Heather
@swampolina.bsky.social
Burnt Out Bird Nerd | Birds and Bugs
She/Her in STEM
She/Her in STEM
Turns my gut to hear the NYE host get excited about how they have 200 lbs more confetti this year 🫠
December 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Turns my gut to hear the NYE host get excited about how they have 200 lbs more confetti this year 🫠
Reposted by Heather
Open up this picture fully.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
December 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Open up this picture fully.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Then look at the surface of Mars.
Then look up to the top right.
Spot Mars' moon Phobos high in the sky.
Then notice the bright spot beside Phobos.
That's Earth.
Reposted by Heather
A few more highlights from the past year. I finally managed a couple of crisp shots of the ruby-throated hummingbirds that frequent my feeder all summer. #birds
December 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM
A few more highlights from the past year. I finally managed a couple of crisp shots of the ruby-throated hummingbirds that frequent my feeder all summer. #birds
Reposted by Heather
Snow on the ground, a little patch of earth, and one cozy American Tree Sparrow soaking in the winter calm. That rusty cap and bi-colored bill pop so nicely against the snow. Moments like this are why I’ve grown to love winter birding. #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🪶
December 30, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Snow on the ground, a little patch of earth, and one cozy American Tree Sparrow soaking in the winter calm. That rusty cap and bi-colored bill pop so nicely against the snow. Moments like this are why I’ve grown to love winter birding. #WiscoBirder 📷👐🏾🫶🏾🪶
Reposted by Heather
at the monarch butterfly fuck party in mexico and you’re not gonna believe this, guy next to me is wearing a wire
December 21, 2025 at 8:03 AM
at the monarch butterfly fuck party in mexico and you’re not gonna believe this, guy next to me is wearing a wire
Reposted by Heather
Reposted by Heather
I've finished an absolute delight of a bug illustration! Green Tortoise Beetle, which is now a species I'll be looking for as I'm yet to see one in person and I've been missing out! Big thanks to @franzanth.bsky.social and his incredible array of bug photos. 🎨🐡 #invertebrate #beetle
July 28, 2024 at 4:50 PM
I've finished an absolute delight of a bug illustration! Green Tortoise Beetle, which is now a species I'll be looking for as I'm yet to see one in person and I've been missing out! Big thanks to @franzanth.bsky.social and his incredible array of bug photos. 🎨🐡 #invertebrate #beetle
Reposted by Heather
I think this is my favorite single photo from 2025. I’m not sure exactly why but I think it’s because of how casual the Bobcat looks.
(Bobcat, August 2025)
#mammals #cats #2025recap
(Bobcat, August 2025)
#mammals #cats #2025recap
December 30, 2025 at 7:49 PM
I think this is my favorite single photo from 2025. I’m not sure exactly why but I think it’s because of how casual the Bobcat looks.
(Bobcat, August 2025)
#mammals #cats #2025recap
(Bobcat, August 2025)
#mammals #cats #2025recap
Reposted by Heather
The presence of Common Loons indicates ecosystem health because their bodies accumulate mercury and other contaminants as they move up the food chain. Loon monitoring can double as ecosystem health monitoring. The ABA salutes all the birders who monitor and protect Common Loons.
December 30, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The presence of Common Loons indicates ecosystem health because their bodies accumulate mercury and other contaminants as they move up the food chain. Loon monitoring can double as ecosystem health monitoring. The ABA salutes all the birders who monitor and protect Common Loons.
Reposted by Heather
“Then they shouldn’t have voted for this!”
Bitch, Asheville is a blue college town and the county has gone blue for decades. I am so sick of this “if I pretend disasters only happen to red areas, it means I’m safe because I’m properly on the left!” No. You’re not safe. That’s why we save everybody.
Bitch, Asheville is a blue college town and the county has gone blue for decades. I am so sick of this “if I pretend disasters only happen to red areas, it means I’m safe because I’m properly on the left!” No. You’re not safe. That’s why we save everybody.
Hundreds of residents signed up for FEMA buyouts after Hurricane Helene. Not one has been approved.
Hundreds of residents signed up for FEMA buyouts after Helene. Not one has been approved.
More than a year after applying for a federal buyout, many North Carolina homeowners have heard almost nothing definitive.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 27, 2025 at 9:05 PM
“Then they shouldn’t have voted for this!”
Bitch, Asheville is a blue college town and the county has gone blue for decades. I am so sick of this “if I pretend disasters only happen to red areas, it means I’m safe because I’m properly on the left!” No. You’re not safe. That’s why we save everybody.
