Katie's Sightings

Before the Storm!

Western Bluebird (male) — Sialia mexicanaThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (the weather) is predicting a big snow storm over the next couple of days. Today and all day yesterday it’s been raining heavily, with a total of 1.48" of precipitation in the last 24 hours. So, I decided to post my blog today, as the snowy weather may play havoc with our power lines.

Just this week there have been many signs of an early Spring starting up in our neighborhood! Plants are blooming, insects are flying, and new birds are arriving! It is delightful! To my joy a small flock of Western Bluebirds was feeding on the open slopes along the highway! The males are so brilliant in their sky blue and rust colored feathers!

Western Bluebird (female) — Sialia mexicanaWestern Bluebirds usually stay with one partner for their entire life, but are considered “socially monogamous,” as they will also mate with non-partners. They begin pairing up as early as mid-February in California. They are tree cavity nesters, in either natural or woodpecker cavities. Females may lay up to three clutches of eggs in one season! Both the male and female help raise the offspring, along with help from sons or brothers born the previous year! Interestingly, the family sticks together all summer and winter. They live in California year round, but do not nest in my neighborhood, preferring the lower elevation oak woodlands for their nesting territory.

The ones I saw were definitely catching bugs, but they may have come up to our area to feast on any remaining Mistletoe berries! Such beauty!

Rock Toothwort — Cardamine pachystigmaBelieve it or not, the Rock Toothwort is blooming in my neighborhood! It’s the first wildflower to bloom this year! There aren't tons of them, but enough to catch my eye! They are in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) and are related to Wallflowers, Mustards, Jewel Flowers, and Wild Radish.

Hoary Comma — Polygonia gracilisTo my surprise there were several butterflies flitting around our neighborhood this week! It turns out that they have overwintered as adults and are out looking for mates, as well as nectar to eat. They will lay their eggs mainly on currant and gooseberry plants, on which the caterpillars will feed when they hatch in July!

Your questions and comments are appreciated. Please feel free to email me at northyubanaturalist@gmail.com. Thanks!