Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color 10/8/17

 

Where to photograph in California – Yahoo Groups (Calphoto) has an Eastern Sierra fall color report

I am not sure how to label this year.  Some places had good color and some places not so good.  Perhaps over all it is average.

  • Green Creek Road – Excellent, go now
  • June Lake Loop – Very Good in spots, no disappointment
  • Sagehen Summit – past peak
  • Dundenberg Mill – a mixture of past peak and getting there
  • Conway Summit – a mixture of just past peak and getting there
  • Dundenberg Mill  – from 395 just north of Conway Summit – Spectacular
  • Lee Vining Canyon – Looking good – almost there

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 9, 2017

Bears Are Especially Active In The Fall

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Forest Service News Release

Fall is the Season for Heightened Bear Activity in the High Country and Foothills

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Forest Service remind citizens visiting or living in the high country and foothills that fall is the time of year for increased bear foraging activity and more human and bear encounters are possible.

California black bears are typically active and foraging between April and mid-fall, but in autumn, black bears experience changes in metabolism that drives the need to consume as many rich calories as possible. This metabolic spike is an important signal to the bear to bulk up and gain the fat that will sustain the animal through hibernation and periods of lean food sources. Scientists estimate that black bears may forage as many as 20 hours a day at this time.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2017

California Fall Color Updates 10/8/17

California Fall Color has several new posts today

 Mount San Jacinto State Park The bright gold of peaking willows, grasses and ferns becomes intensified at sunset at Mount San Jacinto State Park above Palm Springs.
the best color seems to be along the creek between Long Valley and Tamarack valley between 8500′ and 9000′, only a short walk from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway station. taking the tram up to hike the mountains any time of year, though in autumn, the colors provide extra incentive.
Mount San Jacinto State Park, above Palm Springs (8,516′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! Mt. San Jacinto – A Palm Springs PeakSee photo at

Hope Valley – there is more color than a week ago, many areas of the Hope Valeyu are still “mostly green.”
More yellow, orange and red surround Red Creek cabin, though the groves above the cabin are still mostly green.
Give it a week to two for peak color.
On the south side of CA-88 by Red Lake Creek you’ll find lots of color. Heading east past Blue Lakes Road, the large grove (across the cattle pasture to the north) is nearing peak, and groves above along the mountainside are turning yellow.
west of the West Carson down in Hope Valley is looking good with some orange, a lot of yellows, and still much green.
Sorensens as peaking
As you drive Luther Pass (CA-89) toward South Lake Tahoe  the aspen are still mostly green and there wasn’t much color from there all the way to Truckee.
the aspen leaves, this year, lack luster. One way to get around that is to photograph the leaves blacklit, as many frontally lit leaves have a dull cast to them, this autumn.
See photos at  Still Mostly Green in the Hope Valley

Big Bear – in the Inland Empire’s San Bernardino Mountains, is nearing peak with both native forests and landscaped yards full of color.
–  black oak, carrying uncharacteristically golden leaves at Green Valley Lake and exotics dressing  home in the town of Big Bear.
– “the leaves are definitely over 50% peak in Big Bear. Probably closer to 75% now… lots of beautiful colors over the past few days.”
Big Bear (6,752′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! See photos at  Big Bear Goes Big

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2017

Birding Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary 10/8/17

Today I went birding at Elsie Roemer.  Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary is at the east end of Marsh Beach in the town of Alameda. It harbors aquatic birds and other salt marsh creatures. It was between tides, sunny, in the 60’s F with a slight breeze. There were very large numbers of shorebirds, which is what makes this one of the Bay Area’s top shorebird areas. We saw 29 different species.

There were  very  large numbers (100’s) of Black-bellied Plovers, Sanderlings, Western Shorebirds, Willets,  and Marbled Godwits today. Terns were also seen in large numbers, both Elegant and Forster’s.

Also seen were Anise Swallowtail and Gulf Fritillary butterflies.

