A Touch of Nature in California - 2/15/07
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Here At Bluebird Cove
I'm not at Bluebird Cove, but I can tell you that it's wet and cold there. I have friends watching over our kitty and also filling the warm bird baths with water. All feeders were filled before leaving for California, which is where we are now.
It's been a delightful time with weather being perfect in the high 60's. This photo was taken at the hotel after 20 hours of flying and business meetings, but that didn't hinder my excitement.
Since I'm usually on the East coast in Virginia creating these newsletters, I thought I'd share with you what we've been seeing and learning out here on the Western end of our country.
As you can imagine, our itinerary has been filled with birds, critters and flowers. I hope you'll enjoy "joining me" as you view our online photo albums. Block out the cold outside your doors and windows and spend a bit of time in Southern California.
PLEASE add any comments to the photo albums and especially any identification you can give to those critters without names. I've been blessed by my neighbor, Ken Bushell, being such a whiz on birds. He has identified many of the birds already.
Our first wildlife area was the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary which had a wide variety of waterfowl. If you can identify anything, please leave comments. This sanctuary encompasses 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which are being restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve appeared bleak as we approached a seemingly barren habitat, but we left being very excited about seeing an American Kestrel, California Towhee and a California Ground Squirrel. At first we thought we saw prairie dog burrows, but quickly realized the little guy was not a prairie dog.
The California Ground Squirrel may climb into a tree like our squirrels back home, but generally they remain on the ground. They feed primarily on plants which includes seeds, fruits, berries, stems, flowers or bulbs. They can also damage fruit, grain and nut crops. These critters form colonies but tend to be anti-social.
Although there were many burrows in a row along with the one behind this little guy, he stood his ground alone in front of his own burrow. Several animals can occupy one borrow which is from 5 to 200 feet long. Each animal in the burrow has a hole of its own and although another one may be closer if being chased, he will race to his own when alarmed. Read more about this squirrel here: www.etc-etc.com/sqrlinfo.htm
We happened upon the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. "The ENC" is 3.5 acres of what was once a litter-fillled gully behind a high school. It is now a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitats and walking trails.
A very special place for me was the Mission San Juan Capistrano where the Cliff Swallows return each year on March 19th and depart on October 23rd (that's Randal's birthday). Surrounded by adobe walls, the interior was peaceful and serene with history all around us. The gardens were pretty along with the fountains with fish. I was entertained by a Black Phoebe.
We spent a day in San Diego at Balboa Park visiting the Natural History Museum, viewing a 90 year old fig tree, Palm Canyon Trail, and strolled through the area created for the California Exposition with magnificent buildings and lovely flowers too.
Before heading back to Escondido where we stayed, we visited Seaport Village for the ocean views and lively gulls who don't mind posing for as many photos as anybody wants to take.
We allocated a day for desert habitat and headed out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. I wanted to see a Roadrunner, Raven and Bighorn Sheep. I got the first two but we never did see any sheep although they reported sightings along with lambs. Did you know that Roadrunners mate for life? We enjoyed quite a few blooms although it was a bit early for Spring especially since rainfall has been low. The bees and butterflies were enjoying the nectar.
We saw a pair of birds snuggled together on a tree, which seemed so appropriate for Valentine's Day. They looked like large house finches as you can see from the photo. I don't know what they are, so let me know if you do.
View more photos of the mystery bird, clicking the double arrow on the right to look at close-up views. You can leave comments/names on any of the photos.
Good News for Nature
Stunning Finds of Fish and Coral
From Good News Network
Scientists have discovered hugely diverse fish and coral populations thriving off Indonesia's Papua coastlines including dozens of new species like the "walking" shark that travels on its fins. The expeditions led by Conservation International (CI) to the heart of Asia's "Coral Triangle" confirmed the region as the Earth's richest seascape.
The unmatched marine biodiversity of the Bird's Head Seascape, named for the shape of the distinctive peninsula on the northwestern end of Indonesia's Papua province, includes more than 1,200 species of fish and almost 600 species of reef-building (scleractinian) coral, or 75 percent of the world's known total.
Researchers described an underwater world of visual wonders, such as the small epaulette shark that "walks" on its fins and colorful schools of reef fish populating abundant and healthy corals of all shapes and sizes.
"These Papuan reefs are literally 'species factories' that require special attention to protect them from (expanding commercial fishing)," said Mark Erdmann, senior adviser of CI's Indonesian Marine Program, who led the surveys. "Six of our survey sites, which are areas the size of two football fields, had over 250 species of reef-building coral each - that's more than four times the number of coral species of the entire Caribbean Sea."
