Looks aren’t everything.
Acrobatic skills,
are more important.
The ability to debate is a also necessary ability.
It isn’t fair, but unfortunately is true,
looks often get you, more grape jelly!
Cheers to you from the handsome, skillful, and well fed Holler Orioles~
(Note- We are traveling now and will be out of the range of wifi for while. Stay safe & take good care).
Meet the new neighbors at The Holler!
The Brown Headed Cowbird is a parasitic brooder.
Females of this species produce up to 36 eggs per season, and lay the eggs in other bird’s nests to be raised.
They have the most unusual vocalizations, sounding something like underwater bells. No one knows how they know how to sing since they don’t learn it from their parents. Listen to samples of their song:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/sounds
This Lark Sparrow is also a new neighbor.
They look similar to female grosbeaks,
except for their distinctive harlequin hats!
Cheers to you from The Holler newbies~
The Holler has the best neighbors. (click/tap to enlarge)
Check out the marvelous modeling mama,
grosbeak!
She is photogenic from every angle,
and loves having her picture taken.
She is a very friendly neighbor.
The orioles,
and acorn woodpeckers add a splash of color to the scene.
Cheers to you from our Holler neighbors~
This is the first time I have ever seen Joshua Trees in bloom!
These trees were recently designated an endangered species by The California Fish & Game Commission.
They are vulnerable because they exist in a limited area in The Southwestern US and Baja California. Their range is mostly contained by the boundaries of the Mojave Desert. This habitat is under pressure from development and climate change.
Joshua Trees are pollinated by Yucca Moths. Desert habitat is sensitive and species are interdependent.
Interestingly, in the distant past, Joshua’s were pollinated by Giant Sloths!
Humans have lived in The Mojave Desert for about 12,000 years.
Pictographs, cryptic messages from the past, can be found throughout this region.
Cheers to you from the fascinating Mojave~
These gorgeous huge poppies are bloomin’ up The Holler!
Also known as the Matilija Poppy, these are the largest flowers in the poppy family,
and they are the largest native California flower.
The blooms are 8 inches in diameter,
and the bushes grow to about 10 feet in height,
They are a challenge to grow, but so worth the effort!
Cheers to you & Happy Mother’s Day from The Holler’s Romneya~
