The Sierra Club has a site describing and linking to five winter wildlife cams at This Winter’s Top 5 Wildlife Webcams
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 21, 2019
Five Great Winter Wildlife Cams
Posted in Animals | Tags: Winter Wildlife Cams
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2019
Texas Wildflower and Bluebonnet Sightings Report 2/20/19
Texas Wildflower and Bluebonnet Sightings Report : Texas Wildflower Hot Spots and Pictures by Gary Regner Photography has the following report
February 20, 2019 – Early Bloomers Redbud and Mountain Laurel trees have begun to bloom in Central Texas signalling the beginning of spring. This is quite a bit earlier than normal. A few bluebonnets have also been spotted beginning to bloom along major roadways as well. This year may see a early peak along roadways followed by a later peak for fields and pastures that warm more slowly than roadways.
I scouted the areas south and east of San Antonio on Wednesday February 13, and conditions look the most promising since 2012. Areas visited included Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Moore, Bigfoot, Somerset and New Berlin. Wildflower seedlings were still very small, but abundant. Bottom line was it is still early, and I wouldn’t expect any significant bloom for at least 3-4 weeks. In previous years this area peaked in late March and early April, but I expect this year to be several weeks earlier.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2019
Antelope Valley Wildflower Update 2/20/19
Antelope Poppy Reserve reports
The poppy plants are still fairly small, and a few have tiny buds on them. We expect to see the first poppies bloom in time for our visitor center opening on March 1st. The hills are green and some tiny forget-me-nots, slender keeled fruit and filaree flowers have been spotted. We are expecting a great bloom this year, but not a #Superbloom.
Please remember, no photos IN the flowers in the park. Commercial and student filming and photography requires a permit.
Visitors must stay on the official trails. No dogs or bikes on trails, and drones are prohibited.
#castateparks #poppyreserve
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2019
Coachella Valley Wildflower Report 2/19/19
The Desert Sun reports
Recent rain in the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas has experts looking forward to a wildflower boon across the California desert.
“This year is definitely shaping up to be a very good wildflower year,” says Cameron Barrows, an associate research ecologist at UC Riverside’s Center for Conservation Biology. “I’ve lived here in the Coachella Valley for over three decades, and there have been maybe two to four exceptional wildflower years, and this is one of those.”
Read full article at When will the wildflower super bloom happen in the California desert?
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2019
The Destructive Bay Area Wild Pigs
Bay Nature reported on the history of Wild Pigs in the Bay Area and the vast amounts of destruction they cause
Pigs feed by uprooting the earth in search of food. They can easily destroy a front lawn in a single night. They’ve disrupted San Jose neighborhoods, near where this photo was captured, in their quest to find food. If they’re not turning over every clump of dirt in your lawn, they’re eating your beloved plants instead. They compete with native wildlife for the same food. Upturning the earth also disturbs plants that aren’t otherwise adapted, exposing roots and leaving them to die. Pigs can destroy creeks when creating their wallows.
toad and boar
Read full story at Bay Nature Camera Trap Blog: Meet the Bay Area’s Wild Pigs
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2019
Joshua Tree Wildflower Bloom 2019 Video
The 2019 wildflower bloom has begun in Joshua Tree National Park.
Comments Off on Joshua Tree Wildflower Bloom 2019 Video
Posted in Desert, Wildflower Bloom Reports, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: California Wildflowers, Desert Wildflowers, Joshua Tree Wildflowers, Wildflower Bloom Reports
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2019
Anza-Borrego Region Wildflowers 2/19/19
Anza-Borrego State Park reports
With almost seven inches of rain since July, we anticipate widespread bloom of flowers in late February and early March. Some flowers are blooming along S22 east of mile marker 30, in response to heavy fall rains in that area. Heavy rains this week may allow many plants to grow larger before blooming, extending the season.
Lots of variables affect the extent of the spring wildflower bloom. For a good synopsis of what to expect this year, click here for a forecast from former Park Superintendent Mark Jorgensen.
Botanical Wanderings – California has the following report from Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide
North of Devil’s slide in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA.
The flower fields are stunning and will get better.
It may well surpass what you find in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
WARNING: This is 4×4 high clearance only.
See photos at Botanical Wanderings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2019
Santa Ana Foothills Poppy Bloom 2/19/19
California Wildflower Report has a posting
the bloom has begun. Poppies in Orange County’s Santa Ana foothills.
See photos at (1) California Wildflower Report – Home
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/18/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers has the following post for Feb/18/2019 Big Wash North loop
A return to Big Wash, to see how things changed after almost 2 months.
The most obvious Brassica tournefortii | Sahara mustard;Asian mustard has grown faster than anyone else, but luckily it’s not everywhere.