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Click Read more to see today’s bird list

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 8, 2017

Federal Budget Resolutions Put Arctic Refuge At Risk

EarthJustice News Release

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET RESOLUTIONS PUT ARCTIC REFUGE AT RISK

In two separate votes today, the House of Representatives and the Senate Budget Committee are expected to decide on budget resolutions that will pave the way for oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The Arctic Refuge is one of our nation’s most wild and iconic landscapes. The majority of Americans want the pristine lands within this publicly owned territory to be protected as wilderness, not handed over to the oil industry. According to recent public opinion research commissioned by the Center for American Progress, two-thirds of Americans are opposed to drilling in the Arctic Refuge, while 52 percent are “strongly opposed.”

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

Where To See Fall Color in New Jersey

NJ.Com has an article about where to see fall color in New Jersey and reports

Leaf watchers can expect a great season for fall foliage in the state.

Read article at  Fall foliage forecast: How, when to see spectacular 2017 leaf peeping season | NJ.com

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color: Woodford Canyon 10/7/17

Where to photograph in California – Yahoo Groups (Calphoto) has a report for Woodford Canyon

Woodford canyon between Sorensons and turn off to Markleeville looking absolutely fabulous right now.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

Mesa Verde Fall Color 10/7/17

See fall color photos from Mesa Verde National Park at KIT FROST Chase the Light Photography Adventures – Home

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

Draconid Meteor Shower Peaks 10-7 to 10-8

EarthSky reports

October’s Draconid meteor shower – sometimes called the Giacobinids – radiates from the fiery mouth of the northern constellation Draco the Dragon. Because the radiant is located so far north on the sky’s dome, this shower favors temperate and far-northern latitudes, such as the U.S., Canada, Europe and northern Asia. In 2017, the most meteors will probably fall on the evening of October 7 or 8. Start watching first thing at nightfall. The waning gibbous moon will rise at early evening, so there will be very little moon-free time to view this shower.We must warn you that this shower is often a sleeper, even in a dark sky completely free of moonlight. But watch out if the Dragon awakes, which is always a possibility!

Read more at  All you need to know: Draconids in 2017 | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

Southern Utah Fall Color 10/6/17

Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism Bureau has a new fall color report for October 6th to 10th

High Elevation – Alpine
Brian Head, Cedar Breaks and Panguitch Lake
Percent of Change: PAST PEAK
Color Report: With the cold temperatures and the wind the majority of the fall leaves in the high elevation are gone, there are a few pockets of color that might be found scattered though the high elevation. Mammoth Creek Road from Hwy U-143 to Hwy U-14 is stunning right now with lots of golden aspens tucked in among the dark evergreens, making the scenic loop well worth the drive.

Mid Elevation – Sub-Alpine
Parowan Canyon and Cedar Canyon Area
Percent of Change: PEAK
Color Report: After a drive over the mountain Friday it is evident that the mid elevation is at PEAK! The wind have managed to take down some of the early changer but there are still some really nice pockets of color especially along the Kolob Reservoir Road/Right Hand Canyon (5 miles from Cedar City off Hwy U-14), the Woods Ranch area, and the Mammoth Creek Road. Reports are also saying that the leaves along Yankee Meadow Road are also at peak, but may not last past the weekend. We will update on Monday, October 9th!

Low Elevation –  Cedar City and Kolob Canyons Area
Percent of Change: MODERATE
Color Report: Leaf experts are saying that with the colder temperatures over the past weekend the trees are starting to show a color in the lower elevations. The Kolob Canyon Rangers said “The trees are good” but to not expect drastic changes until later in October, but check back often for up-to-date information on the changing of the leaves!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 7, 2017

48 Environmental Rules On the Way Out Under Trump

The New York Times reports

To date, the the Trump administration has sought to reverse nearly 50 environmental rules, according to an analysis by The New York Times.

See the 24 rules overturned, 17 rollback in progress and 7 rollbacks in limbo at 48 Environmental Rules on the Way Out Under Trump – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Where To Photograph Fall Color This Year in Oregon

Greg Vaughn ,  the author of “Photographing Oregon” reported on where to fall color this year, especially due to the Columbia River Gorge fire.

Almost all of the areas in the Columbia River Gorge that you would want to shoot are closed, even places that weren’t destroyed in the fire.

