Can you ID this baby? 1. Its baby photo looks nothing like its adult photo.2. Full grown, they are medium sized (like crow size).3. They have long legs.4. It nests in cavities, dense trees, or abandoned buildings.5. This bird is a predator. Clearly, this bird has an appearance only its mother could love, but boy is it pretty when it is full grown. What is it?
Today seems like a great day to post several flowers from the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor to brighten your day. Can you name all of these beauties? Here are the answers: Top Row (Left): Fiddlenecks(Center): Bush mallow(Right): California Poppy Large photo: Black sage Right column (Center):Woolly Bluecurls(Bottom): Bush Sunflower (Encelia)
This insect goes by many names: stink bug, darkling beetle, clown beetle, and pinacate beetle. It is jet black in coloring and there are 1400 species within the family. Why does it have the name stink bug? You guessed it, it stinks–rather the secretion it emits from its hind quarters smells. When it feels threatened you see this bug do the stink stand by putting its rear in the air toward the threat. Interestingly, pinacate beetles are found west of … Read More
Coyotes often get a bad rap, but because they are opportunists–humans need to be more vigilant about keeping them at bay. Similar to dogs, coyotes are curious, playful, and defend their territory. Coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk, but it is not unusual to see them during the day or at night. If you live in an area with coyotes–help keep them wild by taking proactive steps:1. Keep your pets close at all times.2. Keep your food/water dishes … Read More
Wild cucumber is a native vine that grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It is native to SoCal and Baja California and when in bloom has small white flowers and green fruits that look like oblong spiked balls. The plants use a twisty technique to “grab on” to other branches and limbs. If you follow the vine to the ground there is usually a sizable root ball. The fruit is bitter, so humans (and most animals) don’t eat … Read More