Vandals_handle

Fun fact, Coots are rails, not ducks. Funner fact, they are nicknamed jesus birds for their ability to run across the top of the water.

Possible nesting pair picking out the ripe berries on a Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)

A blast from the past. Some of the finest flat water kayaking you will find.

Nesting season in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve means a survey is required before doing any work. Found this nest in the grass under a pickleweed bush and had to relocate our planned work. Since work is restoring habitat for the Belding's Savanna Sparrow, we were happy to do so.

Fish and Wildlife's camera caught a Ridgway's rail out for a stroll with its chicks this morning. Super exciting as this bird is on the endangered species list.

High rise birds at low tide.

The plant is named for the flower which resembles a nestlings beak pointing upward. Salt Marsh Bird's beak is a hemiparasite that both photosyntheses and attaches to a host plant. This endangered annual forb's natural range extends along the Pacific Coast from Central California into Northern Baja California. This years bloom has come early, the plants life cycle probably accelerated due to drought conditions. Hairs on the plant help collect dew, a useful adaptation during drought.

Creekside in an ecological restoration site.