Jenna Bratcher
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Articles by Jenna Bratcher
Some Birds Really Do Have Claws on Their Wings — Here’s Why Original
Some birds marketed as having 'wing claws' don't actually have claws at all, and the difference matters more than you'd think. One bird species has evolved a wing-claw escape plan so clever that it involves jumping into water, and that is only half the strategy. Wing claws probably didn't come from dinosaur ancestors, and the real explanation is somehow even stranger. There's a permanent, bone-based weapon found on certain birds that most people keep calling the wrong thing.
Some Birds Really Do Have Claws on Their Wings — Here’s Why
Jenna Bratcher Thu, September 3, 2026 at 1:02 AM EDT 6 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Flying Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) with crest raised in the Amazon rainforest at Ecuador, South America. Some bird species, such as hoatzins and turacos, are born with true claws on their wings that help them climb through vegetation and escape predators.
Why Scientists Still Argue Over What to Call a Baby Platypus Original
The real reason scientists lack an official name for a baby platypus exposes something startling about how rarely humans have ever actually seen one. 'Puggle' is the internet's favorite word for a baby platypus, but its actual origin has nothing to do with platypuses, and scientists refuse to use it. A platypus mother nurses her young without nipples, and the way she pulls it off is something most people find hard to believe.
Virginia’s Most Dangerous Snakes You May Encounter This Summer Original
Snakes have a way of making people panic, especially in the summer when more of us are outside hiking, gardening, or walking wooded trails. But in Virginia, only a small number of snake species are actually venomous. In reality, Virginia’s snakes are far less interested in attacking humans than they are in being left alone.
Too Many Trees Are Killing Wildlife on the Cumberland Plateau Original
More trees sounds like a conservation win, but appearances can be deceiving. On the Cumberland Plateau, dense forests are quietly wiping out entire groups of wildlife. When sunlight disappears from a forest floor, the damage extends well beyond plants, and the chain reaction is bigger than most people expect. Explore the cascading losses → The habitats these struggling species need most are mostly in private hands, a reality that changes everything about how restoration can actually work.
The Tough Metals Hidden Inside a Scorpion’s Venomous Stinger Original
Scorpions don't reinforce their entire bodies with metal. Instead, they target something far more specific, and the precision is almost unsettling. Researchers expected bulkier-clawed scorpions to carry the most metal reinforcement. That expectation turned out to be wrong, and the real pattern reveals something unexpected about how these weapons actually work.
As the Kentucky Derby Nears, Can Horse Racing Ever Be Truly Ethical? Original
Horse racing has rolled out its most sweeping safety overhaul in history, yet the place where horses are most at risk isn't the racetrack. Fatality rates have dropped significantly under new federal oversight, yet critics argue the sport's biggest ethical problem can't be regulated away. HISA now uses a data tool to flag vulnerable horses before they're injured, though whether it asks the right questions remains up for debate.
The Rare Crane That Nearly Vanished and the Sanctuary Helping Save It
Whooping cranes have rebounded from just 16 birds in the 1940s through decades of conservation efforts. A newly protected 3,000-acre Texas sanctuary safeguards essential wetland habitat for the species’ recovery. Continued habitat protection is critical to ensuring the long-term survival of whooping cranes and related wildlife. There’s something about a whooping crane that feels almost mythical.
What to Do When a Mountain Lion Starts Following You on a Hike
Mountain lion encounters are rare, but knowing how to respond can make a critical difference. Experts advise staying calm, avoiding running, and making yourself appear larger during an encounter. Simple habits like staying alert and avoiding solo hikes can significantly reduce your risk. There are moments in nature that feel sort of cinematic and magical, like a deer crossing your path or a hawk gliding overhead. But there are also moments that can feel straight out of a horror film.
Inside Lea Bryant’s She’s Social Club Original
Lea Bryant is building the kind of community many women don’t realize they‘re missing until they find it. As the founder of She’s Social Club, this Nashville native has created a space for connection, where women can show up exactly as they are. What started as a personal search for belonging has grown into a thriving network fueled by intention, inclusivity, and genuine support.
