Birdfeeding

[ysabetwordsmith]

Today is partly cloudy and chilly.

I fed the birds.  I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.

I put out water for the birds.

EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.

EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.

I've seen at least 4 male cardinals chasing each other around the trees, along with 2 squirrels.

EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.

I am done for the night. 
 

Wildlife

[ysabetwordsmith]

Missing for 200 Years, the Galapagos Rail Reappears Following Floreana Island Restoration

Centuries after they were made famous by Charles Darwin, and a century after they had become plagued by invasive rats and cats, the Galapagos Islands are well on their way to recovery.

Few events could better capture that recovery than the recent reappearance of the beautiful blue Galapagos rail, a bird which hadn’t been seen on Floreana island for 200 years.

After almost a decade of preparatory work, invasive rats, avian vampire flies, and domesticated cats were eradicated from the island thanks to the close coordination of several conservation groups from around the world working alongside the Galapagos National Park Directorate.


Restoration projects often foster the revival of rare species, or those believed to be extirpated or extinct. It's not often this dramatic, so this is exciting news.