The New York times reported
Mr. Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, announced on Monday the start of a fund to invest in transformative energy research and development to reduce the emissions that cause climate change. The work would supplement and build on basic research already underway at government labs that may be threatened by the incoming administration.
Read story at Bill Gates Leads New Fund as Fears of U.S. Retreat on Climate Grow – The New York Times
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Climate Change Research, Global warming
California Fall Color reports
Descanso Gardens
the gardens provide a continuing show of nature’s color with native and exotic trees at full peak fall color.
Descanso Gardens,La Cañada Flintridge – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW Photos and full post at Descanso Gardens
LA Arboreum
Fall color is nearing peak at Southern California’s arboretums and botanic gardens, with some species peaking while others are near peak. LA County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! See photos and full post at LA Arboreum
Orange County
Orange County is living up to its name, with orange leaves adding late autumn color to the season. Orange County – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW! See photos at Orange County
The Seeker reports that
researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, who argue in a new study published in the journal PLOS ONE that birds have been greatly underrepresented, taxonomically speaking.
Typical numbers for the total number of bird species worldwide tend to center around a range of 9,000 to 10,000, but the museum’s scientists say that number is likely closer to 18,000.
Read full story at The Number of Bird Species Could Be Double What We Thought – Seeker
Posted in Birds, Uncategorized | Tags: 18000 Bird Species
Birdwatch Magazine reports
Contaminated water kills thousands of Snow Gees in Montana
Several thousand Snow Geese have died a harrowing death after a blizzard forced large flocks to land on the acidic, metal-laden waters of an old open cast mine in Montana on the night of 28 November.
Read full story at Contaminated water kills thousands of Snow Gees in Montana
Posted in Birds | Tags: Contaminated water kills thousands of Snow Geese, Snow Geese Dath
The New York Times has a good opinion piece on how we might look at ownership of public lands and why it is important to maintain public ownership at It’s Our Land. Let’s Keep It That Way. – The New York Times
Posted in Park | Tags: Public Lands
Earthsky reports
The shower starts around the second week in December, but, in a bit of bad timing, full moon comes on the peak night (December 13-14) this year. Still, these meteors are known for being bright, so some Geminid meteors may well overcome this year’s moonlit glare. Watch on the evening of December 13 until dawn December 14. The nights before and after might be good as well. Geminid meteors tend to be few and far between at early evening, but intensify in number as evening deepens into late night. This shower favors Earth’s Northern Hemisphere, but it’s visible from the Southern Hemisphere, too.
Learn more at Geminid meteor shower 2016 ahead | Astronomy Essentials | EarthSky
Posted in Astronomy
Today I went birding at Elsie Roemer starting just after the King Tide. 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.
There were very large numbers of shorebirds today including Double Crested Cormorants, Willets, Marbled Godwits, Western Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers, and Dowitchers. The Willets and Marbled Godwits were likely in the high hundreds and the Western Sandpipers over 1000. The Snowy Egrets were in double digits as well. Probably the most interesting bird today was a Say’s Phoebe, as this is the first time I have seen one at Elsie Roemer. It was the most species (37) I have seen on a visit to Elsie Roemer and yet didn’t include a few commonly seen ones such as Brown Pelicans, Killdeer, Canada Goose or any Grebes or Terns.
Click Read more to see today’s bird list
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Bird Reports, Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary
Defenders of Wildlife News Release
WASHINGTON (December 10, 2016) – The United States Senate passed the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (S. 612), which includes a disastrous rider for California water, fishing jobs and wildlife. On December 5, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), inserted a secretly negotiated anti-environmental rider into the bill that jeopardizes salmon, Delta smelt and other endangered species in California.
Statement from Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark:
“This rider harms both water quality and wildlife in California’s Bay-Delta. The legislation endangers salmon runs and other native fish, impairs water quality, and sets up years of legal battles.
“The bill passed over strenuous objections from Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) , who did everything in their power to fight for salmon and other imperiled wildlife. Their efforts should inspire environmental champions in the next Congress.
“House Majority Leader McCarthy (R-CA) aided by Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) cynically used the Flint community’s need for clean water to gut environmental protections for fish and wildlife. However, this was a false choice created by opportunistic politicians who have signaled that they will use any means at their disposal to roll back important environmental protections. If this is the new way of business for the next Congress, we will fight them every step of the way, because voters did not vote to roll back protections for water, air and wildlife.”
