Hello all,
I think you know Andrea and I ventured out this morning to Paramount Ranch since I haven't been there in years/decades. She was kind enough to show me around and help me make observations that represent new life list species on iNat for me -- thank you, Andrea. No bobcats today, though we did find scat. The highlight for us were the two Northern Harriers, who despite being mobbed by crows, showed that this was their territory and were not to be driven off. Check out our observations on iNat for Andrea's wonderful photos.

Meanwhile, we don't have a theme for the month, and I know some of you aren't into it so much. Hence, this might be more for Andrea and I especially since we started a little of it this morning. Specifically, Andrea wanted to show me a certain lichen I hadn't yet observed and she had found there in the past. Yup, you guessed it, I'm proposing lichen observations. And, we're in luck because Andrea would like to show off a great spot named, Sage ____, somewhere in the north San Fernando Valley where we can find a nice variety of lichens to photograph.

This might be too far for you to join in, but please chime in if you are interested and we can find a good date for a field trip. Otherwise, the fun thing is that lichen can be found in so many places and I bet you will find some during your outings sometime this month. If so, please add them to our project.

Anyone with December ideas, please share :)
Stay safe and big hugs,
Laura

Hello Wild Women!

While I was preoccupied with business during most of my visit to the SLO area, I managed to get some observations in ALONG with some great new insights for observing manzanita (I believe Andrea has made that available).

Most of my photos were taken while I was engaged in other activities so they're through a dirty truck window or fast snaps. I also realize that I behave like I have a long lens (thanks for bearing with me, LOL). And some of the macros are poorly focused because I was either precariously balanced or freezing (went from 90 on arrival to 60s/30s high/low).

Let me say: ruby-crowned kinglets! I'm no longer a virgin. My first spot was driving up a dirt road lined with scrub and poison oak. It was hot and termites were swarming. Little birds were at the edges of the road having a field day. When I stopped the car, they got bolder. I saw several ruby-crowned kinglets, not knowing their ID. Then one popped its color and I thought another species had flown in. Then it disappeared (not). Going through the photos later was funny as I slowly realized it was the same bird.

The one that got away: I didn't have my camera on me when I ended up on a ridge at eye level with two soaring golden eagles. What an amazing experience (NOT DOCUMENTED...head banging on wall).

Homo sapiens observations: It's virally hot out there...and having been in several rural zones, I can tell you that people are either duped, over it, or think Covid-19 is an urban affliction. The behavior I saw was downright dangerous... from sidewalks and outdoor cafes (which I avoid) to trails.

Hope you all are well-stocked and safe. I am so enjoying your observations.
xo Tracy

Good day!

I took advantage of the low tide yesterday and scouted Point Fermin. Happy to report that it wasn't overly peopled once you round the bend, putting the Cabrillo Beach path out of sight.

There was a secondary grouping of people around Sunken City (selfies galore). I saw a young man atop the cliff running to stop a child of about 4 from going over. One grown man was creating his own way back down the cliff, sending sand and small rock to his buddies egging him on below. Good observation location for anthropology students (!).

I had most of the tide pools to myself. Sweet. Even sweeter was finally seeing a giant keyhole limpet. Three no less! Tons of purple sea urchins...took me a while to see them. Many were hidden in crevices or seemed to have pulled debris over them (which worked to fool me at first). And thanks for the sea hare fairy dust -- saw a bunch!

Parking is easy there and costs $1/hour (credit card; no need to key in your license). There were some shady characters under the trees along the paved path to the beach (path starts next to the parking entrance off Oliver Vickery Circle Way). They were simple to avoid by going straight to the beach via the Cabrillo Beach Bath House building. Also, good to know that there's a large lifeguard building on the other side of the Bath House.

Hopefully this is helpful. I would love to explore with you but that's TBD as my schedule for this next month is currently in flux. Fingers crossed ;-)

PS: I wonder if there's less scavenging going on here because of the algae. There is a prevalence of lithothamnion on rock and creatures. Less appetizing for sure.

Hi all,
I ran into this blog from an inaturalist user in the Bay Area. I thought it was pretty interesting and something we might want to try if we’re feeling adventurous!

https://chloevanloon.com/2020/10/29/dock-fouling-fun/

Maybe some of you have done this before? They found some great stuff.

Heads up for those (like me) who don't know that some parks close on fire-alert days. Charmlee is one of them. I now know to check fire conditions for possible park closures (I'll bet most of you knew this already!).

I haven't been up Encinal since the fires and, my, there's a lot of real estate for sale and in escrow. Nonetheless, it was a lovely day up there with barely a breeze.