The Guardian reported
A crew in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Oakland spotted a pigeon ‘in distress’ after a vehicle fire
Read more at ‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2026
‘The pigeon came to them seeking help’: California firefighters give oxygen to suffering bird
Posted in Birds | Tags: Firefighters Save Pigeon
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 27, 2026
A little bird told her: scientist wins $100,000 prize for decoding birdsong
The Guardian reported
A scientist who decoded the vocalisations that a bird uses to communicate has won a $100,000 prize for making progress towards a world in which humans can talk to the animals – without being met with a blank response.
Dr Julie Elie at the University of California, Berkeley, was awarded the 2026 Coller-Dolittle prize for two-way interspecies communication after working out the 11 core calls in the27 vocabulary and their meanings.
Read more at A little bird told her: scientist wins $100,000 prize for decoding birdsong
Posted in Birds | Tags: Decoding Bird Song, Zebra Finch
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026
Europe’s Air Quality Dramatically Improves in 10 Years, With 39-59% Drop in Industrial and Road Toxins
Good News Network reported
Air quality continues to improve across Europe, with emissions from most of the major pollutants declining by significant amounts.
Posted in Environment | Tags: European Air Quality
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026
Seven suspected new bird flu cases are ‘evidence of spread’ into Australian wildlife, experts warn
The Guardian reported
BirdLife Australia says discoveries of sick and dead local seabirds in South Australia show outbreak is ‘taking hold’
Read on www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/27/h5-bird-flu-suspected-new-cases-south-australia
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Flu in Australia
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026
The Changing Chorus: 50 Years of Birds in the Bay Area
See preentation on YuTube of The Changing Chorus: 50 Years of Birds in the Bay Area at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_f71Rr9k8E
Posted in Birds | Tags: State of Bay Area Birds
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 26, 2026
A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Rock: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorhpic
Earth.com reported
Just as biologists need to distinguish between different kinds of plants and animals, geologists depend on being able to classify different types of rocks. It turns out that the best way to classify rocks is based on the process in which they were formed. There are three main processes that result in the three overarching categories of rocks. These categories, which we will explore in detail, are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Read more at A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Rock: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorhpic
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Geology
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2026
How the kidnapping of two forest service workers unfolded in California
The Guardian reported
Two biologists were taken hostage for about 15 hours by a man and his son in a remote part of Shasta-Trinity national forest
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Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/25/california-forest-service-kidnapping-shasta
Posted in Park | Tags: Forest Employee Kidnapping
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 25, 2026
10 Unique Birds That Build the Most Incredible Nests
from Animals Around the World
When you think about nature’s architects, birds might not be the first creatures that come to mind. Yet some species create structures so complex, so utterly bizarre, that they seem almost impossible. These aren’t just simple bundles of twigs thrown together in an afternoon. We’re talking about hanging fortresses, stitched leaf pouches, and apartment buildings that can weigh as much as a small car.
Read more and see the nests at 10 Unique Birds That Build the Most Incredible Nests
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Nests
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026
The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur
SF Gate reported
For the past three years, the narrative around Big Sur was that it was a world unto itself. With the southern part of the highway completely closed for repair after several major landslides, the crowds ebbed, nature got a break.
Then, in January, the road reopened. Now, a little more than six months after Highway 1 went from “America’s most beautiful cul-de-sac” to a major thoroughfare once more, folks have descended on Big Sur this summer en masse.
Read more at The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur The long-awaited Highway 1 reopening has spelled disaster in Big Sur
Posted in Drives, Park | Tags: Massive Crowds at Big Sur
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026
Job Announcement: Integrated Campaign Specialist
The CNPS Public Affairs team is hiring an Integrated Campaign Specialist to develop and execute digital campaigns that support CNPS’s conservation, public policy, and organizational growth goals. You’ll work across communications channels to engage diverse audiences, drive meaningful action, and continuously improve campaign performance through data and analysis. CNPS’s work is centered on multi-year campaigns designed to achieve measurable, mission-driven outcomes; such as advancing legislation, growing membership and donations, and increasing public engagement. This role plays a central part in translating those priorities into coordinated campaigns that deliver results.
- 📍 Location: Hybrid (Sacramento-based preferred; Bay Area candidates also encouraged to apply, as well as those willing to relocate.)
