Europe is a continent consisting of the westernmost peninsulas of Eurasia. It is said to be separated from Asia by a variety of natural features including the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, Ural River, and the Caspian and Black seas, among others. Truthfully though, the boarders between Europe and Asia, geological or manmade, are arbitrary.
Ladybugs (Diversity of Life on Earth by Bandai)
5 (5 votes)
As if wasps, caterpillars, beetles, scorpions, ants, peacock spiders, mantids, and crabs weren’t enough, Bandai recently (early 2023) added a set of ladybugs (lady beetles) to add to their growing collection of arthropods in the Diversity of Life on Earth (DoLoE) line. And the set is part of their ‘Advanced’ line, which means better and more refined sculpts, better paint, and yes, of course, they are more expensive.
Great Grey Owl (Wings of the World by Safari Ltd.)
4.1 (35 votes)
The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is a symbol of the vast northern wilderness that it ranges across, where it inhabits coniferous forests of the taiga around the entire Northern Hemisphere. As such it has many provocative nicknames including Phantom of the North, Lapland owl, and spectral owl.
Rabbit, 2017 (Farm World by Schleich)
4.3 (10 votes)
Hoppy Easter, everybody!
No animal better symbolizes Easter than the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) which was domesticated from the European rabbit (O. cuniculus) at least as early as 1 B.C. The origin of the rabbit in Easter mythology is not completely understood, but it is believed to have started with Germanic Lutherans as a Santa Claus-like figure who judged children as good or disobedient during Eastertide, and rewarded the good ones with colored eggs and candy.
American Spotted Donkey (Farm World by Schleich)
4.7 (10 votes)
Before I start this review, I would again like to thank the folks at Happy Hen Toys who donated this review sample. Domestic equids are not a focus of mine. I have a few, mostly ancient or feral, horse breeds, and one each mule (Safari Ltd.) and donkey (CollectA).
Red Squirrel (Wildlife by CollectA)
4.8 (9 votes)
In keeping with the tradition that I started last year; I’ve decided to once again review an animal native to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. And I’ve had this one in mind for a while. It’s the CollectA 2011 red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and I originally purchased it in August at my local county fair.
Valais Blacknose Sheep (Farm World by Schleich)
4.4 (9 votes)
For a third review in a row, I must thank the generous folks at Happy Hen Toys who donated this review sample. It is very much appreciated :-). I initially didn’t have any intention to obtain this figure, but now having it in-hand, I am glad I had the opportunity :-).
Galloway Cattle, Cow (Farm World by Schleich)
4.5 (12 votes)
Before we begin the review, I would like to extend my gratitude towards Happy Hen Toys for sending this figure along as a review sample. Happy Hen Toys is a U.S. distributor of figures by Safari Ltd, Papo, CollectA, Schleich, and other companies significant to our hobby. In the case of CollectA they’re often the only place that sells their products at a reasonable price within the United States.
Bichon Frisé (Farm World by Schleich)
4.9 (7 votes)
Before I start this review, I would like to extend my thanks to the folks at Happy Hen Toys, who graciously donated this review sample for the Blog! When Schleich first announced their 2023 line-up, I didn’t initially have any desire to get this figure. However, after a walkaround of it was posted on the STS Forum, I decided I might add it to my collection after all.
Dutch Warmblood, ‘Get Rowdy’ (Traditional 1:9 by Breyer)
5 (7 votes)
Review and images by Harecraft Horses; edited by bmathison1972
A very beautiful and exciting arrival to introduce, first – one of the 2022 ‘mid year’ releases, although that term is a little bit laughable when they arrive right at the end of the year (or sometimes into the following year) in my country!
Lobster Moth, caterpillar (Diversity of Life on Earth – Caterpillars Vol. 2 by Bandai)
3.5 (10 votes)
For the most part, adult moths in the family Notodontidae (commonly referred to as the ‘prominents’) are relatively drab moths, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. There are exceptions, of course, but in general they are fairly non-descript (to the casual observer) brown and grey moths typical of those seen at a porch light on a warm, humid summer’s eve.
Golden Eagle (Wildlife by Mojö Fun)
3.2 (13 votes)
Review and images by Suspsy; edited by bmathison1972
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is perhaps the most quintessential and famous of all eagles. For certain it is the most widespread, ranging across the continents of North America, Europe, and Asia. It has also figured prominently in human culture more than any other bird.