7 Tile Trends Interior Designers Are Loving Right Now Original
From color-drenched rooms to handcrafted textures and statement-making patterns, today’s tile trends are bold, expressive, and anything but background. Designers are treating tile as an art form, pushing traditional tiling techniques into unexpected places. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply looking for inspiration, this is the eye candy you need today. We are grateful to all our sponsors: Color is IN. Color is on the design scene, and it’s not being shy.
Behind-the-Scenes with the Director of the Music City Food & Wine Festival Original
Behind every great food festival is someone juggling a hundred moving parts and making it all look effortless. Meet Olivia Britton, executive director of the Music City Food & Wine Festival (MCFW). A Georgia-born, Franklin-raised events pro with a background in marketing and media, Olivia spends her days coordinating chefs and sponsors and, yes, even booking the porta-potties. The result? A delicious celebration that captures the flavor, talent, and unmistakable spirit of Nashville’s culinary scene.
Your Nashville Easter Brunch Guide!
Easter brunch should involve mimosas and good company, not a mountain of dishes at home. Luckily, Nashvilleâs restaurants have you covered. From elegant hotel buffets and chef-driven brunch menus to family-friendly celebrations (and a few take-home options if youâd rather host in your own dining room), these local spots are ready to make your Easter gathering deliciously easy.
Inside the ASPCA Lab Helping Solve Animal Cruelty Crimes
The ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Science Center opened in late 2020 as the nation’s first multidisciplinary forensic laboratory. Investigating animal cruelty now requires specialized scientific support for over 3,000 animal victims across the nation. Before 2020, the lack of a multidisciplinary forensic laboratory left law enforcement without a lot of essential evidence for prosecution.
She’s Behind Fluff & Boots, a Cat-Loving Lifestyle Brand with a Mission Original
Nashville has no shortage of creative entrepreneurs, but Ashley OBryan comes with a team of whiskered sidekicks. She’s an animal advocate and the founder of Fluff & Boots, a cat-loving lifestyle brand with heart. Inspired by her time in Cyprus (the unofficial feline capital of the world), Ashley launched a company that blends ethical products with a bigger mission: caring for stray and feral cats while challenging the pet industry to do better.
The Best Irish Pubs in Nashville Original
For St. Patrick’s Day and beyond, if you’re searching for the best Irish pubs in Nashville, we’ve rounded up authentic favorites along with a few festive, “Irish-adjacent” spots that are getting in on the fun. Here’s where to get Guinness pours, cottage pie, corned beef, Irish coffee, and more.
Nashville’s New Festival for You and Your Pup: Whiskey & Wags Original
On any given Saturday in Nashville, you can find someone debating small-batch bourbon versus Tennessee whiskey with the seriousness of a Supreme Court hearing. Add a golden retriever to the mix, and suddenly the stakes feel … fluffier. Enter Whiskey & Wags, a brand-new, dog-friendly whiskey festival landing at Nashville’s storied Two Rivers Mansion on Saturday, March 28.
Every Penny Counts at Turnip Truck and The Store Original
When a cashier asks, āWould you like to round up?ā it may not feel like a big decision. Itās a few cents. Maybe a dollar. The kind of change that disappears into the bottom of a purse pocket or finds itself in your car cup holders. But that small decision at the register can help place healthy, high-quality food on the tables of our neighbors across Middle Tennessee.
Sushi in Nashville is a THING. Here's Your Guide. Original
Yes, Nashville is landlocked. And if you’ve been here 10+ years, you know this deep in your bones — good sushi used to be hard to come by. There were a few groundbreakers. A few “this will do” spots. A lot of polite nodding and lowered expectations. A lot of “it’s fried, but it’s still wrapped in seaweed, so it will suffice.” And then … we kinda grew up. Somewhere between our city becoming famous for hot chicken and Nashville’s MICHELIN chefs earning their stars, the sushi scene quietly leveled up.
Sushi in Nashville is a THING. Here's Your Guide.
McDonald’s Egg McMuffins Are Only $1 For National Egg Day Mark your calendars! Listen, I love all my favorite fast-food chains equally. But I have to admit that McDonald’s is undeniably the best when it comes …
Step Inside an Austin Interior Designer’s Home Original
Just minutes from downtown Austin, TX, a 4,500-square-foot home in Circle C Ranch tells a deeply personal story. There’s history in the home’s finishes, warmth in the lighting and fabric choices, and thoughtful touches around every corner. For Christina Cruz, an interior designer and founder of Christina Cruz Interiors, this wasn’t a client project; it was her family’s home and a full-on leap of faith. She bought it sight unseen in the wake of COVID, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work.
