tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-131142782024-03-13T13:05:51.819-07:00AnimalBytesOne Yard in a Great Big CityKeri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.comBlogger407125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-65008927498925378042024-03-08T14:32:00.000-08:002024-03-08T14:32:45.603-08:00Early Spring Flowers in Southern California<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqH6FZlsVDr3NzCg7Ji4JXnVqByvjNGkjUDrdzvCxm72Jn_e4DNbjcXVW5W1HrJHiu5XhyF3HVxBpamUqptX8OtP27kq9ta_-4l7nPiWlAMlW8ZfuwDS9MG3d3yyMoSqcn5dARZm7vdH5aEV-tHZyBUzoO3513pZaiP4ccigkyIvaVeYMsL9m/s750/redbud-webKDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="750" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqH6FZlsVDr3NzCg7Ji4JXnVqByvjNGkjUDrdzvCxm72Jn_e4DNbjcXVW5W1HrJHiu5XhyF3HVxBpamUqptX8OtP27kq9ta_-4l7nPiWlAMlW8ZfuwDS9MG3d3yyMoSqcn5dARZm7vdH5aEV-tHZyBUzoO3513pZaiP4ccigkyIvaVeYMsL9m/w424-h278/redbud-webKDearborn.jpg" width="424" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the yard, winter rains are promoting early California flowers. The Mexican redbud (<i>Cercis canadensis var. mexicana</i>) showcases lush magenta blooms on naked branches.</span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW0gXLzXUUQqgfwXGbNW5bood2ipgQSH68gbSEVppxaVzoDNbtUdOAvZ8mrVlNodseftLya6G60WK9sPSyIq2PmkHGCYVHj2W9xqAs1u-akZcC8pA6FKAdQrK0GnaX1QjgdlTcNfhl0l29HFzhqB8l0Xnywfnj4EVKTJ83aJfgxuRjNgKuGVP/s750/ceanothus-RayHartman-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW0gXLzXUUQqgfwXGbNW5bood2ipgQSH68gbSEVppxaVzoDNbtUdOAvZ8mrVlNodseftLya6G60WK9sPSyIq2PmkHGCYVHj2W9xqAs1u-akZcC8pA6FKAdQrK0GnaX1QjgdlTcNfhl0l29HFzhqB8l0Xnywfnj4EVKTJ83aJfgxuRjNgKuGVP/s320/ceanothus-RayHartman-web.jpg" width="277" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Inflorescences of tiny bright blue flowers tip the spreading arms of the 'Ray Hartman' ceanothus.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These are the shapes and colors of the kinds of flowers we typically find beautiful, but they aren't the only flowers. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIorcQTZT4StLRA5CsWeDq7Xf3qTNa3yNz-82J1Rgj_TNx9vusoCkkCqmuJjxwAPeBfkF0dx__O5031WC2wzwQiCxHhdKWeTQ-xrG-uSWRgrs7qKQtanDammi3wCtjetOd9EP0sj92c2vbCH70f9D2CDLyW6n6RtbjihXGYD_IcAVcAcPOc_wE/s985/coffeeberry-flowers-webKDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="750" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIorcQTZT4StLRA5CsWeDq7Xf3qTNa3yNz-82J1Rgj_TNx9vusoCkkCqmuJjxwAPeBfkF0dx__O5031WC2wzwQiCxHhdKWeTQ-xrG-uSWRgrs7qKQtanDammi3wCtjetOd9EP0sj92c2vbCH70f9D2CDLyW6n6RtbjihXGYD_IcAVcAcPOc_wE/w290-h380/coffeeberry-flowers-webKDearborn.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The California coffeeberry (<i>Rhamnus californica</i>) unveils
clouds of rusty-brown star-shaped flowers. They aren't the flowers of bouquets, but they will attract pollinators and hopefully produce fruit for birds and other wildlife. If you look closely you'll
see specks of pollen spilled across the coffeeberry's leaves. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pjfmE-0EiLK86KoLsLTH_pGgk0yomsmWvpFe7iEPwnF3GeyFovh9-fgow8hX5G8mWjmSWaMI4d1QrhJ40Att1PX-0SfnXZS1YU0dVRgx2ayfJvSDvH9hJXhCuIxC1cjHJGyYStJ2qPVuGyMPxuwCWz1EoYK_uw_8iYxb-QiEvo8nDyZOzvya/s750/Clitocybemushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pjfmE-0EiLK86KoLsLTH_pGgk0yomsmWvpFe7iEPwnF3GeyFovh9-fgow8hX5G8mWjmSWaMI4d1QrhJ40Att1PX-0SfnXZS1YU0dVRgx2ayfJvSDvH9hJXhCuIxC1cjHJGyYStJ2qPVuGyMPxuwCWz1EoYK_uw_8iYxb-QiEvo8nDyZOzvya/s320/Clitocybemushroom.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">This large mushroom is a fungi flower–the fruiting body of an underground web of life. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPbjpvWTUsiPpbVETKmqbpTEqLDtRdhjDaMB3zODHeesgZOG24vCqp0xMNpYURs-XzdyRjlKet9s1ensMxBkdAq5vgpsQQ92tikRGOHYEVp75t_zIAmwR-r0-sB8iE1d23HS9ymE0nkWV3Vkk8GeagChJG7UIPTFXqToPwGzkXhXVbuNG4yyG/s750/Clitocybe-mushroom-gills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPbjpvWTUsiPpbVETKmqbpTEqLDtRdhjDaMB3zODHeesgZOG24vCqp0xMNpYURs-XzdyRjlKet9s1ensMxBkdAq5vgpsQQ92tikRGOHYEVp75t_zIAmwR-r0-sB8iE1d23HS9ymE0nkWV3Vkk8GeagChJG7UIPTFXqToPwGzkXhXVbuNG4yyG/s320/Clitocybe-mushroom-gills.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Identifying mushrooms is challenging, but I think this is a giant leucopax (<i>Leucopaxillus giganteus</i>).</span> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since the beginning of the rainy season, we've had just under 28 inches of rain. Generally, in the Los Angeles area we hope for 12–18 inches over the course of a year. The abundant moisture has promoted the growth of pincushion moss (<i>Leucobryum glaucum</i>). Our north-facing garden walls look more like England than dry Southern California.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK81hViC2lQMunTdFriIAXqhON-dl1Vo1EUtMsPqZvBwoOVSL89pU76s4duBD6L3xLJT0VLVD7GHCCker5w-MMvqUihLCPLFWg_XeASt5JxryA-Vh2uVP388suyCxFv9wuZfDf9Y5HJbhSkcIZmkkbfymDT7j-twGnzDifHk0XMk2zXuMNCKvJ/s900/pincushion-moss-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK81hViC2lQMunTdFriIAXqhON-dl1Vo1EUtMsPqZvBwoOVSL89pU76s4duBD6L3xLJT0VLVD7GHCCker5w-MMvqUihLCPLFWg_XeASt5JxryA-Vh2uVP388suyCxFv9wuZfDf9Y5HJbhSkcIZmkkbfymDT7j-twGnzDifHk0XMk2zXuMNCKvJ/w288-h384/pincushion-moss-web.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mosses reproduce via spores rather than seeds. The fringe of tiny stems rising up from the moss are the sporangium, the pods holding the spores. They aren't your typical flowers, but these too will bring new growth. </span> </p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-38032864655281971802024-02-28T17:46:00.000-08:002024-02-28T17:46:53.199-08:00A Fresh Bumblebee<p><span style="font-size: large;">An unexpected creature sat warming itself in the sun on the patio this morning: a yellow-faced bumble bee (<i>Bombus vosnesenskii</i>)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6ojR6cqaw1Z5ZrkJjpC_gGdld0XHEHE3p3_Xqf9yD_DDk47FLCsj3mOdWfr261wbXF9M8vErqWUBRTg15zFldLYTS0gS0cEYRAJvZty1C6SPoVgqLeN-nHeglYrm0BFyp-6-mREpPRGIpRFo0LTmSM3MHGZ38jd_YoCDTWGfsrMWa4C50NWo/s915/yellow-facedbumblebee2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="915" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6ojR6cqaw1Z5ZrkJjpC_gGdld0XHEHE3p3_Xqf9yD_DDk47FLCsj3mOdWfr261wbXF9M8vErqWUBRTg15zFldLYTS0gS0cEYRAJvZty1C6SPoVgqLeN-nHeglYrm0BFyp-6-mREpPRGIpRFo0LTmSM3MHGZ38jd_YoCDTWGfsrMWa4C50NWo/s320/yellow-facedbumblebee2024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Its long yellow "hairs" and textured black body appeared fresh and new, as if it had just emerged into adulthood. No pollen clung to its body. Every wing and limb shone iridescent black in the sunlight. Where did it come from? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bumble bees </span><span style="font-size: large;">typically </span><span style="font-size: large;">nest in a cavity in the ground. Waxy cells, each packed with food resources, house the eggs and then developing larva. Once, 14 years ago <b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/12/western-bumble-bee-nest.html" target="_blank">western bumble bees nested in a birdhouse</a></b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Where did this yellow-faced bumble bee emerge from? This area of the patio is edged with a concrete brick wall along one side and the house on the other. The cold bee was not able to fly; it would've had to walk a distance of 10 or more feet to find this dappled place in the sun.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The large bumble bee sat basking for a good 10 minutes before its body was warmed up enough to fly. Then off it went.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Identifiable by its fuzzy yellow head and a black abdomen with a narrow yellow band on the fourth section (nearly the tip), </span><span style="font-size: large;">the yellow-faced bumble bee</span><span style="font-size: large;"> is a valuable pollinator. Like </span><span style="font-size: large;">all bumble bees, however,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> they struggle to find suitable habitat. The mother of this bumble bee must have appreciated the native plants and undisturbed areas of soil that could provide for her offspring.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On this cool February morning, it seems early for bumble bees to be leaving the safety of their nests. Yet, the morning also brings the spring's first <b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/10/101010.html" target="_blank">western swallowtail</a></b>, fiery skipper, and California sister butterflies down into the yard. I wish the bumble bee well and hope we will see it among the sage and coffeeberry. </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-86924159082225617632022-12-01T18:48:00.000-08:002022-12-01T18:48:44.289-08:00What's That Duck?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbG0QbZW3zezlcwH5ntr8D51Ll4V5Hu6Gu870DaNN-lCVk52yNJclkiEfb1f102ggzephe9JgLiO978Ngi9WeDMHZcsbZ3rlZog4Uci3Osq_o5W8z8VyURtNRKCzk7k4LSpOufevjddN0Mgvh63K96miTvwG3SOPLWh1hl98s1vrEX19e9Q/s724/GadwallsMELawshe-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbG0QbZW3zezlcwH5ntr8D51Ll4V5Hu6Gu870DaNN-lCVk52yNJclkiEfb1f102ggzephe9JgLiO978Ngi9WeDMHZcsbZ3rlZog4Uci3Osq_o5W8z8VyURtNRKCzk7k4LSpOufevjddN0Mgvh63K96miTvwG3SOPLWh1hl98s1vrEX19e9Q/s320/GadwallsMELawshe-web.jpg" width="318" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One nice thing about a spotting scope: it isolates your focus down to one or a couple of individual birds. If it's on a tripod, you can hold a birding book in one hand, while you look for distinguishing characteristics.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At a glance, what stands out:</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">orange yellow legs</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">black beak (on the one that is visible)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">dark eye <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">a fairly large rounded head that is a bit squared at the back <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">a black rump on the two brighter individuals</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">two sets of a bright individual and a drab individual, so possibly two pairs</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">a white patch on the secondary wing feathers–near where the wing is close to the body; both the possible males and females have this white wing patch</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">and if the two brighter ducks are drakes (males), they are not flashy and colorful like mallards </span><br /></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't seem like a lot, but it is. Additional important info is the location and the time of year.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Malibu Lagoon on the Southern California coast in February.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A quick paging through ducks in my <i>Sibley Guide to Birds</i> finds just a few typical western ducks with bright yellow orange legs:</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>mallard</b>: But the beak is yellow. Males have black at the tail area, but with white tail feathering, and of course males have distinctively dark green or blue iridescent feathering on the head. In addition, they have a white line above and below iridescent blue feathers on the secondary wing feathers. There is no blue visible here.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>gadwall</b>: Black rump and white wing patch. Male has black beak in breeding coloring. But the book notes "puffy head" on the breeding male and darker gray chest feathering. Hmm.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>northern shoveler</b>: Male has a black beak in breeding colors, but both the male and female have large wide beaks–hence the name "shoveler." The beak is longer than the length of the duck's head. In his breeding colors the male is high contrast with a black iridescent-green head, yellow eye, white chest, back and reddish brown flanks. No white wing patch, but there is a thin "bar" of white.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;">While everything isn't perfect, it's pretty clear that the ducks we're looking at are two pairs of gadwalls. The males have yet to completely don their breeding plumage, but they aren't mallards or shovelers.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't be afraid to try and identify the birds you see. Note the visual or behavioral characteristics that stand out. Those bright yellow-orange legs or a white wing patch can be the key to ruling out other species. <br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegJ9JAwtOR1PImnjCMKjBHIIx9C2EHxKG_aviCmQ9civuKYjipATTH6mgxNACilMmkX8kmdqyafs0PLztqXR7iufjtCoGQE77bkf5eyBUqw_DnvBkDP74ogvARRA3WNWZFDJtH-jeQ25VCMjD-3OeL8Tb136CJjxLnoz9JKuy3d0qyKAzyQ/s288/mourningdovesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="288" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegJ9JAwtOR1PImnjCMKjBHIIx9C2EHxKG_aviCmQ9civuKYjipATTH6mgxNACilMmkX8kmdqyafs0PLztqXR7iufjtCoGQE77bkf5eyBUqw_DnvBkDP74ogvARRA3WNWZFDJtH-jeQ25VCMjD-3OeL8Tb136CJjxLnoz9JKuy3d0qyKAzyQ/w352-h254/mourningdovesm.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Other Bird Identifications:</span><p></p><p><b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2022/03/raven-or-crow.