Author Archives: Robert Kunicki

These newly hatched baby bluebirds were discovered occupying one of the bird boxes in early April. Hopefully they make it out of the nest later this spring!

Bobcats do the majority of their hunting at night. They have large corneas in their eyes that bring in more light, allowing for excellent vision in the dark. Once prey is located, bobcats stalk within range and then make a quick pounce!

Learn more about the restoration work being conducted on the Willits Bypass Mitigation Lands. Check out this video MCRCD produced in 2020.

Wood Ducks nest in tree cavities along streams and creeks. Conservation efforts such as nest box installations in areas that lack suitable tree cavities have helped stabilize and bolster their population numbers.

Brush rabbits are a western cottontail species that do not spend too much time outside of cover. The Black-tailed jackrabbit is a hare, with stronger and longer legs it can afford to spend more time foraging in the open because its speed helps it avoid predators, although still a significant food source for hawks, eagles,…

As the weather heats up these Western Gray Squirrels are breaking out of the winter lull. Watch as they groom and chase each other around!

River otters roll in the sand at a site on the creek bank they repeatedly visit. They do this to mark their territory and leave some scat. In addition, otters might be rolling in order to distribute waterproof oils onto their fur from their glands.

Coyotes occupy a wide range of habitats. The coyotes of Little Lake Valley thrive in open grasslands where there is an abundance of rabbits and small mammals.

Green-winged Teals and other ducks congregate on the wetlands of Little Lake Valley throughout the winter.

Watch as these clever foxes navigate the mitigation lands, searching for food and interacting with each other. Gray foxes hunt primarily small rodents but also rely heavily on fruits and seeds. Their typical lifespan is up to six years in the wild.