Meet the Curly Bird

The curl-crested Aracari, that is! This relative of the toucan has a headful of tightly curled feathers, giving it a decidedly eccentric look and it's popular name.

Properly know as Pteroglossus beauharnaesii, this little guy hails originally from the damp lowland forests of the Amazon. In the wild they forage for fruits and the occasional nestling of another species, but here in Los Angeles they make do with chopped papaya, banana, and a special pelleted diet made just for birds like them.

They are said to be hard to spot in the wild, despite their bright colors, and are considered to be rare throughout their range. When our pair first showed up they were hard to spot too, but they have gradually lost their shyness. After a lot of work they

will now eat from my hand, a real treat for me since they are among my very favorite birds! All that color and curly feathers too. What more could you want in a bird?

Trilobite Bonanza!

I don't know about you, but I spend way too much time searching for trilobite merchandise on the internet. It can be a futile and lonely pursuit. If you're persistent though, it can pay off in spades! So here is a gallery of some of my favorite trilobite finds; a guide post of sorts for any other poor trilobite-hungry souls out there in cyberspace. 

First up is this fabulous sharpie drawing of an Oryctocephalus 

trilobite, done by weirdbuglady and bought on etsy. I love this piece! Check out her shop, it contains some 

of the most brilliant soft sculptures imaginable.

Next we have this "quiet trilobite", also bought on etsy, this time from ArtYes

who also does lovely depictions of diatoms. 

Need a trilobite that's a little more water proof? Try The Tapir Preservations Fund's extinct animal collection

Or maybe you want to wear your trilobite? I got this great design printed on a hoodie from Trilobitten's Cafepress shop

Now when the weather is cool I'm able to flash my trilobite pride all day at work. 

Still not convinced? Go on your own search. But be sure to tell me if you find anything cool. I'm always in the mood for trilobites.