Oh, deer - one-sided antler

This buck has been hanging around our yard.  Sometimes in the fall we see bucks that have broken antlers which is probably a result of butting heads with another buck over a doe or two.  I don't recall seeing one in the spring. I wonder why this fellow ended up this way.   --- Michael Klatt, Atascadero

Western bluebird parents at work

On June 3, 2020, LATO nature photographer Michael Klatt shared these beautiful photos of Western bluebirds nesting in the Klatt's Atascadero backyard. The bluebird family vacated the nest - baby birds successfully fledged - a few days later.

Male Western bluebird returning to the nest box with a meal for the chicks. 

Both the male and the female Western bluebird at the nest box. 

The female Western bluebird leaving the box.

Male leaving the box with droppings from the chicks. We parents work hard to keep the nest clean.

Male leaving the box to find more food.

Now the female leaves the nest to find food.

One of the nestlings looking out into the world. I'll soon be ready to fly!

Cooper's Hawk looking at you

What does this Cooper's Hawk see? Click on the name to find out more about this skillful flier. It is easily confused with the Sharp-shinned Hawk, another small hawk found in woodlands, suburban areas and even backyards. Photo by Michael Klatt.

Inspiration for Bambi

Nature photographer Michael Klatt shared these beautiful photos of an Atascadero doe and her fawns. Micheal shared,

Even after living here for nearly 40 years, we never get tired of watching the deer.  Recently a mother and her twins have been spending a lot of time in our backyard.  Today they are laying on the grass trying to keep cool.  It's pretty easy to see how the inspiration for Bambi came to be.  I started to go outside to get a photo, but I didn't want them to have to venture out into the heat to escape my lens.

Ocean View Oak Ambassador report from the woods

Enjoy this video report from Ocean View School Oak Ambassador Alex who shows us how the woodlands outside of Redding, CA, near the town of Igo, are recovering from wildfires.