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Rick LeCouteur
Inviting young readers to marvel at the wonder of nature's creatures
Rick's Blog
#bunyipsbooksbeyond
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Fur Seals: Seals or sea lions? (#67)
Despite their name, fur seals are not true seals but are more closely related to sea lions. Taxonomically, fur seals and sea lions belong...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 12, 20241 min read
Seal vs. Sea Lion: A quick guide to telling them apart (#66)
Have you ever found yourself gazing at a group of sunbathing marine mammals along the shore, wondering whether they’re seals or sea...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 11, 20243 min read
Krill and Consequences: The industrial threat to whales in Antarctica (#65)
Just as they begin to rebound from the brink of extinction, the great whales of the Southern Ocean now face a new, insidious threat....
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 10, 20242 min read
Why Picture Books Matter: The holistic benefits of children's picture books (#64)
In a world dominated by screens and smart devices, the humble picture book might seem like a relic of the past. But beneath colorful...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 9, 20244 min read
Bringing Animals to Life: The magic of storytelling (#63)
Have you ever wondered why children are so captivated by animal characters in their favorite picture books? From brave lions to clever...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 6, 20243 min read
Nature's Gender Divide: A tale of sexual dimorphism (#62)
Imagine walking through a lush forest and spotting two birds of the same species - one dazzles with vivid colors, while the other blends...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 3, 20243 min read
Palomino Island Adventure: Swimming with sea lions in Peru (#61)
Imagine plunging into the cool, sparkling waters off the coast of Lima, not just to escape the city’s bustle but to immerse yourself in a...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 3, 20243 min read
Art of the Catch: Puffins and their unique fishing adaptations (#60)
Imagine a bird that can dive into the ocean’s depths and emerge with a beak so skillfully packed with fish, it rivals the most adept...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 3, 20242 min read
Balancing Act: Eradicating invasive rats while protecting Isabela's native rice rats (#59)
In the delicate ecosystem of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, a critical battle is underway. While conservationists are tasked with...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 3, 20242 min read
Be The Best Rat You Can Be: Overturning old prejudices (#58)
Rats may be despised as disease carriers, dismissed in derogatory idioms, and doomed in dark alleys. But what if I told you that these...
Rick LeCouteur
Sep 2, 20244 min read
Turning the Page: The Pleasant Pheasant Bookstore (#57)
In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and giant online retailers, independent bookstores stand as beacons of community,...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 31, 20242 min read
Between Past and Progress: Preserving the low reliefs of Haring Hall (#56)
Situated within the vast expanse of the University of California at Davis (UC Davis), Haring Hall was a cornerstone of veterinary...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 31, 20243 min read
Dangerous American: Questioning the Status Quo in Glasgow (#55)
In 1982, funded by a research travel award from the University of California, I set off for the University of Glasgow, eager to enhance...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 30, 20242 min read
When the Podium Beckons: A Veterinary Conference Mishap (#54)
Picture this: you're basking in the glow of spotlights at a podium, the room echoing with applause, only to discover that no award awaits...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 28, 20242 min read
Lemur Lore: Beyond the cuteness (#53)
In the lush rainforests of Madagascar, where every leaf whispers secrets of ancient times, the ringtail lemurs leap with a grace that...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 28, 20243 min read
River Rush: Windsurfing the mighty Columbia (#52)
Nestled along the expansive banks of the Columbia River, the quaint town of Hood River, Oregon, offers more than just scenic beauty....
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 27, 20242 min read
Gateway to Wonder: Dymocks on George Street (#51)
Almost every month, tucked away in a bustling Sydney street, a little piece of magic awaited me - a chair, a corner, and endless...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 27, 20242 min read
Borneo's Lonely Giant: The last Malaysian rhino (#50)
In the lush heart of Borneo, amidst the verdant expanse of Sabah, I had the rare privilege of coming face-to-face with Iman , Malaysia's...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 26, 20242 min read
Trent H. Wells: Brain biopsy pioneer (#49)
From combat hero to pioneering engineer, Trent Wells left an indelible mark on both the skies of World War II and the frontiers of...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 26, 20243 min read
Blue Haze: Nature's own airbrush (#48)
Ever wondered why some mountains and forests appear shrouded in a mystical blue mist? Blue haze is a natural phenomenon primarily found...
Rick LeCouteur
Aug 25, 20242 min read
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