Natural History Wanderings

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026

Upcoming Events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden

See upcoming events at East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden at events.

Posted in Garden, Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks Upcoming Activities

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026

Almost half of world’s farmers poisoned by pesticides every year, experts find Pesticides

The Guardian reported

Study reveals that pesticide poisoning kills 11,000 people each year, with India accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/02/50-per-cent-world-farmers-poisoned-pesticides-every-year-experts

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Posted in Environment | Tags: Pesticides Poisoning Farmers

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026

Plan to wipe out Catalina Island deer herd enters final hunting phase

KTLA reported

A California conservation group’s state-approved plan to kill roughly 2,000 nonnative deer on Catalina Island is moving forward, with applications for what officials say will be the island’s final deer-hunting season now open.

Also read from the the Catalina Island Conservancy Tentative Ruling Would Allow Catalina Island Mule Deer Removal to Proceed

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Catalina Island Conservancy, Deer

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026

Sick, disoriented sea lions are washing up on California beaches

SF Gate reported

A toxic algal bloom is causing a surge of poisonings along the California coast, severely sickening sea lions and other marine mammals and leaving some dead on the shore.

Dozens of sea lions have been sickened by domoic acid poisoning, a toxin produced by algae that can cause seizures and heart failure, according to a news release from the Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit wildlife rescue organization.

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Sick California Sea Lions, Toxic Algal Bloom

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 2, 2026

The Klamath dams have been removed. What will this mean for juvenile salmon on their way to the ocean?

Western Fisheries Research Center reported

It has been almost two years since the largest dam removal project in U.S. history took place at the border of Oregon and California. The Klamath dam removal, beginning in 2022 and ending in 2024, removed four hydroelectric dams from the Klamath River: J.C. Boyle Dam, Copco No. 1 Dam, Copco No. 2 Dam, and the Iron Gate Dam.

Read more at What will this mean for juvenile salmon on their way to the ocean?

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Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Dam removal, Salmon

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026

HIghway 140 to Yosemite Closed Due Fire

Hwy 140 (outside the park) closed between El Portal (Cedar Lodge) and Midpines due to a fire. Hwy 140 open between El Portal and Yosemite.

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Posted in Park | Tags: Yosemite

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026

California Assembly kills wildfire liability plan Gov. Newsom agreed to with legislators

KRCA reported

PG&E and Southern California Edison’s stocks rise after the development.

California’s Assembly on Tuesday killed a wildfire liability plan that lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to days ago.

Amid opposition to the proposal from the state’s two biggest power companies, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas did not bring the legislation up for a vote.

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Posted in Environment | Tags: Wildfire Liability

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026

Virtual Talk: San Francisco’s Parrots 9/9/26

San Francisco’s Parrots Online | September 9 | 12pm–1pm

Join Bay Nature, Dara Torgerson, Jacqueline Robinson, and Sarah Lemarie for a virtual talk on the genetics of San Francisco’s parrots on Wednesday, September 9 from 12pm-1pm. This talk is inspired by our Spring 2026 article “What Species Are San Francisco’s Parrots? It’s Complicated.” by Jess Silber-Byrne. Tune in to learn about the genomic study that revealed our local parrots are actually a genomic hybrid of two different parrot species that wouldn’t normally meet in their respective native ranges. The origin story discovered by researchers is quite the fascinating one that has much to do with one brave bird. We’ll learn about said bird, Olive, the matriarch who, as the article explains, “was born in South America, captured, and sold here as a pet” and how her bravery forever shaped our bird watching in the Bay. This talk is free for Bay Nature Members and $5 for Nonmembers.

Register Here »

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Posted in Birds, Talks | Tags: San Francisco’s Parrots

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 1, 2026

Rare palm tree rediscovered in Madagascar after nearly 100 years

Monga Bay reported

Researchers have tracked down 28 individuals of a palm tree species last recorded in Madagascar nearly 100 years ago.

Nearly every tree of the species, Ravenea latisecta, was found within four protected areas in the Andasibe-Mantadia region of Madagascar, according to a recent study.

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Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Ravenea latisecta

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 31, 2026

Ecosystems of Rock-Eating Fungus And Tardigrades Found Thriving Deep Within a Gas Shale

Science Alert reported

scientists have discovered evidence of a whole community of complex organisms – fungi, worms, and even tardigrades – that call the Antrim Shale home.