Researchers found more than 50 species of fish, coral and mantis shrimp previously unknown to science in the Bird's Head Seascape that covers 18 million hectares (44.4 mil acres) including 2,500 islands and submerged reefs. The seascape also includes the largest Pacific leatherback turtle nesting area in the world, and migratory populations of sperm and Bryde's whales, orcas and several dolphin species.
Get more good news in various topics at Good News Network. You don't have to spend your news time reading about the bad things happening. Read the good news and smile all day!
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils
Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. We've been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them.
It's been our full-time business since 1982. We'd appreciate you shopping with us.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Wildlife Videos
Rabbit Runs Snake Up a Tree
My neighbor, and wildlife enthusiast, alerted me to this video showing a rabbit chasing a snake. It's very determined which makes it seem that it may be a female rabbit that had young nearby. It's a home video that can viewed online. Here's the site to view it:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=laMLGCoFBXw
Smart Crows Use Traffic to Break Nuts
The link video shows crows deliberately dropping nuts into traffic to crack them in Japan. They even use the crosswalk waiting for the lights to change. Thanks to my neighbor, Ken Bushell, for sending me the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmKO-QMyLc4
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Musings
"For in the end,
our society will be defined not by what we create,
but by what we refuse to destroy."
-- John Sawhill, 2000
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at Home and We Love Animals
Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats - These formulas are developed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author.
Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles.
The Frugal Life - Living Well With What You Already Have
Living more simply is a great way to effect change in your own personal environment and it helps the planet. The Frugal Life website has lots of ideas on getting back to basics. They also provide a free newsletter monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2007 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
Here At Bluebird CoveI'm not at Bluebird Cove, but I can tell you that it's wet and cold there. I have friends watching over our kitty and also filling the warm bird baths with water. All feeders were filled before leaving for California, which is where we are now.
It's been a delightful time with weather being perfect in the high 60's. This photo was taken at the hotel after 20 hours of flying and business meetings, but that didn't hinder my excitement.
Since I'm usually on the East coast in Virginia creating these newsletters, I thought I'd share with you what we've been seeing and learning out here on the Western end of our country.
As you can imagine, our itinerary has been filled with birds, critters and flowers. I hope you'll enjoy "joining me" as you view our online photo albums. Block out the cold outside your doors and windows and spend a bit of time in Southern California.
PLEASE add any comments to the photo albums and especially any identification you can give to those critters without names. I've been blessed by my neighbor, Ken Bushell, being such a whiz on birds. He has identified many of the birds already.
Our first wildlife area was the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary which had a wide variety of waterfowl. If you can identify anything, please leave comments. This sanctuary encompasses 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which are being restored to a natural state. The remaining acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration.Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve appeared bleak as we approached a seemingly barren habitat, but we left being very excited about seeing an American Kestrel, California Towhee and a California Ground Squirrel. At first we thought we saw prairie dog burrows, but quickly realized the little guy was not a prairie dog.
The California Ground Squirrel may climb into a tree like our squirrels back home, but generally they remain on the ground. They feed primarily on plants which includes seeds, fruits, berries, stems, flowers or bulbs. They can also damage fruit, grain and nut crops. These critters form colonies but tend to be anti-social.
Although there were many burrows in a row along with the one behind this little guy, he stood his ground alone in front of his own burrow. Several animals can occupy one borrow which is from 5 to 200 feet long. Each animal in the burrow has a hole of its own and although another one may be closer if being chased, he will race to his own when alarmed. Read more about this squirrel here: www.etc-etc.com/sqrlinfo.htm
We happened upon the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. "The ENC" is 3.5 acres of what was once a litter-fillled gully behind a high school. It is now a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitats and walking trails.
A very special place for me was the Mission San Juan Capistrano where the Cliff Swallows return each year on March 19th and depart on October 23rd (that's Randal's birthday). Surrounded by adobe walls, the interior was peaceful and serene with history all around us. The gardens were pretty along with the fountains with fish. I was entertained by a Black Phoebe.We spent a day in San Diego at Balboa Park visiting the Natural History Museum, viewing a 90 year old fig tree, Palm Canyon Trail, and strolled through the area created for the California Exposition with magnificent buildings and lovely flowers too.
Before heading back to Escondido where we stayed, we visited Seaport Village for the ocean views and lively gulls who don't mind posing for as many photos as anybody wants to take.
We allocated a day for desert habitat and headed out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. I wanted to see a Roadrunner, Raven and Bighorn Sheep. I got the first two but we never did see any sheep although they reported sightings along with lambs. Did you know that Roadrunners mate for life? We enjoyed quite a few blooms although it was a bit early for Spring especially since rainfall has been low. The bees and butterflies were enjoying the nectar.
