Bird headed for kestrel box; unfortunately, it is not a kestrel but probably an European Starling. In a classic example of unintended consequences, there are millions of starling in the US, all descended from 100 birds introduced in 1890 by a Shakespeare aficionado who decided that every bird species mentioned by Shakespeare should be introduced into the United States. His original colony was in Manhattan's Central Park. They are throughout the US now. They are cavity nesters and therefore are in competition with native birds.

Edison Kids Visit the Preserve

Friday March 16 was a perfect day for these students to take a field trip to Panorama Vista Preserve. Education Outreach Director Kathi Parks saw to it that stations were set up and manned so that students could learn about birds, spiders, planting trees, and art.

Steppin' out

Over the Fence

Bee Tree

These overlapping honeycombs are located 15 feet or so out in the open up an old tree snag. With cooler weather the bees are moving more slowly but are still buzzing in and out. (Photo by Andy Honig)

Beautiful Bobcat

Western Bluebirds

A flock of Western Bluebirds, 30-40 of them, have been spotted on the Preserve. They are distinctive with their rusty red breasts and, of course, bright blue feathers. No one we have talked to so far remembers bluebirds in this area (although in February a much smaller group of Mountain Bluebirds briefly visited; the weather at the time was very cold.)