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Raven or Crow</span></a></b></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/07/juvenile-coopers-hawks-staying-cool.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Juvenile hawks</b></span></a></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2016/04/baby-birds-and-protective-parents.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A California Towhee and Its Call</b></span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-kind-of-junco.html" target="_blank"><b>What kind of Junco</b></a><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2014/11/bright-red-orange-bird-in-los-angeles.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bright Red-Orange Bird in Los Angeles</b></span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-bird-on-ground.html" target="_blank">What's that Bird on the Ground</a> </b></span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-59403049538735733132022-03-22T17:14:00.004-07:002022-03-22T17:14:52.960-07:00Raven or Crow?<p><span style="font-size: large;">A black bird lands on your backyard fountain. Is it a raven or a crow?</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYmnEeGm8oEPFNdqCV9ItRgydpZ7U6ZIs4JbIhyRnYY2-mvj0m-0_h48_-zFxbwXUo92ulpY4_XtgMQZh02WzPIs_0eDoeMnIeOqT6Vkf5RBVr_6pzpb2xSVt5HcnCgZ9goVkppKmpQo0ulTQwBAXbSHq_o2B43aMlwn6MbdSaP4KI4XWlA/s1050/ravenKMeyer_croppedweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYmnEeGm8oEPFNdqCV9ItRgydpZ7U6ZIs4JbIhyRnYY2-mvj0m-0_h48_-zFxbwXUo92ulpY4_XtgMQZh02WzPIs_0eDoeMnIeOqT6Vkf5RBVr_6pzpb2xSVt5HcnCgZ9goVkppKmpQo0ulTQwBAXbSHq_o2B43aMlwn6MbdSaP4KI4XWlA/w423-h423/ravenKMeyer_croppedweb.jpg" width="423" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">courtesy of K. Meyer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are a couple of physical traits I look for to help me make the identification:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Size</b> - Is the sitting bird generally the size of an 8"x11" piece of paper from its feet to the top of its head? Or is it smaller? Ravens are big birds. Crows are medium-sized birds. But size can be tricky without something to use for comparison. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wing to Tail</b> - When perched, a raven's folded long wings will reach nearly to the tip of its tail. A crow's wings are shorter, proportionately, so the tail appears longer. In the photo above, the bird's wing tips almost reach to the tail. Hmm</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Beak</b> - Both crows and raven have feathering onto the upper edge of their beak. The beak of a raven however is large and thick. Its also longer than the head. A crow's beak is long, but not longer than the depth of the head.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iOHqliY7EGiZ8eqgwUzPjW0DBIyh1n8wIOp1QaGKZSYCq6k4OqK5dkGMmqR2sde1iGnEOpuU1-P6Pfu3sXq2NotbFx6cplpcuEs7krXF-LjAXpCi_EeBRJbTeXZagWFgdv94GVTXWohiuyzXEk91wGPmuPQmWsHeM2AtIsmxmglHMFixvg/s720/ravenKDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iOHqliY7EGiZ8eqgwUzPjW0DBIyh1n8wIOp1QaGKZSYCq6k4OqK5dkGMmqR2sde1iGnEOpuU1-P6Pfu3sXq2NotbFx6cplpcuEs7krXF-LjAXpCi_EeBRJbTeXZagWFgdv94GVTXWohiuyzXEk91wGPmuPQmWsHeM2AtIsmxmglHMFixvg/s320/ravenKDearborn.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Throat</b> - Ravens have shaggy looking feathers under their throats. They can fluff up their throat feathers. They also can hold those feather smooth to the body. The raven, pictured at right, has its throat feathering fluffed up while calling to a mate.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stance</b> - When sitting, a raven's tail and wings tend to stick down well below their perching feet. Notice in the raven to the right, that the tail is hanging long below the branch. A crow's tail is less long. When sitting, the crow's tail is not far below the feet. See crow below.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_ZdnqEStLrtVPW573H0qLZyN8Le3HO-52mhCsW_9At2fZuk8wagL4AMCRbixHPYuNrFyRhVWi8WuFcZMK7sHZPHI4j42EybdJdf2hLDy5OspxGHfNj7NftskqdUK1BRj-u1-Nkh2s1TJnC0IT6SbFSIZBSHJTMlxq6b_qjqUo_Mmjdmz7w/s900/crow_silhoutteKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_ZdnqEStLrtVPW573H0qLZyN8Le3HO-52mhCsW_9At2fZuk8wagL4AMCRbixHPYuNrFyRhVWi8WuFcZMK7sHZPHI4j42EybdJdf2hLDy5OspxGHfNj7NftskqdUK1BRj-u1-Nkh2s1TJnC0IT6SbFSIZBSHJTMlxq6b_qjqUo_Mmjdmz7w/s320/crow_silhoutteKDearbornweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Crows also have a greater tendency to flick their tail and wings while sitting. (Notice how the crow's beak is as long as the head is wide.)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So the question remains. Is the bird on the fountain a raven or a crow? It's a raven.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are differences when these birds are in the air, too. More on that later. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To really get an understanding of the size, <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2022/01/new-birds-in-your-yard.html" target="_blank"><b>see a blue bird on the same fountain.</b></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More on <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2006/11/birds-and-art-of-war.html" target="_blank">crow behavior</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More on <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2013/08/responding-to-common-threat.html" target="_blank">raven behavior</a></b><br /></span></p><p> <br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-89371428598713950492022-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:002022-01-25T18:37:11.028-08:00New Birds in Your Yard?<p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know why, but today new birds were showing up in my yard and in the yard of friends. In both cases the newcomers were at water features.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqYwgMGFWfk1goS0lNo1DdtkaNteInzt-2gD5KL8DZ6IZS6SS38aa60pyvpKFTyImG575LdNoQnk2OBlnVv-MujdWCHxBj62xUu_EUdGOdf7iK0Yo_f_DKnY-R5zWcDWNKR5a2Szm-I9x4eatXbleojXPkO7sgELlSYOyEwzItB6kRF1FLrA=s1080" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="822" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqYwgMGFWfk1goS0lNo1DdtkaNteInzt-2gD5KL8DZ6IZS6SS38aa60pyvpKFTyImG575LdNoQnk2OBlnVv-MujdWCHxBj62xUu_EUdGOdf7iK0Yo_f_DKnY-R5zWcDWNKR5a2Szm-I9x4eatXbleojXPkO7sgELlSYOyEwzItB6kRF1FLrA=w357-h468" width="357" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This lovely photo taken by our friend Kathy shows the two western bluebirds (<i>Stalia mexicana</i>) drinking from her fountain. The male is at the top and the female is in the top tier of the fountain. (I love the house finch that is down at the right looking up at the new visitors. You can really see that the bluebirds are bigger than the house finch (<i>Haemorhous mexicanius</i>).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bluebirds are cavity nesters. They would like to move into a nest in a tree trunk created by a woodpecker. Bluebirds can't create the cavity themselves, so they are dependent on older trees with abandoned cavities. That is hard real estate to find in a sprawling city like Los Angeles. Nest boxes, however, can make all the difference in the world for these birds. Across the U.S., bluebirds depend on nest boxes to raise their chicks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Learn more about bluebird nest boxes, including plans for one you can build at Audubon: <a href="https://www.audubon.org/news/how-build-bluebird-nest-box" target="_blank"><b>https://www.audubon.org/news/how-build-bluebird-nest-box </b></a></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We also had new visitors; a pair of northern flickers (<i>Colaptes auratus</i>). Interestingly the female was a western red-shafted subspecies and the male was a yellow-shafted subspecies, typically seen more to the north and east. They came and sipped water from our fountain with their long tongues used for eating ants.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlINt5zg5C2ScaeaztFJqsAMi--r8x-WXpER0QRVsSdhszvNUzI_QxZU7FXsm7HQUQBw1h-OwUmXoAZApezdgX4jDbmDym037uDtkMJwraS7vknOenl-s_psZt4zZhJIkd2uZPB1GpbB-MqYWmDpMozUsrhSKBUgXqvAT0ZdZKrQLsEvloSw=s288" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="286" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlINt5zg5C2ScaeaztFJqsAMi--r8x-WXpER0QRVsSdhszvNUzI_QxZU7FXsm7HQUQBw1h-OwUmXoAZApezdgX4jDbmDym037uDtkMJwraS7vknOenl-s_psZt4zZhJIkd2uZPB1GpbB-MqYWmDpMozUsrhSKBUgXqvAT0ZdZKrQLsEvloSw" width="286" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">You don't have to put out birdseed to attract birds. Especially in Southern California, water is an important <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-joys-of-providing-wildlife-habitat.html" target="_blank"><b>resource for wildlife</b></a>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While we had December rain, the past few days have been dry and windy. Both the bluebirds and the flickers were attracted to flowing water in fountains. In the morning our fountain is frequently visited by hummingbirds, warblers, finches, and on occasion a Cooper's hawk (like the one pictured). <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A water feature doesn't have to be big to be important to birdlife; it just has to be clean and reliable. Provide water in your yard or on a balcony and <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/09/water-vital-resource-for-wild-birds.html" target="_blank"><b>you might be surprised who comes to visit</b></a>. </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-2322675184240969052021-11-22T18:08:00.005-08:002021-11-22T18:09:42.922-08:00Rat Spill<p><span style="font-size: large;">I learned a new term this weekend "rat spill."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03OzfTgzRkU/YZxLbOF8oqI/AAAAAAAADA4/AhSaKMThDW8BAxyl8nySjFC2OER79L4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/StaRosa06162018_IslandALawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03OzfTgzRkU/YZxLbOF8oqI/AAAAAAAADA4/AhSaKMThDW8BAxyl8nySjFC2OER79L4GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/StaRosa06162018_IslandALawsheweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands Nat'l Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Think of an oil spill and then replace the oil with introduced black or brown rats flowing onto an island and threatening the entire natural habitat: animals and plants.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's quite an image and appropriate for the environmental damage that can occur when these large rat species are introduced to an island ecosystem. California's Channel Islands are constantly threatened by the potential of rat spill. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Black rats (<i>Rattus rattus</i>) and brown rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) are the number one cause of extinction for reptile and bird species on islands. These large rodents reproduce rapidly and eat everything, including eggs and hatchlings.</span> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0XB7-1NtY0/T3uiT2TI3TI/AAAAAAAAA7I/JQYUihWtmJwGVuIQm2SPRQP4Xl6YqrphACPcBGAYYCw/s288/brownpelicanMELawsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="288" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0XB7-1NtY0/T3uiT2TI3TI/AAAAAAAAA7I/JQYUihWtmJwGVuIQm2SPRQP4Xl6YqrphACPcBGAYYCw/w393-h291/brownpelicanMELawsh.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Because islands are primary nesting locations for seabirds, rat spill can take out entire populations. Brown pelicans, oyster catchers, western gulls, and rare species–like ashy storm petrels and Scripp's murrelets–all nest on <a href="http://theearthminute.blogspot.com/2015/07/birds-and-marine-mammals-of-ca-channel.html" target="_blank"><b>California's Anacapa Island</b></a>. Prior to 1940, however, a rat spill introduced hungry rodents to the island with devastating impacts. Some of the bird species were headed toward extinction. </span><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0l7LQ3Wi3M/YZxFnxtBx9I/AAAAAAAADAw/9nyj77_FzwAezc9f2VY2z6VL2LJL9mzWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s397/gull_western.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="397" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0l7LQ3Wi3M/YZxFnxtBx9I/AAAAAAAADAw/9nyj77_FzwAezc9f2VY2z6VL2LJL9mzWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/gull_western.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Beginning with efforts in 2001, Channel Islands National Park spent millions of dollars eradicating the rat spill. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/restoring-anacapa-island-sea-bird-habitat.htm" target="_blank"><b>The effort was successful</b></a>, but the process wouldn't be feasible on larger neighboring islands with small endemic mammals–like the island fox and island spotted skunk live.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAZIoKHR4U/T3uixTk8yOI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ttasI78r620XLXg54N71ehSpXGYVcrRrQCPcBGAYYCw/s1280/channelislandfoxMELawshe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhAZIoKHR4U/T3uixTk8yOI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ttasI78r620XLXg54N71ehSpXGYVcrRrQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/channelislandfoxMELawshe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">While you might think an island fox could prey on a large rat, the fox's small size and the rat's aggressive self-protection, make this rodent a difficult catch for the diminutive island fox. Additionally, rats are a disease vector and can bring viruses, which threaten the fox's survival. