The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a short-winged bird with a long tail that sings loudly and is an excellent mimic. Mockingbirds eat insects that are pests to humans. These insects include beetles, ants, wasps and grasshoppers. They also disperse the seeds of many plants. Though the species is abundant, like all birds it is susceptible to habitat loss. The species is protected by the…

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttarus) is a songbird that lives in forests across North America. It winters in our area. Hermit Thrushes don't migrate very far. The ones who winter in our part of the Central Valley likely spend their summers in the forests of the Sierra Nevada. It's diet--which consists of insects and wild berries, such as hackberries--is easily fulfilled here.  The Hermit Thrush…

If you are thinking of replacing your lawn with drought-tolerant plantings, consider Lantana. Lantana is a popular drought-tolerant plant that can thrive with little moisture and in full sun. Lantana produces an abundance of brightly colored flowers all summer and fall, and is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. While hard frosts can cause problems for Lantana, plants from local nurseries…

The Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica Nuttalli) is a resident species of the Central Valley that frequents the neighborhoods of Arden Arcade. A true Californian, it lives no where else in the world.  Magpies have a limited range and specialized habitat requirements. They travel and nest in groups and are fun to watch. They eat almost anything--acorns, grasshoppers, earthworms and lawn insects, flying…

The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) came to California from Texas in 1959 after the CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife determined that the Rio Grande sub-species (M. g. intermedia) of turkey would do well in California habitats. Flocks of turkeys now thrive in the American River Parkway and also in Arden Arcade's residential neighborhoods.

Thoroughbreds once grazed here before moving to Bluegrass country.  Cows and goats once roamed the local pastures. They may be gone, but there are plenty of other local residents beside people: birds like wild turkeys and yellow-billed magpies, mammals like coyote, deer, raccoons, and even marsupial opossums. It's kind of amazing to see the diversity of wildlife coexisting with us in our densely-…