Here no flower fields, except for the occasional small field of Eschscholzia parishii | Parish’s poppy high up the canyon walls.
Certainly a place to return to follow up some plants.
We found Phacelia neglecta | Alkali phacelia germination, a good place to revisit by the end of March or April.
Species in bloom below 3000 feet: 78.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2019
Court Ruling Aids Wolves’ Return to California
EarthJustice reports
A judge’s decision to uphold California’s protections for wolves is a step in the right direction, but one lone wolf’s epic journey across state lines shows that federal protections are necessary to ensure the species’ continued survival.
Read story at Court Ruling Aids Wolves’ Return to California | Earthjustice
Posted in Animals | Tags: Gray Wolves
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2019
My 2019 Great Backyard Bird Count Results
Today seven of us did a Great Backyard Bird Count. We spend a good part of the day looking at birds in my yard in North Berkeley and then walking around the neighborhood in the North Berkeley Flatlands along the Ohlone Greenway and several side streets.
We found twenty-four bird species. Surprisingly 21 of them were either in or seen or heard from my yard. All bird species seen from our house except Black Phoebe, Red-breasted Nuthatch and California Scrub Jay.
The highlight of the day was seeing a Cooper’s Hawk swoop across our backyard and a Red-tail Hawk flying above. Both are very infrequent visitors to our yard.
Another highlight of the day was our Great Backyard Birding brunch featuring a Chocolate Bobka French Toast Bake that was very much enjoyed by all.
Click read more to see our list from today.
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: Great Backyard Bird Count
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflower Report 2/16/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association has a new wildflower report for February 16 from Botanist Kate Harper who updates her 2019 bloom prediction following recent rain. In summary, she says:
“The bottom line is the big Valentine rain (2.80 inches) will extend the bloom season and increase the diversity of flowers—more flowers for longer!”
Kate Harper, Desert Research Botanist See full report here.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2019
2019 Death Valley Dark Sky Festival March 1st-3rd
Death Valley National Park announces
The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is Friday through Sunday, March 1st-3rd! Join us to explore the park’s unique landscape and dark night skies that help us better understand the wonders beyond our world. This event is a collaboration between the park, Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA, and many other organizations.
A detailed scheduled will be released soon, so stay tuned to our website calendar. But you can look forward to:
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2019
Arizona wildflowers 2019: Best hikes, scenic drives
See story on Arizona wildflowers 2019: Best hikes, scenic drives It includes
- Picacho Peak State Park,
- Organ Pipe National Monument, Catalina State Park
- Lost Dutchman State Park
- Globe scenic drive
- Pinal Pioneer Parkway scenic drive
Posted in Drives, Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Arizona Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2019
Antelope Valley Update 2/16/19
Poppy Reserve/Mojave Desert Interpretive Association has a new report for 2/16/18
Antelope Valley California Poppy ReserveThe Joshua trees in front of the visitor center are starting to get their first buds. Other plants that are starting to bloom are: Filaree,Slender Keel Fruit, and Forget-me-nots
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State ParkThe Joshua trees are producing their first buds. The snow in the Tehachapi Mountains is a wonderful backdrop for the Joshua and Juniper trees. It was hard to find a place to get a photo of the snow and mountains without wind turbines and solar panels. Ripley was one of the best places to do just that.
See photos for both the above as well as reports on Horned Larks and Burrowing Owls at Poppy Reserve/Mojave Desert Interpretive Association
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Guide
If you you want to know what wildflowers you found in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and surrounding area and are looking for a good wildflower guid check on the website https://borregowildflowers.com which has high-resolution photos.
They have iOS or Android app that can be used as off-line field gui.
https://borregowildflowers.com
This app is intended for the casual flower user and experienced botanist alike.
You can identify plants by color, common name, scientific name or family name.
The app includes keys, descriptions and many photo’s of plant details.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2019
Birding Garretson Pt.
Yesterday I went birding at Garretson Pt. at Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline in Oakland, CA. The seasonal pond had plenty of water. There were good numbers of waterbirds and shorebirds. Saw my first Cinnamon Teal of the year. It was cold and windy so didn’t stay too long.
Click read more to see bird list
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2019
Beech Trees Dying From Unknown Disease
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 16, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Updates 2/16/19
Botanical Wandering- California has a post for Di Giorgio Rd North, 0.6 mile beyond the asphalt with 15 photos
Anza-Borrego State Park reports
With almost seven inches of rain since July, we anticipate widespread bloom of flowers in late February and early March. Some flowers are blooming along S22 east of mile marker 30, in response to heavy fall rains in that area. Heavy rains this week may allow many plants to grow larger before blooming, extending the season.