Posted in Animals, Birds, Environment | Tags: Water Bill Threatens Wildlife
Yesterday I went birding in Eastshore State Park in Berkeley. I walked from Gilman Street to the Sea Breeze Market through the Berkeley Meadow and back. I identified 41 species. Only one small seasonal pond was found in the Berkeley Meadow and it had two Mallards in it. There were many sparrows in the Meadow where I found five sparrow species as well as California Towhee. Most interesting bird was a Lincoln Sparrow. The Mudflats at the Sea Breeze were very active with shorebirds, gulls, both egrets and a Great Blue Heron.
Great Egret and Gulls
Click read more to see bird list
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Birding Eastshore State Park
The Anza Borrego Foundation announced
New park visitors are invited to bring their friends and family to explore Borrego Palm Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s most popular hiking trail. Anza-Borrego Foundation is sponsoring free day-use admission to this area one weekend per month from October 2016 to March 2017. Only one ticket is needed per vehicle. Once you have selected your weekend and registered, simply show your printed ticket (or image on your phone) to the staff at the Borrego Palm Canyon entry kiosk, and you’re in!
BPC for Free Schedule:
- October 22-23, 2016
- November 19-20, 2016
- December 17-18, 2016
- January 21-22, 2017
- February 11-12, 2017
- March 25-26, 2017
Use your ticket on either Saturday or Sunday of the designated weekend for free entry into Borrego Palm Canyon. Borrego Palm Canyon offers a 3-mile roundtrip hike to a native palm grove and seasonal stream. 100 free passes are available for each weekend.
For more information and to get a ticket go to Borrego Palm Canyon for free
Posted in Park | Tags: Borrego Palm Canyon for free
The Sierra Club reports
Research shows that oil from the big spill affected more than marine species. It also made it into the terrestrial food web.
Looking out over Louisiana’s salt marshes today, there’s little evidence that six years ago large stretches of the coastline were washed in black, sticky oil. Since then, the vegetation has crept back, the birds are singing, and only a trained eye can find signs that the largest oil spill in U.S. history recently devastated the wetlands. But the effects linger—oil and other compounds are locked in the sediment. They are in fish, crabs, and other marine species. Researchers have recently discovered the oil even made it into the tissue of at least one terrestrial species as well, showing for the first time that marine oil spills may impact more than just the oceans.
Read full story at Oil From Deepwater Horizon is Found in Birds
Posted in Birds, Environment | Tags: Deepwater Horizon, Oil Spills
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
WASHINGTON— The Trump transition team is expected to announce the nomination of Cathy McMorris Rodgers, current representative of Washington state’s 5th District, today as secretary of the Interior Department, the federal agency that oversees the majority of America’s public lands, waters and endangered species.
If confirmed by the Senate, McMorris Rodgers would lead federal departments responsible for protecting endangered species and managing more than half a billion acres of America’s public lands, including the national park system and the national wildlife refuge system. She would direct policy and make major decisions on oil, gas, coal and other extraction activities on public lands and oceans, controlling the U.S. Geological Survey (the federal government’s premiere natural and earth sciences agency) and upholding the U.S.’s responsibilities to tribal nations.
“McMorris Rodgers will put fossil fuels and logging ahead of the public lands and endangered species we all cherish,” said Randi Spivak, public lands program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Under McMorris Rodgers corporate polluters will have free rein. Endangered wolves and salmon, wild rivers, whales and our climate will all lose under this long-time servant of the oil, gas and timber industries. Senators who care about America’s beautiful wild places and our planet’s future should fight like hell to block this outrageous nomination.”
Posted in Environment | Tags: Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Department of Interior
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History has a report for a few wildflowers found on a hike along Wind Caves to Gypsum Peak
A hike in Fishcreek along the Windcaves up to the Gypsum peak.
On of the goals was to check how many of the very rare Narrow leaf Sandpaper Plant, Petalonyx linearis where still alive.
We where pleased to find 2 alive and still blooming, but struggling.
Unfortunately we found 3-4 plants that where obvious dead, still attached to the ground, we are confident about the ID of the dead plants that where alive in 2015.
