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Oso Valley Greenbelt News (return to main)  Wildlife of Oso Valley Greenbelt |
Did you know that long-tailed weasels (Mustela frenata) are common in our area? We sure didn't! At least, not until homeowner Karen Gregory sent us this photo she took of a long-tailed weasel that wandered into her yard and met up with her pooch who cornered the weasel long enough for Karen to take a picture and call animal control. Here's more information about these shy little critters at eNature: Long-tailed Weasel. Thanks, Karen! | 
photo by J Myers Hummingbirds have a memory that helps them time when the nectar is available in a particular flower. Timing is important because if they visit the same flower too early, there will not be enough nectar. Researchers report that hummginbirds can remember visits to at least eight different areas over several days. Read more about the hummingbird's memory. For more information about Anna's Hummingbird, go here. |
 photo by J Myers Read more and listen to the sound of an Anna's hummingbird. |
 photo by J Myers Western Scrub Jays are noisy and conspicuous except when it is around its nest when it becomes silent and secretive. They are also very smart. They are a member of the crow family. Scrub Jays will bury more acorns than they will eat and help regenerate oak forests that have been destroyed by fire or drought. They are found in most of California except the southern desert, lower central valley, and higher elevations. They are the sentinels of the forest and do not migrate. Read cool facts and listen to the sound of the Western Scrub Jay. |
 photo by J Myers The American Goldfinch is a late nesting bird and does not start nesting until late June or early July. It is mostly monogamous, but some females find a new mate after producing her first brood. As she goes off to start another brood, the first male will take care of her first fledglings. You can read more and listen to the song of a Goldfinch at this link. |
 photo by J Myers Coopers Hawk is medium sized and its prey is other birds. It is listed as threatened or of special concern in a number of states. Chasing after birds is hazardous to the Coopers Hawk. A "recent study found that 23 percent of all Cooper's Hawks examined had healed fractures in the bones of the chest." Read more and listen to the song of the Coopers Hawk. |
 photo by J Myers The Northern Mockingbird will continue to add new sounds to its "song repertoire" throughout its life and is a "loud and persistent singer." It will sing at night during a full moon or in well-lit areas. It is known for its long and complex songs. Go here to learn more about the Northern Mockingbird and to listen to its slong. |
 photo by J Myers The Hooded Oriole is fond of palm trees. The female will "sew" a nest into palm leaves by poking holes in the leaf from below and pushing fibers through. It breeds in lowlands of western and southern California, eastward to Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, and southward into Mexico. It is also found in Texas and eastern Mexico and Belize and winters in Mexico. It eats insects, spiders, nectar and fruit. Go here to read more and hear the song of an Oriole |
 photo by J Myers |
 photo by J Myers |
 photo by J Myers The underside of our porch roof seems to be a most appropriate location for a pair of doves and its brood. There is rarely a time when we don't see a new family comfortably nesting outside our front door. The female remains with the nest while the male gathers sticks. If you see more than two chicks in the nest, well, that's a result of more than one female laying in the nest. The male and female take turns tending the nest. Click on this link to learn more about Mourning Doves and listen to their song. |
 photo by J Myers |
 photo by J Myers Is this a desert cottontail rabbit or could it be a western brush rabbit? I really don't know. He wouldn't say. |