2.8 inches of rain in the recent storm has damaged roads and trails, but may very well extend the blooming season by allowing plants to continue to grow larger.
Heading east on S-22, look for early blooms along the roadside and in the washes & canyons between mile 33 and 35. There is a large pullout between miles 30 and 31 with room for parking near a field of purple sand verbena.
If you park and walk into Arroyo Salado, Coachwhip Canyon, or Ella Wash, you’llfind a wide variety of flowers, including sand verbena, desert sunflower, brown- eyed evening primrose, and lupine. These flowers are blooming in response to fall storms in this area, and may be nearing their peak. There are many Desert lilies in bloom in Arroyo Salado primitive camp, with many more in bud.
CAUTION: Most roads into the Borrego Badlands require four-wheel-drive!
Check out the mouth of Coyote Canyon at the end of DiGiorgio Road, north of Borrego Springs. The Lower Coyote Canyon road is CLOSED to all traffic due to flooding from recent rains, but flower-seekers may walk a short distance up the road to see sand verbena. Walking along the private road heading east will take you to a field with desert sunflowers, lupine, sand verbena, and dune primrose.
For maps and directions, call the Visitor Center at 760-767-4205.
For guided flower walks on Fridays, reserve your spot with the Anza-Borrego Foundation at 760-767-0446.
Ocotillo Wells SVRA is also experiencing an early bloom due to heavy rain in thefall. Visitors with 4WD can check out The Cove, Devil’s Slide, Palm Wash, andTarantula Wash. Those without 4WD vehicles should visit the OWSVRA Discovery Center, and walk the accessible trail to see a variety of things in bloom.
Anza- Borrego Desert Wildflowers Bloom prediction, updated February 16 2019
Will we get a Super Bloom this season? We think MAYBE, all indications point to a better than normal bloom.
The amount of relevant rain is now a least equal to the good spring of 2017, what some called a Super Bloom.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 16, 2019
67th Pacific Orchid Exposition Feb. 21 to 24, 2019
The 67th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition ‘Orchids of the Enchanted Forest’. More than 150,000 gorgeous, unusual and rare orchids will be on display and for sale at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park from February 21-24, 2019. 3 days of fun and adventure for the entire family!
Featuring:
- Over 27 local and international vendors
- Dazzling orchid displays
- Daily demonstrations on how to successfully grow orchids in the Bay Area
- Hard to find supplies
- Companion plants
- Orchid-gami, for the young and young at heart!
- Daily docent tours (large groups welcome)
- Orchid Doctor, always on call
- Silent Auction, amazing deals on trips and other necessities of life
Preview Night Gala
‘A Night in the Enchanted Forest’
Thursday, February 21st, 6pm – 9:30pm
Be the first to enjoy the orchid displays with reduced crowds (a few hundred rather than a few thousand people). Gala attendees will have first pick of the show vendor’s most beautiful and exotic orchids while enjoying live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.
The San Francisco County Fair Building “Hall of Flowers”
1199 9th Ave at Lincoln Way
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94122
For more information: www.pacorchidexpo.org
Posted in Garden, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Pacific Orchid Exposition
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2019
Rain In the Desert
Plenty of rain in some parts of the desert. Check out this video of an area near Palm Springs https://youtu.be/FiLELNnv738
Posted in Desert
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Update 2/15/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
Our flower report: There is still a beautiful bloom taking place east of Borrego Springs, in the Borrego Badlands, where December rain has given us an unusual winter bloom. The easiest place to see the flowers is along S22, roughly between mile marker 31 and 38. The road is paved and there are pull-offs for parking and nearby washes to explore. There is also a fantastic display of dune evening primrose and other species not far from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center, along Shell Reef. The trail around the Discovery Center also has many different desert species in bloom. See our Borrego Badlands map for the best places to go. Meanwhile, around the Borrego Valley, a major bloom has not yet started but flowers have started about one half mile into Coyote Canyon. See the Borrego Valley map for detals.
Our most recent reports. February 15: Heavy rain in Borrego Springs today This video of lower Coyote Canyon tells the story of our rain today. We took photos of this same area just yesterday to illustrate the excellent condition of the Coyote Canyon Road, but it became evident today that things had changed. The NWS reported 2.68 inches in Borrego Springs. Due to flood damage on Feb. 14 Coyote Canyon Road has been closed to all vehicle traffic and the repair work is expected to keep it closed until early-mid March. Visitors can park at the end of the asphalt and walk in.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2019
Fresno Blossom Trail 2/22/19
Fresno County Office of Tourism – Blossom Trail reports on February 22, 2019
Sunshine forecast through the weekend, early blooms have started and should see some additional orchards blossom this weekend. Will update on Monday!
