Tag: nature journaling

Erigon foliosus

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

There are quite a few plants in the Asteraceae family with the common name ‘fleabane’. It was once thought that these daisies would rid your house of fleas; this belief apparently now lives in the realm of ‘superstition.’

There aren’t many wildflowers around here at this time of year, so it’s even more enjoyable to see these delicate beauties. Erigeron foliosus is native to western North America from Oregon, through California, into Baja California. It can be found in many habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and rocky talus.

Corydalus texanus

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

Interesting that this insect has a mouth, and palps, even though it doesn’t eat. Evolution hasn’t caught up!

When drawing the legs, I suddenly remembered reading, and loving, Tom Robbins’ Skinny Legs and All decades ago. I should re-read it and see if I’m still a fan.

Charadrius nivosus nivosus

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

The Western Snowy Plover nests on open sand, so it’s extremely vulnerable to human impacts, both direct and indirect. For example, the kelp that is washed ashore is browsed upon by many insects and crustaceans. These invertebrates are a primary food source for plovers and other shore birds, so “cleaning up” the wrack removes a key element in the food chain. A more indirect impact: the population explosion of crows and ravens — caused by the abundant food sources offered by humans — has greatly multiplied a major plover predator.

At current counts, there are less than 2500 Western Snowy Plovers throughout their coastal range (a population of 3000 is the minimum goal) and their habitat continues to shrink. So if you see a cable fence on your local beach, be sure to stay out of the nesting zone to give these vulnerable (and adorable) birds a chance to breed and thrive.

Thanks to Kriss Neuman of Point Blue Conservation Science for a fascinating lesson. Thanks to John Muir Laws for his drawing tips.

mystery feather

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

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!

Gyrinidae

Published on by Hashi1 Comment

Here’s something strange: the compound eyes of a whirligig beetle are divided into a higher part that is above water level when the beetle is floating passively, and a lower part that sits below water level. Gyrinidae are the only type of beetle with this feature.

The antennae are also unusual among beetles, being short and plump, and placed about at water level. 

Whirligigs get their common name from their habit of swimming rapidly in circles when alarmed. Adults carry an air bubble under the elytra at the tip of their abdomen, allowing them to breathe underwater. They are very social creatures, often found in large numbers swimming around on the water’s surface. There are about 700 species worldwide.

After work

Published on by HashiLeave a comment

Before driving home from my shift at the state park visitor center, I sat under a tree in the parking lot to record thoughts and sounds. I really love my (volunteer) job. The people who come in — they want what we’re selling. I don’t mean drinks and branded swag, but hiking trails, wildlife, history, geology, a respite from the city. It’s such a pleasure to answer their questions (and provoke more), show them something they‘ve never seen, give them a new experience, or provide a comfort.

And when your colleague sends you home with a bunch of art supplies? Bonus! (thanks Dave!)