# Nature Talk **URL:** https://forum.inaturalist.org/c/nature-talk/18.md [Latest](https://forum.inaturalist.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.inaturalist.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.inaturalist.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Nature Talk category](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/about-the-nature-talk-category/450)
**Author:** [@tiwane](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/tiwane)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2019, 6:01pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/about-the-nature-talk-category/450 "2019-02-27T18:01:44Z")
This category is a catch-all for nature-related topics that aren’t directly related to iNaturalist. It’s not a place to get help with identifying your nature observations (that’s what iNaturalist itself is for!). Nature… --- ## [Merlin bird app](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/merlin-bird-app/86759)
**Author:** [@sjwiley](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/sjwiley)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 2:53am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/merlin-bird-app/86759 "2026-10-15T02:53:59Z")
Does anyone use the Merlin bird app? How accurate do you think it is? I have hearing loss and can only hear birds that are very close by so I use this just for fun to have an idea of what’s out there. --- ## [Your best photos of the week!](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/your-best-photos-of-the-week/64394)
**Author:** [@whistlingduck](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/whistlingduck)\ **Replies:** 1352\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 2:00am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/your-best-photos-of-the-week/64394 "2026-10-15T02:00:29Z")
Share us your favourite photos you took from this week! I was thinking we could make a poll at the end of the week for the “best” photo uploaded to this topic of that week. Limit of one entry per user per week --- ## [Fungi Fan Club for Fungi Lovers](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/fungi-fan-club-for-fungi-lovers/84327)
**Author:** [@im-a\_cat-purrson](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/im-a_cat-purrson)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/fungi-fan-club-for-fungi-lovers/84327 "2026-10-15T00:30:37Z")
This is a fungi fan club for fungi lovers to discuss fungi and their coolness, and post pictures or observations of fungi they found. --- ## [Giving bugs the finger](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/giving-bugs-the-finger/82206)
**Author:** [@Mercedes-Fletcher](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/Mercedes-Fletcher)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 11:45pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/giving-bugs-the-finger/82206 "2026-10-14T23:45:34Z")
I recently saw a cute butterfly out in the parking lot where i work. I promptly put my finger in front of it and let it crawl on, which is something i do pretty regularly if the bug in question is okay with it. One of my… --- ## [A modified EDGE framework for the prioritization of arthropod conservation](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/a-modified-edge-framework-for-the-prioritization-of-arthropod-conservation/86322)
**Author:** [@insectilluminatigetshrekt](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/insectilluminatigetshrekt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/a-modified-edge-framework-for-the-prioritization-of-arthropod-conservation/86322 "2026-10-14T21:32:06Z")
There is this framework called the EDGE of existence, which stands for Evolutionarily Distinct Globally Endangered. This has been applied extensively to vertebrates (Gumbs et al., 2024). Essentially its a score assigned … --- ## [What is your Favorite Lifer from this week?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-is-your-favorite-lifer-from-this-week/24219)
**Author:** [@blazeclaw](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/blazeclaw)\ **Replies:** 3695\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-is-your-favorite-lifer-from-this-week/24219 "2026-10-14T20:51:53Z")
One of my favorite things about inatting is finding something new! So here I ask what is your favorite species you’ve seen that was new to you this week? Personally mine has to be either the Phantom Orchids I found, or t… --- ## [Where to identify a particular species of flycatcher](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/where-to-identify-a-particular-species-of-flycatcher/86821)
**Author:** [@saltonthefly](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/saltonthefly)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/where-to-identify-a-particular-species-of-flycatcher/86821 "2026-10-14T19:02:45Z")
Hey all! First post lol. I have a flycatcher that I am having a lot of trouble identifying from my trip to Bolivia. I know this isn’t the forum for that but could someone point me in the correct direction? Thanks! Jim --- ## [Nature-inspired memes](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-inspired-memes/27300)
**Author:** [@vihaking277](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/vihaking277)\ **Replies:** 1039\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 4:25pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-inspired-memes/27300 "2026-10-14T16:25:21Z")
I don’t know if this is just an extension of https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-inspired-comics/815, but does anyone have any nature memes? After all, “The Internet was Built for Memes.” -The Internet --- ## [Birding/Birdwatching Discussion Topic](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/birding-birdwatching-discussion-topic/57573)
**Author:** [@thebirdersway](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/thebirdersway)\ **Replies:** 2749\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/birding-birdwatching-discussion-topic/57573 "2026-10-14T14:48:36Z")
This is an area for Inaturalist Birders and Birdwatchers to ask questions or talk. --- ## [Beginner Resources for IDing Hymenoptera?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/beginner-resources-for-iding-hymenoptera/86321)
