Would you travel to Costa Rica to hunt for orchids? That’s exactly what we did, and found an incredible diversity of species, structures, colors and sizes. From the 2-3 mm flowers to ones the size of tennis balls the world of orchids is one to admire and fascinating to learn about.
Tag: inatting
Three Months in Fernbrook, What Two Naturalists Got Up To
Ooooo boy, spenidng three months in San Diego County lead to many interesting observations and adventures. Take a read of the mysterious critters we documented!
What’s going on with these lichen-covered leaves? Costa Rica Blog Pt. 1
While walking through the jungles of Costa Rica I noticed how most leaves had moss, lichens, algae and liverworts on the upper surface. What’s the story here? That’s what I investigate today.
Sweepin’ for Bugs
Ever curious how entomologists, experts and total noobs find insects? What is sweep netting? As a beginner in the insect-finding-game I’ve found using a sweep net to be very useful, so I investigated what it’s all about, and highlight a few recent insects found through the tactic!
Why So Many Yellow and Purple Flowers?
Why were all the flowers I was seeing in Central CA yellow and purple in color at the end of summer? Take a read to see what I discovered, or didn’t . . .
iNatting Big Creek Provincial Park, British Columbia
Ever wondered how I document nature in remote parks of British Columbia? This is the post for you. Bugs, bears, and botanical beauties!
Hunting Robber Flies (Asilidae) in the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia, Canada
Robber flies captured my attention over a year ago. They are charismatic, great hunters, and come in such a variety of colors and shapes. I’m sure after reading this post you’ll have a new appreciation for this diverse genus.
Northern California Plant Relicts, four plants still kicking it after millions of years
Ever wondered about what plants still exist from when dinosaur’s stomped around? I researched a little bit about four Northern California plants I found while living there in the spring of 2021.
Questions for a Cactus
The charismatic plant of the desert that cant be avoided visually, but intentionally avoided physically is of course the cactus! After hiking around Joshua Tree NP for weeks I had some questions for these funky fun plants.
iNatting Sheba Ridge in the South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, BC
The South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park is a truly wonderful place to explore, botanize, and connect with nature. On this first backpacking trip in the park of 2020 we found oodles of flower, insect and mammal life lucky to call this place home. Can’t wait to return!
Bugs on Ice, A Quest To Find Insects in the Upper Lillooet Provincial Park
Looking for bugs on an snowfield? What an odd activity. Well we spent three days in a remote area of Southwest BC searching for insects trapped in the snow. What an adventure it was!
Fantastic Fruits of the Forest Floor
At this time of year in California mushrooms are popping out of the ground like mad! Their bright and various colors inspired me to take a look into why they are so colorful!
The Beetles of Bark, Beaches, and Brooks
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.
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.
Chloe Van Loon's Nature Blog 