A Bird's Eye View by Mike Stiles
In this part of the world, May is the month for nest-building of many of our breeding birds. This month I will discuss the fascinating art of avian nest construction.
From a simple scrape in the sand to elaborate stick castles, or maybe the oddest one yet—the swiflets in Southeast Asia who make their nest from their own saliva (and then made into bird’s nest soup), the diversity of nest construction is incredible. Read More
Coastland Contemplations by Michele Oksen
Beachcombers come from all over the world to explore our coast. Especially after a substantial storm when driftwood is plentiful and strewn all over our beaches. Some come specifically to harvest the free wood that lands on our shores.
I'm serious. Craftsmen and women travel here in search of a selection that suits their unique and creative projects. Many take dog fetching sized sticks. Others drag furniture-worthy wood to their cars. Some creative builders construct structures right there on the beach where they find the wood. Read More
Elfin Forest by Jean Wheeler
Wildflower Walk: Regardless of whether there have been April showers, the Elfin Forest always has May flowers, because the Forest's hardy native plants are used to doing without water. Dirk Walters will take us on a delightful tour of almost everything that's in bloom in the Elfin Forest. There will be bright yellows of Fiddlenecks, Rush-roses, Deerweed , Golden Yarrow and, of course, California Poppies. White Popcorn flowers, Pearly Everlasting and Yarrow plants are in abundance too, as well as pink Cobwebby Thistles and blue Wild Hyacinths. The Silver Dune Lupines at Bush Lupine Point should be covered with pale blue blossoms, and alive with honeybees and Morro Blue butterflies. Treat yourself to a springtime experience in nature's own garden. Read More
Exploring the Coast by Ruth Ann Angus
The hills are green and the days are gradually getting warmer. It is spring and the perfect time to visit one of our county's best attractions – Lopez Lake. The frenetic pace of the summer months when the lake is busting with boaters and water skiers is not yet upon us and there is a peaceful mood for you to enjoy the natural surroundings. Read More
Marine Sanctuaries by Carol Georgi
Important ocean areas can become a National Marine Sanctuary or a Marine National Monument for the preservation and sustainability of the vital ecosystems and oceanographic features. Otherwise, man's destructive activities can destroy such vital areas. Between the Channel Islands and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries lies such an area, known as "Core Area One" in the "Proposed Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 1990" document. Read More
Sweet Springs Reflections by Holly Sletteland
The warm weather we had in March brought about the demise of the magnificent bee hive that hung from the large cypress tree at the entrance to the preserve. It must have made the wax just soft enough that gravity overpowered the bees' best efforts to keep the hive secured to the branch. It had lasted for years and I was so sorry to see it go. It was enormous. It must have housed thousands of bees. And it was a marvel of construction, with its undulating, almost molten looking honeycombs. Perhaps many bee hives are built like this. We don't usually have the benefit of seeing them, since they are usually tucked away inside the cavity of a tree. That's why this one was so remarkable and so special. Read More
Photo by Kevin Cole:
Female Elephant Seals in
dispute over space
.
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