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 by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2019
Warming Climate Threatens Himalayan Glaciers
Posted in Environment | Tags: Warming Climate Threatens Himalayan Glaciers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 12, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Updates 2/11/19
Botanical Wandering- California has the following update along 25 photos with from Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide
Smoketree Canyon is one of the better flower canyons.
A great number of plants in bloom, don’t expect flower carpets.
Anza- Borrego Desert Wildflowers reports
Bloom prediction for the Anza Borrego Desert elevations below 3000 feet:
Will we get a Super Bloom this season? We think NOT, all indications point to a normal bloom.
The great winter bloom (first bloom cycle) from the October 2018 rain, sometimes surpassing the 2017 Super bloom is beginning to wind down, as most annuals have a finite lifetime, no matter how much water, sun and nutrients you give them.
The second bloom cycle from the December 2018 rain is growing but it’s not going to be as good as the Winter bloom, unless we are get significant additional rain.
March and April bloom will be more wide spread and probably cover most of the park,
A better than normal bloom can still happen, but for now a normal bloom is likely.
It will almost certainly be better than spring 2018.
A lot of things can happen, like cold weather, very warm weather, rain or no rain.
Don’t forget the caterpillars, when they show up in force, whole areas may be DOOMED.
We still have a way above average bloom (> 50 different plants and over 180 in the whole park) in the badlands and some other areas mentioned below.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 12, 2019
A “big year” and Neighborhood Birding
Today I went birding in North Berkeley Flatland neighborhoods with my friend Eric Schroeder, who is doing his version of a big year.
Here is Eric’s description of his big year.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s an attempt to see as many species as you can in a year—generally species in a specific place (usually one’s own country). I recommend the book The Big Year if you want a great illustration of how compulsive these efforts can be. I’m not going to be quite so obsessive—and my big year is actually going to be a global one. I’m doing it for two reasons: 1) I realized a few months back that I’ve got a lot of travel scheduled for 2019 and I thought it would be fun to record how many species I could see in a single year, and 2) I’m hoping to raise money for my favorite charity, the Golden Gate Audubon Society (GGAS).
If you’d like to learn more about what I’m up to, check out my web page.
On it you can sign up for my monthly updates if you are interested in receiving them (don’t worry, unless you sign up, I won’t bother you about this again.) And if you are feeling generous (and not too tapped out from the holiday
Today between us we saw 29 species between us plus some unidentified gulls. Most abundant were large numbers of American Robins and Cedar Waxwings; conservatively about 80 of each. We also saw three Woodpeckers: Downy, Nuttall’s and Northern Flickr. Eric also saw a couple of Ravens that I missed and won’t be included on attached list. I had two White-throated Sparrows in my backyard, which Eric missed and have eluded him so far this year. Click read more to see our bird list from today.
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: Big Year, Birding In Berkeley
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 12, 2019
Plummeting insect numbers ‘threaten collapse of nature’
The Guardian reports
The rate of insect extinction is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds and reptiles.
The world’s insects are hurtling down the path to extinction, threatening a “catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystems”, according to the first global scientific review.
More than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered, the analysis found. The rate of extinction is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds and reptiles. The total mass of insects is falling by a precipitous 2.5% a year, according to the best data available, suggesting they could vanish within a century.
Read story at Plummeting insect numbers ‘threaten collapse of nature’ | Environment | The Guardian
Posted in Animals | Tags: Decline Of Insects
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 11, 2019
Natural History Wanderings Is Nine Years Old Today
Today is the ninth anniversary of Natural History Wanderings.
To date there have been 9,880 posts.
There are currently 832 followers.
There have been 1,424,698 views and 438,577 visitors.
Posted in Uncategorized
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 11, 2019
Will there be another Super Bloom in Anza-Borrego?
Whether there will there be another Super Bloom in Anza-Borrego remains to be seen. It is still too early to say. The mainsteam media and social media are full of articles talking about the possibility. So far this is not what knowledgeable people in the parks are saying; at least not yet. The LA times reports on how the park is preparing for the possibility. Last time there was a super bloom there were huge crowds, traffic jams and general chaos.
The LA Times reports
Visitors from throughout Southern California will come by the thousands to the small desert community of Borrego Springs to witness the so-called super bloom.
Read full article at Flowergeddon 2? Borrego Springs braces for another ‘super bloom’ – Los Angeles Times
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 11, 2019
Marin Wildflowers 1/10/19
Marin CNPS reports
1/10/19 – Shooting stars are shooting on Yolanda trail East of Six Points Tr.