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www1.islandfox.org/2021/11/fif-research-grant-to-investigate.html" target="_blank"><b>more about island foxes</b></a> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Across the Channel Islands prevention is the goal. Just like with oil, it is much more cost effective to prevent a rat spill, than to clean up the damage and hope you can restore a habitat. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://theearthminute.blogspot.com/2014/05/visit-santa-cruz-island-channel-islands.html" target="_blank"><b>Take a virtual visit to the Channel Islands</b></a> </span> <br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-82837359308330931692021-11-09T10:17:00.003-08:002021-11-09T10:17:45.708-08:00The Fight to Relist Wolves As Endangered<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ezCciKDz8/Rb-Ujjkg3bI/AAAAAAAAAGY/QLsazUBVqmQdNKIvMJ0-5u2fMVZyJIriACPcBGAYYCw/s448/graywolfKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="448" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_ezCciKDz8/Rb-Ujjkg3bI/AAAAAAAAAGY/QLsazUBVqmQdNKIvMJ0-5u2fMVZyJIriACPcBGAYYCw/s320/graywolfKD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Today a trial begins in Ventura County seeking a court order for the Biden Administration to relist the gray wolf as an endangered species. A private individual and several conservation organizations are arguing that gray wolves once existed across North America and people have a right to see this icon animal in the wild. They argue wolves should be protected until their numbers and range have recovered from centuries of extermination.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Ironically, a single radio-collared gray wolf arrived in the northern reaches of Ventura County earlier this year. This lone male wolf has dispersed from the California/Oregon boarder where a small family of wolves have re-established territory.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q43rGHZ_woY/WcRcnC7Tt8I/AAAAAAAACLw/AzJfgehfSQ8eEE9-Hs_d6s7jEwcTvV0wgCPcBGAYYCw/s900/HaydenValleyYNPweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q43rGHZ_woY/WcRcnC7Tt8I/AAAAAAAACLw/AzJfgehfSQ8eEE9-Hs_d6s7jEwcTvV0wgCPcBGAYYCw/w408-h272/HaydenValleyYNPweb.jpg" width="408" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone's Hayden Valley<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There is no doubt that the environment needs the return of this large predator. The return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has had a transformative impact on the ecosystem. Wolves outside of the Park, however, have often met with persecution and slaughter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have wolves recovered across North America? No. Should they continue to have Endangered Species status? States with large natural populations, say 'No.' A single wolf in Southern California, surely deserves some protection. He also deserves the possibility of finding a mate, not a life of perpetual wandering to find a female that doesn't exist.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd00SXc2sEE/S3CdmAsYgmI/AAAAAAAAAgA/Mf4vMuwCSC4XcSOgk0lrTP1yzKaQNTrUgCPcBGAYYCw/s1200/wolfsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="796" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd00SXc2sEE/S3CdmAsYgmI/AAAAAAAAAgA/Mf4vMuwCSC4XcSOgk0lrTP1yzKaQNTrUgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/wolfsmall.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Do I want a wolf in my backyard? We have a pack of coyotes, now. They were very vocal last night. When there are eight to ten coyotes out in the darkness, our fifty pound dog can't go out into the yard alone. There have been several occasions when he has come face-to-face with them at the edge of the patio. Is he slightly bigger than the coyotes? Yes, but he is a retriever breed with rounded teeth that give him little defense against a coyote pack. These coyotes have changed their natural behavior to try and fill the niche of wolves. They hunt in a pack, rather than in pairs. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Endangered Species Act can't be a one size fits all protection. There needs to be a way to address species protection locally that is integrated into a national effort. Such an effort would require people coming together and that seems harder now than it did ten years ago. For every person who claims it is their constitutional right to see wolves in the wild, there is a person who will say it is their right to let their dog, cattle, sheep, etc out of an enclosure into an area safe from attack by wolves. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/02/gray-wolves-conservation-issue.html" target="_blank"><b>The emotional turmoil around wolves.</b></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because wolves are a species across a wide and diverse range, it is time to rethink how we approach their protection and reintegration with humans. Those who love wolves can't litigate those who hate wolves to change their minds. </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-65687016658201537462021-10-26T20:14:00.003-07:002021-10-26T20:14:46.680-07:00What's Happening in Wisconsin?<p><span style="font-size: large;">A new bill has been proposed in the Wisconsin Statehouse: SB-620. It would expand hunting for a range of wildlife, including sandhill cranes (<i>Antigone canadensis</i>).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFoM2JeGl4M/YXjB6uQYB1I/AAAAAAAAC_8/pofu0m45_KIhkj2IzIAJuj6WK0SS-wWkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/ICFfountainKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFoM2JeGl4M/YXjB6uQYB1I/AAAAAAAAC_8/pofu0m45_KIhkj2IzIAJuj6WK0SS-wWkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ICFfountainKDearbornweb.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I've seen sandhill cranes in Yellowstone National Park and Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming. Notice something in common between these locations? Federally protected land. The only other place I've seen these North American cranes is flying over the Rock River at sunset in Wisconsin.</span><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEhieynv5A/YXjCF5GJxWI/AAAAAAAADAA/HuyfLUZM1Hga2we9YyUx2Hy4fnJNwr53gCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/whoopingcraneKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="652" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSEhieynv5A/YXjCF5GJxWI/AAAAAAAADAA/HuyfLUZM1Hga2we9YyUx2Hy4fnJNwr53gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/whoopingcraneKDearbornweb.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whooping crane<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Baraboo, Wisconsin, is home to the <a href="https://savingcranes.org/" target="_blank"><b>International Crane Foundation</b></a>, an organization that began with two young biologists determined to save the whooping crane (<i>Grus americana</i>) from extinction. In 1950, there were only 34 individuals in the wild. The total whooping crane population in 2021 numbers just over 800. (There were more students in my high school graduating class.) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The International Crane Foundation has become a leader in crane conservation around the world. They not only breed these magnificent birds, but the organization mitigates conflict between people and the fifteen species of cranes around the world.</span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nP16dDl1Cgs/YXjCdIu7vlI/AAAAAAAADAI/QP299P1YUecawxWv7Z0_3zqFTON_yJx8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1506/blackneckedcraneKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="900" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nP16dDl1Cgs/YXjCdIu7vlI/AAAAAAAADAI/QP299P1YUecawxWv7Z0_3zqFTON_yJx8wCLcBGAsYHQ/w228-h382/blackneckedcraneKDearbornweb.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black-necked crane<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Now conflict has come to their front door. Wisconsin is one of the southern-most breeding areas for sandhill cranes. Some breed as far north as Alaska and Eastern Siberia, most breed in Canada. Seen across North America, sandhill cranes migrate south as far as Texas and Mexico in the winter. <a href="https://savingcranes.org/species-field-guide/sandhill-crane/" target="_blank"><b>More about sandhill cranes</b></a>. State Bill 620 would have people believe that shooting sandhill cranes is the only way to reduce their impact on some corn crops in Wisconsin. But there are other non-lethal options that ICF has implemented in other parts of the world. <a href="https://savingcranes.org/sandhill-cranes-crop-depredation-hunting-wisconsin/" target="_blank"><b>ICF's statement on SB-620</b></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This bill isn't about cranes. It isn't about science or practical ways to resolve issues between farmers and wildlife. This is about a small group of people who want to force their privilege to do whatever they want despite the costs or consequences. It's about politics, not corn or cranes.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1HMuIRlWg/YXjCv1sfRiI/AAAAAAAADAQ/m0ywS4CtbNMxwAIYJRmIJkvnTtoLajWdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/Cranes1KDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC1HMuIRlWg/YXjCv1sfRiI/AAAAAAAADAQ/m0ywS4CtbNMxwAIYJRmIJkvnTtoLajWdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cranes1KDearbornweb.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blue cranes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Cranes need a voice. We have developed their habitat, drained their wetlands. If farmers in third world countries can find ways to share the land with cranes, surely we can too. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cranes mate for life. They are lucky if they raise a chick to adulthood every third year. What can seem like a large population today can be quickly decimated. Support conservation that works. <a href="https://savingcranes.org/sandhill-cranes-crop-depredation-hunting-wisconsin/" target="_blank"><b>Raise your voice with the International Crane Foundation.</b></a></span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-41893480025958433362021-10-19T13:01:00.002-07:002022-12-01T19:14:58.349-08:00Protecting the Urban Forest<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upBlzBjRbdc/YW8goikxauI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/HX89FKVZbtEhE3X85MA318jHdndbTo6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s185/ironwoodwhumweb.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="185" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upBlzBjRbdc/YW8goikxauI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/HX89FKVZbtEhE3X85MA318jHdndbTo6LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w239-h181/ironwoodwhumweb.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's hummingbird<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">A week ago the ironbark tree across the street burst into bloom. It was one of the few ironbark or eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood that was doing well. Most have been severely impacted by CA's continuing drought.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The blooming tree was an oasis for migrating birds - Hutton's vireo, Anna's hummingbirds, yellow-rumped warblers, Townsend's warbler, a black-throated gray warbler, and ruby-crowned kinglets. All of these species were documented in a single morning last week. The resident Allen's hummingbirds were also imbibing of the flower nectar. This single tree was providing natural food and sanctuary.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF5SYOh8hNM/YW8g_w0bKwI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/Jr5dMu95XAgKSv_uY08XHD7a1Kze1y8lACLcBGAsYHQ/s900/redgumtrimmedweb.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="566" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF5SYOh8hNM/YW8g_w0bKwI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/Jr5dMu95XAgKSv_uY08XHD7a1Kze1y8lACLcBGAsYHQ/w263-h419/redgumtrimmedweb.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">This morning the ironbark and its neighboring red gum eucalyptus are savagely reduced to skeletons. The red gum has been poorly trimmed before. Because of it, its shortened limbs have been forced to send out new growth that is unstable and tends to break off in winds. To reduce the dropped limbs the home owner made the same mistake again, repeating a cycle of mismanaged trimming that will cause this tree to regrow fragile limbs and result in shortening its life. Each chopped off limb is now open to insect and fungal invaders. It is a cycle I have witnessed throughout my neighborhood for twenty-five years.</span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Twenty-five years ago our neighborhood was renowned for its tree-lined streets. We were typically cooler than other neighborhoods. Today 90% of our large trees are gone and Woodland Hills frequently records the hottest temperatures in the west San Fernando Valley.