Marin Water is looking for at Watershed Aide for Vegetation Management for information and to apply go to Watershed Aide- Vegetation Management (Seasonal) – CNPS Forums
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 20, 2023
Watershed Aide- Vegetation Management (Seasonal)
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Opening
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 20, 2023
Why do People Litter?
from the Alt National Park Service
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 20, 2023
71st San Francisco Orchid Exposition and Plant Sale Feb. 16 to 18
Posted in Garden | Tags: San Francisco Orchid Exposition
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 20, 2023
How Much Can Forests Fight Climate Change? A Sensor in Space Has Answers
The New York Times reports
A new NASA program is helping researchers more accurately calculate how much planet-warming carbon protected areas are storing. It’s a lot.
Read more and see charts at How Much Can Forests Fight Climate Change? A Sensor in Space Has Answers.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Forest Impacts on Fighting Climate Change
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 19, 2023
The best photos of the natural world in 2023
A fiery volcanic eruption, a flower preserved in amber and a ‘superbloom’ of wildflowers feature in New Scientist’s selection of stunning nature images from the past year
See the New Scientist’s best photo of the natural world at The best photos of the natural world in 2023 | New Scientist
Posted in Photography | Tags: best photos of the natural world
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 19, 2023
This ‘Extremely Rare’ Bird Is Half Female, Half Male
Smithsonian Magazine reports
Researchers have spotted an “extremely rare” green honeycreeper in Colombia that’s half female and half male. The bird’s plumage is divided directly down the middle, with blue feathers typical of males on its right side and the emerald-green feathers of females on its left. This individual is only the second of the species ever recorded exhibiting this trait—called bilateral gynandromorphism—and the first in more than 100 years.
Read more and see photos at This ‘Extremely Rare’ Bird Is Half Female, Half Male | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bilateral gynandromorphism, Bird Is Half Female Half Male, Green Honeycreeper
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 18, 2023
East Bay Regional Parks Jan-Feb. Activity Guide
The Jan-Feb Regional In Nature (RIN) Activity Guide is now available! In this issue: 90th Anniversary info and activities, the Great Backyard Bird Count, Water’s Amazing Journey, Lookin’ for Lichens, Storms Bring Newt Swarms, and much more! www.ebparks.org/rin
Posted in Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Parks
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 18, 2023
Bird Flu Is Still Causing Havoc.
The New York Times reports
The virus, which recently reached the Antarctic region for the first time, is surging again in North America.
Over the last three years, a highly contagious, often deadly form of bird flu has taken a staggering toll on animals around the globe.
The virus, known as H5N1, has infected birds in more than 80 countries. It has infiltrated big commercial poultry farms and tiny backyard henhouses, affecting 72 million farmed birds in the United States alone, according to the Department of Agriculture. It has struck a wide range of wild bird species, killing gulls and ternsby the thousand. And it has turned up repeatedly in mammals, including foxes, skunks, bears, cats, sea lions and dolphins. (It has also caused a small number of deaths in people, primarily in those who had close contact with birds. The risk to the general public remains low, experts say.)
Read more at Bird Flu Is Still Causing Havoc. Here’s the Latest.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Flu, Virus H5N1
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 17, 2023
Upcoming 2024 CNPS Events
See a list of upcoming events from CNPS at : Events from January 4, 2024 – October 28 – California Native Plant Society
Posted in Talks, Walks & Hikes, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Upcoming CNPS Events
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 17, 2023
Diverters installed at Hexham farm after rare bird fatalities
BBC reports
About 35 bird flight diverters have been installed at a Northumberland farm after a number of rare birds died when they collided with power lines.
It is hoped the diverters, at Highside Farm, Hexham, will stop the birds from flying into the lines mid-flight.
The measures were put in place after farmers noticed a concerning number of bird fatalities, including several breeding curlews and black grouse.
Both species are on the UK Red List due to their declining populations.
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Deaths, Black Grouse, Curlews, Flight Diverters
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 17, 2023
Two Montana men face charges on bald eagle and other bird ‘killing spree’
NPR reports
Two men face federal charges for their part in hunting and killing about 3,600 birds, including bald eagles, in Montana.
Travis John Branson and Simon Paul allegedly sold the eagles on the black market for significant sums of cash, according to court documents.