1/9/19 – along Old Stage Rd, Mt Tam Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora
See photos and older reports at Marin Native Plants
Posted in Wildflower Bloom Reports | Tags: California Wildflowers, Marin Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 11, 2019
Oceans Are Getting Louder, Posing Potential Threats to Marine Life
The New York Times reported
Increasing ship traffic, sonar and seismic air gun blasts now planned for offshore energy exploration may be disrupting migration, reproduction and even the chatter of the seas’ creatures.
Read story at Oceans Are Getting Louder, Posing Potential Threats to Marine Life – The New York Times
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Marine Life Threats, Ocean Noise
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 10, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/9/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
February 9 : Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Areas
Several bloom areas are reported by the staff at OW. These include the followeing areas
close to the park’s headquarters, just outside of Ocotillo Wells: The Cove: The rocky hills are covered with lupines, SW of Devils Slide: Clustered fields of desert sunflower, along with phacelia, cat’s eyes, desert lily, Benson & Morton Road: Sand verbena and dune evening primrose in dunes along boundary fencing. This area is Bloom #4 on our Borrego Badlands Map. High clearance vehicles essential, 4WD advised.
Desert Lilies in bloom: Desert Lilies are in bloom in around Arroyo Salado Campground and other nearby washes, as reported by Pam Blake. Although 4WD is recommended in the washes around Arroyo Salado it is possible to park a car near the restrooms at the campground and walk in the surrounding areas. See our Borrego Badlands map – bloom area #2.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 10, 2019
Earlybird Member Registration for Point Reyes Birding Festival Tuesday, Feb. 12th
The 10th Anniversary of the Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival is slated for April 25th-28th, 2019. Scroll down for program schedule and event descriptions, registration and more.
Earlybird Member Registration Kicks off Tuesday, February 12th
Members will need a code to register this week.
Look for a postcard mailing, email, or contact us.
Public Registration on Tuesday, February 19th
Members will need a code to register this week.
Look for a postcard mailing, email, or contact us.
Public Registration on Tuesday, February 19th
Join our member circle or renew your individual ($35) or household support ($50) and receive access this coming Tuesday. Please note, member registration is only for members, not friends of members.
Lastly, a big thanks to all our Friends of the Festival and guides for helping the festival take flight. Proceeds from the festival contribute to our mission to protect and sustain the unique lands, waters and biodiversity of West Marin.
For more information go to Earlybird Member Registration for Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival Kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 12th
Comments Off on Earlybird Member Registration for Point Reyes Birding Festival Tuesday, Feb. 12th
Posted in Bird Festivals, Birds | Tags: Point Reyes Birding Festival
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 10, 2019
2019 Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 15 to 18
Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.
Now, more than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds.
We invite you to participate! For at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, February 15-18, 2019, simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see. You can count from any location, anywhere in the world, for as long as you wish!
If you’re new to the count, or have not participated since before the 2013 merger with eBird, you must create a free online account to enter your checklists. If you already have an account, just use the same login name and password. If you have already participated in another Cornell Lab citizen-science project, you can use your existing login information, too.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Great Backyard Bird Count
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 9, 2019
Legislation Introduced to Protect Carrizo Plain, Other National Monuments
Los Padres Forest Watch reports
Yesterday, more than 100 members of Congress joined together to introduce legislation protecting America’s treasured national monuments from further attack by the Trump administration or future presidents. The bill is in response to recent attempts to shrink or eliminate protections for more than two dozen national monuments throughout the country, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo and western Kern counties.
Read full article at Legislation Introduced to Protect Carrizo Plain, Other National Monuments
Posted in Park | Tags: Carrizo Plain National Monument
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 9, 2019
For Migratory Birds, Lebanon Is A ‘Black Hole’ Where They Are Hunted, Trapped, Killed
NPR reports
Every year, some 2.6 million birds are shot or die after they are trapped in illegal nets, according to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon. Among them are endangered, vulnerable and near-threatened species.
Read story at For Migratory Birds, Lebanon Is A ‘Black Hole’ Where They Are Hunted, Trapped, Killed : NPR
Posted in Birds | Tags: Lebanon Bird Killings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/8/19
Botanical Wanderings – California has fifteen photos from Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide at San Felipe Wash in Anza- Borrego
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Marin Wildflowers: Steep Ravine Trail 2/8/19
Marin CNPS reports
The Giant Trillium at bottom of Steep Ravine trail (along creek up from Highway 1) are blooming and has anyone else ever noticed: they smell to me faintly of Plumeria. They are a sight and smell to behold. Please be careful treading near them, as they and associated plants are quite delicate.