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdbdASJGXnQ/YW8h9puvnCI/AAAAAAAAC_g/KsVKYFeN50AbR8OhrboELad166NNEbd4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/ironwoodremnantweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdbdASJGXnQ/YW8h9puvnCI/AAAAAAAAC_g/KsVKYFeN50AbR8OhrboELad166NNEbd4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ironwoodremnantweb.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In the remnant of a single blooming branch a small Hutton's vireo sat bewildered. (circled in green)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MbYn43w7M/YW8iGRGR84I/AAAAAAAAC_k/YO6h4o-Z7Acl4CHcgl_UMxgjoQuaS__SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s185/veriointreeweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="185" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4MbYn43w7M/YW8iGRGR84I/AAAAAAAAC_k/YO6h4o-Z7Acl4CHcgl_UMxgjoQuaS__SQCLcBGAsYHQ/w259-h247/veriointreeweb.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />How do we stop deforesting our urban forest? How do we teach people the value of their trees and the shade they provide? What steps can we take to plant trees that both provide habitat for native wildlife and are compatible with urban needs?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who speaks for the urban forest? </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-1913564027039533742021-09-24T13:40:00.004-07:002021-09-24T13:40:58.701-07:00Water - A Vital Resource for Wild Birds<p><span style="font-size: large;">This morning we awoke to this...</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvMyyGmHHMw/YU4rQRuC2KI/AAAAAAAAC9c/yahYfbs6AiULzU-TCjtKTbtC0pjllEo_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/ashinwater2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NvMyyGmHHMw/YU4rQRuC2KI/AAAAAAAAC9c/yahYfbs6AiULzU-TCjtKTbtC0pjllEo_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w531-h398/ashinwater2021.jpg" width="531" /></a></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">... a swirl of ash on the water dish on the ground. A bird coming south from the fires in northern and central California, stopped for a bath or at least a drink.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Especially in the dry weather we are having water is a vital resource for wildlife. On an especially hot dry day, two weeks ago, we even had this great horned owl drop in for a drink.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_8lobqkzkPQ/YU4uwKNgPHI/AAAAAAAAC9k/GCc_m96X_AUX2-Kf_jb0VkCsZ6VJns2qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/GHowl_inbirdbath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="900" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_8lobqkzkPQ/YU4uwKNgPHI/AAAAAAAAC9k/GCc_m96X_AUX2-Kf_jb0VkCsZ6VJns2qgCLcBGAsYHQ/w371-h284/GHowl_inbirdbath.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">great horned owl in ground water dish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For long-distance travelers, known stop overs are vital to successful migration. In the past week we've had a female western tanager and a male black-headed grosbeak. Two other migratory birds arrived here in the last 48 hours: a white-crowned sparrow and a male Townsend's warbler. The white-crowned sparrow stopped for food and water, but the warbler stopped to take a bath in our fountain this morning. The native plants may provide him with an insect snack, but we don't directly provide warblers with food. Water and shelter in <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/04/april-is-native-plant-month.html" target="_blank"><b>native vegetation</b></a> are the draw. </span></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL3rBzZMfiQ/U0sOA1W8ofI/AAAAAAAABc8/6_GNC7joHHUhy5sARpyCee8T0sut1tBDACPcBGAYYCw/s720/CAtowheeKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL3rBzZMfiQ/U0sOA1W8ofI/AAAAAAAABc8/6_GNC7joHHUhy5sARpyCee8T0sut1tBDACPcBGAYYCw/s320/CAtowheeKDearbornweb.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CA towhee on raised birdbath<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">You can make a difference for long-distance traveling birds. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A running fountain, a raised birdbath, or even a shallow dish of water on the ground. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Different birds and animals have different preferences. Always make sure that the location is safe from domestic cats.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While I was writing this a Cooper's hawk came and drank from the dish. It may be one of the <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/07/juvenile-coopers-hawks-staying-cool.html" target="_blank"><b>youngsters that spent hot summer days here in 2019</b></a>. Sitting with their feet in the cool water helps birds cool down. The red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks prefer the raised bird bath. Rabbits and <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/desert-tortoises-awakening-in-spring.html" target="_blank"><b>desert tortoises</b></a> prefer the ground dishes.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7TRucfAKYs/XTd_pmFdYhI/AAAAAAAACgc/Uo2vbFZxpEoyUQ_rl3V-AWcVH90izAUDgCPcBGAYYCw/s720/CoopersjuvsinwaterMELawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="720" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7TRucfAKYs/XTd_pmFdYhI/AAAAAAAACgc/Uo2vbFZxpEoyUQ_rl3V-AWcVH90izAUDgCPcBGAYYCw/w447-h396/CoopersjuvsinwaterMELawsheweb.jpg" width="447" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juvenile Cooper's hawks <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Climate change challenges wildlife survival. Provide clean water and <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/03/book-review-braiding-sweetgrass-by.html" target="_blank"><b>give back to the natural world</b></a>. (Still water should be replaced every day or every other day.) </span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-43827251365506545872021-06-23T13:38:00.001-07:002021-06-23T13:44:17.349-07:00Unexpected Wild Carrot - Native or Introduced?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC9y6bil1n0/YNOVbZx32TI/AAAAAAAAC48/HVagnyxRZCAFAIGEwrfpXLCQZrHvRPa7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/coyotemint.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="435" height="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC9y6bil1n0/YNOVbZx32TI/AAAAAAAAC48/HVagnyxRZCAFAIGEwrfpXLCQZrHvRPa7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h441/coyotemint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Gardening with native plants can be a challenge. Natives don't always thrive in the site you assign them. For example, the sedge below is growing, but it isn't thriving. Right beside it, the coyote mint (<i>Monardella villosa</i>) pictured above is thriving. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvOS541w6Zc/YNOVug2QMGI/AAAAAAAAC5E/jyd5nSRpRX8TcAlRnX2HhOrSILGRrGbZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/sedge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="380" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvOS541w6Zc/YNOVug2QMGI/AAAAAAAAC5E/jyd5nSRpRX8TcAlRnX2HhOrSILGRrGbZwCLcBGAsYHQ/w315-h398/sedge.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxcQbogFYSs/YNOV67Qm0LI/AAAAAAAAC5I/joI-d0rKS_QD890UCGf4OlhxsgZKm1evgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/toyon2021KDearbornweb.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxcQbogFYSs/YNOV67Qm0LI/AAAAAAAAC5I/joI-d0rKS_QD890UCGf4OlhxsgZKm1evgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/toyon2021KDearbornweb.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This toyon grew from seed on its own and is the most robust toyon in our garden. </span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I noticed the lacy-leaved plant, below, coming up last winter and I let it grow, because I wasn't quite sure what it was. It was sprouting from the dirt of a nursery raised native that had petered out. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It got bigger and bigger. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/04/letting-go-of-word-weed.html" target="_blank"><b>I've tried to let go of the term"weed,"</b></a> sometimes native plants come and they grow where they're suited, not where we want them. It looked too pretty to be a weed, but what was it? <br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdoUk1cSS8s/YNOWa1Z7_CI/AAAAAAAAC5U/9GggnfXpxeIRG1Azb0xAA2YsK77Jp6fRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/wildcarrotleaf_KDearbornweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="322" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdoUk1cSS8s/YNOWa1Z7_CI/AAAAAAAAC5U/9GggnfXpxeIRG1Azb0xAA2YsK77Jp6fRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w198-h368/wildcarrotleaf_KDearbornweb.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hvrk6uhyfA/YNOWnbkTI2I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/y-EUUFBh0ngWLf8fEXEEgVTcIDZr0qBNACLcBGAsYHQ/s480/wildcarrotbase_KDearbornweb.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hvrk6uhyfA/YNOWnbkTI2I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/y-EUUFBh0ngWLf8fEXEEgVTcIDZr0qBNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wildcarrotbase_KDearbornweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It reminded me of a plant I had seen in wild meadows, commonly called: <i>Queen Anne's Lace</i>. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> As it started to bloom, the answer was clear: wild carrot (<i>Daucus carota</i>) also called <i>Queen Anne's Lace</i>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg5uAzMTq0s/YNOXZz43DoI/AAAAAAAAC5k/r4B4ysvcGlcMvRarBe1XjYWMb-NjfyD8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/wildcarrotflower_KDearbornweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="524" height="429" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg5uAzMTq0s/YNOXZz43DoI/AAAAAAAAC5k/r4B4ysvcGlcMvRarBe1XjYWMb-NjfyD8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w374-h429/wildcarrotflower_KDearbornweb.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With a little investigation, however, I discovered wild carrot is an introduced plant from Eurasia. It is indeed the ancestor of domestic carrots and most likely came with early European immigrants to North America. The USDA Plant Database map reveals that it is found throughout the North East to the Mississippi Valley, expanding into the South, and all along the West Coast of the U.S. Some sources site it as growing in all fifty states. In some states, according to the <a href="https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=5514" target="_blank"><b>Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States</b></a>, it is considered an aggressive invasive. Like the carrot in your refrigerator, it has a thick taproot, difficult to pull out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some states villainize it and make it illegal to transport or sell the seeds. At the same time researchers are investigating the possible health benefits of its volatile oil. Wild carrot has long been considered a medicinal herb with diuretic properties. </span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs2dt_FahLU/YNOYFHQU9iI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Lf-IC6CLGPQOhU4DRb3YgUFUv0P9OSUYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/wildcarrot_KDearbornweb.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="385" height="451" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs2dt_FahLU/YNOYFHQU9iI/AAAAAAAAC5s/Lf-IC6CLGPQOhU4DRb3YgUFUv0P9OSUYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w289-h451/wildcarrot_KDearbornweb.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Where did this lovely specimen in my yard come from? I have no idea. Most likely, birds transported the seed, which have tiny burs on their edges. Birds occasionally bring <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/02/answer-to-mystery-plant-black.html" target="_blank"><b>black nightshade</b></a> into the yard. Or maybe it was in the soil that came with that nursery plant. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Will I remove it? The biggest claim against it is that it takes hold in disturbed soils and out competes native plants or grasses grown for livestock. It can be mildly toxic to livestock, in other words: this plant has evolved to protect itself from grazing animals. Because of its deep root, it holds unstable ground, but after several years all sources say that it gives way to the natives. Controlled burning doesn't reduce it, because it grows back from the deeply established root. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Right now it is beautiful and somewhat contained. I think I'll leave it. We'll pick the flowers and not let it go to seed. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/03/lawn-shrimp-really-im-not-kidding.html" target="_blank"><b>Another surprise nonnative - lawn shrimp</b></a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/04/april-is-native-plant-month.html" target="_blank"><b>April was Native Plant Month</b></a></span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-46176214445387185882021-06-15T12:56:00.002-07:002021-06-15T12:56:47.667-07:00Monarch Caterpillars!