However, there are several other places in Oregon that you could visit for fall color:
– Hood River Valley – harvest season for the farms and orchards in addition to the trees
– Silver Falls State Park – gorgeous waterfalls and good fall color
– Aufderheide Memorial Drive (West Cascades Scenic Byway) – a winding forest road lined with bigleaf and vine maples.
– North & South Umpqua River drainages – a good number of scenic waterfalls and surrounding fall color
– Portland Japanese Garden – spectacular in autumn.
Mid to late October is usually prime for these areas. I drove over the Willamette Pass (Hwy 58) yesterday, and the bigleaf maple and vine maple were looking very good at 3000-5000 ft elevation.
–

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Where Is Peak Vermont Fall Foliage? Experts Say It’s Coming

The Burlington Free Press reports on the late fall foliage season in Vermont

unseasonable heat and little rain ushering in the season, state tourism officials have been fretting about the colors coming late or not at all for this important rite of autumn in Vermont.

Read story at  Where is peak foliage? Vermont foliage experts say it’s coming

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color: Lundy Canyon 9/30/17

California Fall Color posted a report for Lundy Canyon. Please note this report is as of last Saturday 9/30/17

Lundy Canyon last Saturday and found lots of patchy color with it at about “50/50 gold/green” around the lake.
“If I were choosing a trail to day hike this weekend, the one up Lundy Canyon would be my pick.”
Lundy Canyon (7,858′) – Patchy (10-50%) See photos at LUNDY CANYON – 50/50

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Color 10/6/2017

Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color 2017 reports

Spotty color continues in the higher regions (running a few days late). While color started a little early due to cool weather, the last few weeks of summertime temperatures slowed the transition. Best color now is above 4,500 feet elevation, including NC Highway 215 near the Parkway and the Parkway north of Linville Falls to Grandfather Mountain (Rough Ridge super scenic hike is peak color). Note: Many trees, especially in the highest elevations, have been stressed by high winds from Irma, followed by summer-like temps and very dry weather. So many ridges above 5,500 feet peak peak have mostly brown hues or leafless trees, while valley views are still green. Watch for more updates on our Facebook page.
Weather Outlook: Plenty of sun and very warm today with clouds arriving on Saturday. Rain is expected Sunday and Monday from Nate (but we really need the rain!). Since most leaves are still green in mid and lower elevations, they should survive. 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

California Fall Color Is Back Online

If you have had trouble accessing California Fall Color the last two days that is because their server crashed. It has been fixed and they are back online.  CaliforniaFallColor.com

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Eastern National Forests Fall Color 10/6/17

Eastern Region National Forests reports

Illinois
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
No major changes in foliage this week on the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The prairie is still full of color including blues, yellows, and whites from asters and goldenrod.

Shawnee National Forest Fall color change has just begun on the Shawnee National Forest, so the majority of the rolling Shawnee Hills are still very green. Early species that are the first to change, like dogwoods, sumac, sycamore and tulip poplar trees have turned their bright red and yellow hues. The region hasn’t had significant rain in the last month so the lack of late summer precipitation will likely effect how good the fall color season will be. Besides the beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities there is sure to find something to do in nearby communities in the many fall fests held in October. With daytime highs in the upper 70s and nights in the upper 50s it’s the ideal time of year to enjoy southern Illinois. To assist in your trip planning visit: Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau or Illinois Ozarks Tourism.

Indiana
Hoosier National Forest Fall is starting here on the Hoosier National Forest, but we are still a couple weeks away from the most vibrant colors.  Walnut trees are continuing to drop their leaves while gums and sumac are showing color.  Some poplars are beginning to turn yellow while the majority of maples are holding onto their greens. There are random trees throughout (and maybe a few more on the north end of the Forest) that might surprise you. There is some rain predicted for this weekend; however, daytime weather is still somewhat warmer with cooler nights.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 6, 2017

Protection Denied To Pacific Walrus

Center for Biological Diversity News Release

Trump Administration Denies Protection to Pacific Walrus Imperiled by Climate Change

SAN FRANCISCO— The Trump administration today denied Endangered Species Act protection to the Pacific walrus, which is imperiled by climate change. Today’s denial reverses an Obama administration decision that the Pacific walrus deserves protection because of the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2017

Rocky Mt. National Park Fall Color 10/7/17

Afield Trails has a fall color report for Rocky Mt. National Park with predictions for the week of October 7

October 5, 2017 — On our visit to the Park this week, we fully expected to find bare and battered trees defoliated by the recent snow. Instead, we found large swaths of colorful aspens and only a few naked trees backdropped by snowy peaks — at lower elevations, at least.

