When the fall slowly turns into winter in Central California it can get tough as a naturalist to find new intriguing species. Well I suggest you go for a beetle hunt! These are some beetles I found in perhaps some unexpected places.
One month in Lagunitas, CA. What this Naturalist got up to.
Cozy and cute Lagunitas, CA was our home base for one month this winter. Here’s some highlights of where we explored and what nature we observed.
Exploring and iNatting the Bridge River Delta Provincial Park
This summer Trevor and I explored some remote provincial parks in British Columbia for a project between BC parks and iNaturalist. The Bridge River Delta Provincial Park was our first iNatting trip, which included blood, sweat, and tears.
The Marvelous Millipedes of Marin County
Rummaging around in the dirt and flipping logs can reveal many natural wonders. Millipedes are often found scurrying around, so here’s a little description and photos of the common ones I’m finding while living in Marin County, CA in November of 2020.
You’ll Never Guess What This Yellow Fluff Ball is! Ft. Asterocolax gardneri
Tidepools are truly a place of endless entertainment and wonder. Once again I was stumped what this yellow succulent fluff ball was. I never thought it would be a parasite!
My New Nudes, aka my Newest Nudibranch Lifers from the November 2020 King Tide
November 2020 king tides brought great conditions to find marine invertebrates here in California. Read about my newest nudibranch lifers found amongst the rocks and algae along California’s central coast.
The Micro-Architect Worm Ft. The California Sandcastle Worm
If the term ‘microarchitecture’ excites you, you’ll want to read all about these marine worms. Yup worms. Lavender colored worms. Enough said.
Dock Fouling Fun! An adventure with bird poop & nudibranchs
Dock fouling is a great activity that an naturalist should try! This past weekend I found many great creatures, and this is a little write up about some of the critters I saw.
Cutest slug that you ever did see! Ft. The Northwest Onchidella
I found the CUTEST little slug while tidepooling, but was clueless to what it was at first! Read along to find out what interesting characteristics it has!
Best Gall Hunting Spots in the South Bay Area
Galls are incredible structures in nature formed by an interesting relationship between an insect and it’s plant host. If you are interested in trying to find these beauties in the South Bay Area, read on!
I caught a cougar, a grizzly, and friends. . . on a wildlife camera.
A small project to capture all the wildlife around me was successful! I even managed to get a cougar on the cameras! As well as many other great insights into the critters of SW BC.
I love Dog Vomit
Dog Vomit Slime Mold is just a fantastic slime mold. It’s vibrant yellow coloration is always a great surprise to observe. It’s not only beautiful, its smart too!
Who is this bizarre creature? Ft. The Colorful Dirona
Colorful Dirona (Dirona picta) Where: California Coastline: Pillar Point Harbor, Pescadero, & Monterey When: Nov 2019 iNaturalist post Nudibranchs themselves come in sooo many varieties, shapes, and colors. When I’ve introduced a nudibranch to someone who’s never seen one, they don’t believe it’s real! Bizarre little creatures they are indeed! I’ve loved nudibranchs since high…
A Fluffy Flying Fairy-like Insect
What are those white fluffy things on alder trees? Unfortunately they aren’t fairies, but these aphids are just as adorable.
Backyard Grizzly Bears
When grizzly bears showed up in essentially my backyard, I was elated! After observing them over period of weeks I had some recurring questions that I investigated.