We saw a pair of birds snuggled together on a tree, which seemed so appropriate for Valentine's Day. They looked like large house finches as you can see from the photo. I don't know what they are, so let me know if you do.
View more photos of the mystery bird, clicking the double arrow on the right to look at close-up views. You can leave comments/names on any of the photos.
Good News for Nature
Stunning Finds of Fish and Coral
From Good News Network
Scientists have discovered hugely diverse fish and coral populations thriving off Indonesia's Papua coastlines including dozens of new species like the "walking" shark that travels on its fins. The expeditions led by Conservation International (CI) to the heart of Asia's "Coral Triangle" confirmed the region as the Earth's richest seascape.
The unmatched marine biodiversity of the Bird's Head Seascape, named for the shape of the distinctive peninsula on the northwestern end of Indonesia's Papua province, includes more than 1,200 species of fish and almost 600 species of reef-building (scleractinian) coral, or 75 percent of the world's known total.
Researchers described an underwater world of visual wonders, such as the small epaulette shark that "walks" on its fins and colorful schools of reef fish populating abundant and healthy corals of all shapes and sizes.
"These Papuan reefs are literally 'species factories' that require special attention to protect them from (expanding commercial fishing)," said Mark Erdmann, senior adviser of CI's Indonesian Marine Program, who led the surveys. "Six of our survey sites, which are areas the size of two football fields, had over 250 species of reef-building coral each - that's more than four times the number of coral species of the entire Caribbean Sea."
Researchers found more than 50 species of fish, coral and mantis shrimp previously unknown to science in the Bird's Head Seascape that covers 18 million hectares (44.4 mil acres) including 2,500 islands and submerged reefs. The seascape also includes the largest Pacific leatherback turtle nesting area in the world, and migratory populations of sperm and Bryde's whales, orcas and several dolphin species.
Get more good news in various topics at Good News Network. You don't have to spend your news time reading about the bad things happening. Read the good news and smile all day!
Natural Herbs, Supplements and Essential Oils Natural herbs and supplements bring the powerful world of nature into your body for health and healing. We've been using herbal remedies since the late 70's and have been so blessed by them.
It's been our full-time business since 1982. We'd appreciate you shopping with us.
Herbs and Supplements by Health Topic
Nature's Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils
Wildlife Videos
Rabbit Runs Snake Up a Tree
My neighbor, and wildlife enthusiast, alerted me to this video showing a rabbit chasing a snake. It's very determined which makes it seem that it may be a female rabbit that had young nearby. It's a home video that can viewed online. Here's the site to view it:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=laMLGCoFBXw
Smart Crows Use Traffic to Break Nuts
The link video shows crows deliberately dropping nuts into traffic to crack them in Japan. They even use the crosswalk waiting for the lights to change. Thanks to my neighbor, Ken Bushell, for sending me the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmKO-QMyLc4
Detoxify Your Soaps and Cleaning Supplies With Sunshine Concentrate!
This environmentally-friendly cleaning and washing concentrate is nothing less than wonderful. We've used it for 15 years for laundry, hand soap, pet baths, soaking produce, dishwasher, cleaning, and a multitude of other uses. This product has saved us money and health. No more "itch" of chemical soaps. Read more about Sunshine Concentrate.
Musings
"For in the end,
our society will be defined not by what we create,
but by what we refuse to destroy."
-- John Sawhill, 2000
Pets Are Part of Our Nature at Home and We Love Animals
Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats - These formulas are developed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author. Pet Success Stories Using Nature's Remedies - Read how pet owners have used herbs.
Nature's Heartworm Program - Yes, there are successful herbal programs.
Healthy Pet News - Complimentary professional email newsletter with great articles.
Healthy Pet Corner - Resource site for cats, dogs, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles.
The Frugal Life - Living Well With What You Already Have
Living more simply is a great way to effect change in your own personal environment and it helps the planet. The Frugal Life website has lots of ideas on getting back to basics. They also provide a free newsletter monthly and a forum where you can ask questions or search for information. Visit The Frugal Life site.
Forward This Newsletter to a Friend
If you enjoy this newsletter, please let others know about it.
Copyright and Reprint Information
© 2007 Donna L. Watkins
All photographs are the property of the editor, Donna L. Watkins. This newsletter may be forwarded in its entirety by email but may not be placed on any website without written permission.
Legal Disclaimer
The content, suggestions, and web links in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not necessarily endorsed by our sponsor "The Herbs Place.com." This is a personal publication by Donna L. Watkins. The ideas and information expressed in it have not been approved or authorized by anyone either explicitly or impliedly. In no event shall Donna L. Watkins or "The Herbs Place.com" be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication.
posted by Donna at 11:08 PM
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