tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30682528262213375622024-02-24T12:46:46.710-08:00Puente Hills NatureAbout Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-34995296055243820412015-05-13T09:41:00.001-07:002015-05-15T10:25:47.291-07:00Time for the Animals<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It's really important to be aware and mindful of the hours the Preserve is open for recreation (sunrise to sunset). Please plan your hikes accordingly so that you don't begin before sunrise and if you hike in the afternoon, start early enough so that you're out before sunset! You can visit our website at <a href="http://www.habitatauthority.org/" target="_blank">www.habitatauthority.org</a> for sunrise/sunset hours and up-to-date information on trail closures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Animals have natural biological rhythms and
adaptations influencing whether they are active during the day (diurnal),
around dawn/dusk (crepuscular) or at night (nocturnal).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the external environment can be a
driving force in altering that natural pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Puente Hills Preserve is home to a wide range of
crepuscular and nocturnal animals including, but not limited to, the following
animals:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Crepuscular: cottontail rabbits, mule
deer, mice, rattlesnakes, hummingbirds, songbirds, mosquitoes, moths, some
beetles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nocturnal: foxes, owls, bats, mule deer,
skunks, raccoons, bobcat, coyote, mountain lions, rattlesnakes<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Benefits of being crepuscular<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are numerous benefits of being crepuscular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The temperatures around dusk and dawn can be
the most comfortable time of day especially when daytime and nighttime temperatures
can be more extreme.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In low light
conditions, animals can blend in better to their surroundings allowing them to
hide while they forage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
crepuscular also allows many animals to avoid predators by being active when
predatory animals, such as mountain lions and bobcats, are typically not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also many species, such as mule deer,
have eyes adapted to see in those light conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this small window of time (currently
approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise and after sunset), crepuscular animals
must feed, find mates, seek shelter, etc. and many species are only active
during the crepuscular and/or nocturnal hours.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">General recreational impacts<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some diurnal animals of the Puente Hills Preserve,
such as the California ground squirrel (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spermophilus
beecheyi</i>) and the Western Scrub-Jay (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aphelocoma
californica</i>),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>may become habituated
to recreationists during the day because of the regular activity going on
around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are more
people on the trails than before (use at Hellman increased 798% between 2005
[Martino et al. 2006] and 2012 [Garbat et al. 2013]), and when recreation
levels in the Preserve were much lower, there was presumably less recreation
use between sunset and sunrise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rangers
are now spending increasing amounts of time trying to get recreationists out of
the Preserve at sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This increased
level of recreational activity may cause crepuscular and nocturnal wildlife to become
alarmed by human use and modify their behaviors, potentially having deleterious
effects on their survival (e.g. increased heart rate, decreased foraging)
and/or breeding (e.g. nest abandonment).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With increased human use, especially after sunset and before sunrise, concerns
are that these effects on wildlife may become amplified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The type of activity recreationists are
engaging in may also matter since hikers may be more likely to approach
wildlife and travel slower than bikers so they have an increased time of
disturbance in one area. Papouchis et al. (2001) found that hikers caused the
most severe responses in desert bighorn sheep where sheep fled in 61% of the
encounters with hikers as compared to 6% of encounters with bikers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wildlife may have energetic losses when they
are intentionally or unintentionally harassed and flee from their normal
activities or preferred habitat expending more energy on fleeing/flight in
addition to the potential loss of foraging time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally,
noise may disturb wildlife and it is typically quieter in the Preserve during
the crepuscular and nocturnal hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some
studies, noise caused by visitors resulted in increased levels of disturbance
to birds (Bowles 1995; Burger & Gochfeld 1998).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, the presence of dogs were found
to cause birds to flush (Burger 1986; Pomerantz et al. 1988;) and unleashed
dogs were found to pose a direct threat to birds because they can chase and
kill them (Burger 1986), and they may be especially disruptive off-leash due to
their resemblance to coyotes and foxes (Sime 1999), thus eliciting a predator
avoidance response by wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Crepuscular/nocturnal use impacts<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With such little time for crepuscular animals to
accomplish their daily activities, recreation during this time may interrupt
these activities with potential negative effects on wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With more people on the trails now and
user-created trails bisecting habitat, pressures on wildlife from recreational
activities can cause many diurnal animals to shift their activity times to
being more crepuscular or even nocturnal (George and Crooks 2006).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore periods of relief for wildlife,
such as during the crepuscular and nocturnal hours, become increasingly
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest effect is the
cumulative effect of nighttime disturbance on wildlife that has already been
displaced or disturbed by human activity during the daytime (see general
recreational impacts above).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Additionally, if people are in the Preserve at twilight/night, and using
lights, those lights can impair wildlife’s vision which can disrupt foraging
and young rearing, to name a few (Green and Higginbottom 2001).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Studies on/near the Preserve</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most recently Whittier College senior, Bo Gould, has
been analyzing USGS wildlife camera data (unpublished) for bobcat, coyote, gray
fox, mule deer, raccoon, and striped skunk from 12/30/2012 to 6/30/2013 and
analyzed what percent of the wildlife detections occurred in the daytime versus
the nighttime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These data indicate that
these species may be shifting their activity times at Turnbull Canyon and
Hellman Park into the nighttime compared to the core habitat where they are
active in both the daytime and nighttime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cameras at Hellman Park, Turnbull Canyon and the core habitat were
active for 147 days, 170 days and 181 days, respectively which can account for some
of the higher number of detections at Turnbull Canyon and the core habitat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Nnci-b88GalVxXwOI0qBnhW14gFU9wZLLAzTJkkRHSVxbyGQ8H5hMMhY_msQtQ9-Bib0HpRNhPPOR3UgAfdOvPC9YxFS9Ey64_lbFdwXJ7fBFY8Jn_WE4E52btbkiDq0agldn8GbZg/s1600/wildlife+activity+table+rev2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Nnci-b88GalVxXwOI0qBnhW14gFU9wZLLAzTJkkRHSVxbyGQ8H5hMMhY_msQtQ9-Bib0HpRNhPPOR3UgAfdOvPC9YxFS9Ey64_lbFdwXJ7fBFY8Jn_WE4E52btbkiDq0agldn8GbZg/s320/wildlife+activity+table+rev2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Several other studies have been conducted on or near
the Puente Hills Preserve investigating the effects of recreation on
wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 2002 report by Haas and
Turschak stated that coyote and mule deer shifted their activity times to more
nocturnal hours after opening the Colima tunnel within the Puente Hills
Preserve to human recreation; a pattern which continued during a follow-up
study conducted by Lucas (2010) but now also included a nocturnal shift in
bobcat activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may have negative
effects like decreased feeding efficiency, increased predation, and increased
energy demands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In a study conducted on the Nature Reserve of Orange
County (within 40 miles of the Puente Hills Preserve), George and Crooks (2006)
found that in areas with high human activity, bobcats and coyotes were less
active in the daytime and exhibited a lower range of activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobcats were found less frequently along
trails with high recreation use (hikers and bikers) and were more nocturnal,
versus diurnal, in areas with high recreational use (again hikers and bikers)
and when dogs were present. Although coyote activity was also lower in sites
with higher recreation use and coyotes were also temporally displaced by dogs,
they were not as sensitive to human disturbance as bobcats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, the study by George and Crooks
illustrates that recreation use can alter wildlife behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are important findings since our
Preserve has both hikers and bikers, allows dogs in more areas than not, and
bobcats and coyotes are present on the Preserve and as top predators are good
indicators of ecosystem health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With the continual added pressure due to increased
human activity during the day, it becomes more important to provide relief to
wildlife during crepuscular and nocturnal times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>other challenges to the Preserve are limited Ranger resources to control
human activities and close all trailheads at sunset as well as porous access
points when the Preserve is closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bowles
A. E. 1995. Response of wildlife to noise. Pages 109-156. in R.L. Knight and D.N.
Cole, editors. Wildlife and recreationists: coexistence through management and
research. Washington, D.C., Island Press.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Burger,
J. 1986. The effect of human activity on shorebirds in two coastal bays in northeastern
United States. Biological Conservation 13:123-130.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Burger,
J., and M. Gochfeld. 1998. Effects of ecotourists on bird behaviour at Loxahatchee
National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. Environmental Conservation </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">25:13-21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Garbat, A.,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A. Gullo, and L. Longacre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trail visitor user survey.
A Pilot Study of Visitation at Hellman Park and Turnbull Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">George, S.L. and K.R.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recreation and large mammal
activity in an urban nature reserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Biological Conservation 133:107-117.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Green, R. and K.
Higginbottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2001.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The negative effects of wildlife tourism on
wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wildlife Tourism Research
Report Series: No.5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Haas,
C. and G. Turschak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2002.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Responses of large and medium-bodied mammals
to recreation activities: the Colima Road underpass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Final Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>23 pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lucas, S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changes in Large and
Medium-bodied Mammal Activity Following Eight Years of Recreation and Other
Activities: The Colima Road Underpass and Vicinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Final Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>29 pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Martino, D., T. Longcore, and J.
Wolch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Park Visitor User Survey for the Puente Hills
Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>68 pages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Papouchis,
C.M., F.J. Singer and W. B. Sloan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2001.
Responses of Desert Bighorn Sheep to increased human recreation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Journal of Wildlife Management 65(3):573-582.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pomerantz,
G. A., D. J. Decker, G. R. Goff, and K. G. Purdy. 1988. Assessing impact of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">recreation on wildlife: a
classification scheme. Wildlife Society Bulletin 16:58-62.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Sime,
C. A. 1999. Domestic Dogs in Wildlife Habitats. Pages 8.1-8.17 <i>in </i>G.
Joslin and H. Youmans, coordinators. Effects of recreation on Rocky Mountain
wildlife: A Review for Montana. Committee on Effects of Recreation on Wildlife,
Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society. 307pp.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-20484270346768209392015-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:002015-03-19T12:23:43.618-07:00What Makes Them Tick - By Bo Gould (intern)There are plenty of good reasons to stay on marked trails
throughout the Puente Hills Preserve. For one, these lands are gradually
returning to their native condition as vegetation reclaims degraded terrain.
The surrounding natural landscape is also home to abundant biodiversity including
rare and endangered native wildlife species that depend on native habitat. Furthermore,
off-trail areas contain risks to humans like cactus, poison oak, and
rattlesnakes. If all of this is not enough to keep you (and your pet if allowed)
on marked trails, there is another creature that could be lurking in any shrub
or grass, one that will suck your blood given the chance and this time of year can be their peak activity time! <br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ticks
are small parasites that belong to the arachnid family. They can be identified
as having eight legs and two claw-like appendages called palpi. Two of the most
common tick species in California are <i>Ixodes pacificus </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(commonly known as western black-legged or
deer ticks) and </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dermacentor
occidentalis </i>(Pacific Coast tick). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hDwjma4Ppsw4MjTqe3QuBLq0XU5vSR_oQDt4CULOW6SEbDbYxY02xGKmOpt_34dMywcxasl6eYOJVCsS3YWhqkLAy0kTu0RUh4-FcKdwFw82JCYT71XY0COI4237oc99B_rBRCJMxcs/s1600/localticks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hDwjma4Ppsw4MjTqe3QuBLq0XU5vSR_oQDt4CULOW6SEbDbYxY02xGKmOpt_34dMywcxasl6eYOJVCsS3YWhqkLAy0kTu0RUh4-FcKdwFw82JCYT71XY0COI4237oc99B_rBRCJMxcs/s1600/localticks.gif" height="165" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both of these species live by attaching
to their host---usually a mammal or bird---and feeding on their blood. All
ticks have four life stages; egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. Larval ticks hatch
with 3 pair of legs and acquire fourth pair after their first blood meal as
they enter the nymph stage. Nymphs tend to be very small, live on the ground,
and are difficult to detect. Incapable of jumping or flying, adult ticks
exhibit a behavior known as “questing.” Questing ticks hold on to branches or
grasses with their third and fourth pair of legs and stretch out their first
pair of legs to attach to potential hosts passing by. These hardy,
blood-sucking arachnids are active year-round (although activity increases after
the first of the year) and prefer moist, warm locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ticks
don’t actually cause diseases themselves but can be vectors of various human
and animal diseases in their nymph and adult forms. In California especially,
deer ticks have been known to transmit Lyme disease, caused by a bacterium.
Although most research reports that only a small percentage of ticks are
infected with the disease, it is always important to check for and remove ticks
from yourself and your pet after a hike. There are several important
precautions that should be taken to protect you and others from tick bites and
the infections they may carry:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wear long, light-colored pants and shirts that make locating
ticks easier</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Stay in the middle of trails to avoid brushing
against vegetation</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Check yourself and others periodically </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Always thoroughly inspect pets and brush them after
a hike<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the event of an attached tick, remove it immediately with a pair of tweezers.
Be sure to attach the tweezers close to the head, and pull it out slowly. It is
important not to leave any mouthpart in the skin as it may cause an infection.