According to the documents filed last week in U.S. Court for the District of Montana, prosecutors uncovered messages from Branson and others telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” of eagles in order to obtain tail feathers for future sales.
Read more at Two Montana men face charges on bald eagle and other bird ‘killing spree’ : NPR
Posted in Birds | Tags: Bird Killers Face Federal Charges
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 16, 2023
Berkeley Horticultural Nursery Photos
Photos from Berkeley Horticultural Nursery on Dec. 17, 2023. Inspired by having just watched a presentation on composition by Sarah Marino one of my favorite photographers.
Posted in Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Berkeley Horticultural Nursery
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 16, 2023
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Upcoming Events
See upcoming events calendar of hikes and programs at https://www.abdnha.org/calendar1.htm.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 16, 2023
A City-Size Iceberg Is Moving Out of Antarctic Waters
The New York Times reports
The iceberg initially tore off Antarctica — a process known as calving — in 1986. But it did not get far and soon became stuck in the Weddell Sea, south of South America.
That changed in 2020, when it started moving again. It is now chugging along and is just about to pass the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and leave Antarctic waters.
Next up, a yearslong ramble through the Southern Ocean and, eventually, a big melt.
Read more at A City-Size Iceberg Is Moving Out of Antarctic Waters
Posted in Environment | Tags: Giant Iceberg
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 15, 2023
2024 National Park Science Internships
Applications are now open for summer 2024 science internships in our national parks!
Are you a strong writer, and looking to develop your 
, science storytelling, and digital communications skills? Seeking to pursue a strong interest in 
or freshwater ecology? Or perhaps 
are your thing, and you’d love to gain experience mapping invasive species or getting intimately acquainted with native Bay Area plant communities? If so, these internship opportunities may be for you!
, science storytelling, and digital communications skills? Seeking to pursue a strong interest in or freshwater ecology? Or perhaps are your thing, and you’d love to gain experience mapping invasive species or getting intimately acquainted with native Bay Area plant communities? If so, these internship opportunities may be for you!Posted in Park | Tags: National Park Science Internships
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 15, 2023
Find Birding Festivals and Events Near You
CornellLab of Ornithology has a web page with extensive listings of bird festivals
Find a festival near you at Birding Festivals and Events | All About Birds All About Birds
Posted in Bird Festivals | Tags: Bird Festivals
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 15, 2023
Pt Reyes Elephant Seal Season & Beach Closures
from Pt. Reyes National Seashore
It’s the most wonderful time of the year 
. The elephant seal breeding season is starting with the first few bull elephant seals arriving onshore at Point Reyes, and the pregnant females should be arriving soon.
. The elephant seal breeding season is starting with the first few bull elephant seals arriving onshore at Point Reyes, and the pregnant females should be arriving soon.The seasonal beach closures for the elephant seal breeding season start December 15 and go through March 31. Closures include the southern end of South Beach, the beach from the Lifeboat Station to Chimney Rock, the Fish Dock area, and portions of Drakes Beach. The extent of the Drakes Beach closure will depend on where the seals come onshore to pup and could change throughout the season. Please stay out of closed areas for your safety and the safety of the seals.
A map of the beach closures and more information on where to view elephant seals can be found here: https://go.nps.gov/pore/viewseals.
Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Elephant Seals, Pt. Reyes
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 14, 2023
East Bay Regional Park Upcoming Activities
| Winter Bird Count, Thurgood Marshall Saturday, Dec. 16, 8-11amWinter Water Birding, Del Valle Saturday, Dec. 16, 9-10:30am Winter Chaparral Hike, Black Diamond Mines Community Campfire: Winter Birds, Big Break Winter Solstice Walk, Big Break Holiday Zumba, virtual/online Winter Nature Craft, Black Diamond Mines The Yule Goat, Ardenwood Nature Journaling Workshop: Winter Tidings, virtual/online Winter Water Birding, Del Valle Last Hike of the Year, Contra Loma |
Posted in Birds, Park, Walks & Hikes | Tags: East Bay Regional Park Upcoming Activities
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 14, 2023
The Hidden Story of Butterflies and Bees in Winter
from the Defenders of Wildlife Blog
The familiar buzz of early fall is quieting down in many parts of the country. But where do the butterflies, bees and other bugs go during the colder, darker months? Most crawl, fly or dig their way into tree holes, fallen leaves, log nooks or rock crevices. Others lay eggs and foster the next generation that will make their appearance when the ground thaws in spring. While these critters’ life cycles play out it is important to know what we can do to help ensure their species succeeds.
