Become an empowered advocate for the ocean. By volunteering, you'll not only deepen your connection to our local marine environments but also join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for coastal conservation.
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Have you ever seen a lizard biting the head of another lizard for a long time? Were they both alligator lizards? If so, this is mating behavior and a project in southern California is studying this behavior.
Read MoreIt’s about halfway through the breeding season for Northern elephant seals and Drakes Beach is the epicenter of the action. It’s a mix of snores at one extreme and bloody fights at the other. The enormous battle-weary alpha males snooze to save energy when everyone is behaving but that wasn’t the case during my last visit.
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The Estero Trail is dusted with shades of sepia and muted greens. With the grasses dying back in fall, this effect is intensified. Sepia’s warm, reddish-brown color is earthy and feels timeless in the landscape as if walking through a centuries old photograph.
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We have a new record! Thirty-one snowy plover chicks fledged this summer.
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A total of 28 different species of butterflies consisting of 394 individuals were observed, including one monarch.
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My 8th and final volunteer shift as a snowy plover docent on August 31, 2024 was a gorgeous day with friends. We were fully staffed with 6 docents — Jocelynn, Rick, Liz, Lisa C., Joan and myself.
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My shift on August 18, 2024 was a short one — I only stayed until noon when I had to leave to attend another event. I was joined by Cheryl and we had a fairly quiet morning. We saw the usual majestic Northern Harrier diving over the pasture, not far from the trailhead.
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On Sunday, August 4, I joined volunteer docents Allison and Midori at Abbotts Lagoon for another lovely day in the cool fog. We talked with more than 75 visitors, answering questions about the plovers, wildlife, and trail recommendations.
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