Do not use heat or chemicals to remove the tick. Research suggests that it can
take hours to days for a tick to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium. After
removing the tick, you may want to consult a physician for antibiotic
medication. Keep an eye on the bite location for a rash that resembles a
“bulls-eye” and note any flu-like symptoms as they are indicators of Lyme
disease. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
all this in mind, don’t let ticks prevent you from experiencing the beauty and
serenity of the Puente Hills Preserve. Just stay aware, become educated, and be
responsible while visiting the outdoors and enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">For
more information about ticks and Lyme disease transmission, visit </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/</span></b></a><span style="color: black;"> or </span><a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7485.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7485.html</span></b></a>
</span>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-934550400506573532014-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:002015-01-13T16:20:25.938-08:00Shaking it Up with Rattlesnakes - by Bo Gould (intern)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina4N30V9Gk3CUYBwYlC2GxhWwGS88GXXkg4b7agAT2YpOlNZmytcdItWeHMd23amUz_19iIZ2D2cGsJzxFu8BRiPZBC03L0deMMFUwci34TPG1-9hJ_n837wxDIfgG3ZlK1Ey8d5CesY/s1600/045+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina4N30V9Gk3CUYBwYlC2GxhWwGS88GXXkg4b7agAT2YpOlNZmytcdItWeHMd23amUz_19iIZ2D2cGsJzxFu8BRiPZBC03L0deMMFUwci34TPG1-9hJ_n837wxDIfgG3ZlK1Ey8d5CesY/s1600/045+(2).JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Puente Hills Preserve is home
to an intricate array of native plants, mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles, among
others, all of whom play a vital role in supporting the health of the ecosystem.
While visiting the Preserve’s beautiful natural scenery and observing its
abundant wildlife, there is a group of southern Californian natives that can be
particularly exciting to meet; the rattlesnakes. If you have visited the hills
recently, you may have come across signs at a trailhead warning about the
dangers of this reptile. However, there are many aspects of this snake that
make it a special and integral part of the Puente Hills wildlife community.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrPN75295kl8KymyuN3QAoGAKyh1YoUmHhDxcnPpuL8iqo8qvKFvevAPzJa-_PATRaExP0AJoHhumf8ln28XZLr3aJX9DuDEs6I0KeSsJ28a6dzHkcn9amUbONcJ1OfRRNifkY-Szoj8/s1600/058+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrPN75295kl8KymyuN3QAoGAKyh1YoUmHhDxcnPpuL8iqo8qvKFvevAPzJa-_PATRaExP0AJoHhumf8ln28XZLr3aJX9DuDEs6I0KeSsJ28a6dzHkcn9amUbONcJ1OfRRNifkY-Szoj8/s1600/058+(2).JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Rattlesnake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4p9pjHseUrSEMlxJhZplK4PMsTZwxUg-h2zrhU_iNZVwmGtLSYXtg2UIqYYXAgrBqMk0YxM6Z8Wz37lsjJ0uRxKemssyQCzk6FzyXiCxNB6N1yrJmDh2UyU_iin-kSBdbRxEGv1dczs/s1600/Crotalus+ruber+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4p9pjHseUrSEMlxJhZplK4PMsTZwxUg-h2zrhU_iNZVwmGtLSYXtg2UIqYYXAgrBqMk0YxM6Z8Wz37lsjJ0uRxKemssyQCzk6FzyXiCxNB6N1yrJmDh2UyU_iin-kSBdbRxEGv1dczs/s1600/Crotalus+ruber+6.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Diamond Rattlesnake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In all, there are 32 known species of rattlesnakes;
7 of which can be found in California. The Puente Hills are home to two of such
species; the western rattlesnake (</span><i><span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Crotalus
viridis)</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
and the red diamond rattlesnake (<i>Crotalus ruber</i>). Both species can often
be observed slithering among trailside grasses, stretched out on a trail or
sunbathing on rock outcrops, and can grow to be over 3 feet long. The western
rattlesnake is distinguished by tan and dark-brown blotches, a triangular head
with pit heat-sensors on both sides, and two internasals at the tip of its head.
The red diamond rattlesnake, as its name suggests, displays reddish to tan
diamond-shaped scales with black-and-white bands along its tail. The coloration
of rattlesnakes helps them to effectively camouflage themselves in the
environment and stay well-hidden from predators. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gxd9Rr56ozfpdBiLJnVLAaEu9B3r70IA4EFHGQ0lYp7x1FP8itqeSy0Iw-saM3TJ7kYODIA1efk9k_JAcZlU8hMFfyVL6PBXOAhrwq8XFdccLSeK8WHgGgAqL-FwSFqbnLCC1fIWLvw/s1600/P3140122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gxd9Rr56ozfpdBiLJnVLAaEu9B3r70IA4EFHGQ0lYp7x1FP8itqeSy0Iw-saM3TJ7kYODIA1efk9k_JAcZlU8hMFfyVL6PBXOAhrwq8XFdccLSeK8WHgGgAqL-FwSFqbnLCC1fIWLvw/s1600/P3140122.JPG" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When these snakes shed their
skin, each shedding produces a new rattle at the end of their tails. These
rattles are definitive characteristics of the snake and can be heard as a
warning signal to potential threats or predators. Rattlesnakes will typically
give a short rattle as a warning, which will grow to a steady loud rattle if
the snake feels threatened. If you hear a rattlesnake, do not move until you
locate the precise location of the snake, back away slowly, and keep a safe
distance. Rattlesnakes rarely strike if they are unprovoked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Never attempt to pick up a rattlesnake!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like
all pit vipers, rattlesnakes are equipped with an exceptional set of sensory
organs that help them locate prey. These include pits at the tip of their nose
to sense thermal radiation from warm-blooded animals, eyes adapted to nocturnal
use, and a keen sense of smell from both nostrils and sensory tissues on their
tongues. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIU59oumJ2UMVxvVUiXqdsnjCbegbmQEotRoDwlF_b81TEV8GOm2Xef7RaK53BEa4cBCmBIwAuBJ9W3WrrAzwRDcqOoeixrbPsnZYj4ut1CsN0g9bjg7_cU4NyZdOviob7y0PoP2hwLI/s1600/P3140123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIU59oumJ2UMVxvVUiXqdsnjCbegbmQEotRoDwlF_b81TEV8GOm2Xef7RaK53BEa4cBCmBIwAuBJ9W3WrrAzwRDcqOoeixrbPsnZYj4ut1CsN0g9bjg7_cU4NyZdOviob7y0PoP2hwLI/s1600/P3140123.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once a prey animal is located, rattlesnakes use their quick striking
ability and fangs to inject powerful hemotoxic venoms. The venom travels
through the blood of the prey, causing intense swelling, pain, and tissue
damage. The main prey of Puente Hills rattlers are rabbits, squirrels, rats,
birds, lizards, and some insects. Though rattlesnakes are effective predators themselves,
they are also heavily preyed upon by hawks, crows, foxes, raccoons, and
coyotes. Thus, the ecological significance of rattlesnakes is large as they
help to regulate rodent populations and provide food for other native Puente
Hills species. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
rattlesnakes are dangerous, the likelihood of being bit is very low. If you see
a snake, stay calm and slowly move away. Remember to stay on designated trails
within the Preserve and scan the trail ahead. If a snake is directly in the
path, keeping a safe distance and stomping your feet is usually enough to coax
the rattlesnake to sun in a new spot. In the case of a snakebite, do not panic!
Remove all rings, watches, and anything else in the area of the wound that may
restrict blood flow. Remain calm and call 911 immediately. If treated promptly,
rattlesnake bites are almost never fatal. You are more likely to be struck by
lightning than to be bit by a rattlesnake.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So
when on the trails, keep an eye out for this important part of the Puente Hills
ecosystem and watch your step!</span></span><br />
<br />About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-23100310690563905132014-07-22T14:08:00.000-07:002014-08-11T08:23:32.930-07:00Living With Coyotes<br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17375e; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">HELP KEEP COYOTES WILD </span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lfTfKEiJqWf7RaIaBnENsTyME2Tg9TChfWyN4922pLRB-TJGAIzshbsXqc220F4wHism4rTIOe9k31mYkZ37MvUIqXPSItESS0vX0SRwsqfFuQ9xYVvEE6Y7FC0-rE_qwSIz8yVtU-c/s1600/coyote_10wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lfTfKEiJqWf7RaIaBnENsTyME2Tg9TChfWyN4922pLRB-TJGAIzshbsXqc220F4wHism4rTIOe9k31mYkZ37MvUIqXPSItESS0vX0SRwsqfFuQ9xYVvEE6Y7FC0-rE_qwSIz8yVtU-c/s1600/coyote_10wide.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: #003366;">Coyotes help the
environment.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #003366;"> </span></span></strong><span style="color: #17365d; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">They help keep populations of rodents and other small mammals under
control. They also feed on raccoons, birds, insects, fruits/vegetables, human
garbage, outdoor pet food and small pets left unprotected (even in your backyard).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d;">Attacks on humans are very rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #17365d;">When
coyotes become accustomed to humans they can lose their shyness and become more
demanding</span><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An average adult coyote is about
35 pounds and will be intimidated by people. While they may stop and observe,
they will eventually run</span><span style="color: #4f81bd;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #17365d;">Coyotes can
be seen any time of day but are typically most active at night; some have even
become year round residents of urban areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They also become very active and visible during the pup-rearing season
(May – July).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevhpP2tR065IINplZz_-2ID-udkAwj2S4rcMmrKo4d9JQ9oeTdUnUUg39D-ZYr9ie9uIxTIiktx4hIjObPdrzDprX42uBIe62-DlsNIxy6cuXFm58XPoO16IshlIlnILaS-bDMB_HOAw/s1600/coyote+track.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevhpP2tR065IINplZz_-2ID-udkAwj2S4rcMmrKo4d9JQ9oeTdUnUUg39D-ZYr9ie9uIxTIiktx4hIjObPdrzDprX42uBIe62-DlsNIxy6cuXFm58XPoO16IshlIlnILaS-bDMB_HOAw/s1600/coyote+track.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: #003366;">Associating urban areas
with food.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #003366;"> </span></span></strong><span style="color: #17365d; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">To coexist, it is important that
coyotes do not associate urban areas with food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coyotes are naturally fearful of humans, however they readily lose that
fear when people intentionally (or unintentionally) provide food/water or
shelter for them, or otherwise do not try to deter them from visiting.
