Did you know that the California Condor population in the California wild hit 100 ? A milestone ! In 1982, there were 22 wild condors in the state. The populations of Arizona, Utah, Baja Mexico and California now total near 400 and we hope the number is growing.

Did you know that the top waddle speed of the Antarctic Emperor Penguin is 1.7 miles per hour ?

(Source – Stanford Dept. Of Geologic and Environmental Science)

Did you know where the Zenaida Dove got its name ? It was named in honor of Zenaida Laetitia Julie Bonaparte. She was the daughter of Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother) and she married Charles Lucien Bonaparte – her cousin- which made her Princess Zenaida Bonaparte Bonaparte. Her husband was an ornithologist (he had a gull named for him)and he named the doves for his wife. If you want to see her, there is a beautiful portrait of Zenaida and her sister Charlotte by Jacques -Louis David at the Getty Museum ( West Pavilion – second floor – European paintings)

This October is having unusual weather – stick native plants in the ground and take advantage of the rain.

See you soon and stay dry, Ellen