Hike on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Trail:
Contributed by CJ and class members
What we first saw when exiting the vehicles was a very dry, open landscape, and Valley Oak, which is a very important Oak since so many animals rely on it. We looked up into the sky and witnessed a small group of White Pelicans circling , and a Hawk flying around. Then not so long after we saw a larger flock of Pelicans scooping the water in the pond for fish. As we walked we encountered a pathway we couldn't go through, so we went around. This allowed us to witness a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes Aura) flying low to the ground inspecting us. What allows them to eat dead things is their very strong stomach acid which can kill pretty much all bacteria.
There were a few American Kestrels flying around, a beautifully colored, very small falcon that lives in the Wetlands. There were many Snags (Dead Trees) around the area. There were also a large amount of Woodpeckers that were drilling into the trees, looking for insects to eat. They may have also been storing their acorns supplies for later use. We hiked over a metal bridge that spanned over the Laguna waters which lead directly behind a park, which is right next door to the home of fish and turtles. Near the end of our hike we heard and saw many Red Winged Black Birds which were nesting in a pond and then were given a warning about Ticks, how to remove them and what kind of disease they can carry. Lyme disease is something you want to avoid!
Contributed by CJ and class members
What we first saw when exiting the vehicles was a very dry, open landscape, and Valley Oak, which is a very important Oak since so many animals rely on it. We looked up into the sky and witnessed a small group of White Pelicans circling , and a Hawk flying around. Then not so long after we saw a larger flock of Pelicans scooping the water in the pond for fish. As we walked we encountered a pathway we couldn't go through, so we went around. This allowed us to witness a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes Aura) flying low to the ground inspecting us. What allows them to eat dead things is their very strong stomach acid which can kill pretty much all bacteria.
There were a few American Kestrels flying around, a beautifully colored, very small falcon that lives in the Wetlands. There were many Snags (Dead Trees) around the area. There were also a large amount of Woodpeckers that were drilling into the trees, looking for insects to eat. They may have also been storing their acorns supplies for later use. We hiked over a metal bridge that spanned over the Laguna waters which lead directly behind a park, which is right next door to the home of fish and turtles. Near the end of our hike we heard and saw many Red Winged Black Birds which were nesting in a pond and then were given a warning about Ticks, how to remove them and what kind of disease they can carry. Lyme disease is something you want to avoid!