The Yellow-billed Magpie is a California Endemic
The Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli) is a true California endemic species. They are found primarily in the Central Valley, the southern Coast Ranges, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where they prefer oak savannah habitat. A member of the Corvidae family, Yellow-billed Magpies eat mostly ground dwelling invertebrates but will partake of carrion, and […]
Late Ortolans
The wet weather continued north and southern Spain was once again bathed in sunshine. Saying that though, rain is forecast for the coming weekend. Back out in the field, La Janda’s tracks are passable with care and you can get through to Benalup from the main N340 road. There are a few sticky bits with […]
Squaw Creek NWR
This is the time of year to visitSquaw Creek NWRin Northwest Missouri. I go several times each year and spend as much time as possible there in late fall and early winter. It is a major rest stop for migrating water fowl each fall and spring, and as such, hundreds of bald eagles also find […]
Unlike flies, I do not taste things with my feet.
Acorn Weevil on a live oak acorn. This little buddy was on the same acorn for 2 days straight, I guess he or she had some serious drilling to do. Both genders feed by drilling into the acorn, and the females will lay eggs inside. Help me out here, because I’d love to know. It […]
Painted Lady and American Lady Butterflies
The discerning eye can pick out the intricate forms of colors found on the wings of the Painted Lady butterfly and not confuse it with the very similar American Lady butterfly.
Anna’s Hummingbird – Claypte anna
The Anna’s is one of the four different Hummingbird Species found along the Pacific coast of North America. Two species: the Anna’s Hummingbird, and the Costa’s Hummingbird are the only two in the genus Calye. This genus is the “helmeted” hummingbirds, so named because their crown and gorget (chin feathers) form an iridescent ‘helmet’. In […]
Emotional Fireworks
Emotional fireworks scatter like confetti, an airborne argument between petty criminals. Sparrow – Passer domesticus