Eliminating sources that attract coyotes can go a long way in addressing the
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><strong><em><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What can you do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: #003366;"><em> </em><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span></span><em><span style="color: #003366;">Do not feed coyotes and other
wildlife.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: #003366;"><em> </em><span style="font-family: Symbol;">· </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: #003366;"><em>Make sure outside garbage is
secured and fallen fruit from trees and bird seed </em></span></span></span><em><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #003366;">from bird feeders is picked
up.</span><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></em><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-style: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #003366;"> · </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">Do not feed your pets outdoors or leave pet food and
water outdoors unattended, </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">especially at night.</span><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-style: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #003366;"> · </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">Do not allow pets to roam free outside (including in your
backyard), especially at </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">night; make sure to keep your dog on a leash during
walks. <o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-style: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #003366;"> · </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">Keep your landscaping trimmed and open so that they don’t
provide hiding places </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">for coyotes or other wildlife.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-style: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="color: #003366;"> · </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">Make sure that fencing around your yard is secure –six-foot
tall and buried six inches </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">deep is recommended to prevent digging underneath
it.</span><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If approached by a coyote or if one is in
your neighborhood:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> "</span></span></span><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Haze” them. Stand
tall, yell, wave your arms, blow a whistle or horn, bang pots or </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">pans together,
spray water or throw rocks.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">While they may
stop and observe, they will eventually run.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Do not run away
or turn your back on them. Stand your ground and then back </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> slowly away while practicing
hazing techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> ·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #17365d; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">If you feel your
personal safety is immediately at risk, call 911.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #17365d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Informative links and contacts:</strong></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</span><span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">City of Whittier: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.cityofwhittier.org/depts/clerk/coyotes.asp"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.cityofwhittier.org/depts/clerk/coyotes.asp</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
</span><span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">California Department of Fish and Wildlife:<u> </u></span></span><a href="http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/</span></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Habitat Authority: </span><a href="http://www.habitatauthority.org/living-with-wildlife/"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.habitatauthority.org/living-with-wildlife/</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
</span>
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Police Department: 562-567-9200 (non-emergency)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
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</span>
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #17375e; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">LA County Animal Control: 562-940-6898 (dead animal pickup) </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #17375e; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #17375E; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: text2; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">
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</span></span>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-37993069420501836512014-02-13T11:40:00.000-08:002014-02-13T11:41:26.989-08:00It’s the Great Backyard Bird Count<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOUwLzcpL3uKOP9gwlKStzv8zWmZMAZNFExcfEGXve4VrbuvnsNIkLrSoluBm5laEpZqpJb0AkoXxzoUFNA4wHvL48fw_5V8FXJuJZbo-s2Ymtv6AzVFtiJm8iL3NqCMjuKcGJ9p9BmI/s1600/weki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOUwLzcpL3uKOP9gwlKStzv8zWmZMAZNFExcfEGXve4VrbuvnsNIkLrSoluBm5laEpZqpJb0AkoXxzoUFNA4wHvL48fw_5V8FXJuJZbo-s2Ymtv6AzVFtiJm8iL3NqCMjuKcGJ9p9BmI/s1600/weki.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re interested in citizen-science and birding then
this is the weekend for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Started by
Cornell University and the National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird
Count is scheduled for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">February 14-17,
2014</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citizens are being asked to
collect data on wild birds and submit them online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be as simple as counting birds for at
least 15 minutes in your backyard for one day or participate by visiting
numerous locations over the 4 days, it’s up to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2013, there were participants in 111 countries that
counted over 33 million birds! These data can assist researchers in answering
questions related to how climate change can affect bird populations, timing of
migrations over years, and differences in bird diversity in urban, rural and
natural areas, to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To get started, go to the following link </span><a href="http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
and register online. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the information
you need to participate is on their website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know I’ll be participating….will you?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Birding!</span>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-1401482073517103452013-09-10T15:45:00.000-07:002014-08-11T08:22:45.473-07:00Rodenticides....Unintended Consequences If it’s sold on store shelves, it must be safe…right? Not
always.<br />
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In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released new safety measures intended to reduce children’s exposures to
rodenticides in the home and reduce risks to wildlife. These measures were to
be implemented by 2011 but not all companies complied with the measures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In response, the EPA recently took action to
remove 12 rodenticide products from the market but pending litigation has
stopped the ban for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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So what’s all the concern since rodenticides kill
rodents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, rodenticides contain
active ingredients that kill rodents in varying ways. However, they can also
kill or seriously compromise the health of non-target wildlife, children and
pets. The Red-tailed Hawk, Great-horned Owl, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Gray Fox,
Red Fox, Black Bear, and Turkey Vulture, to name a few, are species that can be
negatively impacted by rodenticides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
California, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has determined that impacts
to non-target wildlife by second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are a
statewide issue and is proposing new regulatory action (No. 13-002) to
designate those rodenticides as restricted materials and limit the placement of aboveground
baits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoThksuXHzwgEx8IcbK3r58NnpOKRqGHtRfnvqu-irdQC1TB6EoVvAInG6UwFf00r5rVKs0goueXdLzqWlSEB1KzuXObgs1ezV0WfHwugNwdjtlbOW_ISOvJI89YJaUP3O2C7jtyBODXo/s1600/bait+station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoThksuXHzwgEx8IcbK3r58NnpOKRqGHtRfnvqu-irdQC1TB6EoVvAInG6UwFf00r5rVKs0goueXdLzqWlSEB1KzuXObgs1ezV0WfHwugNwdjtlbOW_ISOvJI89YJaUP3O2C7jtyBODXo/s200/bait+station.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a>So what are rodenticides? Rodenticides are pesticides that
contain active ingredients that can be classified into three types: 1) acute
toxicants (AT’s), 2) first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGAR’s) and
3) second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGAR’s), and they are placed indoors
or outdoors in tablet, pellet and/or paraffin block form. They can even be
contained in bait stations. Acute toxicants work in several ways such as
impairing nerve cell action or causing cell death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With anticoagulant rodenticides, the animals’
blood loses its clotting ability and capillaries are damaged, causing the
individual to die from internal bleeding. With FGAR’s, animals must consume the
rodenticide several times to accumulate a lethal amount of toxin in their body
and some animals became resistant to the active ingredient(s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, SGAR’s were developed that are
more toxic and designed so that lethal concentrations are consumed in just one feeding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it takes several days for the rodent
to die during which time it can return to feed on the rodenticide, building up
extremely high concentrations in its tissues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If it becomes prey for predators, those high concentrations of
rodenticides are passed to the predator and can be lethal or compromise the
non-target animals' health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGlVeMKiwwVKALMbCRIdkUf0UGGGW9UIiCtjTuROFgvpVLBRKRVI8VrVjeIq5OxKGth6UXaKQ9mMQgGpi07fHtF8iENoc3zG5fsyyskU6l47y3v8w1hRdEm74AojX0al9fHj85LBH56s/s1600/healthy+bobcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGlVeMKiwwVKALMbCRIdkUf0UGGGW9UIiCtjTuROFgvpVLBRKRVI8VrVjeIq5OxKGth6UXaKQ9mMQgGpi07fHtF8iENoc3zG5fsyyskU6l47y3v8w1hRdEm74AojX0al9fHj85LBH56s/s200/healthy+bobcat.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ii07af115BtDs2FvB8JWW7BH5LKw1nho040TIGG_EUXvon9Lr1vM_z7FMJAJPGbWEcOQCRpCSQBT3Gz-iGHMXbUHWrX6B4w0lfz1zDN-fjs2k1Pm4fvopO-3QM34RNTFA1L6qdROMfs/s1600/bobcat+with+mange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ii07af115BtDs2FvB8JWW7BH5LKw1nho040TIGG_EUXvon9Lr1vM_z7FMJAJPGbWEcOQCRpCSQBT3Gz-iGHMXbUHWrX6B4w0lfz1zDN-fjs2k1Pm4fvopO-3QM34RNTFA1L6qdROMfs/s200/bobcat+with+mange.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a>Aside from direct death due to anticoagulant toxicity, wildlife
exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides can weaken an animals' immune
system, making it vulnerable to other diseases/infections such as mange, a
disease caused by a parasitic mite. Mange causes intense itching, hair loss and
eventually thickening of the skin if the host animal is not healthy enough to
fight the infestation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, the
skin may tear leading to bacterial infections and death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A study conducted in the Santa Monica
Mountains (Riley et al 2007) determined that two (2) mountain lions died as a
direct result of anticoagulant toxicity, 90% of dead bobcats tested positive
for anticoagulants and there was a high level of association in bobcats between
severe mange and anticoagulant exposure. In the Puente Hills, one bobcat tested
positive for anticoagulants rodenticides, at least one other bobcat died with severe
mange while a third with severe mange was captured, treated and re-released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Currently, numerous cities and counties are showing support
for the EPA and DPR by passing resolutions opposing the sale, purchase and use
of certain rat and mouse poison products that pose an unacceptable risk to
children, pets and wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Board
of Directors for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority passed one
such resolution in August 2013 as did the City of Whittier in July 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can have your voice be heard by
submitting comments to the California DPR on their Notice of Proposed
Regulatory Action No. 13-002 by October 4, 2013, before 5:00 p.m. More information can
be found at:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/rulepkgs/13-002/notice.pdf">http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/rulepkgs/13-002/notice.pdf</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/rodenticides/finalriskdecision.htm">http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/rodenticides/finalriskdecision.htm</a></div>
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About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-73923335273583753962013-04-02T08:11:00.000-07:002013-04-02T08:11:02.355-07:00Stop, look, listen!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFlxLIU3b8xh_vdJooV0KtQD0NF7eJGzlRUj07Vn_eM65unF0OIeXEobab4LbGL-PxIiWmT3SbBiidy8NGmkXFFjQx1rxsFBO6w56lQOeuW8bkNZHTL9c7-OG_3h9D3a9P5E-OoLKBB4/s1600/most+of+tree+with+holes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFlxLIU3b8xh_vdJooV0KtQD0NF7eJGzlRUj07Vn_eM65unF0OIeXEobab4LbGL-PxIiWmT3SbBiidy8NGmkXFFjQx1rxsFBO6w56lQOeuW8bkNZHTL9c7-OG_3h9D3a9P5E-OoLKBB4/s320/most+of+tree+with+holes.JPG" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’ve hiked in the Puente Hills you’ve probably heard drumming
on trees or noticed horizontal holes drilled into trees with sap flowing from