Bitch, Asheville is a blue college town and the county has gone blue for decades. I am so sick of this “if I pretend disasters only happen to red areas, it means I’m safe because I’m properly on the left!” No. You’re not safe. That’s why we save everybody.
Reposted by Heather
You can help keep your friends safe. Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses. It is available for free in many communities or for purchase at a pharmacy.
Find out where you can pick up naloxone and have it with you wherever you go: WAFriendsForLife.com
Find out where you can pick up naloxone and have it with you wherever you go: WAFriendsForLife.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
You can help keep your friends safe. Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that reverses opioid overdoses. It is available for free in many communities or for purchase at a pharmacy.
Find out where you can pick up naloxone and have it with you wherever you go: WAFriendsForLife.com
Find out where you can pick up naloxone and have it with you wherever you go: WAFriendsForLife.com
Reposted by Heather
The cybertruck lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, spinning its wheels trying to turn itself over, but it can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.
joining the "cybertruck owners only" group on fb is one of the best decisions i've ever made. every so often when i'm scrolling through fb getting pissed off, i get to see a little treat like this
December 26, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The cybertruck lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, spinning its wheels trying to turn itself over, but it can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.
Reposted by Heather
‘Tis the season for reindeer to occupy people’s minds — and decorate their sweaters. But these charismatic cervines are more than holiday icons; they are culturally important yet bizarre arctic animals. (from 2016)
https://to.pbs.org/41jr5CE
https://to.pbs.org/41jr5CE
7 things you didn't know about reindeer
‘Tis the season for reindeer to occupy people’s minds -- and sweaters. But these charismatic cervines are more than holiday icons.
www.pbs.org
December 22, 2025 at 7:03 PM
‘Tis the season for reindeer to occupy people’s minds — and decorate their sweaters. But these charismatic cervines are more than holiday icons; they are culturally important yet bizarre arctic animals. (from 2016)
https://to.pbs.org/41jr5CE
https://to.pbs.org/41jr5CE
Reposted by Heather
Gender-affirming care helps trans kids live happy, healthy lives.
Health care decisions belong to families and our doctors, not politicians.
Health care decisions belong to families and our doctors, not politicians.
December 22, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Gender-affirming care helps trans kids live happy, healthy lives.
Health care decisions belong to families and our doctors, not politicians.
Health care decisions belong to families and our doctors, not politicians.
Reposted by Heather
my modest collection of flies with WIDE heads 🙇
a hammer-headed Richardia (Ecuador),
a stalk-eyed Chaetodiopsis (Mozambique),
a pointy-eyed Ophthalmoptera (Colombia),
and an antlered Richardia (Colombia)
why though? male-male competition? sexual selection? chime-in if you know!
a hammer-headed Richardia (Ecuador),
a stalk-eyed Chaetodiopsis (Mozambique),
a pointy-eyed Ophthalmoptera (Colombia),
and an antlered Richardia (Colombia)
why though? male-male competition? sexual selection? chime-in if you know!
December 22, 2025 at 6:53 PM
my modest collection of flies with WIDE heads 🙇
a hammer-headed Richardia (Ecuador),
a stalk-eyed Chaetodiopsis (Mozambique),
a pointy-eyed Ophthalmoptera (Colombia),
and an antlered Richardia (Colombia)
why though? male-male competition? sexual selection? chime-in if you know!
a hammer-headed Richardia (Ecuador),
a stalk-eyed Chaetodiopsis (Mozambique),
a pointy-eyed Ophthalmoptera (Colombia),
and an antlered Richardia (Colombia)
why though? male-male competition? sexual selection? chime-in if you know!
Reposted by Heather
that time of the year when this little species (Habronattus ustulatus) becomes active
found this little male yesterday in eastern San Diego County, In-Ko-Pah County park, perched on little pieces of granite and quartz along wash edges
found this little male yesterday in eastern San Diego County, In-Ko-Pah County park, perched on little pieces of granite and quartz along wash edges
December 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
that time of the year when this little species (Habronattus ustulatus) becomes active
found this little male yesterday in eastern San Diego County, In-Ko-Pah County park, perched on little pieces of granite and quartz along wash edges
found this little male yesterday in eastern San Diego County, In-Ko-Pah County park, perched on little pieces of granite and quartz along wash edges
Reposted by Heather
Betty Reid Soskin, who served as the country's oldest National Park Service ranger, has died at the age of 104.