**Author:** [@egad13](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/egad13)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/beginner-resources-for-iding-hymenoptera/86321 "2026-10-14T14:45:47Z")
I really enjoy observing my local bees and wasps. I don’t currently know enough about them to be confident IDing anything outside of a handful of very obvious species, but I’d really like to learn more - the problem is t… --- ## [Nature-inspired Comics?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-inspired-comics/815)
**Author:** [@tiwane](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/tiwane)\ **Replies:** 789\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 2:20pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/nature-inspired-comics/815 "2026-10-14T14:20:22Z")
I wanted to start a topic where people can share nature-inspired comic strips. By “nature-inspired” I mean a comic that relies on one’s knowledge about nature for its humor. Comics about pets, as wonderful as they are, d… --- ## [Have you observed parasites?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/have-you-observed-parasites/86225)
**Author:** [@aaravmishra](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/aaravmishra)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/have-you-observed-parasites/86225 "2026-10-14T14:14:27Z")
Although many people see parasites as a nuisance, they are part of our ecosystems. Where are your parasite obs.? Rules: Must be your observation, parasites that are parasitic, i.e. they are parasites in the life stage y… --- ## [Do you let katydids walk around on your arms/hands?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/do-you-let-katydids-walk-around-on-your-arms-hands/86668)
**Author:** [@maxforager](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/maxforager)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/do-you-let-katydids-walk-around-on-your-arms-hands/86668 "2026-10-14T13:00:07Z")
I was looking at all the photos on INat of large katydid species (like the Giant Malay Leaf Katydid), and I found a disturbing amount of photos in which people had these 4+ inch bugs crawling on their hands! Katydids are… --- ## [Jorō population explosion](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/joro-population-explosion/86756)
**Author:** [@phma](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/phma)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 12:53pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/joro-population-explosion/86756 "2026-10-14T12:53:40Z")
I first saw a jorō last month, after at least a year of wanting to see one. I saw another yesterday (it’s the latest observation in “Joro Spiders in NC”) and three more (plus some males, but “male jorō” is a contradictio… --- ## [Best flower pics!](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/best-flower-pics/73244)
**Author:** [@jjwsphotography](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/jjwsphotography)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/best-flower-pics/73244 "2026-10-14T12:07:49Z")
Here’s a place to share your best flower pictures! Mine personally is probably this salmonberry flower https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/272524850 (BTW, iNat doesn’t want tons of photos on so ya’ll can also s… --- ## [Rarest Finds on Inaturalist](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/rarest-finds-on-inaturalist/16195)
**Author:** [@yayemaster](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/yayemaster)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 11:31am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/rarest-finds-on-inaturalist/16195 "2026-10-14T11:31:43Z")
I was walking through a bog in my county(Nassau NY) when I stumbled across a rare plant that has not been seen in 28 years in the county. The name is Polygala nuttallii, and it is an imperiled plant in NY. Also there was… --- ## [You know you're seriously into iNat when](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/you-know-youre-seriously-into-inat-when/1992)
**Author:** [@mira\_l\_b](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/mira_l_b)\ **Replies:** 2338\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 11:18am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/you-know-youre-seriously-into-inat-when/1992 "2026-10-14T11:18:46Z")
I’ve had some funny iNat-related experiences and it made me laugh to think of how many positive, and often quite funny effects my usage has had on my life. Go ahead and finish the topic title sentence with your own endi… --- ## [Life is cruel some times-Warning Graphic Content](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/life-is-cruel-some-times-warning-graphic-content/67530)
**Author:** [@Clip](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/Clip)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 9:02am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/life-is-cruel-some-times-warning-graphic-content/67530 "2026-10-14T09:02:22Z")
A place to remind us that nature can be cruel and while I/we all like to focus on the wonder and the beauty we should not forget that the creatures we enjoy so much can have a pretty rough life. Share your photos that sh… --- ## [Good birdwatching spots in Queensland, Australia](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/good-birdwatching-spots-in-queensland-australia/86779)
**Author:** [@water-ostritch736](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/water-ostritch736)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/good-birdwatching-spots-in-queensland-australia/86779 "2026-10-14T08:07:18Z")
I live in South-East Queensland, Australia, and live in the suburbs Brisbane. Nowadays I want to add more observations of diverse wildlife (where I’m interested in birds) but in my opinion, bird diversity in the city is … --- ## [What's the weirdest plant you've ever found?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/whats-the-weirdest-plant-youve-ever-found/86581)