All dead plants where on the sun facing slope, the other plants (alive) seem to be in a slightly better spot.
In a new location, facing away from the sun, one possible alive (looking less dead).
Biggest surprises, one Smoketree in good bloom and one Pigmy cedar with a couple of nice flowers.
The dominant plant higher up and sometimes the only species present, Pigmy cedar and a young Desert willow, Chilopsis linearis arcuata, that didn’t know when to bloom.
The number of species in bloom is very low, in many cases we only found a single plant in bloom
See photo at Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers Update
One of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for the northern elephant seal is at Año Nuevo State Park. A Natural Preserve has been established to protect the elephant seals along with many other animals such as otters, California sea lions, coyotes, cormorants, terns and more. Native plants and an untouched intertidal ecosystem also find shelter inside the Natural Preserve. Elephant seals can be observed here year round either on a docent lead tour or through a self guided permit system within the Wildlife Viewing Area.
The viewing area is closed until December 15.
For more information go to Año Nuevo SP
The Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery spreads over 6 miles of shoreline around Point Piedras Blancas on the central coast of California. The viewing areas are located 90 miles south of Monterey, 5 miles north of Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon, 1.5 miles south of Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing areas are open every day of the year, are wheelchair accessible, and free. No reservations required.
via Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal | San Simeon, Cambria California
New research from Point Blue Conservation Science is looking at the disappearance of #ElephantSeal habitat at the Farallon Islands. As a result of that loss, those seals might be finding a new home at Point Reyes National Seashore. The elephant seal population here continues to increase every year.
The elephant seal breeding season starts this month, so be on the lookout for the announcement of the first pup born any day now. Better yet, take a trip out here in January or February for the best time to see elephant seals: http://go.nps.gov/1iifod
#ParkScience #NPWest #FindYourPark ##EncuentraTuParque
Posted in Animals, Uncategorized | Tags: Ano Nuevo, Elephant Seals, Piedras Blancas, Pt. Reyes
EarthJustice News Release
The American people should not stand for having a polluter lobbyist in charge of keeping our air and water clean
The following is a statement from Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen in response to President-elect Trump’s nomination of Scott Pruitt, a climate-change denier, to head the Environmental Protection Agency:
“Every American should be appalled that President-elect Trump just picked someone who has made a career of being a vocal defender for polluters to head our Environmental Protection Agency.
Posted in Uncategorized
It is not just sport venues that will be named after corporations and commercial productsthe Welcome to Yosemite’s Coke Auditorium as the National Parks sell naming rights. The New York Times reports
This year, parks in several states including Idaho and Washington, and the National Park Service, will be blazing a new trail, figuratively at least, as they begin offering opportunities to advertisers within their borders.
Read The Times’s full story at Mother Nature Is Brought to You By … – The New York Times
Posted in Park | Tags: Commercializing The National Parks
The Guardian has a short video of David Attenborough talking about on climate change. It is an extract from Liberatum’s documentary “In this Climate”, in which a range of cultural and environmental figures including Noam Chomsky, David Attenborough and Mark Ruffalo respond to the threat of climate change and to the deniers. The full-length film is scheduled for release before the World Economic Forum in January 2017. See the video at David Attenborough on climate change: ‘The world will be transformed’ – video | Environment | The Guardian
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate change, David Attenborough, Global warming
The Marin CNPS had the following post today
Lovely walk through the San Francisco Botanical Garden today in Golden Gate Park. Nearly all the manzanitas are in bloom. Silktassels are doing their thing and ceanothus are just about to flower. I realize it’s not as fun to see natives “in captivity” but if you’re in town you might want to check it out — all of the above are in the Native California section.
See photos at Marin Native Plants
Yesterday I did a quick walk to check out the Manzanitas at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley and many of them are also in bloom.
Indiana University News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Americans believe endangered species are best protected when their habitats are protected and not when animal predators are killed, according to new Indiana University research.
With the exception of one case involving spiders and frogs, a scientific survey with more than 1,000 participants found overwhelming support for policies that protect habitats and little acceptance of either lethal control or no government action at all.
