https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d Aiden Mendenhall en-us 2021-10-29 15:00:35 UTC 2024-05-28 04:35:58 UTC hello@padlet.com perrymendenhall27 https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854744515 The black crappie, or Pomoxis Nigromaculatus, is a freshwater fish found all across Alabama. Commonly found in lakes or navigation pools within rivers, these fish like clear waters with little to no current and plenty of vegetation.
The black crappie is an ectothermic vertebrate that has 7-8 spines on their dorsal fin and have mottled black spots all over their green/grey body.
The black crappie has an average lifespan of 7 years, and mature at any time from 2-4 years of age. Females will lay on average 40,000 eggs, and 2-3 days later, they will hatch.
These fish can often be found at Cane Creek, Tallache Creek, or McCalls Ferry.
The black crappie is a predator to insects and crustaceans, but the variations in their diet are determined by food available and competition. They are prey to largemouth bass and catfish.

]]> 2021-10-29 20:34:03 UTC https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854744515 perrymendenhall27 https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854828846 The Cope's gray tree frog, or Dryophytes Chrysoscelis, has grey or green mottled skin with yellow to orange spots on its hind legs. It is an ectothermic vertebrate.
The cope's grey tree frog has a lifespan of around 9 years, reaching maturity at about 2 years of age. Females lay 10-40 eggs in shallow ponds that hatch within 5 days.
These frogs are found in ponds all over Alabama, and smaller populations can be found in suburban habitats such as golf course water features.
The frog feeds primarily on insects as an adult, but as tadpoles they feed on the vegetation in the pond. The Cope's gray tree frog finds itself prey to snakes, raccoons, and opossums.

]]> 2021-10-29 22:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854828846 perrymendenhall27 https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854893097 The Alabama Red-bellied Cooter, or Pseudemys alabamensis, is an ectothermic vertebrate with its distinguished bright red underbelly. Fun fact, this is the official reptile of the state of Alabama!
The lifespan of this turtle is approximately 40-55 years, reaching sexual maturity around 15 years old. The females lay around 10 eggs underground and they hatch 10-16 weeks later.
The Alabama Red-bellied Cooter can be found at the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, most likely sunbathing on a floating log.
The Red-bellied Cooter is an herbivore eats a variety of underwater vegetation. Fish, crows, and raccoons are these turtles natural predators.

]]> 2021-10-29 23:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854893097 perrymendenhall27 https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854900652 The Brown Pelican, or Pelecanus occidentalis, is an endothermic vertebrate with a white head and a yellow washed "crown" on the top. The rest of the body is said to be a maroon-brown color. 
The oldest Brown Pelican lived up to 31 years old in captivity. Younger ones reach maturity at around 3-5 years old. The females lay 2-4 eggs that take 28-30 days to hatch. 
They are commonly found along the gulf coast and the islands in that area.
They mostly eat fish by diving into the sea, but also have been known to eat crustaceans  and other bird's eggs. They especially love eating anchovies. Known predators of this bird are wild dogs and cats, alligators, and oddly enough, raccoons.]]> 2021-10-29 23:45:31 UTC https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854900652 perrymendenhall27 https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854911481 The Marsh Rabbit, or Sylvilagus palustris, is an endothermic vertebrate that has brown/black fur, and can have cinnamon colored ends on their feet, tail, and ears. 
The Marsh Rabbit can live up to 4 years old, and reach maturity at just 23 weeks old. The gestation period is anywhere from 30-37 days, and breeding is year round. 
They live exclusively in areas with immediate water access, mainly marshes, and can be commonly sighted at Dead Lake in Monroe County, and Cypress Swamp in Greene County.
The Marsh Rabbit is exclusively an herbivore, eating the leaves and bulbs off of marsh plant. They also eat their own poop! they excrete cecal pellets that are quickly eaten to be predigested for more nutrients. the Marsh Rabbit falls prey to owls, bobcats, foxes, and alligators alongside human hunters.]]> 2021-10-30 00:01:13 UTC https://padlet.com/perrymendenhall27/l7dnl8qmo44j3b7d/wish/1854911481