them; all courtesy of a group of birds called sapsuckers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sapsuckers belong to the bird Family Picidae
that includes woodpeckers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
about 200 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">species of picids worldwide, of which two species of sapsuckers,
Red-breasted sapsucker (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sphyrapicus ruber</i>)
and the red-naped sapsucker (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sphyrapicus
nuchalis</i>), have been confirmed on Habitat Authority managed land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Red-breasted Sapsucker <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is a medium sized woodpecker with a red head, nape, throat and breast,
cream colored belly, white rump and white moustache stripe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preferring to drill sap wells in riparian species,
they inhabit forest edges and woodlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Breeding occurs from Alaska and British Columbia south to California and
wintering grounds are located throughout most of their breeding range. They are
cavity nesters and drill out new nest cavities typically annually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their diet consists of sap, arthropods and
some fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Red-naped
sapsuckers differ in that they have a red head and nape, cream breast and
belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They breed in the Rocky Mountains
and winter in southern California typically along the edges of forests and
woodlands, especially groves of aspen and alder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are also cavity nesters and their diet
consists of sap, arthropods and some fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe5OtqO1GkbHnJo93Vjn_tJG0bITZm0LlWsP_g09_mkR_bP2UvbK4Y2ZMy6_S7Bjv_-NO8hUjjo9alFzDC2FjRAFVFu5rbq23IqhyphenhyphentR_0Q211dS7_THX-IdT55zpyJuJm048f1bWsfTo/s1600/holes+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe5OtqO1GkbHnJo93Vjn_tJG0bITZm0LlWsP_g09_mkR_bP2UvbK4Y2ZMy6_S7Bjv_-NO8hUjjo9alFzDC2FjRAFVFu5rbq23IqhyphenhyphentR_0Q211dS7_THX-IdT55zpyJuJm048f1bWsfTo/s320/holes+closeup.JPG" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sapsuckers use their
strong bills to drill sap holes, collectively called sap wells, into living
trees <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and eat the sap along with some
insects that are attracted to, and get trapped by, the sap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shape and size of the sap holes differs
by species and the holes drilled in these pictures were likely made by the
red-breasted sapsucker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These sap wells can
also be an attractant for species like hummingbirds who eat the sap that the
sapsucker keeps flowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Large sap wells
can cause extensive damage to trees leading to tree mortality while other times
trees can heal themselves and continue growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not all activities of sapsuckers are problematic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sapsuckers usually excavate new nests every
year, leaving old nesting cavities for a variety of woodland/forest species to
inhabit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when you’re out
on the trail, keep your eyes and ears open for these wonderful birds!</span></span><span style="-ms-layout-grid-mode: line; background: black; border: 1pt black; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-border-alt: none black 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: X-NONE; mso-font-width: 0%; padding: 0in;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-16806392195268953812012-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:002012-02-15T13:41:28.036-08:00Something is bugging our oaks...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6XyoU8g6KWokN1ElwO4QAIhyphenhyphenwRd2pmanP0aSAGRd1Xzh_8xMe_CT8LiEzLp7vmjUmVNGOBLNlMGn1vMLgZYAyysXyKxq_c5GU_Vfzw01ghyphenhyphen64cDku2rVPip-689QMpVeYenJrah-Qnw/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707657145437534146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6XyoU8g6KWokN1ElwO4QAIhyphenhyphenwRd2pmanP0aSAGRd1Xzh_8xMe_CT8LiEzLp7vmjUmVNGOBLNlMGn1vMLgZYAyysXyKxq_c5GU_Vfzw01ghyphenhyphen64cDku2rVPip-689QMpVeYenJrah-Qnw/s320/IMG_1252.JPG" /></a>Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that the large coast live oak trees along Turnbull Canyon Road appear to have small patches of dead leaves on them, but the trees appear to be healthy otherwise. For a while, I dismissed the dead leaves as a symptom of drought. But as I was made aware of a devastating new pest that is affecting oaks in San Diego County, called the gold-spotted oak borer, I’ve been paying a bit more attention to trees that appear distressed. Although there could be several things causing the dead leaf patches on our oaks, including other insect pests and fungi, I became concerned that these oaks could perhaps be affected by the gold-spotted oak borer. So, I examined some of them closely.<br /><br />While gold-spotted oak borer attacks can cause thinning of the tree crown and die-back of twigs, none of the trees appeared to exhibit any of the classic symptoms along the trunk, such as weeping or staining, or tiny D-shaped exit holes. What I did find was at the point where the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PkE4Fa-SHvGuWDT68YfPOykX3brzTlEfNftY35-QxHD0bJo0uR4xzHZy-K8mmsYgd2DIkCr0hpiLQkAN0U4uP_-ePGRgO3mKM1T5paSiA_3rD3Q5DADOy_C0qpxqP6oByfdKzGX9SKM/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707657406572704050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PkE4Fa-SHvGuWDT68YfPOykX3brzTlEfNftY35-QxHD0bJo0uR4xzHZy-K8mmsYgd2DIkCr0hpiLQkAN0U4uP_-ePGRgO3mKM1T5paSiA_3rD3Q5DADOy_C0qpxqP6oByfdKzGX9SKM/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" /></a>dead twigs met with the live tree branch, under the bark there was a pattern etched in the tissue spiraling around the twig, with dark powdery “frass”inside the tunnels (see photo) – I even found a tiny larva in one! This indicated that the damage could be caused by an insect called the oak twig girdler. It is similar to the gold-spotted oak borer, in that they are related – gold-spotted oak borer’s scientific name is Agrilus coxalis, and the oak twig girdler’s scientific name is Agrilus angelicus. Also, both attack the tree’s tissue just below the bark, causing the growth beyond the attack site to die. However, the gold-spotted oak borer attacks the trunks of trees, whereas the oak twig girdler only attacks the smallest twigs at the ends of branches where new growth is happening. That is why the gold-spotted oak borer is much more of a threat, because when it attacks the trunk tissue, it prevents nutrients from reaching the rest of the tree (branches and leaves).<br /><br />The larva I collected is being sent to the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Weights and Measures for entomologists to confirm whether it is the oak twig girdler. Fortunately, the oak twig girdler is not considered to be a significant impact to tree health. But the presence of these insects may be a sign that our oaks are under some stress, as the oak twig girdler is thought to be attracted to trees weakened by drought.<br /><br />**UPDATE: The Los Angeles County Entomologist confirmed that this is likely the oak twig girdler, and that it is not a cause for concern. He also mentioned that this is a native species.About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-77703522169359470882011-12-28T12:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T13:01:17.489-08:00Should you be afraid of bobcats?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBcrXbSaH8AJhJLdudbZqXuQhunIgzyYDeXQSZRSJfw0ciVILW1FGRdm-dyhA5nTkGMTZgiLeSGWMaPVLM9d7d5XbyKgw3zYG7M9X36fMiF8ORGWZFgh4r080WLZA9-VlWBec5gVKnRI/s1600/bobcat+Powder+from+Doug+Wolfe+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691278455754349346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBcrXbSaH8AJhJLdudbZqXuQhunIgzyYDeXQSZRSJfw0ciVILW1FGRdm-dyhA5nTkGMTZgiLeSGWMaPVLM9d7d5XbyKgw3zYG7M9X36fMiF8ORGWZFgh4r080WLZA9-VlWBec5gVKnRI/s320/bobcat+Powder+from+Doug+Wolfe+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a> We at the Habitat Authority have gotten several calls over the years from local residents or hikers asking this very question. It is understandable for people to be afraid of things they are not familiar with, and given the relatively reclusive and secretive nature of bobcats, most people never see bobcats.<br /><br />Some people are afraid of bobcats because they associate them with mountain lions. It is true that they are both wild felines. However, bobcats are much smaller than mountain lions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaJGUn8vWkrd3WDbstxvKwrgj7vX6Gkt9Tvsx9uyTxK1eUgyqszQYkD4KM1br_O2pyF4pyR7PxWQZ4yOu5-8Hb9aC7CqjKCEvxaiFF4kL5pjmiJCiLKbSQGpvyk9OBV0wvv9KaORqe7Y/s1600/bobcat-size-mountain-lion+cougar+network.jpg"></a> (about 10 times smaller), and are only about the size of a beagle or about twice the size of an average housecat. (They also look quite different, with bobcats having short “bobbed” tails and a striped or spotted body, whereas mountain lions have a very long tail and are a uniform tan color). Given their small size, they also eat smaller prey than mountain lions; bobcats generally eat rabbits or rodents, while mountain lions almost exclusively eat deer.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691278699746633746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97oHIk7wSPOGil_LmtkAWi2YIijO8ofiLgBbn-uUO1JZIwyAi6v5fajFViIu_7PvqhUwhYOyNkiOhdJFicCdVv2TCcTS2vo10DSAb554K6zygmT6mL97F8Gc2MEuei01Hhy93wfoNhQY/s320/bobcat-size-mountain-lion+cougar+network.jpg" /><br />Although there are rare reports of mountain lion attacks on people (none in the Puente Hills area), there are almost no records of bobcat attacks on people. The few credible reports that do exist generally have to do with a rabid bobcat, which is quite unusual. No reports of rabid wildlife of any kind have been reported to the Habitat Authority. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_Kbc3BwjcsV19gB9semgnAtuYacNQ5J4kG-Jl7hxC7UWcs_mBTwLH7oseWgMV2KzdvacGksX02rJe7KsKfXzS8L20UxQHQbFmFTuwI9KSiftTvinux1r-6CiubvQuL3UYITYGGzIr0/s1600/17.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691277882307989634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_Kbc3BwjcsV19gB9semgnAtuYacNQ5J4kG-Jl7hxC7UWcs_mBTwLH7oseWgMV2KzdvacGksX02rJe7KsKfXzS8L20UxQHQbFmFTuwI9KSiftTvinux1r-6CiubvQuL3UYITYGGzIr0/s320/17.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Bobcats, like mountain lions, generally avoid people and areas inhabited by people. They tend to be found less often along trails with higher recreational activity, and they often shift their activity to occur at nighttime in areas frequented by people in an effort to avoid them. Bobcat home ranges occur much more frequently in natural habitat compared to areas within or near developed areas.<br /><br />If you see a bobcat in your neighborhood, it probably means that you have a lot of natural vegetation in the area. If there are a lot of rabbits or rodents in your neighborhood gardens, that might also attract bobcats. If you want to keep bobcats or other wildlife out of your yard, consider installing fencing around your immediate use area, make sure to clean up fallen fruit or other potential food items (trash, bird seed) that might attract rodents, keep small pets indoors and/or closely supervised, and never intentionally provide food or water to wildlife.<br /><br />There is no reason to fear bobcats, but bobcats have plenty of reasons to fear us. In most remaining natural areas in southern California, bobcats have to face many challenges in order to survive. One major challenge is crossing numerous busy roads safely. Another challenge is not becoming infected with diseases which could be passed on from other animals or even domestic pets, and not eating rodents that have been poisoned; rat poisons contain anticoagulants and are shown to have a possible association with a disease called mange. Another challenge is finding large enough patches of habitat that are relatively free from human disturbance in order to live and rear their young.<br /><br />If you do see a bobcat, you should consider yourself very lucky! Seeing a bobcat is a good way to remind us of the wildness that is still present in our area. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691279267995336098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfOb1BkR0vwji_btR2zmd75f_nxf8Gh40fveeASEf6np9Kn40RHoI0XcX9LaMzYSbVbVnpNmhvTMoxNzpk4p5iC7Gpim2PH-nCtuN0VEXfL896oZs1F3BTkj_fZytqRwFIj7jKGY4D6A/s320/59.JPG" /><br />(Photo credits: top - Doug Wolfe, drawing - Cougar Network, time-stamped - Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority)About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-72645528904112420122011-12-01T14:47:00.000-08:002011-12-01T15:09:38.751-08:00What’s Lurking in your Firewood?With winter just around the corner, you may be starting to buy firewood. But besides the usual <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irUaqKAMkeGOMJjP11UxYr-4qGnHeROn6i8cpb0QnFKDwMdQFOna0imtRCoxDKW03YfgUnMCLuOng2zm1L7EI_MEfD2JRLXYm0nyp0UbVJZvLQdpnmUaXPEfeQPJ0L8HFAPSBmB74_k/s1600/66282display%255B1%255D.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297681418990338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7irUaqKAMkeGOMJjP11UxYr-4qGnHeROn6i8cpb0QnFKDwMdQFOna0imtRCoxDKW03YfgUnMCLuOng2zm1L7EI_MEfD2JRLXYm0nyp0UbVJZvLQdpnmUaXPEfeQPJ0L8HFAPSBmB74_k/s320/66282display%255B1%255D.png" /></a>critters that hang out with firewood, such as spiders or scorpions, there may be another, much more dangerous threat that is too small to see. That threat is from a small beetle, called the gold-spotted oak borer. As its name suggests, it bores into oak trees, and it eats away at their critical vascular tissue, eventually killing them. As of 2010, this beetle has killed an estimated 21,500 trees covering 1,893 square miles in San Diego County in forests, parks, and residential landscapes.<br /><br />Fortunately, there are no known occurrences of the gold-spotted oak borer in Los Angeles or Orange Counties. Unfortunately, it is known to occur in not-too-distant San Diego County. If firewood from oak trees in San Diego County is transported elsewhere, it could spread the gold-spotted oak borer into new areas. When firewood is harvested, the beetle may be present in its larval stage, feeding off of the oak’s tissue beneath the bark. When that oak that becomes firewood, the beetle is transported along with the firewood. By late spring, the beetle transforms into its adult stage, with wings, and it flies out of the wood to find new oak trees on which to lay eggs. These eg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5NQx_oVmYZ7tFcopawWwzQFdlObEohg6Nz8iakQEhnnggeRNi4zcdfg_NbwfiDAibeFKmtTNB5vukM86-wRqjYlPoHRALY-eL1_XN0p61Z5lkauFMBwlHqXh7Z1fzQ82XJGMHWdkxuU/s1600/FirewoodTaskForcePoster250w.