BioBlitz results!
Thanks everyone for joining our annual BioBlitz event at Hellyer Park! We were able to explore the park between the two flooded sections of the Coyote Creek trail. It was very different than our experience during the summer, when the creek was mostly dry, with some muddy pools. It was interesting to see the creek flooding its path, swallowing the creek banks and some large trees. The water was cloudy, and running fast. In the moist habitat along the creek, our groups documented many little mushrooms, partly hidden in the leaf litter. Those mushrooms included the Oak-loving Elfin Saddle, growing under a Coast Live Oak, at the same location we see them year after year. As its name might imply, it is associated with oaks, usually with Coast Live Oaks.
The birds in the park are pretty used to people by now, allowing us to watch them from a close distance. A couple of us noticed Pied-billed Grebes swimming in Cottonwood Lake, hunting Catfish. The grebe tried to swallow the catfish, unsuccessfully. It tried swallowing it over and over again, and even though it was too big, it didn't give up, even when coots and mallards started showing some interest. We also documented the usual suspects in the lake - many Canada Geese, Mallards, and American Coots, as well as a few other ducks - Canvasback, Ruddy Ducks, and one Bufflehead male.
We hope to see you at future events -
Merav
BioBlitz Club
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