8 Mississippi Destinations Made for Memorable Moments Original
Mississippi isn’t a place you rush through. It’s an invitation to slow down and collect the kinds of experiences that linger long after the trip ends. Across the state, moments unfold in unexpected ways: the perfect song, a quiet walk steeped in history, shared laughs over delicious meals. From vibrant college towns to soulful Delta communities, explore these eight destinations designed for making memories! Oxford Oxford’s magic lives in moments you don’t rush.
How a Sea Lion, a Shih Tzu, and an Elephant Survived Against the Odds
ONLY TO BE USED WITH ARTICLES ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CARE CENTER LOS ANGELES© Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles Generate Key Takeaways The post How a Sea Lion, a Shih Tzu, and an Elephant Survived Against the Odds appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Rocky the California Sea Lion survives gunshot wound, ruptured eye, and malnutrition before release back to the ocean. Bitsy the Shih Tzu puppy, at 4 pounds on rescue, recovers with therapy dogs and finds a forever home.
Meet the Woman Behind Old Glory & ELEVEN11 Original
Few people have shaped Nashville’s cocktail culture with the kind of quiet confidence Alexis Soler brings to the table. From the subterranean magic of Old Glory to the intention-filled vision behind ELEVEN11, she builds spaces that favor soul over trends and hospitality over hype. Grounded in consistency, collaboration, and a deep respect for place, her work reflects a belief that the best bars feel lived-in from the very first step inside.
Nashville’s 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025 Original
Here at StyleBlueprint, we love wrapping up the year by revisiting the stories that resonated most with our readers. If 2025 had a heartbeat, it was felt in the places we ate, the corners of town we explored, and the homes we redesigned. From buzzy restaurants and evolving neighborhoods to inspiring homes, weddings, and weekend escapes, this year’s most-read StyleBlueprint articles are a love letter to curiosity.
Merlot is Back?! What Nashville Will Be Drinking in 2026, According to an Expert Original
With the MICHELIN Guide American South 2025 ceremony behind us — and Nashville’s own Bad Idea earning praise for its standout wine progra — the timing couldn’t be better to talk about where the local wine scene is headed next. Andrew Burch, sommelier and wine program manager at Audrey Nashville is keeping a close eye on the future. If you’ve ever dined at Audrey, you know the wine list is anything but predictable, thanks to Andrew’s mix of deep knowledge and playful table-side instincts.
8 New Nashville Restaurants to Try This Month
As our end-of-year schedules tighten and to-do lists grow, Nashville’s newest openings deliver satisfying options perfect for the season. From comforting Italian classics to fast-casual spots that make weeknights easier, December’s restaurant lineup is built for the holiday hustle. We are grateful to all our sponsors: Culaccino Neighborhood: Downtown (Nashville Yards) More Info: culaccinotn.com Franklin’s favorite Culaccino has officially brought its soulful Italian cooking to Nashville Yards.
She's Behind cafe babu, Nashville's Dreamiest Coffee Shop Original
Before cafe babu became one of Nashville’s most buzzed-about coffee shops, it was a feeling — one Shivani Darsinos had been carrying with her for years. Inspired by the café cultures of India and Greece, her vision was never just about coffee. From carefully-sourced ingredients to jaw-dropping interior design, Shivani designed cafe babu as a space for connection.
Eggnog French Toast Bake - Perfect for the Holidays! Original
Cooking Unscripted is my happy place — a space where messes are welcome and creativity wins. Today, we’re letting eggnog do the heavy lifting with my “What Even IS Eggnog?” French Toast Bake. So, here’s the thing: Eggnog is … confusing. Is it a drink? A dessert? A dare? Whatever it is, it makes a spectacular French toast bake — the kind that looks like you worked VERY hard when, in fact, you dumped everything into a dish, went to bed, and hoped for the best. PinThe holidays are chaotic.