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297277910993634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5NQx_oVmYZ7tFcopawWwzQFdlObEohg6Nz8iakQEhnnggeRNi4zcdfg_NbwfiDAibeFKmtTNB5vukM86-wRqjYlPoHRALY-eL1_XN0p61Z5lkauFMBwlHqXh7Z1fzQ82XJGMHWdkxuU/s320/FirewoodTaskForcePoster250w.jpg" /></a>gs hatch into larvae, which bore into the new oak tree, and the cycle begins again.<br /><br />Currently, there is no known effective remedy or treatment for the gold-spotted oak borer. Sometimes infested oak trees must be killed before others are affected. Our native coast live oak trees not only help to define the beauty and naturalness of the Puente Hills area, but also provide food and shelter for numerous invertebrates, birds, and mammals. Their importance is reflected by the fact that they are considered a protected tree species by Los Angeles County, and oak woodlands are also protected by the State. Oaks also provide shade for homes, and can even add to property values. Oaks continue to be lost to land development and other impacts, and it is important to retain and protect the remnant patches that remain. Therefore, the best hope we have in protecting our oak trees from further loss due to the gold-spotted oak borer is to prevent it from getting here in the first place. Please, check on the source of your firewood before you buy it, and avoid buying oak firewood from San Diego County. Or, if you have already purchased wood from there, burn it right away and burn it thoroughly. Help protect the beauty and natural value provided by our native coast live oaks.<br /><br />For more information, visit these websites:<br /><a href="http://www.ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo">www.ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo</a><br /><a href="http://www.cisr.ucr.edu/goldspotted_oak_borer.html">www.cisr.ucr.edu/goldspotted_oak_borer.html</a><br /><br /><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo credit for picture of gold-spotted oak borer: </span></em><a href="http://www.ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo/</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span></em></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo credit for picture of firewood: </span></em><a href="http://firewood.ca.gov/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">http://firewood.ca.gov/</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span></em></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-12459465607964382342011-11-04T14:49:00.000-07:002011-11-07T12:07:45.753-08:00Mixed NutsAs <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KSbld2ewxvTzXtM4LXPmwBSdpkLKp1Y-jitTO3hp02Ri-O3jxfbPs4LXqut6Np78-cmhwCyAJ3iJyVUIqvtBm7o7L_rSnph4GHzH2NFxyrF87Wu62esoeTFg2Rvps3Hm3suwQ6jVyqg/s1600/tour_walnuts_large.jpg"></a>some of you may be aware, parts of the Puente Hills Preserve support a rare species of native tree, the Southern California black walnut <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrCUeD3wZTB_3bp0SdSjpMs7zLJcuPSWGhM9l60uWDyfrmePQ2kWSOGcbm7vkAR0reM5uwh33v9ix1aRwvhI4eX7uy_bWoiNizNwd1i6STs_QE-dW0cOzMX1ZI9kMgzXkQ1UUlVPaFUY/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671261819657333234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrCUeD3wZTB_3bp0SdSjpMs7zLJcuPSWGhM9l60uWDyfrmePQ2kWSOGcbm7vkAR0reM5uwh33v9ix1aRwvhI4eX7uy_bWoiNizNwd1i6STs_QE-dW0cOzMX1ZI9kMgzXkQ1UUlVPaFUY/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" /></a>(Juglans californica). These Puente Hills are one of the handful of places in Los Angeles County where this tree is found, and it generally only grows on more moist north-facing slopes or in shady canyons. It is often found growing with another native tree, the coast live oak. In the Preserve, it can be found in the Powder Canyon and Hacienda Hills areas. The presence of walnut woodlands in the Preserve is one of the reasons that the Puente Hills was recently selected for possible inclusion in a new National Recreation Area that could encompass parts of the San Gabriel Mountains and Watershed.<br /><br />The native black walnut is similar to the cultivated walnut that we buy at the grocery store, in that they both produce walnuts (although the native is smaller). One such cultivated walnut is the English walnut (Juglans regia), which is related to the native black walnut – since they are related, they can and sometimes do hybridize with each other. In the early 20th century, horticulturalists were conducting experiments hybridizing black and English walnuts, including Luther Burbank (in Santa Rosa, Northern California) and the University of California Department of Agriculture. The latter planted one of these hybrid trees in 1907 in the City of Whittier, known as the Paradox Hybrid, where it still stands today at about 14 feet tall and about 100 feet in diameter – an enormous, gorgeous tree (see photo below)! It is actually a Registered State Historic Landmark Number 681 (located on Whittier Boulevard near the intersection with Mar Vista).<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671263382547379010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sWQ7ClkriBFPPI2O28m6pfnT7aFbL2LmdF53UKofDlv8F8KouNWbzZVT-kTvONkdfx2ejE2NfIi2lNOTQ2w40yyT63SlwqV5SSEhjr1_zlqnwBdum703kd203e5weaFBKZCBUGKktow/s200/paradox+hybrid+walnut+1.JPG" /> If you hike in Powder Canyon and look closely at the walnut trees you may notice that a few of the trees are much larger, and have much larger leaves, but have very few fruits (often none). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM_bd3Ds2HfaOUbKl4vtf5wKUOPzevJPYXtqctkxrtVs_GnlHvxWoKK1aROv8lHLhDIkuXF6HZA3UtXgWGhvReEuVqxvQm3axc4ENW05RweZ0poOZ87mBZ9DaRti54Zyjynabo9C6a88/s1600/P3140092.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671264098816578754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM_bd3Ds2HfaOUbKl4vtf5wKUOPzevJPYXtqctkxrtVs_GnlHvxWoKK1aROv8lHLhDIkuXF6HZA3UtXgWGhvReEuVqxvQm3axc4ENW05RweZ0poOZ87mBZ9DaRti54Zyjynabo9C6a88/s320/P3140092.JPG" /></a>That is because some are the native black walnut (the smaller trees with smaller leaves and lots of fruit - at left) and some (possibly 5%) are the black-English walnut hybrid (the larger trees with larger leaves and few fruit - at right). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9t9M2PA4JebFjLGcT9kHbBttJnIVtohkKAoJgQAttHSYwAiOusukUoeOYMaB3ZS7leicIlO1MNkNLMLscA1e3nxwrFq02Szq8J3YHU_ttq8_wGao3pJmFca07rJ7K49t_NNC4zFxjdE/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671262608831600018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9t9M2PA4JebFjLGcT9kHbBttJnIVtohkKAoJgQAttHSYwAiOusukUoeOYMaB3ZS7leicIlO1MNkNLMLscA1e3nxwrFq02Szq8J3YHU_ttq8_wGao3pJmFca07rJ7K49t_NNC4zFxjdE/s320/IMG_0978.JPG" /></a>The bark of the native black walnut is very furrowed or “grooved”, whereas the hybrid has either smooth bark (like the English walnut), or bark that is somewhere in between. So how did these hybrids get there? One possibility is that they are the result of black walnuts hybridizing with a nearby English walnut that was planted on someone’s property, perhaps one of the commercial walnut orchards that used to be more prevalent in the past. Another possibility is that these were planted as acorns from a hybrid, possibly even from the Paradox Hybrid in Whittier. This latter seems likely, considering that several resources have noted that the second generation hybrids (meaning those trees grown from seeds of the hybrid) bear very few fruit, which is the case for those hybrids seen in Powder Canyon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7aZqaGBUjCFO2klLQAkATXw_VTS1geo5Y-3MFMMioWwnFuWEmm4deyt8UmhD3WHICabY86kUuEZBMxNi8uAI8Hb3vQG_4ciOYjCfGEyZT1i8SI_NE8x8GBhANxNuj1y2Is_V1WnmTmY/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 171px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671264535191979298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7aZqaGBUjCFO2klLQAkATXw_VTS1geo5Y-3MFMMioWwnFuWEmm4deyt8UmhD3WHICabY86kUuEZBMxNi8uAI8Hb3vQG_4ciOYjCfGEyZT1i8SI_NE8x8GBhANxNuj1y2Is_V1WnmTmY/s200/IMG_0977.JPG" /></a><br />Regardless of their native or hybrid status, the walnuts in the Preserve provide important food and shelter resources for many species of insects, birds and mammals, and are a beautiful and shady addition to our trails. </div></div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-85457841148383439632011-10-07T15:07:00.000-07:002011-10-10T12:43:57.962-07:00Cozy Camera<div><br /><br /><div>Surprise! That is what I think every time I download the digital photos from our motion-sensor <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHORkFVaa5Yp1eD7oCx2MDQwTNYKFwUtJeai0sCFDMF8DqHHr7dIV_TfG78yNQz_g72RrI4vJpxm9yDNQUu0yOm1b-C_lanGhM-1nP-8HL4TMXpHzUqX4ePV5mH37SQk1fXVsyigrV3E/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660876385836794914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHORkFVaa5Yp1eD7oCx2MDQwTNYKFwUtJeai0sCFDMF8DqHHr7dIV_TfG78yNQz_g72RrI4vJpxm9yDNQUu0yOm1b-C_lanGhM-1nP-8HL4TMXpHzUqX4ePV5mH37SQk1fXVsyigrV3E/s320/IMG_0798.JPG" /></a>cameras located throughout the Preserve, because I never know what fun surprising wildlife photos I’ll see. But sometimes I’m also surprised by what I find inside the camera itself. Occasionally I’ll find a spider making a web, or a colony of pincher bugs. But this week I found something quite surprising – a nest! And no, not a bird’s nest; nesting season is pretty much over by now for birds, generally ending in August or September. It was a mouse nest! I believe they are common deer mice based on their orange-brown fur on the top of their bodies, and the white fur on their underside, as well as their size and ears. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbF1JJvy7PzUnUNT3KEtRDph-feMwBcCl2t9m0kjOj-0gMAFK5xcgFWKm5j2gVqVwlkDvzl-KeidJY99urReDFzQD6QLWeUFEfjKykraajpSm7S6yMLIbyoGVl0EuqPqpFeZsy_clcaU/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660876100302801170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbF1JJvy7PzUnUNT3KEtRDph-feMwBcCl2t9m0kjOj-0gMAFK5xcgFWKm5j2gVqVwlkDvzl-KeidJY99urReDFzQD6QLWeUFEfjKykraajpSm7S6yMLIbyoGVl0EuqPqpFeZsy_clcaU/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Deer mice can reproduce almost any time of year, especially in our moderate climate, and use a variety of places to build nests. Apparently there was just enough of space for them to wedge into the metal box which houses the camera, and build a fluffy, cup-shaped nest. Nests are often constructed out of grasses, moss, wool, fibers, and thistle down. This nest appears to be constructed mostly of pappus from thistle seeds (“thistle down”) – this is the fluffy stuff that allows the seed to be carried off by the wind. I caught both of them as they were still constructing the nest, and when I went back to check a few days later, the nest was completed into a sphere with a hole in the top – and the female nestled inside (the male ran out of the box as I opened it). Their gestation period is about 3 weeks, so I’ll keep checking over the next few weeks to see if there are any baby mice. </div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-25383599336664730642011-08-22T08:57:00.000-07:002011-08-22T09:26:25.771-07:00The Young and the RestlessSummertime means lots of different things to different people. Here on the Preserve, one thing it means is we get to see the young animals that were born this spring and are now roaming about. Some are still with their parents, and will be through the fall. Our motion-sensor wildlife cameras have picked up several young animals that we'd like to share with you.
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643711548705312418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wFCEwvYQdSCtfBRwR9TSWVpYkblLV9MpCUYwa5Zi_Zj9nUfwiVhYw8jzt1-YyhnRkBmPy2oLw8Ed0E-bXFb4H2qSrFAgWFCzJge_J5WM2CRvtZjC80upekdyOiEJAOJ6Nvvh84rkRmA/s320/FILE0166.JPG" />
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<br />This fawn (on the left) photographed in Sycamore Canyon is probably a few months old in this photo, and is still young enough to still have its spots for camoflauge from predators. Their main predator here on the Preserve is likely the mountain lion, which are sometimes seen in Sycamore Canyon. Deer are very common here probably due to the proximity to the irrigted lawns at adjacent Rose Hills Cemetery, which is probably why the lion is seen here sometimes, but unfortuntely we haven't gotten a mountion lion photo yet. If you see a lion anywhere on the Preserve, contact Shannon Lucas at the Habitat Authority so we can add it to our database (<a href="mailto:slucas@habitatauthority.org">slucas@habitatauthority.org</a>).
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<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643711841793974242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28Jbzr4Hr1hcs8RAltHMX9bAwpz5yddb2uVSRr4-P_XTTRldtmzJmLcheJL21sxVAfBVsjR0FFnAzxMM2EyUDs96ybIeMgZlnBxIeo52ONWhbFxIX5nlvwGBtLYRiI0Ulinm27AjlMig/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" /></p>
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<br /><p>These young ground squirrels (the two on the left) are following their Mom near the entrance to the Colima Tunnel along the Arroyo San Miguel trail, although its unlikely they will go all the way through the tunnel.</p>
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<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643712054656440690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtp974GXqV9nH8vhDbHyf0LUWHhTcEi7Cp_GSxQ-F_k2E8IwwUF3SwZiNUpkf_NAUH-5zi-tTNeQFAyb3_I4q2n1An97I6ZqXoIlNiHHDjAecrmCBRlbnSVqMP9K75UfY37DSB6ekNOrc/s320/DSC_0214.JPG" /></p>This coyote was photographed just uphill from the Colima Tunnel. It appears to be young coyote due to its relatlvey smaller size and especially its fluffy coat of fur. It is possible that its parents have taught it to travel safely across Colima Road by using the tunnel, as it is heading in that direction, and there is a photo of a coyote's tail heading into the Tunnel (from another camera) only one minute later. This tunnel has been used by several wildlife species, including deer, coyote, and bobcat, to travel safely across Colima Road and avoid being hit by vehicles; unfortunately, bobcats are not seen as frequently here as they once were, but roadkill bobcats and other large mammals are often seen as roadkill at the top of the hill on Colima Road, indicating that there is not a safe way to cross Colima Road at that location. Despite posted speed limits and wildlife crossing signs, roadkill are common, so watch your speed and watch for crossing wildlife!