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Fungi, New Species, tardigrades, worms

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 30, 2026

Grand Canyon flooding knocks out water pipeline serving tourists at the national park, officials say

SF Gate reported

Officials say dozens of people have been evacuated from the depths of the Grand Canyon because of heavy rain and flooding. The National Park Service says flash flooding on Saturday destroyed…

Read on www.sfgate.com/news/article/dozens-evacuated-from-grand-canyon-after-flash-22410088.php

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Posted in Park | Tags: Grand Canyon Flood

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 30, 2026

Beavers leave a trail as they head into the Arctic – Ecological Society of America

Read on esa.org/blog/2026/04/27/beavers-leave-a-trail-as-they-head-into-the-arctic/

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Beavers

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026

Introduction to iNaturalist 9/12/23

Introduction to iNaturalist Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Saturday, September 12 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Join us for an introduction to iNaturalist at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. Learn how to document and upload your own observations, identify plants and wildlife, and support community science by reviewing and confirming observations from others, and much more!

The session includes hands-on practice in the Garden and is ideal for both new and experienced iNaturalist users who want to build their skills. Ethan Rayner, of The Watershed Project, and an iNaturalist Ambassador, will be presenting this introductory program. No reservations required; open to the public. Directions to the garden

To get the most from the training, download the iNaturalist app and create an account in advance: https://www.inaturalist.org

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Posted in Class/Workshop, Garden, Talks | Tags: iNatualist

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026

Georgia Expands Protections for More Than 100 Imperiled Animals, Plants

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposed to add more than 100 species to the state’s protected species list, including the saltmarsh sparrow, Atlantic sturgeon, ornate chorus frog, Appalachian cottontail and patch-nosed salamander.

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Endangered Species Protections

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 29, 2026

Shade Trees Reduce Street Temperatures 2.6 Degrees Celsius

Space Daily reported

Research cited by Singapore’s urban planners suggests shading roads with trees can reduce street-level temperatures by up to 2.6 degrees Celsius — separately, models suggest tree shade on buildings can meaningfully lower air-conditioning demand nearby

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Posted in Environment | Tags: Shade Trees Reduces Street Temperatures

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 28, 2026

Peru’s only penguin species at risk from upcoming El Niño and bird flu

Monga Bay reported

The Humboldt penguin is the only penguin species to breed in Peru, inhabiting the country’s coastal deserts. But since 2022, the species’ has been under pressure from the spread of avian influenza, followed by El Niño.
Between 2022 and 2025, the population of Humboldt penguins has dropped by two-thirds across 34 islands and peninsulas on the Peruvian coast.
Experts monitoring the species say penguins are abandoning their nests as they already feel the impacts of the upcoming El Niño episode, which changes temperatures in coastal waters and diminishes the amount of prey fish available.
Scientists are asking both the national government and the IUCN to revise the species’ status to reflect the increasing threats and boost conservation efforts.

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Extinction Risk, Humboldt penguin

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 28, 2026

Blue Whales Shouldn’t Be Able to Hunt The Way They Do. Scientists Have Finally Discovered How They Pull It Off

ScienceAlert reported

When a blue whale dives below the waves, their heart rate plummets to conserve oxygen.

Their massive hearts can slow to just two beats per minute as they dive hundreds of meters in search of food.

Read more at https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-are-starting-to-understand-the-largest-biomechanical-event-on-earth-whales-hunting-for-food-on-a-single-breath

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Blue Whales

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 2026

Theodore Payne Foundation Upcoming Events

Theodore Payne Foundation inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plant landscapes.We are located on 22 acres of canyon land in the northeast corner of the San Fernando Valley. Our full-service native plant nursery, seed room, book store, art gallery, demonstration gardens, and hiking trails are open to the public year round. We offer garden tours and classes for adults and families, as well as field trips to TPF and in-classroom programs for children. Friendly on-leash dogs are welcome and there is no admission charge!

See upcoming events at Theodore Payne Foundation Events – Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

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Posted in Class/Workshop | Tags: Theodore Payne Foundation Upcoming Events

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 2026

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Events

See a list of all active events and virtual events of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Events in the Parks | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

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Posted in Park, Talks, Walks & Hikes | Tags: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 27, 2026

Tracking Elephants

ScienceBlog reported

In 2023, conservationists fitted a young bull elephant in Zambia with a GPS collar. Two years and nearly 12,000 kilometers later, his tracks had crossed four countries and six national parks — tracing migration routes elephants have followed for generations, now cut through by human borders they never agreed to.

Ancient elephant highways are colliding with modern borders, revealing how conservation zones fail the animals they’re meant to protect.

