FROM SKY TO SAVANNAH THE WORLD’S MOST REMARKABLE ANIMAL MIGRATIONS
THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION On the savannahs of East Africa, over a million wildebeest,
Across the globe, animals of all shapes and sizes embark on extraordinary journeys that defy the imagination. Whether by flying, swimming, or running, these migrations are nature’s way of balancing survival with the ever-changing world. Some of these trips cover thousands of miles, while others involve climbing mountains or crossing rivers, but each demonstrates resilience, instinct, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A RECORD-BREAKING TRAVELER One of the most remarkable travelers is the Arctic tern, a small seabird from the icy North Pole that flies to the far reaches of Antarctica and back, logging up to 25,000 miles! That’s the longest migration of any animal on the planet. For a bird weighing less than a smartphone, it’s an incredible feat. JOURNEY ACROSS GENERATIONS The monarch butterfly tells a different kind of migration story: one of teamwork across generations. Starting in Canada and the northern U.S., monarchs head south toward central Mexico. Along the way, they breed and die, passing the torch to their offspring. By the time the journey is complete, 4–5 generations have passed over the span of the trip. YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHAT ARE ANDERSON DENTAL’S HOLIDAY HOURS? For Christmas and New Year’s Day, we’ll be closed from Dec. 23 to 25 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. Regular hours will resume on Jan. 5, since Fridays and Saturdays we are typically closed! HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE SENT TO THE ER BECAUSE OF HOLIDAY DECORATING MISHAPS? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 15,000 overenthusiastic decorators are sent to the emergency room across the country throughout November and December. These holiday-related decorating accidents result in nearly 240 injuries per day. WHERE DID CANDY CANES ORIGINATE FROM? It all started in 1670 in Germany, when a choirmaster gave candy canes to kids to keep them quiet during church services. However, it wasn’t until 1847 when a German-Swedish immigrant decorated his tree with candy canes that it became popular! WAS THE NEW YORK CITY ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE ALWAYS HUGE? Nope! In fact, the first tree placed by construction workers during the Great Depression was as skimpy and bare as Charlie Brown’s little tree! Every year, a bigger and brighter tree was put in its place, and now we have the massive Christmas tree we all know and love that boasts over 25,000 sparkling lights!
accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in what’s known as the Great Migration. Their route forms a massive loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, filled with dangers, from predators like lions to perilous river crossings guarded by crocodiles. Despite the risks, this spectacle continues each year. ALTITUDINAL MIGRATION While some species traverse continents, others take shorter but equally vital journeys. Many animals, like red pandas, spotted owls, and snow leopards, practice altitudinal migration and climb to higher elevations in summer when food is abundant. Then they descend in winter for shelter and warmth. Though smaller in scale, these seasonal shifts are just as critical for survival. Migration is a survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. Nature’s great migrations are living reminders of resilience and interconnectedness. Every journey, whether by bird, butterfly, or wildebeest, shows how far life will go to endure.
BAKED FETA, TOMATO, AND WHITE BEAN SKILLET
INGREDIENTS • 2 pints cherry tomatoes • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/4 tsp salt • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 oz feta cheese, packed in brine, cut into 4 pieces • 1 tbsp hot honey • Basil leaves, for garnish • 4 slices toasted whole-wheat country bread, optional, for serving
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, combine tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. 3. Drizzle with 5 tbsp of olive oil and stir gently. 4. Add feta pieces 2 inches apart in the mixture and drizzle with remaining olive oil. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst. 6. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with basil leaves, and serve with toast if desired.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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