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<br />About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-69422663461797210442011-04-19T13:25:00.000-07:002011-04-19T16:47:52.883-07:00Chick FlicksFor the last two years during the month of April, we've shared photos of the red-tailed hawk chicks and great horned owl chicks in nests within the Preserve's Core Habitat (an area that is off-limits to the public to provide a refuge for wildlife). This year, with our new digital video camera, we now have some short videos to share! <br /><br />The first video is of the three red-tailed hawk chicks with their mother - after she stops looking annoyingly at me (even though I'm several hundred feet away!) she continues to feed her chicks. Keep an eye out for the two chicks in the back that appear to be fighting over the leg of some unknown small animal that is now their lunch. The second video is of three great horned owl chicks and their mother - toward the end of this video, the mother moves away from the chicks, and two of them try to awkwardly follow her. <br /><br />As you will see, the owl chicks are much larger than the hawk chicks, and are closer to the size of their mother, whereas the red-tailed hawk chicks are still very small. That is because great horned owls often lay their eggs earlier than other raptors, which means they hatch sooner, so they are more developed at this point in time than the hawk chicks, which likely only hatched a few weeks ago. The great horned owl chicks will soon be losing their fluffy white feathers, looking more like mom and dad, and start walking out onto the branches of their nest tree. Hopefully more videos to come!<br /><br /><br /><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxsYsXQXYS3aTRZ1rNUoaciwIzOVYMYsDnBAOhIk_8TqeMr3VHIpBvhVNGsoZ-_K49iA0acwcmE0Aw7EWtbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p></p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvMmZkB3qpKxIsajAGRZm6IxucLyS0dHdaXGWKb98iwNR2mp2ZrUxjC5LJzO9aMlPeajID304MSq2NH7Mpug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-78451024545329484842011-03-22T14:17:00.000-07:002011-03-22T14:26:44.317-07:00Roadkill and Rodenticides<div><div>What on earth do these two things have in common? Both obviously involve dead animals. But roadkill are killed directly by vehicles on roads. Rodenticides also directly kill rodents (such as <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOZSFQfBA__jfgxpfKW7FdpdY-qgswGQR0t1pCcr1L-FUybydz9LspiG4GodHt7dbyPc_LF9KKfz-Fqo29EmL_WofovYA83J_jzqYhqDSNm_a5hN8pJMVD2cx2QMO2KVx_x3qxSGqAxk/s1600/poison.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 69px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 97px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587017701142542258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOZSFQfBA__jfgxpfKW7FdpdY-qgswGQR0t1pCcr1L-FUybydz9LspiG4GodHt7dbyPc_LF9KKfz-Fqo29EmL_WofovYA83J_jzqYhqDSNm_a5hN8pJMVD2cx2QMO2KVx_x3qxSGqAxk/s200/poison.png" /></a>rats in homes or gophers on lawns when they eat the rodenticide) because the main ingredient is an anticoagulant, which prevents blood from clotting and eventually causes the animal to die from internal bleeding. However, rodenticides can also <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXmiV6cANikZ8t-4HBppS02tYI-YqVVBFNzW4_dOYlGwpjTQi3WqUuuHtgTzwz1RIl2crv4BgOIvgffH7Hf9C00VieHKpHXitCdCyKXniKmRyQEDtB6ONqevz2e8NGJoUnXbtwjPQY1M/s1600/rat.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 131px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 50px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587018171183158082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXmiV6cANikZ8t-4HBppS02tYI-YqVVBFNzW4_dOYlGwpjTQi3WqUuuHtgTzwz1RIl2crv4BgOIvgffH7Hf9C00VieHKpHXitCdCyKXniKmRyQEDtB6ONqevz2e8NGJoUnXbtwjPQY1M/s200/rat.png" /></a>indirectly kill or harm other animals, such as bobcats or hawks, which can become poisoned when they eat rodents that have eaten rodenticide. </div><div align="justify"><br />Researchers at UCLA and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are studying a possible link between indirect rodenticide poisoning of bobcats and a disease called mange. They have noticed that bobcats that have died with mange have all had concentrations of anticoagulant compounds in their liver. Please check out <a href="http://www.urbancarnivores.com/">www.urbancarnivores.com</a> to learn more about the study and alternatives to rodenticides. The Habitat Authority has agreed to assist in this research effort by collecting tissue samples from dead bobcats. The tissue is sent to UCLA, where the researchers determine whether the bobcat has mange and/or whether it has traces of anticoagulants in its system (by testing the liver). </div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVC7Mg2yaOKNhmakaBGTl_bCkbNDJuVc3qUygMsExW0d8P2ZMXB770uZb7dtPpUsVV9VwWNgxEFC3LxCBgYEGA5iVQOQQ0_CnkN5M8gL1EsmtjA3zMvCtgswVdzwHK2WmxCxiixYUucc/s1600/IMG_0029.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587017450411465506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVC7Mg2yaOKNhmakaBGTl_bCkbNDJuVc3qUygMsExW0d8P2ZMXB770uZb7dtPpUsVV9VwWNgxEFC3LxCBgYEGA5iVQOQQ0_CnkN5M8gL1EsmtjA3zMvCtgswVdzwHK2WmxCxiixYUucc/s320/IMG_0029.JPG" /></a>Last week, two roadkill bobcats were found along Colima Road within days of each other in almost the same location, and samples were collected for the UCLA study. In addition, genetic material from these samples will also be shared with the U.S. Geological Survey, which is conducting a regional study of large mammals in southern California to determine dispersal patterns. So, hopefully these bobcats will not have died in vain. It is possible that they can be used by scientists to determine whether anticoagulant rodenticides cause mange in bobcats. It is also possible that they can be used by scientists to determine where our bobcats originally dispersed from, and how they are related to other bobcats in southern California. In the meantime, the Habitat Authority is studying wildlife movement across Colima Road in an effort to reduce roadkills over time, helping to maintain habitat connectivity throughout the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. </div><div align="justify"><br />You can also help by avoiding the use of rodenticides, and by reporting any sick, injured or roadkill bobcats to the Habitat Authority by contacting the Ecologist at 562-201-2062 or <a href="mailto:slucas@habitatauthority.org">slucas@habitatauthority.org</a>. </div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-49182966237835206782011-01-28T16:52:00.000-08:002011-01-28T17:03:18.436-08:00Microfauna<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOPN5HLFE2aEf_DJDkSa1JvI-W0QHOjAjDi9flXlKMNw-ASrmxG6BlveajverhJQBbKkLB8jAqTYE9ShV8yswoz-kt9edy_SahHJ6iRV2-_Ln7wFRB04I-yIFSF6uz0fM8ysinUVQ-5A/s1600/P1030638.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567406991420239042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOPN5HLFE2aEf_DJDkSa1JvI-W0QHOjAjDi9flXlKMNw-ASrmxG6BlveajverhJQBbKkLB8jAqTYE9ShV8yswoz-kt9edy_SahHJ6iRV2-_Ln7wFRB04I-yIFSF6uz0fM8ysinUVQ-5A/s320/P1030638.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Much time and attention is devoted to what Biologists commonly call “charismatic megafauna” – namely, the larger and cuter animals, such as hawks or bobcats. Plus, megafauna are generally easier to spot when out on a hike or bike ride. However, there are numerous forms of “microfauna” in the hills worthy of some attention. </div><br /><div></div><div>I recently found one such specimen while weeding a recently planted restoration area. As I was pulling out a non-native mustard seedling, I saw a worm…or what I thought was a worm. Strangely, this worm had arms and legs! So I picked it up, and sure enough, it was no worm, but a very tiny salamander – a black-bellied salamander. They really are about the size of an earthworm (generally no longer than 2 inches and about the same diameter), but with tiny legs, a tiny head with eyes, a reddish topside with a dark stripe, and a mottled gray underside.<br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDUYnMBX8SauT7q_p2mU9Y3-njohMx6bmTdvSiro_avAdwO8R9P9P4pD8NQiiwmscO5v1ufmKJ-y-aszVhtHSNq4yh8szXi_rQhRfLe2u8HNonx27oRZcZ-YdSVTLaFIkwO8N-Mk5l5c/s1600/P1030642.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567405520163262466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDUYnMBX8SauT7q_p2mU9Y3-njohMx6bmTdvSiro_avAdwO8R9P9P4pD8NQiiwmscO5v1ufmKJ-y-aszVhtHSNq4yh8szXi_rQhRfLe2u8HNonx27oRZcZ-YdSVTLaFIkwO8N-Mk5l5c/s320/P1030642.JPG" /></a> They also like to live in moist places like worms – that is because they are a type of “lungless” salamanders, meaning that they breathe through their skin, which needs to remain moist. So, you are really only likely to see them near creeks or shady woodlands, and only in the wet part of the year – they retreat underground during the dry season.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Black-bellied salamanders are endemic to coastal Southern California, but it is not considered a rare species. During a study of the Puente-Chino Hills from 1998 to 2000, only three species of salamanders were found – black-bellied, arboreal, and garden slender salamanders. Of the three, black-bellied salamanders were the most common, and most of them were found in Powder Canyon. But the study also found it sometimes difficult to tell the difference between black-bellied and garden slender salamanders. Either way, they are a good reminder that sometimes we need to stop and appreciate the little things!</div></div></div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-43290329459462572092010-09-14T17:15:00.000-07:002010-09-21T09:21:11.959-07:00Ramblin' Coyotes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQSej6gjo-n5dOi5z3AMhmNoIbfHSyucSvBAtm-bRXttkGgP9Xx08y0FhU6YfCVM_gDiD0QTtwZFa3bwKhzAx3rjjzUOTfEDI8aMlln0c7mVft2QWnyknX48TjyI2WhhHOE8YesdpIJ4/s1600/coyote.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928569331681554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQSej6gjo-n5dOi5z3AMhmNoIbfHSyucSvBAtm-bRXttkGgP9Xx08y0FhU6YfCVM_gDiD0QTtwZFa3bwKhzAx3rjjzUOTfEDI8aMlln0c7mVft2QWnyknX48TjyI2WhhHOE8YesdpIJ4/s200/coyote.jpg" /></a><br /><div><p>Fall is here, and many of the animals born in the spring are now juveniles or adults, and are starting to fend for themselves. Coyotes are born generally from March to May, are weaned in about 6 weeks, and are self-sufficient juveniles after 5 to 6 months. Some juvenile coyotes stay with their family as a pack, but others may become solitary, dispersing away to find their own territory. Reasons why an individual will disperse away from a pack are generally due to the availability of food resources or the density of coyotes in the area. Although dispersal can happen at any time of year, approximately half of them occur in the fall. Being young and naïve, these juveniles may sometimes wander into inhospitable habitats, such as residential neighborhoods with busy roads and other hazards. Coyotes will often travel along habitat “edges” or pathways, such as roads, powerline easements, railroad tracks, and drainage courses. Some juveniles may have been raised in urban areas, taught by their parents to eat human-related food. Urban areas are tempting for coyotes, as they provide abundant food sources for the omnivorous and adaptable coyote. Although most coyote diets consist of small mammals (such as rodents and rabbits) and vegetation (such as fruit), approximately ¼ of the urban coyote’s diet comes from human-related food. This can include fallen fruit from trees and gardens, trash, pet food, and even sometimes pets themselves; however, recent studies have shown that pets, especially domestic cats, are generally a very small proportion of coyotes’ diets, ranging anywhere from one to six percent. Sometimes people even intentionally feed coyotes. But if food sources are deliberately, or even accidentally, provided by people these young coyote learn to associate human neighborhoods with food and may develop a reliance on these unnatural food sources, increasing their interactions with humans and reducing their natural fear of humans. The best way to avoid human-coyote interactions is to prevent them by keeping coyotes wild – here’s how:<br /><br />• Fence your backyard. Fences that are 6 feet high and 6 inches underground are an effective means of keeping wildlife out, especially coyotes. More information about a specialized coyote proof fence can be found at http://coyoteroller.com/Products/features.htm<br />• Secure garbage cans.<br />• Do not intentionally provide food or water for wildlife.<br />• If you have fruit trees, pick ripe fruit from the tree on a regular basis, and pick up fallen fruit from the ground.<br />• Do not leave dog or cat food outside.<br />• Keep pets indoors, especially at night.<br />• Keep chickens, turkeys and goats in covered pens.<br />• Clear away bushes and dense weeds near your home where coyotes find cover and smaller prey to feed on.<br />• Eliminate water sources that may attract wildlife.<br />• Install outdoor lights triggered by motion sensors to frighten away wildlife at night.<br /><br /><br />Please visit the following links for more information on coexisting with wildlife:<br /><br />• California Department of Fish and Game website for more information on coexisting with wildlife: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/education/living.html<br />• CA Department of Fish and Game’s Keep Me Wild Campaign: http://keepmewild.org/<br />• CA Department of Fish and Game's brochure about coyotes: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/docs/coyotebrochure.pdf<br />• Project Coyote: www.projectcoyote.org<br /><br /></p></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-24649642064888754482010-08-04T09:39:00.001-07:002010-08-04T10:16:40.856-07:00Show and TellIts been almost 8 months since we installed motion-sensored wildlife cameras in the Arroyo Pescadero area of the Preserve, and I thought we should share some highlights so far. These cameras are triggered by movement, including wildlife, people, and vehicles – sometimes even the wind moving the vegetation. Movement triggers an infrared sensor which then triggers the camera to take a digital photo. As you will see, the photo also records the date and time of the photo for reference. At night, an infrared flash will also be triggered, which helps to illuminate the subject enough to identify it, (although the photo is black and white instead of color). The infrared flash is less visible than a standard white flash, which is less disturbing to wildlife, but you will see that some wildlife still notice it.