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2019
San Jose Burrowing Owl Preserve
If you want to see the Burrowing Owls this year check out the San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility in northern San José..
Read about San José-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility at Bay Nature: Never Mind the Game; Here’s a Superb Owl
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 14, 2019
California Botanist Certification
California Native Plant Society announcement for Botanist Certification
Professional certification for field and consulting botanists is good for the profession and good for the environment. Certification helps ensure that the most qualified people conduct California’s environmental reviews and that our decision-makers have the information they need to make sound land-use decisions. That’s why CNPS and other leading botanical organizations have partnered to create a consulting botanist certification to formally recognize botanists that:
- Incorporate scientifically sound botanical principles in decision-making
- Meet a minimum set of standards in knowledge and experience
- Adhere to high ethical standards
Two levels of certification: Field Botanist, Consulting Botanist
Read more about botanist certification, how to prepare for the exams and when and where the exams are offered at Botanist Certification – California Native Plant Society
Posted in Class/Workshop, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Botanist Certification
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers 2/12/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports on February 12:
Ocotillo Wells – Shell Ridge – near Discovery Center Shell Reef: There is a spectacular bloom of Dune Evening Primrose mixed with sunflowers and sand verbena about two miles from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center along Shell Reef. The road is dirt but it is graded. If you are unfamiliar with the area you can stop at the Discovery Center and ask for a map. The white Dune Evening Primrose carpet the ground in some spots and trail off into the horizon, with yellow sunflowers and purple sand verbena mixed in. This is a a great place to visit mid week because there is very little ORV traffic. The flowers begin around the junction of PaloVerde Wash and Shell Reef Expressway – roads are signed.
Discovery Center Trail: The paved path outside of the Discovery Center now has a bloom of many species, it’s not a carpet of flowers but the diversity makes this a very worthwhile stop. A bonus in this spot is the Discovery Center, with fascinating displays on a wide range of topics about plants, animals, geology, and history of the Ocotillo Wells area.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Butterflies Vs. Border Wall: National Butterfly Center Seeks Restraining Order
NPR reports
The National Butterfly Center, in danger of losing access to most of its wildlife nature preserve along the Rio Grande, is asking a court to stop federal officials from building a border wall across its land.
The North American Butterfly Association first sued more than a year ago after government officials allegedly cut down trees and cleared brush on its Texas property. The planned wall would cut the 100-acre property in two, with as much as 70 percent of the land inaccessible between the wall and the Rio Grande, Butterfly Center Executive Director Marianna Trevino Wright has told NPR.
Read full story at: Butterflies Vs. Border Wall: National Butterfly Center Seeks Restraining Order : NPR
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Best Places to See Southern California Wildflowers
TimeOut Los Angeles has an article on eight wildflower hotspots in southern California. It includes information and links on each location. Check it out at Best Places to See Southern California Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Controversial Public Lands Bill
The U.S. Senate passes a controversional public lands bill today. It helps has many good conservation aspects including desert protection but allows for privatization of Alaskan Public lands
Defenders of Wildlife News Release
CONGRESS PASSES CONTROVERSIAL LEGISLATION TO PRIVATIZE PUBLIC LANDS
The Senate has passed a federal public lands package that funds and advances wildlife conservation, reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, but also contains a controversial provision that would allow for privatization and development of federal public lands in Alaska.
Sandra Purohit, Government Relations Legislative Counsel, of Defenders of Wildlife issued this statement:
“We applaud the authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other important conservation advances, however, the legislation passed in the Senate today also places at risk huge swaths of America’s public lands and resources in Alaska.”
“We are deeply troubled by the Alaska Native Veterans Allotment Act included in the package. The current language is improved from earlier versions but, unfortunately, continues to pose a substantial conservation threat. In the near term, the provision puts hundreds of thousands of acres of America’s public lands at risk of privatization and development, including lands set aside specifically for conservation, recreation and scientific study. It also invites similar threats to national wildlife refuge lands in the future. We will continue to work to resolve this issue as this package moves to the House.”
News Release from Senator Diane Feinstein
Senate Passes Feinstein Bill Completing 25-year Effort to Protect California Desert
Washington February 12, 2019 – The Senate today passed a package of public lands bills that includes the California Desert Protection and Recreation Act, a bill authored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to update and expand protections for 716,000 acres of California desert.
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Warming Climate Threatens Himalayan Glaciers
The BBC reports on how climate change is leading to warming that threatens Himalayan glaciers
Read article at: Climate change: Warming threatens Himalayan glaciers – BBC News
Posted in Environment | Tags: Warming Climate Threatens Himalayan Glaciers
Natural History Wanderings 