Tag Archives: California

Woodpecker Heaven

Posted on April 22, 2013 by joanienaz

The foothill country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California is woodpecker Heaven. The oaks and conifers are the big attraction here. We have been inundated by Acorn woodpeckers since our arrival last fall. They spent weeks pounding on the … Continue reading →

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Ant Beauty

Posted on April 11, 2013 by joanienaz

Ants tend to show up in an army, with flags unfurled. They invade every crevice and surface of your kitchen, or any other place they feel at home. Sometimes they appear out of nowhere. You walk away from a sinkful … Continue reading →

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The Not-so-plain Oak Titmouse

Posted on March 20, 2013 by joanienaz

In honor of the first day of spring, I sketched an Oak Titmouse, formerly know as the Plain Titmouse, from a photo I took last week here in the Sierra Nevada foothills, when the weather was warm and clear. Today it is … Continue reading →

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What’s So Great About Egrets

Posted on March 11, 2013 by joanienaz

The Great Egret is one of my all-time favorite birds. It is both primitive and elegant. Like a giant raptor of ancient times, it rises over its aquatic habitat with majestic dignity and expansive wings. It stands guard at the water’s edge, a … Continue reading →

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North Coast Music

Posted on March 6, 2013 by joanienaz

It’s a blustery day here in Northern California as a cold storm with the promise of snow blasts through the area. So curl up with something warm wherever you are, and check out this indie band from Humboldt County. The banjo … Continue reading →

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A Pair of Bufflehead in the Pines

Posted on February 27, 2013 by joanienaz

This pair of wintering Bufflehead was diving and scooting around the pond at the Nevada County fairgrounds when I stopped to take a walk yesterday. I enjoyed watching them swim and dive for half an hour. They were moving around … Continue reading →

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Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park

Posted on February 24, 2013 by joanienaz

My first love was the Pacific Ocean. Then I discovered the Sierra Nevada. So although I enjoy living in the foothills, I was thrilled to spend an afternoon along the coast last Sunday. I spotted this Bryant’s Savannah Sparrow at MacKerricher State Park … Continue reading →

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A Snow Day in the California Foothills

Posted on February 19, 2013 by joanienaz

After spending the long weekend on the coast enjoying a false spring, we returned to the Sierra foothills in time for a day-long snow frenzy. After a rainy fall it’s been a dry winter, so the precipitation was welcome. I was … Continue reading →

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The Daily Writing Habit

Posted on January 17, 2013 by joanienaz

The weather has begun to change here in the Northern California foothills, from the frosty days of the past week or two to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. As my brain has thawed, I have been getting back to my writing. … Continue reading →

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Cabin Fever

Posted on January 13, 2013 by joanienaz

Today was a clear and sunny day in western Nevada County, California, and although the air was chilly, Sam and I decided to take a stroll in a local park several miles from the cabin. As the warmer air in the open was more … Continue reading →

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