<br /><br />Some of you have noticed these cameras, despite efforts to camouflage them, as shown in the photo below. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501596108206787362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgA0bpqzV1cXmhCHnSHULZjd2MwJhgLeTkNee_Kbu37BORHdy5ETwRxSFmCLPCuM1wu7Ww5wqrDxhAuS1bQz0_7U0fEI7bUw-AP_XtA0M-HXgvduVwRbsJIlY2fLGQ1MFhzRibDLkb8d0/s200/DSC_0099++12.22.09.JPG" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Some of your pets have even noticed them.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501600613589612642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H_onZNoV9NdJE0D_TrMt5jClLtvHKT_RefuOluMsughZh__TNVCRb9zXF0qcoZeknP7CrxqUKDFKOA7jfJ32Vt-3KWnkGLD8ooC-CX7QQkoraJ6k8CnetZxlWzkL5CCAn2ARlQbeKa4/s200/DSC_0146.JPG" /></div><div></div><br /><div>Even wildlife, such as this coyote in the Core Habitat (no public access), have noticed the cameras. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501596851638634994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY_e86qJk0FeM4CU9FmV3zzaIT9DIUhyphenhyphenonJon4blJOno6h6wUuPGXBBITrPAXe_Orlo_V9Oa_1MeiSRsMQccUPav0QTb-QKGRI4wgYJUtoJxAb8RrCGLu7wmZEGKn3tbqcPifdafCrpk/s200/DSC_0031.JPG" /></div><br /><div>We have seen a good diversity of large and small mammals, both day and night, such as deer, skunk, and bobcats.<br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3iilsSi85PWqWMRpDV9e0oc_33c6frxRjQhZyuLBYBzmembcCIrNn7FvH-PaJ8lYuXzBmyKYX6NDFkgxeCLcRb-3670KtT46Iibn49srSvbW7l1tklnGaeJ5tuQwEtIuE_2OGGoEpxE/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501597240847406754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3iilsSi85PWqWMRpDV9e0oc_33c6frxRjQhZyuLBYBzmembcCIrNn7FvH-PaJ8lYuXzBmyKYX6NDFkgxeCLcRb-3670KtT46Iibn49srSvbW7l1tklnGaeJ5tuQwEtIuE_2OGGoEpxE/s200/DSC_0177.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10C-5ZMjSQh1jgSbjxfrqP2Lu5YsfAOVcMT9-uwSqQG9Vaq_X9AbNZeRJgpv1mraqqvXJbPwG2ENlbDaIiBv3mqp0QL4s5DUBiq0JLh04Rb2mKKQ_UuyDQBy8AwxknflO8N2SwQmF3tg/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501598916506680818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10C-5ZMjSQh1jgSbjxfrqP2Lu5YsfAOVcMT9-uwSqQG9Vaq_X9AbNZeRJgpv1mraqqvXJbPwG2ENlbDaIiBv3mqp0QL4s5DUBiq0JLh04Rb2mKKQ_UuyDQBy8AwxknflO8N2SwQmF3tg/s200/DSC_0097.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXck_jr0iPgdnOB9rM3RgLkyc8oPvtkqYW-AdGSHS5RVYD4J-F8DWJfBK20-Hu3ETmGqlKkXuATVfSL0USTWfqrqBPek1AQi6eH647aq-dnaETSk9Ptljd-XoL0QIlRaCB82dAOVBbL3o/s1600/DSC_0013++12.29.09+col+tun.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501598234304554338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXck_jr0iPgdnOB9rM3RgLkyc8oPvtkqYW-AdGSHS5RVYD4J-F8DWJfBK20-Hu3ETmGqlKkXuATVfSL0USTWfqrqBPek1AQi6eH647aq-dnaETSk9Ptljd-XoL0QIlRaCB82dAOVBbL3o/s200/DSC_0013++12.29.09+col+tun.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p align="right"></p>Although bobcats are thought to mostly be out from dusk until dawn, this one is out at two o’clock in the afternoon! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501599815017191458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR1DbuSfeo1V62sDmOAW_NlSbxrYNLFeYOJURu8zCXxoL6kdNWVYDzf0JAUHjuh2kD-05XDQBGDPNDBRXxlz2Z5LHe7yet1ihPxuJLs_rANrFSoz9uuAUpdQeKrPyYPss1H2KNI5BC5g/s200/DSC_1170.JPG" /><br />This spring, we have gotten many photos of ground squirrels, birds, and rabbits. Check out this photo of two rabbits fighting – bet you’ll never see them as quiet and shy creatures again! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501600176822673922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIZuwChB9rrrFT5z3rRpv_Z2u5dOE7ffhx6_uLymqcVwJhzhbAM6s7mDBRT9XsRN41Av_Z5c-t4bPqWZVJ472kwM8aURpMo-l2y-IxhlsolhEN43H6j4yKJA2cXcXAY4zxVJh0nVKrcA/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" /> </div><div>We hope to share more highlights in the future, as these cameras will keep going through November, as part of a year-long study of wildlife in the area.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-50976419511765837092010-04-29T17:59:00.001-07:002010-04-29T18:03:45.512-07:00MORE CHICKS!!!<div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubUPDwd5c2cY9MB4oVQRmeKjwpiJ6s8mwlubIomnnF6YDQkfoQsBjMjIRdUY8LCPaY6jpOl7WEatbaCpeDQTkkAJx2HKXnswcnIEhH4XR2rOJJeTd1h51er8_0apeIkeldbIO7rPBIWg/s1600/crop.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465729675501789106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubUPDwd5c2cY9MB4oVQRmeKjwpiJ6s8mwlubIomnnF6YDQkfoQsBjMjIRdUY8LCPaY6jpOl7WEatbaCpeDQTkkAJx2HKXnswcnIEhH4XR2rOJJeTd1h51er8_0apeIkeldbIO7rPBIWg/s200/crop.JPG" border="0" /></a>Last April I posted photos of red-tailed hawk chicks. This year, I’m sharing photos of great horned owl chicks. As you can see, these chicks are already very big – almost as big as their parents – which means they are probably getting ready to leave the nest soon. </div><br /><div></div><div>Great horned owls are one of the earliest breeding raptors, sometimes laying eggs as early as late December or early January. The eggs hatch after about one month of incubation, and then the chicks generally start to wander from the nest onto nearby branches (which is why they are called “branchlings” at this stage) anywhere from 6 to 7 weeks of age, and start flying around at about 10 to 12 weeks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b_RnkgZBd_BIJmigPV_bBOrviuBlBHrRxI1NCv1Rs_EorAi54AnBYql6PzdifadLNIgcBIuC_K7l0Esi3ta6yTtw2dArrPRnoXMidM7sCIm8G_4GeUG_VBeHL18sAjpJ0dEKE00mHz0/s1600/crop2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465729119469316962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2b_RnkgZBd_BIJmigPV_bBOrviuBlBHrRxI1NCv1Rs_EorAi54AnBYql6PzdifadLNIgcBIuC_K7l0Esi3ta6yTtw2dArrPRnoXMidM7sCIm8G_4GeUG_VBeHL18sAjpJ0dEKE00mHz0/s200/crop2.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Great horned owls generally don’t build their own nest, but rather take over an old nest from another bird species, such as a red-tailed hawk. In fact, this same nest last year was used by ravens which produced several chicks – but it looks like the great horned owls got to it first this year! </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gsqAGTx1tIk2YF88DCM_pC2ZBdC2sxNELHsv_DojA1ssEMgZt9QgpfeXCPHVjVXIbP_qpNiLs7P8UdMbIsn2SWChuT8NYPXa_0fwXPE_c39UlarDIp2te2O_MJJ8NfPqEZ59-pKX2Ts/s1600/crop3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465729270040727778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 199px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gsqAGTx1tIk2YF88DCM_pC2ZBdC2sxNELHsv_DojA1ssEMgZt9QgpfeXCPHVjVXIbP_qpNiLs7P8UdMbIsn2SWChuT8NYPXa_0fwXPE_c39UlarDIp2te2O_MJJ8NfPqEZ59-pKX2Ts/s200/crop3.JPG" border="0" /></a>Notice that these chicks are wide awake during the day, despite the presumption that all owls are strictly nocturnal. While some owls are only active at night, great horned owls are known to be somewhat active and can even be seen flying around during the daytime, although they are most active and hunting at night. Stay tuned for possible additional photos of the branchlings moving away from the nest soon!</div></div></div></div></div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-21420378985839541352010-03-12T11:54:00.000-08:002010-03-12T12:03:51.544-08:00What are those white circles?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM-EW6dNx4N747yN-uSFxvfaGe5VlaXuugCJUD76h97SkM24W9dhwWifREi88fXIgBdWVkPYdKlSmBSTxa2Z1he8qoLgS5jASc4pyNVbBHJ8LHO5fEUNWMaV3syxnIjkBBJoP8qyD76U/s1600-h/P1020624.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447838691631337842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM-EW6dNx4N747yN-uSFxvfaGe5VlaXuugCJUD76h97SkM24W9dhwWifREi88fXIgBdWVkPYdKlSmBSTxa2Z1he8qoLgS5jASc4pyNVbBHJ8LHO5fEUNWMaV3syxnIjkBBJoP8qyD76U/s200/P1020624.JPG" border="0" /></a>If you are a regular visitor to either the Arroyo Pescadero loop trail or the Arroyo San Miguel trail, you’ve probably seen numerous white circles along these trails from time to time. Accompanying these circles are orange signs reading “Please Stay Away From White Circle, Scientific Study In Progress”. But what are these circles, and why stay away from them?<br /><br />These white circles are track stations which are part of a Habitat Authority wildlife study, established to attract resident wildlife to determine the frequency and diversity of animals in the area. The white powder consists of calcium carbonate (a natural substance that is the main component of limestone), and is the same substance used to create the white lines on baseball and other sports fields. The rock in the center of each circle has a small amount of a scent lure designed to attract animals, particularly carnivores. So, when an animal walks near the track station and smells the scent lure, it walks over the white powder to get a closer whiff of the rock, leaving its footprints in the powder. This is a method used commonly by wildlife biologists, and has been used in the past to study wildlife throughout the Puente-Chino Hills.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xrLev_D7L1j54MlYLS4FiV4BeROJ1ytFqNKYVbeQ7zdgNy5kprG05J_4LLXMan5SSPzrf1iRPOYs439MovNp5q2Odker9RN7utPgFdGjaPwWuvJmrHEsinuTTGAStG3w4rQNR1q8Hq4/s1600-h/bobcat4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447840176537585778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xrLev_D7L1j54MlYLS4FiV4BeROJ1ytFqNKYVbeQ7zdgNy5kprG05J_4LLXMan5SSPzrf1iRPOYs439MovNp5q2Odker9RN7utPgFdGjaPwWuvJmrHEsinuTTGAStG3w4rQNR1q8Hq4/s200/bobcat4.JPG" border="0" /></a>Wildlife tracks we have seen over the past five months of the study include coyote, bobcat (in photo at right), striped and spotted skunk, mule deer, ground squirrel, raccoon, cottontail rabbit, and various birds and small rodents. We have also seen many domestic dog tracks, and a few human footprints, indicating that some people either do not read the signs or do not have their dogs on leash. Dog and human tracks may obscure tracks that were left previously by other wildlife, affecting the data and study results.<br /><br />So, if you see the white circles along the trail, feel free to look and see what kinds of wildlife may have left their tracks, but please try not to leave tracks of your own (or your dog’s). Thank you!<br /><br /><div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-30282788904831832292010-02-10T13:52:00.001-08:002010-02-10T14:01:55.609-08:00A Native Albino<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrwnhvPy4jxnlhAOQZaToHG8ypV9TYdidWVxpJq6YHY3xoNVyunkqDMZpDQmQ94bbTRCwTJB8M068NDlN99qwQmu7I-R8s7vbPOdYnVSd4RD_oaJcYKfxqzyROaaxY03zQ9LJx5CdUv4/s1600-h/Ribes+sang+Turnbull+2.27.09.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436736631788201442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrwnhvPy4jxnlhAOQZaToHG8ypV9TYdidWVxpJq6YHY3xoNVyunkqDMZpDQmQ94bbTRCwTJB8M068NDlN99qwQmu7I-R8s7vbPOdYnVSd4RD_oaJcYKfxqzyROaaxY03zQ9LJx5CdUv4/s320/Ribes+sang+Turnbull+2.27.09.JPG" border="0" /></a>For those of you that have been out on the trails over the last month or so (when it wasn’t raining, that is!), you have likely noticed one of our early blooming native plants – fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). It is a woody shrub with spiny stems, glossy and rounded leaves, and chock-full of gorgeous raspberry-colored flowers that dangle down like inverted tear drops with legs. Chances are that if you are near a fuchsia-flowered gooseberry that is in full bloom, you may get “buzzed” by an angry hummingbird that has claimed the bush for its nectar supply. At the base of the flower, a small spherical fruit will develop that will be covered in spines as well. These berries were eaten by Native Americans and are related to cultivated gooseberries as well as currants, which are similar but the fruits are not spiny. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436737652482370514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGesIKJz7VpJWJQ0I1ZoK2_DVy2btiR0Cy_eXywOeorzLXTK2OP1vgqfnm8RnsHq1S0ywvaOVEMr6F16XKj7hx-6Qv2UWsT5cULyxjuPMtBa0Q612lvrfsIKrwRLnWlNY9u2cxu-0pa5A/s200/Powder+Cyn+gooseberry+122909.JPG" border="0" /><br />But last month, a local hiker and native plant enthusiast, Cynthia Guthrie, alerted me to the presence of an albino fuchsia-flowered gooseberry on the Preserve in Turnbull Canyon. This<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYV3WUiUpQv55j1_vUUIMvazJeM_Oi4_EiqE2Xcxg4pDj43VlJpujtfcEhay0C2ZFsfYJp7Sa_Wts8NqeNhVKzDGOGgqZwuOEl0KptCW8yXaxRVdxTkj63jVNhrjS0m414zO6iq2rRq4/s1600-h/P1020758.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436737156387403058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYV3WUiUpQv55j1_vUUIMvazJeM_Oi4_EiqE2Xcxg4pDj43VlJpujtfcEhay0C2ZFsfYJp7Sa_Wts8NqeNhVKzDGOGgqZwuOEl0KptCW8yXaxRVdxTkj63jVNhrjS0m414zO6iq2rRq4/s320/P1020758.JPG" border="0" /></a> plant has all of the same physical characteristics of other fuchsia-flowered gooseberries, but its flowers are greenish-white instead of a reddish-raspberry color. I inquired with other botanists to see if they had seen this elsewhere and none had, so I sent off a sample to an expert at Humboldt State University, Michael Mesler, who is writing the key for the gooseberry family in the revised Jepson Manual (one of the primary sources for California plant identification). Although he had not seen albino forms of this species before, he had seen it in other related species. Apparently the albino condition is due to a mutation in this individual shrub, which has somehow removed an enzyme involved in the production of the normal pigment color. It will be interesting to see if this mutation carries over to the next generation of plants in the area – keep your eyes peeled for any more white or light pink colored fuchsia-flowered gooseberries next spring! </div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-3379020799548077692010-01-28T16:07:00.001-08:002010-01-28T17:31:54.890-08:00A Tale of Two Tunnels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyzrTA94p9WUHMO-eBYhmUc4W28y4yIPnGBfYy0bho366l5Kk0vYICPfUtpOVWM8Itq2vCem5HsFfoYtj4TOWzxUp30J2EIINn3RV_wHsusVML68QJCWyFETpiaWyt3UKQn6JgU1iOhA/s1600-h/Harbor+Underpass+8-27-09+P.P.