Michelle VanGurp
Stories by Michelle VanGurp
35 Types of Pigeons: Exploring Their Fascinating Urban Diversity
35 pigeon species from urban flocks to endangered varieties, with diverse roles in history, culture, and ecosystems.
25+ Amazing Spiders in Arizona: ID Guide, Pictures, and Facts
Arizona's 25 spider species range from harmless cellar spiders to medically significant black widows and brown recluses.
Cumulonimbus Clouds: The Sky’s Severe Weather Billboard
Cumulonimbus thunderclouds tower 30,000+ feet with anvil tops, spawning heavy rain, hail, tornadoes, and lightning. These severe weather billboards develop in 20-30 minutes via convection and warm ocean moisture in unstable air masses.
Gray Fox: The Elusive Tree Foxes of North America
Gray foxes are North America's only tree-climbing canids, with exceptional agility, elusiveness, and solitary behavior that makes sightings remarkably rare.
The Curious Case of the Immortal Jellyfish
The immortal jellyfish reverses its aging process under stress, transforming from mature medusa back to immature polyp stage repeatedly.
45+ Most Common Spiders in Texas (With Pictures)
Texas is home to roughly 1,500 spider species, with orb weavers, jumping spiders, and wolf spiders being the most common families in the state.
40 Wonderful Michigan Birds: ID Guide, Photos, Locations, and More!
Over 400 bird species inhabit Michigan, ranging from year-round residents like cardinals and chickadees to migratory warblers and waterfowl.
18 Amazing Types of Geckos in Florida: ID Guide and Photos
Identify 18 gecko species in Florida with unique adhesive toe pads, lidless eyes, and vocal calls.
