Dr. Heather Hinam 🍁 🇨🇦
@secondnaturemb.bsky.social
Naturalist, writer, artist, and educator with a Ph.D. in Ecology. I make interpretive signs, illustrations, murals, and books. Sometimes, I chase polar bears and belugas. #scicomm #sciart http://www.discoversecondnature.ca
Thanks, Rachel. I'm glad you've been having fun. Your skills are really improving. You're doing a great job!
January 23, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Thanks, Rachel. I'm glad you've been having fun. Your skills are really improving. You're doing a great job!
I haven't seen redpolls yet this year. Ours usually drop by later in winter.
January 23, 2026 at 5:47 PM
I haven't seen redpolls yet this year. Ours usually drop by later in winter.
I'm sure they're very toasty.
January 23, 2026 at 5:10 PM
I'm sure they're very toasty.
Yeah. There's no way I'm getting 100 species up here :)
January 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Yeah. There's no way I'm getting 100 species up here :)
It's so neat to see them like this. You can tell the tiny spaces where heat escapes.
January 23, 2026 at 4:58 PM
It's so neat to see them like this. You can tell the tiny spaces where heat escapes.
They're really fun to have. It's what allowed me to make this graph for last year.
January 23, 2026 at 4:57 PM
They're really fun to have. It's what allowed me to make this graph for last year.
You get used to it after a bit :) Also, good clothes and proper layering is a must.
January 23, 2026 at 4:55 PM
You get used to it after a bit :) Also, good clothes and proper layering is a must.
Floof, counter-current heat exchange, an incredible metabolism, and nocturnal hibernation :)
January 23, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Floof, counter-current heat exchange, an incredible metabolism, and nocturnal hibernation :)
You'll notice that I'm not wearing my glasses in this photo :) That's what I do when it's really cold and I have to cover my nose. If you wear a hood like mine, you can usually keep them clear as long as your scarf is not covering your nose and blowing warm air up at them.
January 23, 2026 at 4:53 PM
You'll notice that I'm not wearing my glasses in this photo :) That's what I do when it's really cold and I have to cover my nose. If you wear a hood like mine, you can usually keep them clear as long as your scarf is not covering your nose and blowing warm air up at them.
While the premier and far right has pushed it, it's not going to happen. Most of Alberta is treaty land which was negotiated with the crown. Also, the vast majority of Albertans are sane, normal Canadians.
January 23, 2026 at 4:48 PM
While the premier and far right has pushed it, it's not going to happen. Most of Alberta is treaty land which was negotiated with the crown. Also, the vast majority of Albertans are sane, normal Canadians.
We're all here for you (even when you can't be here yourself). Take care know we're in your corner :)
January 23, 2026 at 3:33 AM
We're all here for you (even when you can't be here yourself). Take care know we're in your corner :)
Their roosts are pretty hard to find. They will roost in tree cavities and even in the snow on particularly cold nights.
January 23, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Their roosts are pretty hard to find. They will roost in tree cavities and even in the snow on particularly cold nights.
Yeah. That's a lot of snow. Love the winter crocs!
January 23, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Yeah. That's a lot of snow. Love the winter crocs!
Great plan!
January 23, 2026 at 2:29 AM
Great plan!
Thanks. It's is pretty normal this time of year :)
January 23, 2026 at 2:29 AM
Thanks. It's is pretty normal this time of year :)
I find it quite useful.
January 23, 2026 at 2:28 AM
I find it quite useful.
Oh dear. Mine has a wireless connection so it's pretty good. I can check it from my phone.
January 23, 2026 at 2:28 AM
Oh dear. Mine has a wireless connection so it's pretty good. I can check it from my phone.
Wind can make things so much worse. You'll want a good base layer. I find it helps a lot.
January 23, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Wind can make things so much worse. You'll want a good base layer. I find it helps a lot.
Look up traumatic insemination by bedbugs.
Mallards are pretty traumatic to watch. I've seen it once and that was enough.
Mallards are pretty traumatic to watch. I've seen it once and that was enough.
January 23, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Look up traumatic insemination by bedbugs.
Mallards are pretty traumatic to watch. I've seen it once and that was enough.
Mallards are pretty traumatic to watch. I've seen it once and that was enough.
I used to use a walrus bacculum as a pointer when I gave what was affectionately known as my 'Valentine's Day Sex Talk'. :)
January 23, 2026 at 1:35 AM
I used to use a walrus bacculum as a pointer when I gave what was affectionately known as my 'Valentine's Day Sex Talk'. :)
I distinctly remember hearing a kid ask 'What are they doing, Mom?' into the darkness.
January 23, 2026 at 1:32 AM
I distinctly remember hearing a kid ask 'What are they doing, Mom?' into the darkness.
I have. Accidentally shone a light on a pair of barred owls who were a little busy at the moment while leading an owl prowl in Elk Island National Park 😂
January 23, 2026 at 1:08 AM
I have. Accidentally shone a light on a pair of barred owls who were a little busy at the moment while leading an owl prowl in Elk Island National Park 😂