Flora and fauna musings from the Pacific Flyway and beyond
Dum spiro spero.
There’s much to observe in our environment. Learning about the ecosystems we inhabit is a lifelong curiosity.
As a new Californian, I am curious to know the names of the plants and animals which grow and live in this part of the world. Malibu’s marine layer climate provides a razor-thin margin of moisture which supports an array of life. This will capture some of my learnings. Feedback is always welcome.
Mom
After 93 trips around the sun, my mother has flown to a better place. Growing up in Ireland, when someone died, it was said they “fell off the perch.” As an avid bird watcher, it wouldn’t be too irreverent of me to say that about mom. She wasn’t much for walking in or observing theContinue reading “Mom”
Cactus Wren
Joshua Tree National Park is a treasure of geologic wonders that impress with each turn in the road. A bit of patience is required to spot animal residents. We recently visited the park and saw this cactus wren. This species is a non-migratory song bird ranging from southeastern California to southern Arizona and New Mexico.Continue reading “Cactus Wren”
Pigeon Guillemot
During a recent walk on the commercial wharf in Monterey Bay, California, we spotted several pairs of pigeon guillemots near the sea lions. They are impossible to miss with their neon red legs, and sporty black and white feathers. A member of the auk family, and related to murres and puffins, pigeon guillemots are found fromContinue reading “Pigeon Guillemot”
- Birds (16)
- Raptors (2)
- Family (1)
- Flora (2)
- Insects (3)
- Butterflies (1)
- Mammals (4)
- Mollusks (2)
- Ocean Life (1)
- Sea Shore Species (1)
- Word origins (2)
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