Professor Shahzeen Attari of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs said the study sought to understand evolving public preferences for conservation by answering these questions: “How do we want to intervene to protect endangered species when faced with biological invasions or declining populations? Should we protect habitats, or lethally control predatory species that threaten the endangered species? Should we just step aside and let nature take its course?”
To measure support for various strategies, the researchers pitted one species against another in simplified but realistic scenarios. The cases, drawn from real debates about conservation policy, pit a rare or economically valued species against its more common competitor or predator species:
Overwhelmingly, survey participants preferred habitat protection over lethal control, both lethal control and habitat protection, or no action. Of all the demographic groups, only older, conservative men were more likely to endorse no action.
Posted in Animals, Environment | Tags: Endangered Species Protection, Habitat Protection
Death Valley National Park had a fall color report today
Fall Colors in Death Valley? Cottonwood trees grow in few places in Death Valley. The easiest place to see them is the small patch near Wildrose Campground on your way to the Charcoal Kilns.
We found them in another place, when we recently hiked the Cottonwood/Marble Canyon route where we were happily surprised by the display of fall colors however few and far between they may be.
Cottonwood/Marble Canyon Loop is the most popular backpack in the park. The route requires a high clearance 4×4 vehicle and experienced cross country navigation. For more information including GPS files and a virtual walk-through, check out:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/…
Springs are running at Cottonwood Springs and Deadhorse Canyon. #HikeDeathValley
See photos at Death Valley National Park
List Updated with additions from Clayton Anderson
Today I went birding on a Golden Gate Audubon Trip led by Clayton Anderson. The trip was on Park Drive and the area around it, which is closed in the winter to protect Newts. Highlights for me were seeing a Red-Breasted Sapsucker and a number of Golden-crowned Kinglets. There were many good looks at Red-breasted Nuthatches and Brown Creepers. The group identified 33 bird species. No newts were seen except one that was squashed. I did seen a brush rabbit on the way out.
Click Read More to see the bird list for today
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: Bird Reports, Birding, Birding Tilden Park
DesertUSA has a winter wildflower report for Anza- Borrego
Checked out Coyote Canyon at the 2nd crossing found a few wildflower, still very early for wildflowers. When it got dark we took some pictures of the metal art in the Borrego Springs area. Fun trip great to get back in the desert in the cool weather. It was 32 degrees when we left at 9pm.
See photos atAnza Borrego Desert State Park – Wildflower Reports – DesertUSA
The Berkeleyside reported
A rare burrowing owl was found dead recently at Berkeley’s Cesar Chavez Park, raising some concern in the community.
Read story at Rare burrowing owl found dead in West Berkeley park | Berkeleyside
Posted in Birds | Tags: Burrowing Owls
The 18th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway is Jan 25 to 29 and is in Chico California. There will be workshops, field trips, birding exhibits and an art exhibition. This year’s keynote speaker is International bird guide and author, Alvaro Jaramillo.
We highly recommend getting on our email list as soon as possible. Emails will go out to notify you when Registration opens, of various deadlines, and changes and additions to the program along the way. You can follow us on Facebook, too!
For Registration, schedule and more information go to: http://snowgoosefestival.org
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: Bird Festivals, Chico Snow Goose Festival
Yosemite National Park announced Tioga Road (Hwy 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road are closed for the season.
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass) and Glacier Point Road are closed due to snow. There is no estimated opening date, although the roads usually open sometime in May or June.
Posted in Park | Tags: Glacier Pt. Road Closed, Tioga Pass Rd. Closed, Yosemite National Park
University and Jepson Herbaria – UC Berkeley announced that the 2017 schedule for the Jepson Workshop Series is finally here! Check outr course descriptions, register for workshops and sign up for our mailing list on our website: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/workshops/
There are still wildflowers in bloom at Henry December 1 at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.
The Guardian reports
A town in New Zealand has created the first penguin underpass in the country to help a colony of the birds cross a busy road that lies between the sea and their nests.
Little blue penguins, or Kororas, are the world’s smallest penguins and in the New Zealand town of Oamaru they have been forced to cross a busy road in the harbour to get from the sea to their nests after sunset in order to feed their chicks.
See video and read story at New Zealand town builds underpass to help penguins travel between their nests and sea | The Independent
Posted in Animals | Tags: Kororas, Little blue penguins, Penguin Tunnel
Natural History Wanderings 