+HU1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431947198553098370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyzrTA94p9WUHMO-eBYhmUc4W28y4yIPnGBfYy0bho366l5Kk0vYICPfUtpOVWM8Itq2vCem5HsFfoYtj4TOWzxUp30J2EIINn3RV_wHsusVML68QJCWyFETpiaWyt3UKQn6JgU1iOhA/s320/Harbor+Underpass+8-27-09+P.P.+HU1.JPG" border="0" /></a>It’s official. After years of monitoring at the Harbor Boulevard Wildlife Underpass, the results are in…and the news is good!<br /><br />The underpass was built in 2006 to maintain a viable means for wildlife to move between habitats on both sides of Harbor Blvd., helping to sustain the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Now, the underpass is a big success, with many different species of wildlife using it on a regular basis to cross under Harbor Blvd. By doing so, these animals avoid the risk of becoming roadkill while crossing Harbor Blvd. at the road surface.<br /><br />The most interesting findings from the long-term monitoring study were that (1) mule deer used the new underpass almost immediately, which is unusual compared to other underpasses studied, and (2) that coyote roadkill had decreased by approximately two-thirds compared to before the underpass was built. In addition to mule deer and coyote, which were frequent users of the underpass, other species observed included striped skunk, raccoon, and desert cottontail rabbit, and even bobcats which were rarely detected until the last part of the study. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp2czwwfXJVMotQfQ6mEuxf3VAnX4r5SoGN_SZnLvGqpQFxuP5mBz7J61lpXV6wf-Xjdiv0vUPhMtrRT_FHyqXkbt6OUpEZkVbjfQjWqun_CJS8kVn3vk-JzmlGZJykxwO3SJMO0DO5M/s1600-h/tunnel+center+6.18-6.24+029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431947859074109378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp2czwwfXJVMotQfQ6mEuxf3VAnX4r5SoGN_SZnLvGqpQFxuP5mBz7J61lpXV6wf-Xjdiv0vUPhMtrRT_FHyqXkbt6OUpEZkVbjfQjWqun_CJS8kVn3vk-JzmlGZJykxwO3SJMO0DO5M/s320/tunnel+center+6.18-6.24+029.JPG" border="0" /></a>Researchers at CSU Fullerton, who conducted the study, believe that some of the wildlife, especially coyotes, may have taken a few years to “learn” to use the underpass, and now that they have done so are not becoming roadkill as much as they were in the past.<br /><br />Further west, along Colima Road, there is another underpass; however, this one has existed for a long time as it was built for oil production transport before the area became a Preserve. A previous study conducted in 2001 and 2002 found that many different wildlife species also used this underpass, similar to those in the Harbor Blvd. Underpass, with bobcat, coyote and mule deer being the most frequent. This study also found that wildlife use of the Colima Underpass did not change substantially after the area was opened to public use and the underpass was part of the public trail system.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYdOWbV1JB7sI2efJBWvuu_Vfjv4dHeDwYILhlJB4qsyWPhmvlQ71ffs-vzfnutotIT6XolcjCyFIgaWfd0ok18dEH1EzBD60PzDE5AuTqEeZAUDczsWpaIffRMxpBikZom2XvGHE2Vk/s1600-h/DSC_0016+tunnel+12.1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431949035671489106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYdOWbV1JB7sI2efJBWvuu_Vfjv4dHeDwYILhlJB4qsyWPhmvlQ71ffs-vzfnutotIT6XolcjCyFIgaWfd0ok18dEH1EzBD60PzDE5AuTqEeZAUDczsWpaIffRMxpBikZom2XvGHE2Vk/s320/DSC_0016+tunnel+12.1.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Colima Underpass is being studied again this year by the Habitat Authority in an effort to see how wildlife activity and usage has changed over the last decade of public use and habitat restoration efforts, and to provide more baseline data for other projects that may occur in the area. But preliminary results indicate that wildlife usage remains high, with coyotes and bobcats seen as frequent visitors to the underpass, as well as skunks and rabbits. The maintenance of this underpass may be critical to maintaining habitat connectivity on both sides of Colima Road, and allowing for wildlife movement with fewer roadkill.About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-41236150880234890722009-12-22T17:35:00.000-08:002009-12-22T17:41:55.495-08:00'Tis the season for mistletoe and "holly"<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqIcY0dZF8gVhzREFxKM6J5YWGMm_nXtyRGziepSBxlHm5-jRM6iL6HdAY8F0GDvIni7xw1b1Gpb9tCr8cyYHJPG7CXCS0xlYZ7CoXQcrV-6HkwbZGM9eRNwvzceZCW9aEMPY-giMwzo/s1600-h/P1020554.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418240125971682370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqIcY0dZF8gVhzREFxKM6J5YWGMm_nXtyRGziepSBxlHm5-jRM6iL6HdAY8F0GDvIni7xw1b1Gpb9tCr8cyYHJPG7CXCS0xlYZ7CoXQcrV-6HkwbZGM9eRNwvzceZCW9aEMPY-giMwzo/s320/P1020554.JPG" border="0" /></a>Plants play a big role during the holiday season, from Christmas trees to Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe. Our hills are also celebrating the season with some of these plants.<br /><br />One of these is not hard to find: Toyon. It is also sometimes called “Christmas berry”, and when you see its bright red cluster of berries this time of year its easy to see why. Settlers to California compared toyon to holly, which is not native to our region, and apparently used it for Christmas decorations instead. A few benefits of using toyon over holly is that its leaves aren’t nearly as prickly, and the berries are not toxic if accidentally ingested. (However, keep in mind that collecting plants from the Preserve is not allowed.) As some of you may have heard, “Hollywood” was actually named after the toyon bushes that grow in the Hollywood hills. Toyon berries serve as an important food source for birds this time of year, and were also eaten by Native Americans.<br /><br />Another seasonal plant can be a bit harder to find: Mistletoe. Commercially-grown mistletoe is <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKSmN8b8ZIXd-4zxftOW-P9TBWWCOBMGAD59IbFAaIcWVXelE_kYNvI8Gry614k5QOgM4EzLCgV18yfmzLCvU0ez4XnM-wALmEE0HgXzywBHplbzoHe0LNA5S3IHNiT2HyD6iN4dUaSM/s1600-h/P1020559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418240592635323986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKSmN8b8ZIXd-4zxftOW-P9TBWWCOBMGAD59IbFAaIcWVXelE_kYNvI8Gry614k5QOgM4EzLCgV18yfmzLCvU0ez4XnM-wALmEE0HgXzywBHplbzoHe0LNA5S3IHNiT2HyD6iN4dUaSM/s320/P1020559.JPG" border="0" /></a>likely the kind that is native to Europe, but the mistletoe generally seen growing here in our sycamores and walnuts is native. Mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic plant, meaning that its roots grow into a tree or shrub which it gets nutrients from, but mistletoe is also green because it has chlorophyll, so it can make its own food as well. The scientific name for the type that grows here, Phoradendron, actually means “tree thief” in Greek. Mistletoe is also evergreen, but you generally don’t see it until the winter when deciduous trees lose their leaves, like in this picture of a local black walnut. Generally mistletoe does not kill the tree that hosts it, but if there are too many mistletoe plants in one tree it could weaken it and make it susceptible to other diseases, fungi or insects, which may eventually kill the tree. So the next time you’re on a hike with that special someone, peek up into the trees and maybe you'll find some mistletoe!</div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-9963616590646765282009-12-18T17:35:00.001-08:002009-12-18T17:38:06.830-08:00Recent wildlife sightings<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvI2QeZKOINTWwd4QIR6Xhpp3BLL28z0wH8RgpYNyv327A3VLS8HGxfyQLwHy4e00A0DJWVEouj2zqDJn_cyCzxGzdtdauIZmyoXhndTpjCCnb4L5TpfNkvGIfiw0zt-ygpVc3g1zi_E/s1600-h/Peregrine_Whittier+Oil+Site_Hamilton_12-14-09_06a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416755112009264674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvI2QeZKOINTWwd4QIR6Xhpp3BLL28z0wH8RgpYNyv327A3VLS8HGxfyQLwHy4e00A0DJWVEouj2zqDJn_cyCzxGzdtdauIZmyoXhndTpjCCnb4L5TpfNkvGIfiw0zt-ygpVc3g1zi_E/s320/Peregrine_Whittier+Oil+Site_Hamilton_12-14-09_06a.jpg" border="0" /></a> Earlier this week, a Peregrine falcon was seen hanging around the Core Habitat area of the Preserve, just west of Arroyo Pescadero. At first glance these birds look like a smallish hawk, such as an Accipiter (i.e. Cooper’s hawks) or a Buteo (i.e. red-tailed hawks). But the Peregrine falcon has a distinctive black cheek patch and black and white chest barring, as well as the tapered body shape typical of falcons (see photo taken by Robb Hamilton, regional bird expert). Peregrine falcons can be year-round residents in the western U.S., but many migrate farther north to Alaska and northern Canada in the summer, and to South American in the winter. They actually have one of the longest migrations of any North American bird, potentially migrating more than 15,000 miles in one year! Peregrine falcons were placed on the Federal and California Endangered Species Lists in the 1970’s due to population crashes from the pesticide DDT, which weakened egg shells. However, since the ban of DDT, Peregrine falcon populations have recovered so well that they were removed from the Federal list in 1999, and from the California list just this past month in November 2009. However, they are still protected by other state and federal laws, such as the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They often nest on cliffs, but also now nest on ledges of tall buildings and sky scrapers in urban cities. It is likely the Peregrine observed in the Preserve is a migrant just passing through, but we could only be so lucky if it decided to stick around and set up a nest this spring – we’ll be keeping an eye out for sure.<br /><br />Another interesting wildlife sighting happened just today – I observed a gray fox in upper Turnbull Canyon, not more than 100 feet below a road with residences. It was alone, and grooming itself before curling up to nap near the edge of a large prickly-pear cactus patch. Gray foxes are native species, as opposed to the red fox which was imported for sport hunting and fur trapping. Gray foxes are often shy and elusive, and so are not seen nearly as often as coyotes. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416755258717860274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dPEaY-vjKnCYUjyBYt4IaCc8cbNKRZLw6Teia0_M1ugl6w6tBkRvoaE1PnHoYhkA2bUOaPSnTpvXlHrIy2uppckHWLlKQeuZMSX0LedaQNn8o7GOuxV7JPjpj3bANYOjV2pKkVF4OL0/s320/gray_fox_calphoto.jpg" border="0" />They are also fewer in number than coyotes. However, gray foxes are similar to coyotes in their feeding habits (omnivorous) and activity times (usually from dusk to dawn). They even look similar to coyotes at first glance, but are smaller, have proportionally larger ears, and have a reddish color under their chin and body (but are mostly gray and brown on top and on their tail). Unfortunately, it was too far away for me to take a good photo, but here is one from Calphotos (calphotos.berkeley.edu) for reference (photo credit: Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences).<br /><br /><div></div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3068252826221337562.post-91466631137375023692009-09-28T13:13:00.000-07:002009-09-28T13:48:55.488-07:00Cactus wren update - reasons for hope and caution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintEs0TJi_EanMT6Xv7qW7yDFb9VSMWVAh-8ffYoNB28-dI4ffBTa6G25pJOnuAFlIs3TVcCrId1Kbq2sbKxdIdRC7vi0kGFD6kd2xHsCcixbGEJDd36-0Zu4SoW6J-UJ0TMh-WYY_P3k/s1600-h/P1010831.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386622920129631058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintEs0TJi_EanMT6Xv7qW7yDFb9VSMWVAh-8ffYoNB28-dI4ffBTa6G25pJOnuAFlIs3TVcCrId1Kbq2sbKxdIdRC7vi0kGFD6kd2xHsCcixbGEJDd36-0Zu4SoW6J-UJ0TMh-WYY_P3k/s320/P1010831.JPG" border="0" /></a>Almost precisely two years ago, former Habitat Authority Ecologist Dan Cooper posted a blog lamenting about his observations of cactus wrens, or the lack thereof (see post dated September 13, 2007 at <a href="http://puentehillsnature.blogspot.com/">http://puentehillsnature.blogspot.com/</a>). In his blog, he noted that many sites where he had observed cactus wrens in the late 1990’s appeared to be unoccupied in 2007. I’m happy to report that in 2009, things seem to be looking a bit better than initially thought, but there are still reasons to worry about the species.<br /><br />This past spring, The Nature Conservancy initiated a regional study to determine the distribution of coastal cactus wren in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Experts have considered the species to be on the decline, and the variety in southern Orange County and San Diego County is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game. Cactus wrens are year-round residents in patches of cactus scrub habitat, which have decreased over time due to removal from development as well as from fuel modification activities, frequent wildfires, and competition with non-native plants.<br /><br />Based on the 2009 survey, the western Puente Hills supports at least 23 occupied cactus wren territories (meaning that a pair of birds was observed); most of these (16) were located in the Sycamore Canyon and Hellman Park areas. Based on a Los Angeles County estimate of 170-200 pairs, the western Puente Hills supports 10 to 15% of the cactus wrens in the County. Thankfully, many of these territories are located on Preserved land, either on the Puente Hills Preserve (owned or managed by the Habitat Authority), or on other preserved lands such as Schabarum Park. Unfortunately, some are located on privately-owned lands, and therefore may not be protected against future disturbance and habitat removal.<br /><br />So, there appears to be some good news since the September 2007 blog posting. Several sites that were noted as unoccupied appear to now be occupied, such as above Hellman Park and in Schabarum Park. There is also hope that other territories are out there that have yet to be found, like the new one I stumbled upon just this morning in the Worsham Canyon area! But we’ll have to keep monitoring these territories to see if they persist or decline over time, and keep an eye on those territories on privately-owned lands, to see what the future holds for the cactus wren in the western Puente Hills.<br /><div></div>About Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276187602957795620noreply@blogger.com0