Dryobates pubescens

Downy woodpeckers are native to the (mainly deciduous) forested areas of North America. They are the smallest of the woodpeckers in N. America —14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) in length.  They mainly eat insects, but they also feed on seeds and berries. They are a natural predator of the European corn borer, a moth that costs the US agriculture industry more than $1 billion annually in crop losses and population control.

I had fun painting this one with Ian de Hoog as my instructor.

good friend

My mum used this cleaning product when I was a kid. She called it “Bon Amy”, but I go for the French pronunciation. I’m glad that my local small-town hardware store carries it; none of the supermarket chains do. It’s been around since 1886, and it’s more enviro-friendly than similar Big Brand powder cleansers. PLUS it’s Martha approved!

Is Martha Stewart, and her opinions, still relevant? I don’t know or care! I just like my good friend Bon Ami!

mystery feather

I had the best time at the first meetup of the Santa Monica Mountains Nature Journal Club. Thirteen of us (including some NJ newbies) got together at gorgeous King Gillette Ranch for nature journalling, food, art supply tryouts, and brainstorming. Can’t wait to do it again next month!