Soskin’s family announced her death on Facebook, saying she died peacefully at her home in Richmond, California.
“She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave," the statement read.
Soskin’s family announced her death on Facebook, saying she died peacefully at her home in Richmond, California.
“She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave," the statement read.
December 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Betty Reid Soskin, who served as the country's oldest National Park Service ranger, has died at the age of 104.
Soskin’s family announced her death on Facebook, saying she died peacefully at her home in Richmond, California.
“She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave," the statement read.
Soskin’s family announced her death on Facebook, saying she died peacefully at her home in Richmond, California.
“She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave," the statement read.
Reposted by Heather
Seeing eye to eye
Staging a moment like this is one thing, but witnessing it naturally is a rare and beautiful experience that stays with you
Taken with OM1 mkii and 90mm macro + 1.4x tele
SS1/2500 F8 ISO1000 single shot, natural light
Staging a moment like this is one thing, but witnessing it naturally is a rare and beautiful experience that stays with you
Taken with OM1 mkii and 90mm macro + 1.4x tele
SS1/2500 F8 ISO1000 single shot, natural light
December 20, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Seeing eye to eye
Staging a moment like this is one thing, but witnessing it naturally is a rare and beautiful experience that stays with you
Taken with OM1 mkii and 90mm macro + 1.4x tele
SS1/2500 F8 ISO1000 single shot, natural light
Staging a moment like this is one thing, but witnessing it naturally is a rare and beautiful experience that stays with you
Taken with OM1 mkii and 90mm macro + 1.4x tele
SS1/2500 F8 ISO1000 single shot, natural light
Reposted by Heather
Clear your calendar, because it’s almost time for the most hotly anticipated, passionately debated, and mildly obsession-inducing reveal in birding: the ABA Bird of the Year. Friendships have been tested. Group chats have exploded. Wild theories have taken flight. And soon, the wait will be over.
December 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Clear your calendar, because it’s almost time for the most hotly anticipated, passionately debated, and mildly obsession-inducing reveal in birding: the ABA Bird of the Year. Friendships have been tested. Group chats have exploded. Wild theories have taken flight. And soon, the wait will be over.
Reposted by Heather
Finally got some photos of Australia’s “blue ant”, Diamma bicolor, which is not an ant at all but a shockingly large metallic blue thynnid wasp, wingless and solitary, that hunts mole crickets. Been meaning to shoot this thing for years.
December 22, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Finally got some photos of Australia’s “blue ant”, Diamma bicolor, which is not an ant at all but a shockingly large metallic blue thynnid wasp, wingless and solitary, that hunts mole crickets. Been meaning to shoot this thing for years.
Reposted by Heather
Parisot (the Director) tells a story about how Tim Allen just started crying after a scene one day
"I don't like these feelings i'm having." Says Tim. "I'm going back to my trailor" and walks off.
There's silence for a second.
"Oh my god." Says Rickman. "I think Tim just experienced acting."
"I don't like these feelings i'm having." Says Tim. "I'm going back to my trailor" and walks off.
There's silence for a second.
"Oh my god." Says Rickman. "I think Tim just experienced acting."
Galaxy Quest - a perfect movie, just a wonderful love letter to actors, sci-fi, Star Trek in particular, and to fandom - really deserves a proper physical release with decent extras. Think Weaver's right that releasing a R-rated cut would be fun, too.
Sigourney Weaver Says She Wishes DreamWorks Released A Director’s Cut Of ‘Galaxy Quest,’ Reminisces On Sequel That Never Came To Pass
Sigourney Weaver reflected on cult classic Galaxy Quest and how she wishes the sci-fi satire had released an R-rated director's cut.
deadline.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Parisot (the Director) tells a story about how Tim Allen just started crying after a scene one day
"I don't like these feelings i'm having." Says Tim. "I'm going back to my trailor" and walks off.
There's silence for a second.
"Oh my god." Says Rickman. "I think Tim just experienced acting."
"I don't like these feelings i'm having." Says Tim. "I'm going back to my trailor" and walks off.
There's silence for a second.
"Oh my god." Says Rickman. "I think Tim just experienced acting."
Reposted by Heather
December 18, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Reposted by Heather
This is Millie. She just learned how to sled. Hopes you brought a second land frisbee, because she will not be taking turns. 13/10 (TT: millietheredlab)
December 16, 2025 at 11:02 PM
This is Millie. She just learned how to sled. Hopes you brought a second land frisbee, because she will not be taking turns. 13/10 (TT: millietheredlab)