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkb19kMJExA/YMkA-IEC25I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/5XxShFibNWYrjIk3aYHy8fqtC_5c59NRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/monarchcat1KDweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="600" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkb19kMJExA/YMkA-IEC25I/AAAAAAAAC4Y/5XxShFibNWYrjIk3aYHy8fqtC_5c59NRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h354/monarchcat1KDweb.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What a surprise this morning, monarch caterpillars! And they are an inch and a half long.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We've been seeing an adult monarch butterfly (<i>Danaus plexippus</i>) a couple of times a week. The last few years we have been growing native narrow-leaved milkweed (<i>Asclepias fascicularis</i>) and the introduced tropical species (<i>Asclepias curassavica</i>) that is readily available at garden stores.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-oasis-of-habitat-in-los-angeles.html" target="_blank"><b>We've had little caterpillars in the past</b></a>, but they seemed to get eaten by either a bird or a predatory insect. This is the first time that we have had caterpillars reach this size in years.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The group of monarch butterflies that live in California (west of the Rocky Mountains) do not migrate to Mexico with the main population from the southern Central and Eastern part of the U.S. This Pacific population overwinters along the coast in Southern California down into Baja. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CGuo3MGQj0/YMkDtcMmuVI/AAAAAAAAC4g/WpNophKaOoIMrUKaBzpx8TBfsk0FG6E6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/monarchcatKDweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="352" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CGuo3MGQj0/YMkDtcMmuVI/AAAAAAAAC4g/WpNophKaOoIMrUKaBzpx8TBfsk0FG6E6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w265-h361/monarchcatKDweb.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Loss of milkweed habitat has caused declines in this population. Most butterfly species lay eggs on a specific plant species and their caterpillars are dependent on that plant for food. Native milkweed can be a challenge to grow. I didn't realize that narrow-leaved milkweed dies back each winter. I thought I had killed it and took it out. Now I understand that it will grow back in the spring. Until my native milkweed is established, I supplement with the tropical species in a planter, to avoid it becoming invasive.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These hot days, with temperatures above 100 degrees are a challenge for plants and wildlife. I hope that our caterpillars make it to chrysalis. It would be great to contribute to a new generation of monarch butterflies.</span></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2018/10/whats-that-caterpillar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other caterpillars you might see in your CA yard</b></span></a></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2016/05/whats-that-butterfly.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Backyard Butterfly Quiz</b></span></a></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2014/04/mourning-cloak-caterpillars.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mourning Cloak Butterfly</b></span></a></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2006/10/beauty-of-monarchs-and-jerusalem.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monarchs and Jerusalem Crickets</b></span></a><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-63493462381086444612021-04-19T14:57:00.000-07:002021-04-19T14:57:24.680-07:00April Is Native Plant Month!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAY72Qyg4-o/YH3ysuYl_dI/AAAAAAAAC2g/3CP7bAGlB3kz-_QZjQJqhlcqzPJhjpPhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/RayHartmanCeanothusKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="720" height="249" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAY72Qyg4-o/YH3ysuYl_dI/AAAAAAAAC2g/3CP7bAGlB3kz-_QZjQJqhlcqzPJhjpPhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h249/RayHartmanCeanothusKDearbornweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that the U.S. Senate has found something to agree on: Native Plants!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2MquOXY7eo/YH3zDfAyriI/AAAAAAAAC2o/VZG_fAmJOzEhUq1Fi52mD5iD74u1eZdiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/DouglasIrisPurpleKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2MquOXY7eo/YH3zDfAyriI/AAAAAAAAC2o/VZG_fAmJOzEhUq1Fi52mD5iD74u1eZdiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/DouglasIrisPurpleKDearbornweb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">On March 25th, U.S. Senators <a href="https://twitter.com/senrobportman">Rob Portman</a> (R-Ohio) and <a href="https://twitter.com/maziehirono">Mazie Hirono</a> (D-Hawaii) introduced a <a href="https://www.portman.senate.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/MUR21197.pdf" target="_blank"><b>resolution</b></a> declaring April as "National Native Plant Month." Amazingly, the Senate passed the declaration by <a href="https://www.portman.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/portman-hirono-praise-unanimous-senate-passage-bipartisan-resolution">unanimous consent</a>. They all agreed!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wherever you live, native plants are vital to your local wildlife. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Flowering native plants provide the pollen and nectar vital to native insects. </span></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_TJw29pph8/YH3zbyUCcfI/AAAAAAAAC2w/3NJseCcrLzkfbVFe_oZF-bWJbLXbG3VuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/mallowKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="654" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_TJw29pph8/YH3zbyUCcfI/AAAAAAAAC2w/3NJseCcrLzkfbVFe_oZF-bWJbLXbG3VuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w291-h400/mallowKDearbornweb.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This mallow was one of the first native plants we grew successfully. It provides food for native insects, which in-turn provide food for the <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2014/04/bewicks-wrens-build-nest.html" target="_blank"><b>Bewick's wren</b></a> and bushtits that regularly nest in our yard. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A family of <a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2007/04/western-fence-lizard-super-hero.html" target="_blank"><b>western fence lizards</b></a> live in the protection of its branches and leaves. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The mallow also helps hold our hillside. We know it is in the right location because it has grown from a single plant to patch of plants.</span><br /></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU_2QyGn4sU/YH30knM5bsI/AAAAAAAAC24/41rOkU9Y3woR8xxAfgE5REjaYAqHHDnegCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/CAfushiaKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="720" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU_2QyGn4sU/YH30knM5bsI/AAAAAAAAC24/41rOkU9Y3woR8xxAfgE5REjaYAqHHDnegCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h358/CAfushiaKDearbornweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This cultivar of California fuchia (Epilobium canum) feeds our Anna's and <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/03/hummingbird-egg-laid-today.html" target="_blank"><b>Allen's hummingbirds</b>.</a> I love the brilliant red flowers.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1O0nsj0OHw/YH31CZC1SuI/AAAAAAAAC3A/8E5XA1NP9SkqavfZJl76ghDtTkw01VTKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/RayHartmanCeanothusFullKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="920" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l1O0nsj0OHw/YH31CZC1SuI/AAAAAAAAC3A/8E5XA1NP9SkqavfZJl76ghDtTkw01VTKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h400/RayHartmanCeanothusFullKDearbornweb.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Ceanothus has long been some of our favorite native plants. Also known as California lilac, they bloom in a range of <a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/03/california-natives-in-spring.html" target="_blank"><b>purple</b></a> to <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2017/03/celebrating-first-day-of-spring-2017.html" target="_blank"><b>white flowers</b></a>. This new specimen is a 'Ray Hartman'. It will grow to the size of a small tree. We used it as a living Christmas tree in a pot this past December and now it is filling out nicely to become a screening plant between us and our neighbors. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The purple to blue flowers feed a variety of bee species, including <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2015/03/climate-change-impacts-on-valley.html" target="_blank"><b>valley carpenter bees</b></a>. It has grown six inches in the past four months. We are thinking of adding a second plant beside it.<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08mBSHLBOFQ/YH32fLPqQ_I/AAAAAAAAC3I/76UKmgcDNYk6AKwDUTaEY1XR4IRvajBCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/DouglasIrisWhiteKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08mBSHLBOFQ/YH32fLPqQ_I/AAAAAAAAC3I/76UKmgcDNYk6AKwDUTaEY1XR4IRvajBCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/DouglasIrisWhiteKDearbornweb.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Douglas iris (<i>Iris douglasiana</i>) (in white and purple) are showstoppers in the spring and their ground cover provides a year-round home for a lovely <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2016/09/its-small-it-squiggles-across-floor-and.html" target="_blank"><b>alligator lizard</b></a>, another insect eating native species.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Native plants are adapted for their location and native wildlife is adapted to interact with them. Planting native plants can change your yard from sterile landscaping to a <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-joys-of-providing-wildlife-habitat.html" target="_blank"><b>wildlife refuge</b></a>. </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-26505251530584890642021-04-12T19:20:00.004-07:002021-04-12T19:20:47.722-07:00The Joys of Providing Wildlife Habitat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db_7o35g4sE/YHT70dU_pGI/AAAAAAAAC10/rTiLPEqpVUsIuoRY62u1ZDhaKtGCgpYRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/Black-headed-grosbeakweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="900" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db_7o35g4sE/YHT70dU_pGI/AAAAAAAAC10/rTiLPEqpVUsIuoRY62u1ZDhaKtGCgpYRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h279/Black-headed-grosbeakweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This morning some traveling friends stopped in for breakfast. Three migrating black-headed grosbeak (<i>Pheucticus melanocephalus</i>) were at the bird feeder. (A female is sitting on the right side of the tube feeder above.) They have spent the winter in Mexico or Central America and now they are headed north. They may nest somewhere near-by or they may migrate all the way up to British Columbia, Canada.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's rewarding to know that they can find our oasis of habitat in the sprawling suburbs of Los Angeles. For more than ten years, black-headed grosbeaks have been stopping here for food and water as they pass through in April and then again in late July or August as they head south. I know this because I keep track in a <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2015/04/backyard-bird-journal-by-keri-dearborn.html" target="_blank"><b>bird journal</b></a>.<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSij8Bb-j4g/WNAvmHymnyI/AAAAAAAACDI/ImN4iOHnsDMsT7jGFCZU7UTs4HwWqXQHgCPcBGAYYCw/s900/LadyBanksfullKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSij8Bb-j4g/WNAvmHymnyI/AAAAAAAACDI/ImN4iOHnsDMsT7jGFCZU7UTs4HwWqXQHgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/LadyBanksfullKDearbornweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Especially when the California hillsides are dryer than they should be, our yard provides food, water, and shelter for these migrants to stop and rest for a few days. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The birds who live here year round are nesting. The native plants are providing nectar for at least four nesting Allen's hummingbirds. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfJbH0XiVno/YHT8jusUpGI/AAAAAAAAC18/qSNAcECWWzoSVDfhibgoaeoE4INkJ2c6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/P1-2021hatchingMLawshe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="900" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfJbH0XiVno/YHT8jusUpGI/AAAAAAAAC18/qSNAcECWWzoSVDfhibgoaeoE4INkJ2c6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h355/P1-2021hatchingMLawshe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These Allen's hummingbird chicks hatched on April 10th. (<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2021/03/hummingbird-egg-laid-today.html" target="_blank"><b>The nest wasn't finished when the first egg was laid.</b></a>) If you look closely you can see the bits of eggshell inside the nest cup just to the left and above the naked chick.