Lovers of nature we are all and that has been the foundation of our new circle of friends. Observing nature in all forms is a fabulous pastime and we have all found it even more to fun share not just with one another, but on this terrific platform, iNaturalist. A place where we learn a lot, make friends, commune with other nature enthusiasts, and even get into a little friendly competition.

No matter the reason we get out there, I find it super enjoyable to share the experiences with you all virtually, and on rare occasion, in a safe social distance manner :)

Per Andrea's suggestion, I have started this journal as a place to share upcoming and ongoing iNaturalist events that you may or may not be aware of. Very quickly, let me say that I find most of the information through various social media channels as well as being subscribed to a handful of newsletters and memberships, like the Natural History Museum. Once in a while, I will receive an invitation directly from a group recruiting iNat users to participate as well.

Without further babble, add these to your calendars if you are so inclined :

Snapshot Cal Coast bioblitz - ongoing until November 16 - any observation along the coast. Hopes to hold a more traditional 2 week event from Nov 28 - Dec 16, 2020 (somehow that feels too optimistic right now)
2020 SACNAS bioblitz - October 14-18 - anything not casual grade, anywhere
Socially Distant Bioblitz - every 3 weeks, next one October 18 - anything not casual grade, anywhere

That's all I have for now, and please chime in with others you are aware of.

Ameeds, who I'm sure you all know because he is our #1 Stink Bug identifier, just sent me this message:

"I wanted to ask you to keep an eye out for a stink bug that I think is newly arrived to southern California. I haven't seen any observations that make it quite as far north as your observations, but you're close enough to the area that they may still be around.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/317598-Pellaea

Previously, these guys only have US records in south Texas, but an expert that I talked to said that if anyone was able to collect physical specimens for him to arrange to have sent for examination and confirmation of identity, this would be a very interesting record and may be a species that requires closer study as a possibly harmful invasive.

The species may be associated with glossy privet, Ligustrum lucidum, https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/77740-Ligustrum-lucidum."

Just in case you come across it, and/or have Glossy Privets in your neighborhood. Laura?!

My first time iNatting in Long Beach: https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/andreacala/43268-october-23rd