- 🗓️ Deadline to apply: August 9, 2026
- 🎯 Target start date: Early September 2026
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Announcement
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026
This desert oasis is a biological wonderland. Trump’s border wall threatens to destroy it
The Guardian reported
Environmental groups are sounding the alarm over plans that threaten a desert spring that’s home to rare fish and turtles and sacred to the O’odham people
Read on www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/24/arizona-border-wall-endangered-species
Posted in Environment, Park | Tags: Organ Pipe National Monument
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026
Marin County Parks Upcoming Events
See the calendar of upcoming free events for Marin County Parks Events Calendar – Marin County Parks
Posted in Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 24, 2026
Take the Pulse of Bay Area Birds
Check ou the status/population of bird species populations at Take the Pulse of Bay Area Birds!
Sadly, many species are experiencing significant decline.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bay Are Bird Population declines
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026
Bivalve-loving oystercatchers thriving thanks to conservation efforts
AP reported
A shorebird known for its sharp, orange bill and beady eyes is making a comeback in North America thanks to a yearslong conservation effort.
Posted in Birds | Tags: American Oystercatchers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026
In crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by cars
SF Gate reported
According to the park, humans are the No. 1 cause of death for black bears in Yosemite, and vehicles have hit nine bears so far this year throughout the park.
Data collected between 1995 and 2010 found that vehicle collisions correlatewith visitation numbers. The frequency of bear-vehicle collisions increases in the summer months, tending to peak during the height of park visitation in August or September.
Read more at In crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by carsIn crowded Yosemite National Park, bears are eating birthday cake and getting hit by cars
Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Bears Killed By Cars, Yosemite
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 23, 2026
370,000 Acres of Rainforest and Granite Peaks Now Protected in French Guiana
The Good News Network reported
As part of new wildlands protection law, the French Government has announced the creation of a new nature reserve in French Guiana spanning 370,000 acres.
Called the Rocky Peaks of Armontabo, the reserve includes giant, isolated granite mountains surrounded by intact rainforest of rich biodiverse value.
Read more 370,000 Acres of Rainforest and Granite Peaks Now Protected in French Guiana
Posted in Park | Tags: Rocky Peaks of Armontabo
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 22, 2026
2 massive California wildfires erupt near Highway 395 in the Sierra
SF Gate reported
The Rock Fire and the Biscar Fire are burning in the eastern Sierra Nevada, prompting highway closures and evacuations.
Read on www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/sierra-fires-rock-biscar-22354277.php
Posted in Drives, Environment | Tags: 395, Forest Fires
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 22, 2026
Once thought extinct ocean species is found off the coast of California
The Independent reported
A strange, multi-colored Pacific Ocean species once thought lost to devastating disease has been found again in the waters off Northern California.
Scientists located 18 spiny “sunflower sea stars” – one of the largest sea star species on Earth, spanning over three feet in length – in the waters of the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary last summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced this month.
Read more Once thought extinct ocean species is found off the coast of California
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 21, 2026
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos July 19, 2026 part 2
Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on July 19, 2026.
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Regional Park Botanic Garden, Tilden Botanic Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 21, 2026
Argentina to return two rare maned wolves to the wild
Reuters reported
Conservationists will return two maned wolves, rescued after the death of their mother, to the wild next month in Argentina, where the long-legged wild canine is endangered.The conservation nonprofit Temaiken Foundation said it received the male-female siblings named Sun and Moon in September and will release them in July in the Ibera National Park, where they were born, in northern Corrientes Province.
Read more Argentina to return two rare maned wolves to the wild
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Maned Wolves
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026
Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos July 19, 2026 part 1
Photographed in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA on July 19, 2026.
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is a California native plant garden. It is located within Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley, California, It is a 10-acre garden includes many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses from plant communities throughout the state. There are free weekend and holiday tours. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the garden visit the Friends of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Regional Park Botanic Garden, Tilden Botanic Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026
AI-altered images on birdwatching forums putting research at risk
The Guardian reported
Experts warn increase in enhanced photos on birding platforms creating fake sightings, threatening credibility of tool used by scientists
Posted in Birds | Tags: A.I., False Bird Reports
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 20, 2026
Sturgeon once extinct in the wild returns to China’s Yangtze River
The Star reported
In a meandering stretch of the upper Yangtze River in Jiang’an county of Yibin, Sichuan province, a remarkable chapter is unfolding for the Yangtze sturgeon.
The Yangtze sturgeon, one of the oldest vertebrates on Earth, lived alongside the dinosaurs.
Endemic to China’s Yangtze River, it is classified as a nationally protected first-class wild animal, once mainly found in the river’s upper reaches and tributaries.
Read more at Sturgeon once extinct in the wild returns to China’s Yangtze River
Posted in Animals | Tags: Yangtze sturgeon
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 19, 2026
Antarctic Ice Sheet Collapse
Space Daily reported
Scientists say the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could collapse with very little additional warming and the four metres of sea level rise that would follow cannot be stopped once it begins.
