This gallery contains 4 photos.
The leaves of mature western juniper trees (Juniperus occidentalis) are scale-like and are usually 0.1″ or less in length. These scales are arranged in overlapping opposite pairs or whorled groups of three and clasp the stem along its entire length. … Continue reading
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Juniperus occidentalis is a native tree found in Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. Two subspecies occur: the one growing in SE Washington, NE California, NW Nevada and Eastern and Central Oregon is generally called the western juniper. The other subspecies, … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Several midges induce galls on junipers. Unfortunately these juniper gall midges are confusing and their taxonomy has not been sorted out. Thus, especially for someone like me who is definitely not an entomologist, a genus classification must suffice. Wandering the … Continue reading
This gallery contains 2 photos.
House wrens nest in old woodpecker holes, natural cavities and nestboxes. Although these tiny birds are easy to spot at nestboxes, finding their nests in natural settings can be more of a challenge. About a week ago Leonard and I … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
Robert’s Butte near Lookout CA is covered in western junipers (Juniperus occidentalis). While walking there recently Leonard and I noticed evening grosbeaks eating the juniper berries. This surprised us as neither Leonard nor I can recall seeing evening grosbeaks eat … Continue reading
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Apologies right up front for the poor photos with this post. Since the Townsend’s solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) is one of the prime birds responsible for the juniper trees that grow along fencelines, I want to mention this gray bird with a … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
A common and widespread bird, the American robin (Turdus migratorius) has colorful, distinctive plumage and adapts well to areas dominated by humans. As a result it is one of our most recognized and loved birds. Everyone knows this member of the … Continue reading
