Journal archives for April 2016

02 April, 2016

700 Insects!

Yesterday, with this beautiful Zebra Swallowtail (http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2862806), I reached 700 insects (though this includes taxonomic levels above the species level). I am finding that the insects - a group I once loathed - are coming easier to me, feel more congenial, than my Achilles' heel of plants. Anyone who knew me prior to 2010 would be confused that I now greet the presence of any insect (or arachnid, so long as it is not a tick connected too intimately to my person) with great delight, quickly preparing my iPhone camera, as I try to learn something more about this newest arrival. So I will set an ambitious goal of increasing this number to 800 before the end of the calendar year. Root me on! But no bugs placed on my bed, or in my clothing, please. That could reawaken the now-dormant anti-insect reaction.

Posted on 02 April, 2016 14:36 by gyrrlfalcon gyrrlfalcon | 3 comments | Leave a comment

11 April, 2016

The Second McLaren Bio-blitz - April 16

Hey friends! I'll be headed up to the McLaren Bio-Blitz this Saturday. Wanted to see who might want to join me early for birding, from 7:00 to 10:00, when we'll head into the Bio-Blitz HQ and join the regular show! Please invite others to participate here. Perhaps we can plan a post-blitz meal/happy hour, or a late-night moth lamp to add to the festivities!

Jennifer (a.k.a. gyrrlfalcon)

@leslie_flint , @robberfly, @rebeccafay , @kestrel , @loarie, @kueda , @kschnei , @bob-dodge , @kensanfran , @rademacherdan , @marshalldinowitz , @finatic , @jaykeller , @leftcoastnaturalist , @wildmarin

Posted on 11 April, 2016 23:44 by gyrrlfalcon gyrrlfalcon | 6 comments | Leave a comment

20 April, 2016

Millerton Creek Return BioBlitz

So, headed out to another BioBlitz this weekend. Millerton Creek up by Pt. Reyes Station is having a repeat blitz. Looks like interesting habitat, and I am missing a few easy migrant species from my Marin county list. Below is the url for the project, with registration information.

http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/malt-millerton-creek-ranch-bioblitz-2016

If you want to carpool with me, we'll need to be leaving from central San Mateo county ca. 5:30 am, in order to get some early birding in. Both Leslie and I have some late afternoon obligations, so we'll need to leave around 1:00. I have room for myself, Leslie and two more. Hope to see lots of you!

@kestrel & @rebeccafay let's talk about where the birding will be best for the early AM!

@leslie_flint , @wildmarin , @sea-kangaroo , @robberfly , @finatic , @aaron17 , @eddiebug

Jennifer

P.S. I just took a look at my Marin county missing list, and some of the birds I am missing are truly astonishing.
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Bullock’s Oriole
California Thrasher
Hooded Oriole
Lark Sparrow
Lazuli Bunting
MacGillivray’s Warbler
Merlin
Nashville Warbler
Northern Pygmy-Owl
Pileated Woodpecker
Red Crossbill
Rufous Hummingbird
Short-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Owl
Surfbird
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-throated Sparrow
Yellow-breasted Chat

Posted on 20 April, 2016 14:58 by gyrrlfalcon gyrrlfalcon | 9 comments | Leave a comment