Also “Milk-maids” one of the earliest forest ground flowers, taste like a Radish–must be a wild relation?
Posted in Wildflower Bloom Reports | Tags: California Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Mojave National Preserve Wildflowers 2/8/19
Mojave National Preserve reports
We are starting to see some early blooms of desert wildflowers in and near the Preserve. Recent rainstorms have likely helped this along. Although peak bloom usually occurs March – April, you may spot flowers at other times of year in various locations. Check out our guide for wildflower times here: https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/wildflowers.htm
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Henry Coe Wildflower Update 2/8/19
Henry Coe State Park has a new wildflower bloom report for February 8, 2019 at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Antelope Valley Wildflowers 2/8/19
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR reports
As of February 8th, poppy plants are still small and no buds have been spotted yet, so it may still be a couple weeks until we spot some early bloomers. Some small “belly flowers” such as slender keel fruit and forget-me-nots have started blooming on the east side of the park.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 8, 2019
Traffic Drives a Newt Massacre in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Citizen scientists tracking roadkill on Alma Bridge Road have found thousands of dead newts this season.
More than 2,280 Pacific newts have died on Alma Bridge Road, which borders the Lexington Reservoir in the Santa Cruz Mountains, since the rainy season began in late November. We know because we’re part of a citizen science project that has counted them.
Read full story at Bay Nature: Traffic Drives a Newt Massacre in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 7, 2019
Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 2/7/19
Homestead Valley Land Trust has a new report for February 7. See map and photos at Homestead Valley Land Trust.
NEW
– Arroyo willow grows near water and is blooming with bottle brush flowers.
– Bay laurel, one of our most common trees, flowers smell sweetly of vanilla and bloom in cream clusters.
– Cherry plum*, native of Europe, grows near water throughout Homestead and is blooming now.
– Coast live oak, another of our common trees, blooms with tassel flowers.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 7, 2019
Anza- Borrego Wildflower Updates 2/7/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
Looking for places to find flowers right now?
There is still a beautiful bloom taking place east of Borrego Springs, in the Borrego Badlands, where October 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. Those with 4WD can explore additional areas. See our Borrego Badlands Map for the best places to go. Meanwhile, around the Borrego Valley, the desert is very green from recent rain and flowers are reported in Coyote Canyon, about one half mile in.
In general, the area around Borrego Springs is not yet in bloom
Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers reports updated February 7 2019
Indications are positive for a normal “spring” bloom in the months to come, while we already have a very good winter bloom.
The second wave (December 2018) of germination plants is wide spread, February/March bloom is expected all over the park.
WARNING: The word Super Bloom is often misused by the news and others to attract visitors.
A very good bloom (Super) is generally a once in a 10-20 year event, not every other year.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 7, 2019
Proposed Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area
Feinstein, Harris Introduce Bill to Establish Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area
Feb 04 2019
Washington—Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris (both D-Calif.) today introduced the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Act, a bill to establish California’s first National Heritage Area.
“The Delta is one of the most productive and ecologically important watersheds in the country,” said Senator Feinstein. “Our bill recognizes the Delta’s important contributions to California and helps secure additional resources to protect its rich culture and history. Establishing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area will ensure future generation can enjoy everything this region has to offer.”
“Generations of families have enjoyed the abundance of the Delta, and we must preserve that opportunity for generations to come. That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi to introduce this bill establishing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as a National Heritage Area, which would bolster conservation and economic development projects for this environmentally, culturally, and historically rich region.” said Senator Harris.
Posted in Park | Tags: Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 7, 2019
Curbing Pesticides Key to Reversing Insect Apocalypse
Center for Biological Diversity New Release
New Analysis: Curbing Pesticides Key to Reversing Insect Apocalypse
More Than 40 Percent of World’s Insect Species on Fast-track to Extinction
PORTLAND, Ore.— Authors of a major new scientific review of the catastrophic decline of insects say a “serious reduction in pesticide usage” is key to preventing the extinction of up to 41 percent of the world’s insects within the “next few” decades.
The review, published online this week in Biological Conservation, highlights that reversing the insect declines will require an “urgent” push to replace the ever-escalating use of harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers with more ecologically based, sustainable farming practices.
