For the last three months, I have set about fine tuning my skills as Field Biologist by attempting to document all species at the Bidwell Sacramento River Park about 15 minutes from my house. California has lost more 90% of it's riparian habitat and this unique place is one of last links to a great history of wildlife.
I go out there at least three times a week and have gone at various times of day. Before my hike today, I had cataloged almost 100 species of bird, mammal, reptiles, insect, and fish. I have not only recorded species but I have had some unique encounters that have allowed my to learn for more than I thought. I have found two Osprey nests and seen the bonds of these amazing birds first hand. I witnessed Tree Swallows mating. We have seen a family of Beaver on a weekly basis.The predation cycle of a decomping deer. Insects of all sorts mating. River Otter pups swimming with mom.Watched the activities of a BArn Owl family. It has been fantastic.
today was a great day for my study and a window into the lives of some amazing creatures. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Yellow BReasted Chats, Brewers Blackbirds, Starlings, Nuttall's Woodpeckers, Downey Woodpeckers, Acorn Woodpeckers, Bullocks Orioles, House Finches, and Scrub Jays. I found some cool insects like Cardinal Meadowhawks, Eight Spotted Skimmers, Yellow Faced YEllow Faced Bumblebees, and Water Striders. I was very lucky to then happen upon two mating Western Fence Lizards. It was a very interesting series of displays and postures. I was then able to document the first BElted Kingfishers I have seen out there. I could have gone home and been happy but the best part of the day was still to come. I was observing a pair of pied Billed Grebes, I heard a noise in the brush behind me. I have suspected that it is not always Lizards darting through the brush but small mammals as well. As I looked under a log out ran a tiny, gray, nervous little mammal. A Shrew! My first one and though I can not a specific species based on a quick glance, it was a tremendous find. The importance of finding something something so small can outwiegh seeing something big!
I love science, I love animals, I love my little corner of universe!!!