A Modern-Romantic Charlotte Home with a Hidden Pantry and so Much More
At first glance, this Charlotte new-build feels polished and timeless, with clean architectural lines and a warm, welcoming presence. But beyond the thoughtfully tailored façade lies a home with a story that evolved mid-design and ultimately became richer because of it.
A Charlotte Home Bathed in Light, Texture, and Modern Romance
At first glance, this Charlotte new-build feels polished and timeless, with clean architectural lines and a warm, welcoming presence. But beyond the thoughtfully tailored façade lies a home with a story that evolved mid-design and ultimately became richer because of it.
Renewal House: Where Mothers Heal & Families Begin Again
When a woman enters Renewal House, she isn’t simply seeking sobriety; she’s seeking safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild her life alongside her child. For nearly three decades, Renewal House has been the only long-term, comprehensive residential program in Middle Tennessee where women receive treatment without being separated from their children. It’s a lifeline that changes the trajectory of two generations at once. Donate $50 to Renewal House.
Renewal House: Where Mothers Heal & Families Begin Again
When a woman enters Renewal House, she isn’t simply seeking sobriety; she’s seeking safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild her life alongside her child. For nearly three decades, Renewal House has been the only long-term, comprehensive residential program in Middle Tennessee where women receive treatment without being separated from their children. It’s a lifeline that changes the trajectory of two generations at once. Donate $50 to Renewal House.
Inside the World’s First Seaside Whale Sanctuary in Nova Scotia
For decades, the debate over keeping whales in captivity has churned like a restless tide. Does that comparison sound cliché? Perhaps. Is it true? Absolutely. Now, a new wave is rolling in, and it’s one shaped by science, ethics, and some truly impressive marine engineering. On a quiet stretch of Nova Scotia coastline, the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) is building the first-of-its-kind seaside haven for formerly captive belugas and orcas.
This Nashville Mom Rebuilt Her Life at Renewal House Original
Editor’s Note: We are so grateful for the brave stories that encourage and uplift others. To honor her privacy, we’ve changed the name of the woman featured in this story. When Maya arrived at Renewal House, she was carrying more than a small bag of belongings. She was carrying fear, exhaustion, a violated probation, and a 6-week-old baby she desperately wanted to protect. Today, she lives in her own apartment, works full-time, and raises her 7-month-old son in a quiet, stable home.
How a Sea Lion, a Shih Tzu, and an Elephant Survived Against the Odds
ONLY TO BE USED WITH ARTICLES ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CARE CENTER LOS ANGELES© Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles Every year on December 10, advocates around the world observe International Animal Rights Day, a reminder that animals (whether they’re elephants who spent decades performing, abandoned pets fighting their way back to life, or marine mammals navigating an increasingly human-impacted ocean) deserve safety, support, and compassion.
30+ Nashville Holiday Pop-Ups to Get You in the Spirit!
‘Tis the season, Nashville! From family-friendly outings to twinkling cocktail hideaways, the city is brimming with festive events and holiday pop-up bars ready to dial up your cheer. Get ready to toast, celebrate, and step into the magic.
How a Sea Lion, a Shih Tzu, and an Elephant Survived Against the Odds
Every year on December 10, advocates around the world observe International Animal Rights Day, a reminder that animals (whether they’re elephants who spent decades performing, abandoned pets fighting their way back to life, or marine mammals navigating an increasingly human-impacted ocean) deserve safety, support, and compassion. Some rescue stories resonate so deeply that they remind us exactly why this day matters.
Meet Colette Tilinski, Star of Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker Original
When the first performance of The Nutcracker begins, Christmas officially kicks off in Nashville. And that includes the magic of watching Colette Tilinski float onstage as the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Atlanta native has become one of the shining stars of Nashville Ballet’s holiday tradition, bringing technical brilliance and genuine joy to her iconic role. From her earliest memory of dreaming about that sparkling tutu to leading full-length ballets, Colette’s journey is as inspiring as it is festive.
How Elk Returned to East Tennessee After Disappearing for More than a Century
Elk have returned to East Tennessee after a decades-long restoration project. The native Eastern elk subspecies disappeared in the mid-1800s, leaving only historical accounts and the occasional bone. Hundreds of elk now roam East Tennessee thanks to ongoing restoration efforts. For roughly 150 years, the sound of bugling elk was missing from Tennessee’s mountains — a silence so long-lasting it felt permanent.
