CSUB Environmental Studies Center

The first of two pond repairs is finished and the water level is coming back nicely. Love seeing the young critters getting a little more brave and showing themselves. Young snapping turtle, at least three years old, and medium size catfish. There are at least two big adult catfish which are reproducing. Love watching the pond life thrive.

Found a parent with juvenile in the pine tree east of the lab. This tree is a frequent hang out place for them.

Finally got a picture of the young great horned owl in the canary palm at the ESA. I could hear it from the front lawn but couldn't see it. Listened carefully for it to call again and was able to narrow it down to the canary palms on the west end of the wooded area. Waited for movement before I was able to find it. I still love working at the ESA.

This bush welcomes you into the ESA. It has more flowers than it's ever had before. Due to my limited time working on campus it gets watered less frequently than previous years and yet it is thriving. Maybe once a week watering is what it needs.

So much fun to see bunnies back at the ESA. The one on the bike path was hanging out with the ground squirrels.

Great horned owl pair in mulberry tree next to ESA/FACT work area. So excited to see them in the tree together.

My favorite long term critter at the ESA. Pond gator was on the move last week.

Thankful that this was the only big branch down from with wind storm earlier this week. Glad it's out of the way and not a safety hazard to ESA user.

More transition at the ESA. The last display enclosure was carefully disassembled last week and is ready to be transported to it's new home, Wildhaven Ranch in Lake Arrowhead. It will be fun to hear how the hawks react to having their old enclosure in a new location.

Finally had a measuring tape when we saw the giant paw prints.

Not at the ESA but wanted to share anyway. Mimosa pudica, sensitive plant, flowered in the teaching greenhouse. Love these unexpected flowers.

And the babies are out of the nest flying around the ESA and south end of campus. If you're in the area, you'll hear them first. Very vocal as they find their way in the world of flight.