A modelling study published in Communications Earth & Environment in June 2025 found that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could begin an irreversible collapse at ocean temperatures between zero and 0.25°C above current levels — meaning the threshold may have already been reached.
Read more Antarctic Ice Sheet Collapse
Posted in Environment | Tags: Antarctic Ice Sheet Collapse
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 18, 2026
Trees keep absorbing carbon long after they stop growing
ScienceDaily reported
Oak trees keep absorbing carbon dioxide long after their annual growth has ended, revealing that photosynthesis and wood production are not as closely linked as scientists once believed. The finding could reshape forecasts of how much carbon forests will be able to store in a warmer future.
Read on www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260708022210.htm
Posted in Environment, Uncategorized, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Carbon Absorption, Oak Trees
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 18, 2026
How many plants are there in California?
I asked Google’s Gemini and here is what it came up including its sources
California is a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot, boasting the highest total number of native species and the highest rate of endemism of any state in the U.S.
California Native Plant Society
When looking at the numbers, botanists generally track them by taxa (which includes distinct species, plus subspecies and varieties) or strictly by species.
Here is the breakdown according to data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Jepson Flora Project:
Native Plant Species vs. Taxa
- Total Native Plant Species: There are approximately 5,000 to 6,500 native plant types depending on how strictly you look at individual species versus subspecies and varieties. According to the Jepson Manual, there are roughly 4,700 distinct, native biological species.
- Total Native Plant Taxa: If you include all subspecies and varieties, California is home to over 6,500 native plant taxa.
California State Parks Foundation
Endemic Plants (Found nowhere else on Earth)
- Endemic Species: Roughly 1,416 to 2,000 distinct species are entirely endemic to California.
- Endemic Taxa: When factoring in subspecies and varieties, that number jumps to over 2,150 endemic taxa.
The Global Perspective: The California Floristic Province
It is worth noting that nature doesn’t respect state lines. Botanists often focus on the California Floristic Province(which excludes the eastern deserts and Great Basin but extends slightly into southwestern Oregon and northern Baja California).
California Native Plant Society Yerba Buena Chapter
Within this specific geographic zone, the concentration of unique flora is even more striking:
- Out of nearly 3,500 vascular plant species native to this province, more than 61% are strictly endemic.
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)
This exceptional diversity is driven by California’s complex topography, its rare Mediterranean climate, and unique geological features like serpentine soil pockets, which act as evolutionary islands for specialized flora.
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: California native plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 17, 2026
Los Padres ForestWatch Upcoming Events
See Upcoming Los Padres ForestWatch Upcoming Events at Home | Los Padres ForestWatch
Posted in Birds, Talks | Tags: Los Padres ForestWatch Upcoming Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 17, 2026
New Tech Reveals Hemispheric Journey of Secretive Songbird
Audubon reported
The Swainson’s Warbler is prized by birdwatchers and difficult for scientists to study because of the dense habitat it occupies across South Carolina and the southern U.S. Think lowland swamps, canebrakes, and mountainous rhododendron ravines.
Even if you bushwhack close enough, you’re more likely to hear the bird’s sweet, ringing song than catch a glimpse of it flitting through the understory.
That secrecy has left the species relatively understudied. But a recent research paper by Audubon and partners, published in Ornithological Applications, used new technology to map the warbler’s movements to their wintering grounds in Latin America.
Read more at Beidler Forest to the Bahamas: New Tech Reveals Hemispheric Journey of Secretive Songbird
Posted in Birds | Tags: Swinson's Warbler
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 16, 2026
Honey Bee Democracy
Space Daily reported
When a honeybee colony outgrows its hive it makes a genuinely democratic decision: scout bees fly out, inspect possible new homes, and ‘campaign’ for their favourite with waggle dances, lobbying harder for better sites — and only once enough scouts have converged on the same spot does the whole swarm lift off together, almost always choosing well.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Honey Bee Decision Making
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | July 15, 2026
Environmental groups sue government to stop a big change to the Endangered Species Act
NPR reported
By altering the interpretation of a single word in the Endangered Species Act, the Trump administration has made what could be a sweeping change to how wildlife is protected in the United States.
That word is “harm.” For more than 50 years, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service defined harm to refer to anything that injures or kills a protected organism, including “significant habitat modification or degradation” that might impact a species’ ability to feed, reproduce or seek shelter.
But now, the federal government has officially rescinded that definition — a move that is already being challenged in court.
Read more at Environmental groups sue government to stop a big change to the Endangered Species Act
Posted in Uncategorized
Natural History Wanderings 