Elk exclosures in Moraine Park are thick with golden-leafed aspen trees.
Three to four inches of snow blankets the ground as you climb from Deer Junction toward Hidden Valley, a chilly reminder of the nasty weather that visited the Park in the past week. While the leaves in the east side parques largely survived the storm, the same cannot be said of the aspen stands above 9,000 feet. The aspen trees at Hidden Valley, so brilliant in weeks past, are largely barren now, as are those along Trail Ridge Road leading up to Many Parks and Rainbow Curve. The shrubby willows, however, have taken up the slack and paint the valley bottom a golden hue. You should take advantage of the Park’s high elevations this weekend while Trail Ridge Road remains open, but if leaf peeping is the goal, it’s not an ideal destination.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color: Bishop Creek 10/4/17

California Fall Color reports

Bishop Creek Canyon is a mix of every level of peak, from Just Starting, to Patchy, to Near Peak, to Peak, to Past Peak, some occurring at the same location.

North Lake is a puzzle. It’s lime, yellow, orange and gone, all at the same location. Peak color is near the lake with green aspen far above. We rate it Near Peak, though it’s peaking in areas, nowhere close in others and past peak, too.

Sabrina is topsy turvey. The higher you go, the less consistent the color is. Intake II (at the lowest elevation) is Near Peak, while Sabrina Approach (higher up) is Patchy.

Aspen at the center of the Groves Above Cardinal Village were past peak and surrounded by a ring of patchy, though mostly green aspen. Aspendell has hardly any color, though that’s not unusual. It’s often the last to peak.

We were there to sort it out and ran into dozens of color spotters and photographers who were shrugging their shoulders in confusion. Seeing me trying to find some color along a stream at Sabrina Approach, one photographer turned and said, “I did the same thing, and came to the same conclusion… not yet there. Still, I’m glad to be here.”

We were all certainly glad to be in Bishop Creek Canyon this week searching for fall color, as there were moments of breathtaking wonder.

Travel writer/photographer Lee Foster and I found it in a dazzling display along the South Lake Road. From Parchers down to the Mist Falls at Mountain Glen the hillsides are lit with pink, orange, yellow and lime aspen.

While several of South Lake’s groves could technically be rated as “Patchy,” Oh!, how beautiful they are in the midday sun. No one photographing them was disappointed.

Southern Inyo County

  • Whitney Portal (8,374’) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
  • Onion Valley (9,600’) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Big Pine Creek (7,660’) –Patchy (10 – 50%)
  • Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery (4,000’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Alabama Hills (4,534’) – Just Starting (0-10%)

South Lake

  • Weir Pond (9,650’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Parchers Resort(9,260′) -Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Willow Campground (9,000’) -Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Table Mountain Group Camp (8,900’)- Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Surveyors Meadow (8,975’) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
  • Mountain Glen (8,500′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350’) -Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Four Jeffrey Campground (8,000’) -Patchy (10 – 50%)

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 5, 2017

Impact Of Hurricane On Puerto Rico’s Trees

NPR has a story on the impact of the Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico’s trees. The damage was sever as most trees lost all there leaves and some were uprooted. There is some hope as researchers found that after Hurricane Hugo regrowth of Puerto Rico’s trees that remained standing was two to three times as robust and productive as a normal healthy forest.  Read full story at After Hurricane’s Wrath, Puerto Rico’s Green Forests Turn Bare Brown : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color: Mono County 10/4/17

Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism   reports below. See photos at: Fall Colors in Mono County – Mono County Tourism and Film Commission

Fall Colors have progressed significantly around Mono County over the last week and we are approaching peak color at a few of our favorite viewing locations.

Convict Lake, Rock Creek Road, Conway Summit, Summers Meadow Road and Lobdell Lake Road are all “Go Now” designations and should be brilliant for the next 7-10 days.

Many areas like the West Walker River, Lee Vining Canyon, Lundy Canyon and the June Lake Loop are just getting started but still have sections of great foliage and are worth the trip this weekend.

Book your trip in the next three weeks for the best chance to catch the fall colors in Mono County.

