sample in a jar

latimes:

The wake of the Powerhouse fire

With the flames 60% contained, the worst of the Powerhouse fire may be over. The wildfire has run rampant since Thursday, putting the abilities of more than 2,000 firefighters to the test, and scorching 32,032 acres.

Several evacuations near the fire have been called off, and officials are confident the blaze will soon be entirely under control.

Said Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Tony Akins:

“We’re cautiously optimistic that if the conditions continue, we’ll be able to see containment early next week.”

Read the latest on the fire from L.A. Now.

Photos: Gina Ferazzi, Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

astronomy-to-zoology:

Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

…a unique species of bird related to raptors, found throughout the grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Secretary birds are nomadic and are usually found on the savanna or in grasslands where they spend their time hunting for snakes, insects, birds, and mammals (they also have reportedly taken young gazelles). Using their long legs to deliver the killing blow, they will also user their legs to stomp on vegetation in attempt to flush any potential prey out. Although they are primarily terrestrial secretary birds are surprisingly accomplished flyers. Secretary birds have immense cultural significance in Africa and are featured on many symbols throughout Africa.

Phylogeny

Animalia-Chordata-Aves-Falconiformes (Accipitriformes)-Sagittariidae-Sagittarius-serpentarius

Image Source(s)

(Source: theamericankid)