Read more The Hidden Story of Butterflies and Bees in Winter | Defenders of Wildlife
Posted in Animals, Butterflies | Tags: Bees, Butterflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 13, 2023
Yosemite National Park to reinstate reservations in 2024 -updated
From Yosemite National Park
We are announcing a pilot “Peak Hours Plus” 2024 vehicle reservation system for park entry on select days between April 13 and October 27, 2024, for those driving into or through Yosemite National Park between 5 am and 4 pm. Reservations will be required as follows:
• April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (May 27 and June 19).
• July 1 through August 16: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm daily.
• August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).
Posted in Park | Tags: Yosemite Reservations
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 13, 2023
2023 Geminid meteor shower: All you need to know
from EarthSky
Predicted peak: The peak is predicted** at 19:27 UTC on December 14, 2023. But the night of December 13 might be good as well.
When to watch: Since the radiant rises in mid-evening, you can watch for Geminids from late night to dawn around the peak dates of December 13 and 14. Good news … a young waxing crescent moon sets in early evening and will not interfere with the Geminids in 2023.
Overall duration of shower: November 19 to December 24.
Posted in Astronomy | Tags: Geminid Meteor Shower
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 13, 2023
Video: Sea Fireflies Make Underwater Fireworks as They Seek Mates
The New York Times
Tiny crustaceans the size of sand grains sneeze up packets of glowing mucus to impress potential partners.
Read more and see video at Watch ‘Sea Fireflies’ Make Underwater Fireworks as They Seek Mates
Posted in Animals | Tags: crustaceans, Sea Fireflies
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 13, 2023
Stop Calling It Poinsettia
reposted from December 23, 2021
from Xicano Renegades
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The Red and Green are foliage. The flower is the small center of the plant.
Thanks to Floyd Brown who made me aware of the true origins of the plant.
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Cuetlaxochitl, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 12, 2023
Job Openings
Two new job listings from the the CNPS Job site
Lead Botanist position available at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
Summer Biological Technicians (forest ecology) – Sequoia Field Station
From Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is hiring seasonal trail workers! 
For those with interest and experience, the 2024 summer season will be spent in the Philip Burton Wilderness, clearing trees and vegetation, completing Wilderness compliance work, and opportunities to mentor and work with our Youth Conservation Corps. Interested or know someone who is? Please spread the word!Apply at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/764243300# today.
Posted in Job Openings | Tags: Job Listings
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 12, 2023
Climate change is causing dramatic impacts in the Arctic, report finds : NPR
NPR reports
This past summer in the Arctic was the warmest since 1900, leading to early snowmelt and diminished sea ice.
— Read on www.npr.org/2023/12/12/1218764341/noaa-arctic-report-card-climate-change-impacts
Posted in Environment | Tags: Arctic Ice Melt
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 12, 2023
Overpopulation
from Alt National Park Service
Posted in Environment | Tags: Overpopulation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 12, 2023
Some U.S. Wolverines to Be Protected by Endangered Species Act
The New York Times reported
Officials will add the predators, threatened by climate change and habitat loss in much of the United States, to the Endangered Species List.
Read article at Wolverines Get Protection in the Lower 48 States
Posted in Animals | Tags: Wolverines
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 11, 2023
For The Love Of Sparrows
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from Golden Gate Bird Alliance For The Love Of Sparrows Thursday, January 18 @ 7pm
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 11, 2023
City sparrows are better dads than their rural counterparts
Anthropocene Magazine reports
Scientists predicted that urban male song sparrows would spend less time taking care of their young than country sparrows. They had it backwards.
Read story at City sparrows are better dads than their rural counterparts
Posted in Birds | Tags: Song Sparrows
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | December 10, 2023
How Tropical Birds Took Over This European Capital
The New York Times reports
After a small group of parakeets were released from a zoo in Brussels in the 1970s, their numbers soared. A population increase has also occurred across the continent.
Read article at How Tropical Parakeets Took Over Brussels – The New York Times
Posted in Birds | Tags: Parakeets in Brussels
Natural History Wanderings 