Recently, a mountain lion was captured on one of the wildlife cameras! This is the first time a lion has been documented by project staff. Also, a Black-crowned Night Heron shares a watering hole with a raccoon, a pack of coyotes makes its way through a riparian corridor, and a family of river otters plays…
Read moreWeek of October 1st, 2023 Autumn has arrived and the shift in day length, nighttime temperatures, and even the quality of the light is a pleasant change from the intensity of summer. The days out on the Mitigation Project are lovely as the colors of the trees and shrubs are changing and the background is…
Read moreThis Red-tailed Hawk relaxing on a perch is interrupted by an annoying Raven.
Read moreSeptember 26, 2023 Following up on last week’s blog, I have been researching and observing the praying mantis that occupies the large swaths of grasslands of Little Lake Valley. It is astounding to see the sheer number of these “deadly predators” we have flying and crawling about. They are called deadly predators because of their…
Read moreEnjoy this video of recent wildlife footage on the Willits Mitigation Lands. There is a bull elk with a broken spike, probably by locking antlers with another bull. At the end, there is brief footage of a bear taking a swim!
Read moreSeptember 13, 2023 The excitement of finding monarch butterfly caterpillars has been keeping my attention for the last couple of weeks. While looking closely at the showy milkweed, Asclepias speciosa, and the narrowleaf milkweed, Asclepias fascicularis, we discovered that there were caterpillars on the narrowleaf milkweed. Last year, the majority of caterpillars we observed were…
Read moreWatch as this variety of birds forage and find shelter at a creek bed on the Willits Mitigation Lands. A common accipiter hawk takes a break and a Black Phoebe catches some insects.
Read moreSeptember 5th, 2023 This is a fine late summer/pre-autumn day. The morning was cool enough for me to start the day wearing layers, including a down vest. As the sun rises higher the temperature is approaching hot, so I am down to my t-shirt layer! The sky is a clear, brilliant blue with not a…
Read moreEnjoy a day of birding at the Willits Wastewater Treatment Plant and along Outlet Creek. We hope to see some migratory birds and hear some Tule Elk bugles! Please wear appropriate shoes for walking and if significant rain has fallen rain shoes might be needed. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. This is a fieldtrip in…
Read moreEnjoy a day of birding and possibly catch a view of the local elk herd! Wear comfortable walking shoes, hat, bring water, snacks and some lunch. RSVP: text or email Marisela@mcrcd.org or 707-841-7172 Meet at Mendocino County Museum
Read moreThis fascinating pollinator uses its long proboscis to gather nectar from a colorful garden on the coast. video credit: Paullette Clark
Read moreAugust 23rd, 2023 Recently, there has been a huge number of large, beautiful moths observed in the gardens throughout our valley and in the surrounding mountains. I have seen this moth in previous years in my own garden at dusk when the Evening Primroses open up. This was a summer after-dinner activity, going out and…
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