Another odd thing you'll see growing on the ground in various spots on the airfield is what looks like someone let loose with a can of orange silly string. It's actually a parasitic plant of the species Cuscuta, also known as Dodder or Witch's Hair. Here's some more information from UC Davis's integrated pest management program: Dodder Management Guidelines
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The finch's dodder
Another odd thing you'll see growing on the ground in various spots on the airfield is what looks like someone let loose with a can of orange silly string. It's actually a parasitic plant of the species Cuscuta, also known as Dodder or Witch's Hair. Here's some more information from UC Davis's integrated pest management program: Dodder Management Guidelines
Sunday, June 21, 2015
No Hola...
juvenile Horned Lark |
Another fascinating thing to witness was a male lark jumping to reach grass seeds above him!
Hmmmm |
Got it! |
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Hola little nestlings
From one egg to three, to four, and now there are four little nestlings in our Horned Lark nest! If you look closely you will notice that one is even trying to open it's eyes!
Now the mother and father are busy flying back and forth with bugs to feed their young, they also take turns sitting on the nest -- although it's the mother who spends most of the time. They also seem to disturbed by the presence of my truck parking less than twelve feet from the nest, nor my occasional visits.
Now the mother and father are busy flying back and forth with bugs to feed their young, they also take turns sitting on the nest -- although it's the mother who spends most of the time. They also seem to disturbed by the presence of my truck parking less than twelve feet from the nest, nor my occasional visits.
female on the left, male on the right |
Dad checking up on the kids |
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
HOLA part deux
Do you see the nest? |
Additionally while I was sitting waiting to escort water trucks back and forth I got a couple of lucky once in a lifetime shots of the male almost hovering not far from my truck.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Hola Senor y Senora HOLA
Construction escorts are arguably about as exciting as watching cheese mold, but today I had some company -- a pair of Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris). The male stood watch and occasionally helped as the female scurried about collect material for their nest. On a couple of occasions the female walked right up to my truck!
A little explanation about the term "HOLA". This is the four letter alpha code given by bird banders to identify the species HOrned LArk, it's also what the biologist and I use for short-hand.
If you're curious to learn more of these codes you can go here:
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory
you may find this one a little more user friendly here.
A little explanation about the term "HOLA". This is the four letter alpha code given by bird banders to identify the species HOrned LArk, it's also what the biologist and I use for short-hand.
If you're curious to learn more of these codes you can go here:
USGS Bird Banding Laboratory
you may find this one a little more user friendly here.
female Horned Lark |
male Horned Lark |
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