Read more at https://scienceblog.com/d-in-2023-conservationists-fitted-a-young-bull-elephant-in-zambia-with-a-gps-collar-two-years-and-nearly-12000-kilometers-later-his-tracks-had-crossed-four-countries-and-six-national-parks/

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Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Tracking Elephants

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026

Timber Fire Now Third Largest in State, CHP Announces Highway 1 Closure

KQED reported

A stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur will close again Thursday in an effort to regain control over the Timber Fire.

The fire has burned nearly 19,000 acres as of Wednesday — more than double what prompted initial evacuations on Aug. 10.

The Timber Fire is now the third biggest fire in the state this year, according to CalFire. Much of that spread has been to the east, moving deeper into the Los Padres National Forest.

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Posted in Environment | Tags: Timber Fire

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026

Sand overextraction weakening riverbanks as concrete demand soars | Mining | The Guardian

The Guardian reported

Research finds demand has more than doubled since 2000 and 80% of current demand comes from Asia

Read on www.theguardian.com/science/2026/aug/26/terrawatch-sand-overextraction-riverbanks-concrete-demand

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Posted in Environment | Tags: Sand Extraction

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026

Deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026

EarthSky reported

People in Africa, Europe, parts of Greenland, Antarctica, most of the Americas and the eastern Pacific Ocean will see a deep lunar eclipse overnight on August 27-28, 2026. The eclipse won’t be total. But it’ll be nearly total, with 96% of the moon within the Earth’s dark umbral shadow at mid-eclipse.

See how to watch the eclipse in California at SF Gate: How to watch Thursday’s unusual lunar eclipse in California skies

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Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Lunar eclipse

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 26, 2026

Biologist Fernanda Abra strung rope bridges above an Amazon highway and 15,000 animals crossed safely without a single death

Eco Portal reported

In 2024, Projeto Reconecta installed eight rope canopy bridges near Alta Floresta, connecting fragmented forest patches over a local highway. The results, documented over 15 months of camera-trap monitoring, were unambiguous: 15,000 safe crossings by arboreal animals, and not a single roadkill event recorded.

Read story at https://www.ecoportal.net/en/fernanda-abra-rope-bridges-amazon/30871/

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Creating Safa Animal Highway Crossings

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2026

How Forest Fires Affect Insects

Xerces Society reported

Fire has always been part of the ecosystems of the western United States, but the fires we are experiencing now are bigger and hotter than they used to be. This is partly because of years of fire suppression, but is also a result of the changing climate. Invertebrates from caddisflies to slugs to bees and butterflies are likely negatively affected, but we still have much to learn about the effects on these populations.

Read on xerces.org/blog/how-forest-fires-affect-insects

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Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: impact fire on insects

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 25, 2026

Painting Turbine Blades Black Saves Birds

The Pulse reported

Painting 1 of 3 rotor blades black on 4 Norwegian turbines cut bird collisions by nearly 72 percent, and the white tailed eagles under them stopped hitting the rotors altogether

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Posted in Birds | Tags: Wind Turbines

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 24, 2026

8 most poisonous birds on the planet

Discover Wildlife reported

If you’re thinking of some enormous flying creature with teeth or talonscarrying deadly venom, you’ll need to reign in your imagination. No known bird actively injects or produces venom – but the poisonous birds on this list do contain deadly toxins within their skin, feathers and other tissues.

Where do they get these toxins from? They don’t produce them themselves but rather engage in a process called heteroaglandular poison – poison produced as a result of consuming a certain toxin which is then re-used for the animal’s own defences.

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Posted in Birds | Tags: Poisonous Birds

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 23, 2026

The mysterious self-willed wildflower meadow that seeded itself

The Guardian reported

Farmer Derek Sayer let a boggy field run wild and just one annual hay-cut has led to remarkable biodiversity

Read on www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/24/mysterious-self-willed-wildflower-meadow-that-seeded-itself

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Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Wildflower Meadows

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 23, 2026

California faces highest shark numbers in years as great whites head north

The Guardian reported

El Niño climate phenomenon heating waters off Mexico but incidents with humans remain a rarity

California is set to see one of its sharkiest summers in a decade, with large numbers of juvenile great whites already on a reverse vacation from the warm waters of Mexico to cooler pastures along the western United States.

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Posted in Animals | Tags: Great White Sharks, Sharks

Posted by: Sandy Steinman | August 22, 2026

‘Devastating’: Western Australia fears a black swan moment as bird flu threatens flagship species

The Guardian reported

The state’s bird emblem is an indicator species for H5N1, with high visibility populations and low survival rates. Experts are warning of ‘significant mortality’

Read on www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/23/black-swan-bird-flu-western-australia

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Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Flu, Black Swans

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Introduction to iNaturalist Regional Parks Botanic Garden Saturday, September 12 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

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