Reports from Panama and the Eco-stories Conservation Project (June-August 2024)
Below you'll find videos related to my time in Panama as a resident naturalist/educator with the Ecostories Panama project.
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The Two-fingered Sloth
This sweet video clip of a Two-fingered Sloth was taken by my friend Charlotte, just down the street from her home where I'm staying on the outskirts of Panama City.
The country of Panama has three species of sloths, and all face many dangers. Road traffic collisions, power line electrocutions, domestic dog attacks, poaching, and illegal trafficking for the pet trade are the main reasons why sloths are threatened with extinction.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SLOTHS
If you'd like to learn a lot more about sloths, check out my YouTube Video from when I was a volunteer with sloths in Costa Rica. In the video, I share fascinating facts about sloth biology and then I lead you in a step-by-step demonstration on how to draw one, using the attached handout below.
Inspiration from Naturalist's Notebooks
This video is from a presentation I created in Panama for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute where I gave a talk to local students and researchers. I hope it inspires you too to try journaling in nature!
The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project
Join me for a quick video tour of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project located in Gamboa, Panama, next to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Learn more about the important research they are conducting and the species they're working with on their website: http://amphibianrescue.org/
Black Vultures of Panama
On September 7th we celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day and so I’m sharing a video I filmed of a mated pair of Black Vultures I witnessed in Panama. They had been injured and brought to a rescue center when they were young and now they’re all grown but come back to visit the sanctuary on a regular basis to say ‘hi’! The male is Victor and his mate is Valeria. This species is widespread in Central America and pairs stay together for many years, with both male and female caring for the young.
Vulture Sketching Demonstration
This video tutorial below is from a live event I hosted in celebration of International Vulture Awareness Day on September 7th. In it, I demonstrate my favorite drawing technique for ultra-realistic renderings using charcoal pencils. Please download the Black Vulture Reference Photos handout under the video, gather your supplies, and watch the demonstration.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
We watched this Hawksbill Sea Turtle while snorkeling on the coral reefs off of Coiba National Park, Panama. It was searching for its favorite meal of sponges and attended by pufferfish, a king angelfish, and some sergeant majors to name just a few of the amazing tropical coral reef fishes we saw. It was filmed by Kees Groenendijk, who guides tours (learn more on his website https://coibatrip.com ).
July 18th Update
Seedlings Homeschool Visit
July 8th Update
June 26th Update
June 14th Update
June 10
A visit to a spooky mangrove swamp!
June 8
Interview with a local turtle rescue organization that protects the four species of marine sea turtles that are beginning their nesting season right now!
June 6
A quick update and virtual bird walk!
JUNE 2
Report from Panama City's BioMuseo, interpreting the biological, geological, and cultural history of the Isthmas of Panama, the Great American Biotic Exchange and the Panama Effect.