WALKER / COLEVILLE / TOPAZ
Monitor Pass (8,314′)- 10-50% Patchy – Areas with nice color but still too early for peak leaves even though it’s at a higher elevation. Look for this area to be at peak after next week’s report.
Lobdell Lake Road (8,600′) – 50-75%  Go Now! – Lots of change from last week but still falls short of a full 100% peak designation. You’ll find sections of peak color while other areas are still fully green. This is a perfect spot for portrait photography or anyone wanting to do close ups of isolated sections of trees. Note: Burcham Flat Road to Lobdell lake Road are dirt roads – AWD or 4WD vehicles are recommended.
Walker Canyon (5,200′)- 10-50% Patchy – Walker canyon has progress more rapidly than any other location on this list over the past week. Sections with great yellows and lime greens while others are just getting going. This will be a “go now” designation after next week’s report.
Towns of Walker & Coleville – 0-10% Just Starting – A few cottonwoods have started to turn but this is traditionally the last place to peak in Mono County. Look to go here in the 3rd or 4th week in October.
Sonora Pass (9,623′)- 10-50% Patchy – It’s a fall color inversion here, as colors are looking nice around Leavitt Meadows Pack station and the lower sections of Sonora Pass while the aspens near the summit are still green. Another early winter storm hit this area last night that hopefully jumpstarted the process.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

New York Fall Foliage 10/4/17

Fall Foliage in New York reports for the Week of October 4 – 10, 2017

Albany, N.Y. – Muted fall colors continue to dominate New York State’s autumn landscape with peak or near peak conditions expected this weekend in the Adirondacks, Catskills, Central New York, Thousand Islands-Seaway and some parts of the Finger Lakes regions, according to volunteer observers for Empire State Development’s I LOVE NEW YORK program. Many areas are seeing significant leaf droppage and a noticeable amount of leaves that haven’t changed or have dried on the trees. I LOVE NEW YORK defines “peak” foliage as the period when the leaves are displaying their best overall appearance of the season.

In the Adirondacks region, in Essex County, Lake Placid foliage will be at peak with 95-100 percent color change this weekend and a mix of brown, orange, maroon and yellow shades. Spotters at Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington expect just past peak foliage with 70-80 percent leaf change and muted yellow and orange leaves, along with some green, but there has been significant leaf droppage. In the areas surrounding the mountain expect near peak to peak foliage with 75 percent color change and plenty of yellow and dark red leaves of average brilliance. Some of the red leaves dropped over the past week, but the colors are bright around the Ausable River.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

Southern Utah Fall Color 10/3/17

Cedar City • Brian Head Tourism Bureau has a new fall color report for October 3rd to 7th

High Elevation – Alpine
Brian Head, Cedar Breaks and Panguitch Lake
Percent of Change: PAST PEAK
Color Report: With the cold temperatures and the wind the majority of the fall leaves in the high elevation are gone, there are a few pockets of color that might be found scattered though the high elevation. Mammoth Creek Road from Hwy U-143 to Hwy U-14 is stunning right now with lots of golden aspens tucked in among the dark evergreens, making the scenic loop well worth the drive.

Mid Elevation – Sub-Alpine
Parowan Canyon and Cedar Canyon Area
Percent of Change: PEAK
Color Report: more leaves are changing with more and more yellows and reds appearing every day. Even thought it is still early and there is lots of green still to turn the mid elevation will be beautiful for a weekend drive on your way to see the high elevation.

Low Elevation –  Cedar City and Kolob Canyons Area
Percent of Change: MODERATE
Color Report: Leaf experts are saying that with the colder temperatures over the past weekend the trees are starting to show a color in the lower elevations. The Kolob Canyon Rangers said “The trees are good” but to not expect drastic changes until later in October, but check back often for up-to-date information on the changing of the leaves!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

Maine Fall Color 10/4/17

Maine Foliage Home reports

Northern Maine Nearing Peak Conditions Columbus Day Weekend

(AUGUSTA, Maine) – The Fall Foliage Report from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports 70 percent color for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend in northern Maine, while the remainder of the state is at 40 to 50 percent color change. A low leaf drop is also reported throughout the state.

Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the state’s progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-to-late October.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Color 10/3/2017

Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color 2017 reports

Spotty color continues in the highest regions. While color started a little early due to cool weather, the last two weeks of summertime temperatures slowed the transition. Best color now is above 4,500 feet elevation, including NC Highway 215 near the Parkway and Parkway north of Linville Falls. Many areas got the first frost over the weekend, so that will speed up the color change. The Craggy Gardens summits and popular Graveyard Fields (and many peaks above 5,500 feet) are past peak due to Irma’s high winds taking down and way above temps, but valley views are still green. Watch for more updates on our Facebook page.
Weather Outlook: Plenty of sun and near seasonal temps this week. Needed rain possible Sunday and Monday. 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

California Fall Color Updates 10/4/17

California Fall Color has a more new reports today

Ventana Wilderness/Big Sur –  In these mountains, the fall color progression is a rolling peak depending on the slope aspect and elevation. For now the best color is at the highest elevations of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Bountiful poison oak is also bright red at the higher elevations. here it will mix with redwoods below ~2000 ft into November.
Expect spots of bright color in an otherwise evergreen forest of fir, redwood and live oak.
Ventana Wilderness – Big Sur Hills (3,000 to 5,000 feet) – Near Peak (50-75%) See photos at  Ventana Wilderness / Big Sur – California Fall Color

Upper Rock Creak/Little Lakes Valley -(Little Lakes Valley Trailhead [10,200’], Rock Creek Canyon – 10/3/17) Hiking from the end of Rock Creek Road on the Little Lakes Valley Trail, quaking aspen were peaking near 10,400’.
See video at Upper Rock Creek / Little Lakes Valley

Mist Falls at Glen Mt. – The color surrounding the Mist Falls and Mountain Glen is spectacular, particularly when backlit at midday. The mix of green, lime, yellow, orange and red provide a Near Peak palete along South Lake Rd. that is breathtaking. See video at Mist Falls at Glen Mt.

North Lake – North Lake and Sabrina Lake are Near Peak, though with large areas of Patchy color. South Lake has Peak color and is glorious!
Please note: This autumn is very different in Bishop Creek Canyon from previous ones in that the color is not synchronized. Groves in the same area are at all stages, from Just Starting to Past Peak.
So, if you delay visiting, you’re likely to miss it all, as no one area is going to peak all at once this year.  Only South Lake has that potential, but even the green among the groves is spectacular, there. Expect to see bare limbs near brilliant color, beside green trees.
Bottom Line… GO NOW! See video at North Lake nears Peak

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 4, 2017

New Findings On Channel Island Hummingbirds

 Channel Islands National Park News Release

New Research on Island Hummingbirds

Ventura, CA — For the October From Shore to Sea lecture Dr. Erin Rankin will discuss new findings on how the variable diet of the island subspecies of Allen’s hummingbird may have contributed to its unique non-migratory behavior.

The island subspecies of Allen’s hummingbird does not migrate seasonally to obtain food like its mainland counterparts. Rankin has found that these high metabolism birds meet their dietary needs by shifting their food sources seasonally when the flowers they primarily feed on are less abundant.

Rankin’s research is also providing a more comprehensive view of the hummingbird’s role as pollinators and predators on the islands. In her research she uses genetic barcoding to analyze hummingbird droppings in order to determine their food sources along with observing their foraging behavior.

Rankin has learned that their diets shift significantly from season to season and that insects make up an important part of their diet. She has found that there are gender-based differences in their diet with female Allen’s hummingbirds eating a wider variety of foods than the male birds.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2017

Birding Aquatic Park 10/3/17

Today I went birding in Aquatic Park in Berkeley, CA  We walked out and back on west side of the main section between the playground and pier.The highlight of the trip was three Belted Kingfishers that were seen on both sides of the lagoon from the pier. We identified 18  bird species. There were also a number of passerines in the trees, but none of them showed themselves well enough for an ID. Also seen were Monarch Butterflies and a few Cabbage Whites.

Click read more to see today’s Bird List

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2017

Lake Sabrina Fall Color 10/3/17

Lake Sabrina Boat Landing has several photos on its website showing fall color at  This Week’s Report. They report

the trees are a lovely green, yellow, orange and red absolutely stunning – sure glad the cold temps of last week didn’t turn them all black

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Posted in Fall Foliage | Tags: , , , , , ,

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