Western Kingbirds

Western Kingbirds have been seen in great numbers this season, usually flitting about in the grass but occasionally posing on top of poles.

Bakersfield Cactus in Bloom

The Bakersfield Cactus is now in bloom! Bees and other insects are having a field day.

Photographed Ap. 26, 2011 (A.H.)

Nuisance vandalization

Someone is getting his kicks fooling with the locks on the west gate; two, one after another, disappeared altogether; the third replacement was removed the next day after its installation; this lock was found on the ground at the gate. It obviously was cut with a bolt cutter. The sheriff has been informed as have Chevron security, River Ranches neighbors and equestrians who ride the area; we appreciate their help when problems like this crop up.

Bakersfield Cactus and Succulent Society field trip

On Sunday, April 3, members of the BCSS met in the parking lot and got a tour from Andy Honig. First stop, naturally, was a patch of Bakersfield Cactus. It was a shock to discover that a vehicle had gotten in illegally and had driven right over the cactus, one wheel grazing the clump, damaging several pads. (See photo). Perhaps the driver did not see the cactus although it is in a clear area, not in deep grass. In any case, it was a close call.

Otherwise, the cactus society members toured the nursery, learned about California sycamores (vs. the unwelcome London Planes that line the road into River Ranches), and walked over to lupines and whatever else was there to see. Lynn McDonald took these pictures of old fence posts, and a gigantic rotting log that has become home to a swarm of bees. It is not too smart to get too close to this log but later on the tour, Lynn was able to get a picture about a mile away of a bee -- maybe from this log?

Why did the snake cross the road?

Bill Cooper saw a king snake crossing the road near the Chevron Grove and pulled out his trusty cell phone to get this picture. He and Andy estimate it was 2-3 feet long.