The mighty bird wheels high overhead, then dives like an arrow from the apex of its arc. On the plain floor, the lone wolf glances back while continuing its faltering trot onwards. Without warning, the giant raptor appears out of the sky, hitting its target at high velocity while clawing and raking with razor-sharp talons. The wolf bites back at its far more lightweight attacker and for a brief instant the bird of prey appears prone – but in an instant, it lunges back at its canine quarry, fixing it in an iron grip. The wolf struggles for a few seconds. Then it lies still.
Continue reading...Friday, March 27, 2009
Being a plant hunter might not sound like the most thrilling job in the world; but in the 19th Century, plant hunters were an exceptional bunch – botanists who were not only scientifically clued-up but were real Indiana Jones types, forever setting off to far-flung corners of the globe in search of rare finds. In the latest book by Sanjida O’Connell, a plant hunter is even described adventuring as far as the Eastern Steppes of Mongolia and having some pretty special encounters.
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Friday, September 11, 2009
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