“This analysis is an alarming wake-up call that we need to dramatically reduce pesticide use,” said Tara Cornelisse, an entomologist and senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Dumping more and more insecticides on our food crops is like fixing a noise under the hood by yanking out the car’s engine. Insects are the foundation of every healthy ecosystem, so we need to quit poisoning landscapes with millions of pounds of toxic pesticides every year.”
Posted in Environment | Tags: Insect Apocalypse, Pesticides
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 6, 2019
Tejon Ranch Wildflower Conditions
Tejon Ranch Conservancy reports
Hello, wildflower enthusiasts! With the recent precipitation, and more in the forecast for early February, we appear to be on track, hopefully, for a promising 2019 wildflower season. In the weeks to come, as we get a better handle on when and where the best blooms are likely to be found, we’ll begin scheduling public wildflower viewing events. Please stay tuned to our website calendar, Facebook page, and future editions of our newsletter for more information.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 6, 2019
Anza Borrego Wildflowers 2/5/19
Botanical Wanderings California had the following post from Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide
Anza-Borrego Desert right now.
In Rattle snake canyon we recorded the best variation in flowers of the season. A staggering 73, pretty amazing for early February.
See photos and other posts at Botanical Wanderings California
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 6, 2019
Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 2/6/19
Homestead Valley Land Trust has a new report for February 6 See map and photos at Homestead Valley Land Trust
NEW
– American vetch, one of our native pea vines is blooming purple.
– Oso berry, a deciduous shrub, blooms almost before its leaves emerge. Flowers are white and very fragrant.
– White flowered onion*, native of the Mediterranean basin, is blooming in wet areas – edible.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 6, 2019
Is Wall Construction at the National Butterfly Center About to Begin?
Audubon news reports
Last year, Congress approved funding to build new border-wall sections atop a levee that runs through the center, which protects habitat for hundreds of butterfly species as well as birds and other wildlife. An officer told center staff that “effective Monday morning, [the center’s land south of the levee] is all government land,” according to the post, suggesting that plans to construct the new wall sections continue. (These wall plans are separate from President Trump’s larger proposed wall project that is still being negotiated.)
If construction is imminent, the staff of the National Butterfly Center have not been informed. Jeffrey Glassberg, president of the center, confirmed to Audubon that heavy yellow machinery—an excavator, specifically—appeared on the property on Sunday. He also says that there is a heightened presence of local Mission police, who express the view that this is a land seizure.
Read more at Is Wall Construction at the National Butterfly Center About to Begin? | Audubon
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 6, 2019
2018 GBBC Photo Contest Winners
See the winners fo the 2018 Great Backyard BIrd Count photo contest at
Posted in Photography | Tags: GBBC Photo Contest Winners
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 5, 2019
Death Valley Wildflowers 3/9/19
Death Valley National Park reports As of MARCH 10th 2019.
We have not received the early seasonal rains needed to have a spring superbloom. We did receive rains later in the winter season, but too late to effect the 2019 bloom. We are seeing some wildflowers blooming in the lower elevations, but they are VERY sparse.
The parts of the park at elevations between 3,000 feet – 5,000 feet are expected to have great blooms, but different species than the lower elevations of course! This will also occur later in the spring – possibly in late April.
Read more: https://www.desertusa.com/wildflo/ca_dv.html#ixzz5i9tjx7Pq
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 5, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/4/19- updated
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide reports
Anza-Borrego Desert right now.
In Rattle snake canyon we recorded the best variation in flowers of the season. A staggering 73, pretty amazing for early February.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park has the following wildflower update and video
February 4, 2019
With almost four inches of rain since July, we anticipate widespread bloom of flowers in February and March. Some flowers are blooming along S22 east of mile marker 30, in response to heavy fall rains in that area.
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.
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association has a new detailed report
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park© 2018-19 “Season”
Bloom Analysis and Prediction
As updated 02/04/19
Kate Harper, Desert Research Botanist
We appear to be heading into a lovely 2-pulse 2018-19 Bloom “Season”.
The first BLOOM pulse is peaking now. What triggered this first pulse of flowers?
We had significant rain in spotty areas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park© (the Park) on October 12, 2018. It was still hot in the Park, but it was cooling off from the peak summer heat. It appears that the temperature was still warm enough to trigger the germination of some monsoonal annuals (seeds triggered by summer storms), and just cooled-down-enough to trigger the germination of some “spring” annuals (calendar winter, but what we in the desert call spring). Along with the annual flowers, the shrubs and subshrubs have responded with new leaves and their own beautiful flowers.
Natural History Wanderings 