**Author:** [@maxforager](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/maxforager)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2026, 6:12am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/whats-the-weirdest-plant-youve-ever-found/86581 "2026-10-14T06:12:05Z")
Here are some pretty wacky plants I’ve found on my many hikes and walks. Squaw-root (or Bear Corn) Virginia snakeroot flower (Aristolicha) Crested Coral-Root Orchid (Bletia spicata) Ghost Pipe and Pine… --- ## [Lifelong learning: what did you learn this week?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/lifelong-learning-what-did-you-learn-this-week/64187)
**Author:** [@ItsMeLucy](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/ItsMeLucy)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 11:56pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/lifelong-learning-what-did-you-learn-this-week/64187 "2026-10-13T23:56:04Z")
What did you learn about nature this week? I was tickled to realize I had learned to recognize Euphorbia dioeca! Such a small plant but it feels like a tremendous accomplishment since there are four different native spe… --- ## [Funny, long, or just plain weird animal names](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/funny-long-or-just-plain-weird-animal-names/3220)
**Author:** [@alexis\_orion](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/alexis_orion)\ **Replies:** 999\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/funny-long-or-just-plain-weird-animal-names/3220 "2026-10-13T14:55:50Z")
I used to often go through lists, google searches, and so on looking for funny/weird animal names. I have made quite a few lists already, and I thought I would make a post here to see if some of you know some good ones.… --- ## [Have you been stung, bitten or faced other consequences due to handling animals, or messed up with a dangerous animal without realising it? (extreme experiences too)](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/have-you-been-stung-bitten-or-faced-other-consequences-due-to-handling-animals-or-messed-up-with-a-dangerous-animal-without-realising-it-extreme-experiences-too/84913)
**Author:** [@aaravmishra](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/aaravmishra)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 11:24am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/have-you-been-stung-bitten-or-faced-other-consequences-due-to-handling-animals-or-messed-up-with-a-dangerous-animal-without-realising-it-extreme-experiences-too/84913 "2026-10-13T11:24:08Z")
There are a few moments in my life that just got me cooked. Two of them below: 1: Wasp incident: 2 or 3 days ago I were playing on a swing like structure (idk what it’s called, like it has seats on both sides) and it wa… --- ## [iNatting / nature hikes while injured / handicapped](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/inatting-nature-hikes-while-injured-handicapped/7568)
**Author:** [@astra\_the\_dragon](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/astra_the_dragon)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 10:55am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/inatting-nature-hikes-while-injured-handicapped/7568 "2026-10-13T10:55:44Z")
I’d like to start a conversation about iNatting / nature hikes / field work while injured or handicapped. I’ve seen a few mentions on the forums of people using canes or tripods due to injury, or working with others who … --- ## [Happy accidents (collateral bonanzas)](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/happy-accidents-collateral-bonanzas/86636)
**Author:** [@broacher](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/broacher)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 7:40am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/happy-accidents-collateral-bonanzas/86636 "2026-10-13T07:40:46Z")
What are some of your favourite in-field observation stories about photographing, or in pursuit of photographing, one species and suddenly discovering another? For me, this kind of experience can be even more exciting t… --- ## [What is your favourite moth?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-is-your-favourite-moth/86624)
**Author:** [@inatnico](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/inatnico)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 5:57am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-is-your-favourite-moth/86624 "2026-10-13T05:57:52Z")
Here your favourite moth species --- ## [Your saddest sighting that got away](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/your-saddest-sighting-that-got-away/86640)
**Author:** [@egad13](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/egad13)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/your-saddest-sighting-that-got-away/86640 "2026-10-12T04:20:03Z")
I’ve been going on my own little wasp blitz lately, and one I’ve really wanted to get a good picture of is an Agapostemon bee. After days of crouching in flower patches searching, yesterday I finally saw one! But I only… --- ## [Injured Imperial Moth Questions](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/injured-imperial-moth-questions/86658)
**Author:** [@bulbasaurgirl](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/bulbasaurgirl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2026, 4:16am UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/injured-imperial-moth-questions/86658 "2026-10-12T04:16:52Z")
I found an Imperial Moth dead on a sidewalk with decayed wings and half-gone abdomen. I thought maybe something took a bite out of it but now I’m not as sure. I saw another naturalist account post from 2024 of a very sim… --- ## [What species is already wearing their Halloween costume?](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-species-is-already-wearing-their-halloween-costume/86528)
**Author:** [@whitmorepond](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/whitmorepond)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2026, 3:08pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/what-species-is-already-wearing-their-halloween-costume/86528 "2026-10-11T15:08:43Z")
Tell me the species and what costume they are wearing? For example: Procyon lotor is dressed up as Zorro. [Next page](https://forum.inaturalist.org/c/nature-talk/18.md?page=1)