by Clare | Sep 27, 2010 | Beneficial Insects, Farm Blog, Garden, Native Wildlife
As the gardens and orchard were both newly installed this year, that part of the property has been host to numerous insect species since spring, some good, some bad, and a few ugly in recent months. As we produce everything organically, we don’t spray here,...
by Clare | Aug 25, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Wildlife
As mentioned previously, we have two primary species of lizard here at Curbstone Valley, Alligator Lizards (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata), and Coast Range Fence Lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii). The most common of the two species by far is the Coast...
by Clare | Jun 23, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Wildlife
Two weeks ago we posted about a pair of Pacific-slope Flycatchers (Empidonax difficilis) that had chosen to make a nest on our front porch light. Tuesday morning, while drinking coffee and looking out the front windows, it was obvious that the Flycatcher air-traffic...
by Clare | Jun 14, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Wildlife
In the past week we’ve been seeing lots of spots here, on our hillsides, in the meadow areas, and near the office. These spots… One, two, three…awwwwww. Some of you are no doubt well aware that our resident deer population has caused us more...
by Clare | Mar 15, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Wildlife, Natives
We have two predominant lizard species here at Curbstone Valley, California (Southern) Alligator Lizards, and Coast Range (Western) Fence Lizards. The Southern, or California Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata) is the less common of the two species...
by Clare | Nov 21, 2009 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Wildlife, Natives
Yesterday’s rain brought out another salamander species here at Curbstone Valley, the Coast Range Newt (Taricha torosa torosa), also known as the California Newt. Each year, as the rains return, these newts can be seen scrabbling about the forest, and...