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyaBDjLvsXg/YHT81POwcNI/AAAAAAAAC2E/94MkDB2EWXw2q1dEAymFIknk8b0QyTChgCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/P1-2021_4-daysoldKDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="900" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyaBDjLvsXg/YHT81POwcNI/AAAAAAAAC2E/94MkDB2EWXw2q1dEAymFIknk8b0QyTChgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h283/P1-2021_4-daysoldKDearborn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Two full days old and the chicks still have closed eyes, but they raise their little beaks to be fed whenever a shadow falls across the nest. (See the tiny beak raised for food.) This nest is on our patio. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6bh-q3GU0k/XI_6h7I9vXI/AAAAAAAACaU/V3gIEsZI8z0iSm7T3owLN3HyPNkK0miogCPcBGAYYCw/s480/F1-2019_03182019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6bh-q3GU0k/XI_6h7I9vXI/AAAAAAAACaU/V3gIEsZI8z0iSm7T3owLN3HyPNkK0miogCPcBGAYYCw/s320/F1-2019_03182019.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Another female nesting in a native hollyleaf cherry shrub in the front yard urged her fully feather chicks to fly on April 10th. (<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/second-nesting-attempts-by-allens.html" target="_blank">She has been successfully nesting in our yard for several years.</a>)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So far in 2021 we've had four Allen's hummingbird nesting attempts. Two were successful - one with one chick and the other with two chicks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Creating wildlife habitat is vital for migrating and nesting birds. Too much of their native habitat has been developed and changed. We have watched our yard transform from a sterile suburban yard to a small wildlife reserve. Birds in California face a huge loss of habitat due to development and climate change. You can make a difference with native plants and water.</span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-87491995901643383162021-04-05T16:29:00.003-07:002021-04-05T16:29:57.228-07:00Cymbidium Orchids - Thriving in CA with Sublime Neglect<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB_l7Tkfk8I/YGuY66tqYOI/AAAAAAAAC1M/nZsNhx5QMmEj-rcTZRPuOxL13CIcV-CmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s751/cymbidiumYKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB_l7Tkfk8I/YGuY66tqYOI/AAAAAAAAC1M/nZsNhx5QMmEj-rcTZRPuOxL13CIcV-CmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w384-h400/cymbidiumYKDearbornweb.jpg" width="384" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The cymbidium orchids began to open their blooms yesterday. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is amazing how a plant can thrive with sublime neglect if it is in the right place. This yellow cymbidium was cultivated by my husband's grandfather over 40 years ago, before cloning made orchids abundant. It was one of the few orchids in his vast collection that stayed in the family after he passed away. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9Lj_Rh6hXE/YGuZKulGmwI/AAAAAAAAC1U/5NytwB0fApQau48UcjpdJ5fM9hx0z_mkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1017/cymbidiumorchidKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9Lj_Rh6hXE/YGuZKulGmwI/AAAAAAAAC1U/5NytwB0fApQau48UcjpdJ5fM9hx0z_mkACLcBGAsYHQ/w284-h400/cymbidiumorchidKDearbornweb.jpg" width="284" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />We've been lucky to find the right micro-climate in our yard where it flourishes without much attention. Living in the San Fernando Valley, hot summers might wilt or scorch this specimen, but we have an area in the yard we call "the canyon." Part of a natural stream bed, it is the "v" where two north-facing slopes meet. It can become an actual stream in a down pour. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here a native elderberry, hollyleaf cherry, and a redwood tree (<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-living-christmas-tree-with-twist.html" target="_blank"><b>a previously living Christmas tree</b></a>) are growing well and providing mottled shade most of the day. The orchid gets just enough sun to burst into bloom each spring.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't feed it. I don't bring it in during the winter; other plants protect it from possible frost. It gets rainfall or water once or twice a week. It currently has four flower spikes.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lILB5HrPfts/UgBJYHLEKrI/AAAAAAAABLU/bQr71qv-PmEwQ5R442twYKOioS7lpn4OgCPcBGAYYCw/s288/catalinacherryripeDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lILB5HrPfts/UgBJYHLEKrI/AAAAAAAABLU/bQr71qv-PmEwQ5R442twYKOioS7lpn4OgCPcBGAYYCw/s0/catalinacherryripeDearborn.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">native hollyleaf cherry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I fail with various native plants, I blame myself. The most common reason for a plant to fail is that it just isn't in the right place. Southern California yards can have a range of micro-climates. The front of our north-facing house has pockets where the plants never have direct sun: cool dry shade. The very top of our hill slope has an area that experiences direct sun most of the year combined with heavy clay soil that repels water: hot dry sun. The hollyleaf cherry can survive in both micro-climates, but most plants can't. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Even a change in the other plants can alter a micro-climate creating opportunity for plants that weren't thriving before: <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/cistus-and-sage-in-wildlife-garden.html" target="_blank"><b>Cistus begins blooming</b></a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOpkEKKf8fk/YGuahx1XDbI/AAAAAAAAC1c/M2ZkQVULwbIS5XRds9lW-K7iw0ptThSzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1103/cymbidiumWKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOpkEKKf8fk/YGuahx1XDbI/AAAAAAAAC1c/M2ZkQVULwbIS5XRds9lW-K7iw0ptThSzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w261-h400/cymbidiumWKDearbornweb.jpg" width="261" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Success can help us repeat success - a second cymbidium has joined the elder honorable bloomer and it too is thriving. If a plant is struggling, don't be afraid to move it. We planted a desert willow in the canyon and it wasn't happy. Out on the front slope it has doubled its size. Maybe we've found the right place for it. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/03/success-with-native-plant-western-redbud.html" target="_blank"><b>Native plants</b></a> are by definition in the right place. They have native pollinators and are accustom to California's weather patterns. Find the right place for them in your yard and they too will thrive with sublime neglect.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://theearthminute.blogspot.com/2014/08/an-earth-minute-of-orchids.html" target="_blank"><b>Orchids in the Yard and Upclose</b></a> </span><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-69328808545067933802021-03-29T10:00:00.001-07:002021-03-29T10:00:12.279-07:00Book Review: "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer<p><span style="font-size: large;">I heard about this book through some independent booksellers on the PBS Newshour. While it isn't brand new, it is vital reading if you want to make a positive difference in the world.</span></p><p><a href="https://milkweed.org/book/braiding-sweetgrass" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Braiding Sweetgrass; Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants</span></b></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">by <a href="https://www.esf.edu/faculty/kimmerer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Robin Wall Kimmerer</b></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Milkweed Editions 2013</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine how different the daily operations of our federal government might be if each convening of the U.S. Congress began with our elected officials first agreeing that all people and all living things had the right to clean air, clean water, and a sustainable life. How could they build solutions, if they agreed that the water had an obligation to be clean and to flow naturally so that it could play the roll it was meant to play for the planet and for the living beings. How different would we look at our planet if we saw ourselves as part of its natural processes and not separate from them?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTwirKsLIpY/VTmWY0VZ0XI/AAAAAAAABtE/-h9I5QQki8cdi-sq-JqM7akruAT_9llhgCPcBGAYYCw/s720/LimekilnCanyonKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="720" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTwirKsLIpY/VTmWY0VZ0XI/AAAAAAAABtE/-h9I5QQki8cdi-sq-JqM7akruAT_9llhgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h310/LimekilnCanyonKDearbornweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Robin Wall Kimmerer is that rare human who lives both in the world of modern science and indigenous culture. Can the two intertwine and compliment one another? Kimmerer reveals her own path to combining new knowledge with ancient wisdom. She provides insight from ancient language that can name challenges our English language has no words for. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is no lecturing here, but there are challenges to a Western European mindset of conquer and subjugate. The Earth gives all that it can to us, what do we give back?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPSGl7nLHts/XL4EizJATzI/AAAAAAAACdg/2JcFJOD39eMpXhk97aKfyj1X09FUXiWJQCPcBGAYYCw/s480/C1-04222019KDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPSGl7nLHts/XL4EizJATzI/AAAAAAAACdg/2JcFJOD39eMpXhk97aKfyj1X09FUXiWJQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/C1-04222019KDearbornweb.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hummingbird nest in native Catalina cherry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This book has won a spot on my nightstand. I know that I will go back to it time and again, finding greater depth in my understanding and discovering new layers in its wisdom. For now, I have put my hands back into the earth to grow some of my own food. I renew my efforts to bring native plants into my yard to feed and shelter the flying families and "four-legged peoples." I will tend my "standing people" because the trees provide shade from the summer heat and clean the air for us all. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KqFUiSzVuQ/YFkejcBIRqI/AAAAAAAAC0U/wjjJEXfsbSoX-70t7WBab9n9nMxReMRuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/Foxe-on-cliffcroppedMELawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KqFUiSzVuQ/YFkejcBIRqI/AAAAAAAAC0U/wjjJEXfsbSoX-70t7WBab9n9nMxReMRuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Foxe-on-cliffcroppedMELawsheweb.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channel Island fox<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Reciprocal" is the word you will walk away with. In Kimmerer's stories I found insights into my own relationship with <a href="http://www1.islandfox.org/" target="_blank"><b>island fox conservation</b></a> and the human relationship with island foxes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What will you find in these pages to enlighten your own journey? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Other Book Reviews:</span></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-review-big-ones-by-lucy-jones.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Big Ones" by Lucy Jones</span></b></a></p><p><a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2012/05/life-in-shell.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Life in a Shell" by Donald C. Jackson</span></b></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2011/09/feathers-evolution-of-natural-miracle.html" target="_blank"><b>"Feathers; The Evolution of a Miracle" by Thor Hansen</b></a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2007/07/geese-of-beaver-bog-by-bernd-heinrich.html" target="_blank"><b>"The Geese of Beaver Bog" by Bernard Heinrich</b></a> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-88232118196158971822021-03-22T13:54:00.002-07:002021-03-22T13:54:39.652-07:00Hummingbird Egg Laid Today<p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm always happy when I find a new Allen's hummingbird nest. I know this egg was laid this morning because it wasn't there yesterday. A second egg will probably be laid tomorrow or the next day. It typically takes 19 days for them to hatch.</span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btERUCxycPM/YFj-ZWlciBI/AAAAAAAAC0M/GDHbrUs1Plgmywp0WGa1SN_1z-9AJhARwCLcBGAsYHQ/s480/P1_3-22-2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="431" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btERUCxycPM/YFj-ZWlciBI/AAAAAAAAC0M/GDHbrUs1Plgmywp0WGa1SN_1z-9AJhARwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1_3-22-2021.