, this is my mom & shes an electrical engineer.

She has overcome so many trials in her life to get to this point--heeps of misogyny and battles w/ mental health.

Yet here she is rocking 12yrs at this firm

Thread on why shes awesome. 1/ Of the many things she has taught me one of the most important and fundamental has been to treat ppl with kindness and respect.

(Unless they cut you off in traffic😂)

But no really to be a kind person and not hateful.
2/

Watching the Night on Earth series. Seeing the pattern of animals blood vessels on the infared cameras is super cool. Highlights:
-Vampire bats running is the best thing ever.
-Bachelor lizards look like starwars ppl
-civet poop is gross and amazing
-frogfish