Featured Creatures of October ’22

Learn about some of the creatures I observed in Northern California in October of 2022. Parasitizing fungi, salamanders, slime molds, a special frog species, and more!

Frightening Fall Fungi

Witch’s Butter? Jack-O’-Lantern? Bleeding Tooth? Many fall fungi of Northern California are fruiting, just in time for the spookiest time of the year. Take a look at some of the most “frightening” fall fungi.

Oooo La La Orchids, Costa Rica Blog pt. 3

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.

Nature Journaling, Monday to Friday: Backyard Flowers

Looking for a way to combine your creative side with an interest in botany or nature? Nature Journaling is the activity, the practice, the mindfulness activity for you! Each day Monday to Friday I journaled a flowering plant that was currently blooming in my backyard in Fernbrook, CA.

I Heart Nature

Do you love nature? Do you occasionally see heart shapes while in nature? I do. This week I compiled all those photos and reminensed about the moments I stumbled upon these mostly naturally shaped hearts. ❤

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 . . .

What I learned from The Cougar Conundrum, by Mark Elbroch

Even though I finished reading The Cougar Conundrum by Mark Elbroch I am still thinking of multiple topics months later. Whether you are passionate mountain lion advocate, or just curious about this beautiful creature take a read of my thoughts on the book, and then go read it for yourself. You will absolutely learn more than expected.