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allen's hummingbird nest P1-3/22/2021<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">This nest is actually <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2020/03/allens-hummingbird-nest-taking-form.html" target="_blank"><b>last year's patio nest</b></a> refurbished. The nest is a bit incomplete and even unstable, but that is a trait of this female. She is a bit haphazard in her building and her mothering. I knew she was rebuilding the nest, but it didn't seem finished. The egg this morning caught me by surprise. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This female was successful with her first nest last year. The second attempt both chicks perished just after hatching and the third attempt came too late in the season. The chicks did not survive the multiple days of temperatures over 100 degrees that we had in late June into July. Despite our attempts to provide shade, the heat was too much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We've had two nesting attempts by other Allen's hummingbirds this season. One chick successfully fledged on March 14th. The other nest with two chicks was taken by an unknown predator. March is typically when second nesting attempts are started, but we are way behind the 5 successful chicks by March 2019. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/second-nesting-attempts-by-allens.html" target="_blank"><b>Nests 2019</b></a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCTjySLvbB8/TPGo5rfQtHI/AAAAAAAAAz0/unGaPgXaJNAWKeoMJpWLLxPEbSKGNiTIQCPcBGAYYCw/s288/PonnestDearborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCTjySLvbB8/TPGo5rfQtHI/AAAAAAAAAz0/unGaPgXaJNAWKeoMJpWLLxPEbSKGNiTIQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/PonnestDearborn.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The weather has been cold. Most females have waited to nest.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I discovered a fourth nest a few days ago, in a location also previously used. This female has a type "A" personality. Her nest is pristine. She was on the nest constantly for the past four days. She was keeping hatchlings warm in our cooler than usual weather. So on this first Monday in spring - one hummingbird egg and two tiny chicks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2018/04/are-you-watching-hummingbird-nest.html" target="_blank"><b>Spotting hummingbird nests</b></a> </span> <br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-74326994973517362482021-03-15T18:05:00.003-07:002021-03-15T18:09:54.770-07:00Lawn Shrimp - Really I'm Not Kidding<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOR6SyveW1o/S8OaSrbxVLI/AAAAAAAAAnY/aBt9Lo04Q2surF5Vog6Tu6Kpobegj9F_QCPcBGAYYCw/s288/grape.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOR6SyveW1o/S8OaSrbxVLI/AAAAAAAAAnY/aBt9Lo04Q2surF5Vog6Tu6Kpobegj9F_QCPcBGAYYCw/s0/grape.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Have you ever moved a pot on your damp California patio and seen quarter-inch-long critters hopping away? They look something like shrimp, but propel themselves on hopping legs–sort of like a flea. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For years we've seen these tiny creatures and wondered: What are they?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yitpHrUQWqc/YE_-m4pRkLI/AAAAAAAACz8/HBZxJUqeFVowre44YZYfevQqNCInqWXIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/lawn-shrimpKDweb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="720" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yitpHrUQWqc/YE_-m4pRkLI/AAAAAAAACz8/HBZxJUqeFVowre44YZYfevQqNCInqWXIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h255/lawn-shrimpKDweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">It just happens that new findings on island fox diet on the Channel Islands is showing that island foxes are eating small hopping crustaceans on the beach called "beach hoppers." These little guys are the critters erroneously labeled "sand fleas." Beach hoppers are decomposers. They live in burrows in the sand and eat kelp washed up on the beach. <a href="http://www1.islandfox.org/" target="_blank"><b>Find out more about island foxes at islandfox.org</b></a>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wondered if the crustaceans in my backyard were related to these beach hoppers. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are, but it turns out they are exotic relations. They are known as "lawn shrimp"–kind of a fun name. <i>Arcitalitrus sylvaticus</i> is in the same family as the native beach hoppers that we see on CA beaches, but the lawn shrimp is native to southern Australia.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is believed these Australian crustaceans arrived in California in the early 1900s in the damp soil surrounding blue gum eucalyptus that were being imported and planted as wind breaks on ranches and agricultural land. While most of those large old eucalyptus trees are gone, their descendants and the lawn shrimp are still with us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As decomposers, lawn shrimp contribute to the breakdown of organic matter into the soil. They are not known to have a negative ecological impact. In fact, some birds may eat them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxwQX9-kuYk/S1o7nBvZFnI/AAAAAAAAAdw/tpaoEMt1NDEYnthob5sYYtZ6M2PphFjDQCPcBGAYYCw/s288/rainwater.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxwQX9-kuYk/S1o7nBvZFnI/AAAAAAAAAdw/tpaoEMt1NDEYnthob5sYYtZ6M2PphFjDQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/rainwater.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Despite being crustaceans, these little gals drown in water. When moisture levels fluctuate, the lawn shrimp move from soggy soil to sidewalks, where they escape drowning but may become dehydrated and die. When it is dry, they may end up in pools or water dishes and drown. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While they may come into buildings to escape too much rain, they pose no threat to people or pets. They perish quickly in dry areas and turn red when they die. That's when they really look like "shrimp." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Other creatures displaced by rain:</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/10/trapdoor-spider-came-in-from-rain.html" target="_blank">spider</a> </span></b></p><p><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/03/ca-slender-salamanders-and-conserving.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">salamander </span></b></a><br /></p>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-59818323521776859562020-03-15T20:07:00.000-07:002020-03-15T20:07:36.406-07:00Allen's Hummingbird Nest Taking Form<span style="font-size: large;">It isn't the prettiest nest, but this Allen's hummingbird is on day 8 of building her nest.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZjenfPkrvI/Xm7qB-Fnt5I/AAAAAAAACps/FqU4bSw9c3AAqKH7osYeyw2ki8wVp8-2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1-3-14-2020KDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="720" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZjenfPkrvI/Xm7qB-Fnt5I/AAAAAAAACps/FqU4bSw9c3AAqKH7osYeyw2ki8wVp8-2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P1-3-14-2020KDearbornweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allen's hummingbird nest on wisteria vine 3/15/2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Three other Allen's females fledged their chicks between Feb. 27 and March 7th. The dry weather helped the five viable eggs all hatch and five chicks successfully flew from the nests. (Two pairs and one singleton) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This nest is part of the second round of chicks in 2020. It is nice to watch a positive bit of life happening in the yard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So far 2020 is a much more productive year. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/second-nesting-attempts-by-allens.html" target="_blank"><b>The girls were challenged in 2019. </b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2018/05/allens-hummingbird-leaves-nest.html" target="_blank">The chicks of 2018</a> </b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/03/rescuing-baby-hummingbirds.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rescuing a baby hummingbird</b></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-74991071742439699952019-12-10T10:49:00.001-08:002019-12-10T10:49:08.472-08:00A Living Christmas Tree With A Twist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E3MzCSKd3w/RaLVaNvWi7I/AAAAAAAAAB4/guYQLaUPfUwOcKJtlS6Qd0eagCkJBaqOQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/holidaytree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="195" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6E3MzCSKd3w/RaLVaNvWi7I/AAAAAAAAAB4/guYQLaUPfUwOcKJtlS6Qd0eagCkJBaqOQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/holidaytree.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A living tree has become a tradition for us. For the past twelve years we have pulled a potted living tree into the house for the winter holiday season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">First we had a <b><a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2007/01/live-holiday-trees.html" target="_blank">blue spruce</a>,</b> which became <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/12/wild-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank"><b>lovely and wild looking</b></a>. A California redwood came in for six years running. Then last winter we planted the redwood in the yard, where she is doing very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we couldn't find a redwood small enough for the house. A spruce or fir might be pretty, but our longer, hotter summers make it impossible to put one of these conifers into the ground successfully.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What to do?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y73pWdvEYB4/Xe_mb7UCbHI/AAAAAAAAClA/bpVfWI4opdg5_hYuouH20xEQVTSTlJosACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/junipermidtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y73pWdvEYB4/Xe_mb7UCbHI/AAAAAAAAClA/bpVfWI4opdg5_hYuouH20xEQVTSTlJosACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/junipermidtree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We put on our creative hats and thought outside of the box. What could we find that would live in a pot for five or six years and then join our wildlife habitat yard?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We considered:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Catalina ironwood - beautiful, but it was already too big</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Podocarpus - possible, but not native</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">cedar - lovely, but it was going get very big</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">juniper - lovely, but more bush like than tree </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ42RNrVXyk/Xe_my0YDgYI/AAAAAAAAClI/erJpj1p01TcF7ZCEuG7q3Snxdjoexhx3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/juniperfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ42RNrVXyk/Xe_my0YDgYI/AAAAAAAAClI/erJpj1p01TcF7ZCEuG7q3Snxdjoexhx3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/juniperfull.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Ultimately, we decided on a juniper. The juniper will be quite pruneable and we chose a female that will provide berries for wildlife. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A live tree is a sustainable tree. It will be planted in the yard and continue to do its job sequestering carbon, producing oxygen, and providing food and shelter for wildlife.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have a tree in the house to bring wildness into our home. It is so much more magical when that tree (or bush) continues to be part of your life for years to come. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_px_NbL6KRg/Xe_nFizQLuI/AAAAAAAAClQ/OKpgfBFRpC8JGxLL11xwCNvJz-95VJ7RACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/juniperwithdeco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_px_NbL6KRg/Xe_nFizQLuI/AAAAAAAAClQ/OKpgfBFRpC8JGxLL11xwCNvJz-95VJ7RACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/juniperwithdeco.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This spunky juniper looks lovely in its holiday decoration. Think outside of the box and bring a living holiday plant into your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Other live Christmas Trees:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/02/live-holiday-trees-catching-on.html" target="_blank"><b>Stone pine</b></a></span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-33712286519779627162019-09-03T14:21:00.003-07:002019-09-03T14:21:55.508-07:00Book Review: "The Big Ones" by Lucy Jones<span style="font-size: large;">Could there be a more timely book?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554995/the-big-ones-by-dr-lucy-jones/9780525434283/" target="_blank"><b>The Big Ones; How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Humanity</b></a> (and what we can do about them) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">by <a href="http://drlucyjones.com/big-ones/" target="_blank"><b>Lucy Jones</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Penguin Random House 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are paying attention in Southern California, you are familiar with both "The Big One" and Lucy Jones. Jones is the voice we hear following any large earthquake in Southern California. She is the former U.S. Geological Survey seismologist that can explain the complexities of an earthquake in a simple, but relevant manner to any audience. When we hear her voice, smart Californians, quiet their fears and listen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine my surprise when I came across Jones' book in a small book store in London. Despite luggage weight limits, I snatched it up and began reading.