Natural History Wanderings

Two new field resources for the East Bay Region of Northern California. Possible inexpensive holiday gifts for nature lovers.

Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas

The Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas  has just been published by the Golden Gate and Ohlone Audubon Societies. It includes detailed maps showing locations of all breeding species in Alameda County.  There is a description of  the current status and distribution of each bird, information on historical occurrence and excellent illustrations of many of the birds.

It is edited by Bob Richmond, Helen Green and David Rice and illustrated by Hans Peeters. It is available at the Golden Gate Audubon office.  To see sample pages go to: http://www.goldengateaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/ACBBA_sample1.pdfon.org/wp-content/uploads/ACBBA_sample1.pdf

Illustrated Guide to Common Animals of the East Bay Hills

The University of California – Berkeley Botanical Garden recently published the Illustrated Guide to Common Animals of the East Bay Hills. It is a user friendly laminated field guide to the common animals of East Bay hills. It includes 10 reptiles, 5 amphibians, 18 mammals, 61 birds, 21 insects and  the banana slug.

It is illustrated by local artist Dana Gardner. It is available at The Garden Shop.  For more information about the guide and to see a picture of it go to: http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/05/17/botanical-garden-illustrated-guide-to-east-bay-hills-animals/