Meet Sara: The Supersized Florida Manatee That Weighs More Than a Toyota Corolla
If you think you’ve seen a big manatee before, think again. Meet Sara, the heavyweight queen of Florida’s gentle giants. Weighing in at a whopping 3,170 pounds and stretching 12.4 feet long, Sara currently holds the record as the largest manatee on file with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). For perspective, Sara is roughly the same size as your average Toyota Corolla … except with flippers, whiskers, and an appetite for leafy greens.
Nashville Chefs Share Their Go-To Culinary Gifts
Nashville’s top chefs spend their days crafting flavorful menus, mastering techniques, and sourcing the best tools and ingredients. So naturally, their go-to culinary gifts are next-level. From clever gadgets to pantry staples they swear by, these are the chef-approved presents they love to give for special occasions.
12 Nashville Chefs Share Their Go-To Culinary Gifts to Give
Nashville’s top chefs spend their days crafting flavorful menus, mastering techniques, and sourcing the best tools and ingredients. So naturally, their go-to culinary gifts are next-level. From clever gadgets to pantry staples they swear by, these are the chef-approved presents they love to give for special occasions.
Meet the 94-Year-Old "Chief Elf" Keeping the Magic of Christmas Alive Original
Mrs. Pat Koch grew up in a place where Christmas never ends. The daughter of “Santa Jim” Yellig and co-founder of the famed Holiday World theme park in Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, you read that right), Pat now serves as Santa’s Chief Elf, leading the volunteers who answer thousands of children’s letters each year. At 94, she carries on her family’s promise to keep the true magic of Christmas alive. If you’re looking for a little holiday spirit, you’ve found it.
10 New Nashville Restaurants to Try This Month
The chill in the air hasn’t cooled Nashville’s appetite for something new. This month’s lineup of restaurant openings feels tailor-made for the season — comforting, creative, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving takeout or a cozy corner to linger over dumplings and drinks, these newcomers are worth a visit.
RECIPE: Invisible French Apple Cake Original
I first spotted a version of this apple cake on Instagram, but I didn’t save the post. And as I watched, I kept thinking the creator added things she didn’t need and skipped a few things she definitely did. Still, those stacked layers of apples caught my attention, and I started working on a version that was streamlined, reliable, and genuinely worth making. I also wanted to perfect this in time for Thanksgiving. I’ve made this three times, and I promise you that it is super easy to make.
Photographer’s Project Reveals How Animals Look From Below
There are photographers who chase light and photographers who chase moments. And then, there’s the rare breed who chase entirely new perspectives. Lithuanian photographer Andrius Burba, creator of the viral Underlook Project, falls squarely into the last category … and likely invented the category along the way. From cats and dogs to horses—and soon, cows, tigers, and elephants—Burba has dedicated his career to showing us what the world would look like if the ground beneath us were made of glass.
Dignity Starts With a Toothbrush: How The Community Resource Center Quietly Changes Lives in Middle Tennessee Original
Clean hair. Fresh breath. Laundry that actually smells like laundry. These seem small … until they’re out of reach. Across Middle Tennessee, thousands of neighbors are forced to choose between paying a bill, buying food, or getting the hygiene items that help them work, learn, and live with confidence. That’s where the Community Resource Center (CRC) steps in.
Young Elephants Turn a Muddy Hillside Into a Playground
Is there anything quite so enticing as a mud puddle? For most kids, that’s true. Turns out, it’s also true for elephants! In a now-viral Instagram video, two young elephant sisters at the Save Elephant Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, have found their version of a perfect snow day: a slick, rain-soaked hillside. The pair, Pyi Mai and Chaba, gleefully take turns sliding down the muddy slope, trunks in the air, tails swishing, the pure embodiment of joy.
Meet the Women Behind the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville
Plastic surgery isn’t just about glamour. For Dr. Mary Gingrass and Dr. Melinda Haws of the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville with HKB, it’s about restoring confidence and comfort. Dr. Gingrass followed her father’s footsteps in medicine, while Dr. Haws found her calling in the artistry of surgery. Today, they focus on breast and body procedures, united by one mission: helping patients feel truly seen, supported, and whole. We are excited to share their journey as today’s FACES of Nashville.
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