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In California, "The Big One" refers to the next expected massive earthquake on the San Andres Fault that jogs up through most of the state. When it hits, will we be ready for the shake and the aftermath? We will try to be ready, just like the people in Florida and the Bahamas attempted to be ready for hurricane Dorian. With Jones' help, Los Angeles has seriously considered how our response will play out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What Jones adds to this discussion is historical perspective. There have been other Big Ones around the world–big earthquakes, big storms, big volcanic eruptions, even big floods that Californians have forgotten about. It behooves us to look back to these other events so we can understand how a city or community survives and successfully rebuilds. One of the necessary factors: people, public-minded people willing to make a positive difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are some simple, but vitally important lessons detailed in this book. No matter the threat we must curtail corruption, put aside politics, and prepare intelligently. When catastrophe strikes, successful survival comes from making informed decisions, helping those that can be helped quickly, then recruiting those survivors to be part of the long-term solution for those who have suffered the most.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Worried about earthquakes? Read this book. You will have a better understanding of the real threat. Concerned about climate change impacts that will challenge what we know about storm response? Read this book. Looking for real world ways to approach problems? Read this book. Learn from those who succeeded and those who did not. Whatever "The Big One" is in your life. This book will give you insight and be a good read.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Good Books:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2007/05/survival-of-sickest-by-dr-sharon-moalem.html" target="_blank"><b>Survival of the Sickes</b>t</a> </span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-33041019048445261032019-07-23T14:56:00.000-07:002019-07-23T14:56:23.059-07:00Juvenile Cooper's Hawks Staying Cool<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to attract wildlife to your <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-benefits-of-creating-wildlife.html" target="_blank"><b>backyard habitat</b></a>...provide water.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2tOsIcrtrI/XTd_Ck2kqBI/AAAAAAAACgI/Pr1mx96F2eUo223jFjc4tEGO7BU1BmPsACLcBGAs/s1600/CoopersjuvstepsMELawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1080" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2tOsIcrtrI/XTd_Ck2kqBI/AAAAAAAACgI/Pr1mx96F2eUo223jFjc4tEGO7BU1BmPsACLcBGAs/s400/CoopersjuvstepsMELawsheweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Especially in the west, where summer temperatures continue to rise each year, water is a vital resource for wildlife. We have a new pair of Cooper's hawks that have recently fledged. Their parents taught them to come to our backyard for water and ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJd6GsUQq8/XTd_ULA_3_I/AAAAAAAACgM/RwrjnqGeaFYx5hNR3KAIwmYbv-3R77PwQCLcBGAs/s1600/CoopersjuvcloseMELawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJd6GsUQq8/XTd_ULA_3_I/AAAAAAAACgM/RwrjnqGeaFYx5hNR3KAIwmYbv-3R77PwQCLcBGAs/s400/CoopersjuvcloseMELawsheweb.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">...to keep cool. For these young birds of prey the option to stand in cool water, helps them cool down. These two have been daily visitors for the past two weeks. At first they stood and watched the house finches and lesser goldfinches on the bird feeder. Now they are beginning to understand that these smaller birds are their prey.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7TRucfAKYs/XTd_pmFdYhI/AAAAAAAACgY/jirM1fMlTZkiKWvoaiy26f1-OV9J5JKvACLcBGAs/s1600/CoopersjuvsinwaterMELawsheweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="720" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n7TRucfAKYs/XTd_pmFdYhI/AAAAAAAACgY/jirM1fMlTZkiKWvoaiy26f1-OV9J5JKvACLcBGAs/s400/CoopersjuvsinwaterMELawsheweb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes they stand in the water for 10-15 minutes at a time. Their <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2012/06/evidence-of-coopers-hawk.html" target="_blank"><b>mottled feathering</b></a> really helps them camouflage in the dappled shade. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We provide both still and flowing water in a fountain. We don't want to provide habitat for mosquitoes, so we change out the still water every other day and the fountain's well of water is covered. Mosquito-borne diseases can be deadly to birds and people. Keep your water clean. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2013/10/coopers-hawk-comes-for-bath.html" target="_blank">Adult Cooper's hawk in birdbath</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2012/07/pre-school-for-coopers-hawks.html" target="_blank">Previous Cooper's hawk juveniles</a> </b> </span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-44865704772350354182019-06-17T13:40:00.001-07:002019-06-17T13:40:58.929-07:00Epiphyllum Blooms Boldly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FzL7_xPm24/XQf6L-w2rzI/AAAAAAAACfg/0eaYXxdbjLY8ij7svwSHa922Qn0Unv_pQCLcBGAs/s1600/epiphyllum_white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FzL7_xPm24/XQf6L-w2rzI/AAAAAAAACfg/0eaYXxdbjLY8ij7svwSHa922Qn0Unv_pQCLcBGAs/s640/epiphyllum_white.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes a simple walk through the garden brings a new discovery. This
lovely white epiphyllum is from a cutting that I bought at a <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2013/04/finding-inspiration-at-southern.html" target="_blank"><b>flower show</b></a> a few
years ago. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is uplifting to see something
beautiful that wasn't there before. It is also amazing how the moment of discovery
clears your mind of everything else. For a few moments life is
suspended in bliss.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">No matter how challenging human life has become. Take a moment to go outside and discover what brings you joy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2015/04/diversity-in-epiphytic-plants-orchids.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">More about epiphyllums or orchid cactus</span></span></b></a><br />
<a href="http://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2013/05/propagating-epiphyllums.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Propagating epiphyllums</span></span></b></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://theearthminute.blogspot.com/2015/04/discovering-epiphyllums-blooming.html" target="_blank"><b>Discover the rainbow of color in these tropical cactus</b></a> </span></span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-46986525103623959142019-04-29T12:22:00.000-07:002019-04-29T12:22:00.455-07:00Peace Rose in the Garden<span style="font-size: large;">There is peace in the garden. </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvp-jy8YHps/XMdLYlwPqJI/AAAAAAAACd8/FiRaaHzj_vI2E5TdjnpE1juO3AwFDu0ugCLcBGAs/s1600/PeaceRoseKDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jvp-jy8YHps/XMdLYlwPqJI/AAAAAAAACd8/FiRaaHzj_vI2E5TdjnpE1juO3AwFDu0ugCLcBGAs/s400/PeaceRoseKDearbornweb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The 'Peace' rose is associated with World War 2 and has a very dramatic and interesting story. <b><a href="https://www.gerbera.org/gardening-magazine/the-gardener-index/june-2005/peace-rose/" target="_blank">Ludwing Taschner tells it well on Gerbera.org</a></b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Its beautiful bloom is a spring and late summer highlight. I love how the glowing yellow is fringed with delicate pink. Peace is one of the most planted roses across the US because its large blooms are hardy in most regions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With all of the angst in the world, from politics to civil unrest, the garden offers a place to escape and to see hope. We should all spend more time there than at our computers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Backyard roses</span><br />
<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2017/03/celebrating-first-day-of-spring-2017.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lady Banks rose</span></b></a><br />
<a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2014/07/hidden-gardens-of-los-angeles.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hidden Gardens of LA</span></b></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13114278.post-14004017118677628622019-04-22T11:35:00.001-07:002019-04-22T11:35:34.828-07:00Second Nesting Attempts by Allen's Hummingbirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NHg-7ih-U/XL4Dn5I3iEI/AAAAAAAACdM/skWKd9Mtd44wTpBpzL81G9qg93wuXp8eACLcBGAs/s1600/A2-04222019web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7NHg-7ih-U/XL4Dn5I3iEI/AAAAAAAACdM/skWKd9Mtd44wTpBpzL81G9qg93wuXp8eACLcBGAs/s400/A2-04222019web.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">While most birds are working on their first nests of spring, the Allen's hummingbirds in our yard are on round two.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This nest has two newly laid eggs. It isn't the best constructed nest, but it is in a shaded and protected location. The novice female hasn't been sitting on the nest as much as the more experienced moms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The female in the front yard has been the only mother to successfully bring two chicks to fledging. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/03/nesting-allens-hummingbirds-spring-2019.html" target="_blank"><b>See her first chicks just before they flew.</b></a> Now she's back on the same nest with two new eggs. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2018/05/allens-hummingbird-leaves-nest.html" target="_blank"><b>Last year her second nest was in a different location and nearly lost to the sun.</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/03/nesting-allens-hummingbirds-spring-2019.html" target="_blank"><b>nest on the patio</b></a> successfully produced one fledgling. (The second chick died a day after our big wind storm. Amazingly the survivor lived for a week beside it's desiccated sibling. We considered trying to remove the dead chick, but the location of the nest made that difficult. The survivor was developed enough to try to escape and there was nothing, but cement, 12 ft beneath the nest. Ultimately, it was the right choice; the surviving chick is flying around the yard.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPSGl7nLHts/XL4EizJATzI/AAAAAAAACdY/mERpCfWfXNI3FMeRi2Bu9RmHqc-AOYTFQCLcBGAs/s1600/C1-04222019KDearbornweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPSGl7nLHts/XL4EizJATzI/AAAAAAAACdY/mERpCfWfXNI3FMeRi2Bu9RmHqc-AOYTFQCLcBGAs/s400/C1-04222019KDearbornweb.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the canyon part of the yard, we discovered a nest with two healthy chicks just after they had hatched. The two chicks are just starting to develop their elongated hummingbird beaks. You can just see the second chick's beak at the left side of the nest. These two should be flying in a week and a half to two weeks.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So far this year all of the nests have been in our native Catalina cherry and its mainland relative the hollyleaf cherry. Only the patio nest was not in these specific plants. That is our key to having so many hummingbird nests in our yard–native shrubs. The growing pattern of the plants match the needs of the hummingbirds. <a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2019/04/cistus-and-sage-in-wildlife-garden.html" target="_blank"><b>Native plants also flower</b></a> when the hummingbird mothers need food. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are keeping track</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">in 2019 so far, we've had :</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span>8 nests</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span>one pair and three singleton Allen's hummingbird chicks </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>successfully fledged </span></span>- total of 5</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span>2 chicks currently in a nest</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span>4 eggs still being incubated </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://animalbytes.blogspot.com/2010/03/rescuing-baby-hummingbirds.html" target="_blank"><b>Rescuing hummingbird chicks</b></a> </span></span> Keri Dearbornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10104359451535490400noreply@blogger.com0