Thursday, April 9, 2020

Badger at work!

LATO friend Nicole (Sharp) Thompson shared these amazing photos of an American Badger, Taxidea taxus, at work in Santa Margarita. Powerful muscles and long, sharp claws make the American Badger an excellent digger and a fierce predator. Ground squirrels and gophers are popular prey. 




Friday, April 3, 2020

A bright splash of yellow in the oak canopy

Look for the splash of yellow among the spring oak leaves! 

Docent Mike Klatt spotted this yellow-rumped warbler in the oak canopy.
The tiny dangling male flowers (catkins) on this oak tell us it's springtime!