With more resumption of normal life, I didn't have my camera out as much as the previous couple years -- but still have photos and stories to share. Here are some from our yard and from the special Central California Coast community of Morro Bay, which we have been visiting more. And a couple other …
Tales from our Habitat Yard
It's the last day of July, the temps are creeping up to 100 every day, and you would think the birds would stop fledging babies. Instead, we have a begging baby mockingbird out in front keeping its exhausted parents busy. And orioles, along with many competitors, are feeding Nevin's barberry …
Helping our Native Pollinators
The last couple years I've been marveling at the rich bird and native bee and other insect populations at our California native plant-heavy yard. I've promoted native plants for home landscapes for years, giving local talks and harping on their benefits to anyone who will listen. In that vein, …
Highlights from our Natural World – 2018
We continue to love our property and our trips for the natural world lessons they bring us. Here are 2018 highlights! Curious Bighorn Sheep. On a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, my friend Nancy and I observed these bighorn sheep observing us so curiously. It started with one and then …
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Habitat Gardening (Part 1) – Insects are Good!
I recently attended an all-day workshop on Habitat Gardening that covered our birds and butterflies and pollinators. It also focused on how to welcome beneficial insects to combat pests, therefore avoiding the use of pesticides. Led by Frederique Lavoipierre, Director of Education at the Santa …
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Bugs! and Other Photos from Our Yard
Our yard is alive with wildlife this spring, so thought I would post some photos of the critters and a few native plants they're especially attracted to. The insects attract a host of larger insects and in the chain of life, they in turn attract a rich bird and lizard population that feeds on them …