About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Creature Feature #522: Nutcracker

The Nutcracker are three members of the Corvid Family. Their bills are specially adapted to feed on the nuts of pine trees. Using his bill, he removes the seeds, and stores the surplus for later consumption. As many as 30,000 seeds will be stored, and the bird will remember the location of around 70% of these. The remainder are left, sometimes to sprout, and thus help to re-establish pine forests in areas that have suffered fire or logging. Breeding occurs early in the season, with the nest being built in a pine tree, and both parents care for the offspring.

This is a Spotted Nutcracker, found across Eurasia. Other species include the Large-spotted Nutcracker, of the HImalayas and Clarks Nutcracker, who has colonised North America.

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