Pumpkin
Turkey
1. Species and Family
- Common Name: Wild Turkey
- Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
- Family: Phasianidae (pheasants, partridges, and relatives)
- Native to North America and the ancestor of domestic turkeys.
2. Appearance
- Large bird, 3.5–4 feet (1–1.2 m) long, wingspan about 4.5–5 feet (1.4–1.5 m).
- Males (toms) are larger and more colorful, with iridescent bronze and green feathers, a bare red, white, and blue head, and a distinctive fleshy wattle called a snood over the beak.
- Females (hens) are smaller and duller in color for camouflage.
- Both have strong legs with sharp spurs (males more prominent).
3. Habitat and Range
- Found throughout much of the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico.
- Prefer mixed hardwood and pine forests with open clearings for foraging.
- Can adapt to rural and suburban areas with enough cover.
4. Social Life and Behaviour
- Generally social outside the breeding season, forming flocks.
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays, puffing up feathers, fanning tail, and gobbling loudly.
- Ground nesters; females incubate eggs alone.
5. Diet
- Omnivores feeding on nuts, seeds, berries, insects, and small amphibians.
- Often forage on the ground, scratching leaf litter to uncover food.
6. Role in the Ecosystem
- Seed dispersers, helping forest regeneration.
- Control insect populations.
- Prey for predators like coyotes, bobcats, and birds of prey.
7. Relationship with Humans
- Historically important for Indigenous peoples and early settlers as food.
- Popular game bird for hunting and wildlife watching.
- Domestic turkeys are a major source of poultry worldwide.
8. Fun Fact
Wild turkeys can run up to 20 mph (32 km/h) and fly short distances at speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h).
plant(heart/diamond)
Pumpkin
Type: Annual vine (Cucurbita pepo and related species).
Needles: None – has broad, lobed leaves.
Lifespan: One growing season (annual).
Habitat: Grows in temperate climates with fertile, well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Uses: Food (pies, soups, seeds), decorations (jack-o’-lanterns), animal feed, and medicinal uses.
Adaptations: Large leaves provide shade to reduce water loss; sprawling vines help the plant spread.
Ecological Role: Provides food for animals and insects; flowers attract pollinators like bees.
Fun fact: Pumpkins are technically a fruit because they contain seeds, not a vegetable!
Walnut Tree
Type: Deciduous tree.
Needles: None – has pinnate, compound leaves.
Lifespan: Typically 120–150 years; some live over 200 years.
Habitat: Prefers temperate regions, fertile, well-drained soils; commonly found in forests and river valleys.
Uses: Edible nuts, high-quality timber for furniture and flooring, oil, and ornamental planting.
Adaptations: Deep roots help access water and nutrients; juglone deters competing plants.
Ecological Role: Nuts provide food for wildlife; trees offer shade and habitat for birds and insects.
Fun fact: The Black Walnut tree’s wood is so prized that it’s often called the “king of hardwoods.”
hockey team (heart/diamond)
Pittsburgh Penguins
Team Name: Pittsburgh Penguins
Founded: The team was established in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion.
City: Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA since their founding.
Biggest Achievement:
- The Penguins have won the Stanley Cup five times: in 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017.
- Led by legendary players like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby, they’ve been one of the NHL’s most successful franchises.
Activities in the City (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA):
- Ride the Duquesne Incline – Take a historic cable car up Mount Washington for panoramic city and river views.
- Visit the Andy Warhol Museum – Explore the life and works of Pittsburgh’s famous pop art icon.
- Walk through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Enjoy beautiful plant exhibits and seasonal flower shows.
- Explore the Strip District – Discover markets, local eateries, and unique shops in this vibrant neighborhood.
Toronto Marlies
Team Name: Toronto Marlies
Founded: The team was established in 2005.
City: Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada since their founding.
Background:
- The Marlies are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
- The team was relocated to Toronto from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where they were known as the St. John’s Maple Leafs.
Biggest Achievement:
- The Marlies won their first Calder Cup championship in 2018, marking a major milestone for the team.
Activities in the City (Toronto, Ontario, Canada):
- Visit the CN Tower – Enjoy panoramic city views and dare to try the EdgeWalk on the tower’s exterior.
- Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Discover art, culture, and natural history exhibits from around the world.
- Stroll through Distillery District – Experience historic cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
- Relax at Toronto Islands – Take a ferry to enjoy beaches, bike trails, and stunning skyline views of the city.