Nature and wildlife

Beth Buderus didn’t ask for this problem, but she’s willing to try to address it, even though she thinks of herself as a behind-the-scenes type – and not really a dog person.  The problem is the Community Services District’s sudden policy change 10 days ago to suspend its practice of handling animal calls. Read more » Read more » about Stepping up to help Murieta's animals

Neighbor Paul Anderson (shooter of spectacular nature photos) says he believes the community has had a blessed event. His note Sunday: "Easter eggs aren’t the only eggs getting opened today! Went by the eagle nest this morning. Mama, above, was staring at the newly hatched eaglets.  Dad, solo on branch, was definitely keeping watch in the area! This behavior is very normal when new eggs are hatched.  Could not see any heads, as the babies are very small at this stage!" (Click photos for larger images)  Read more » about Eggs hatched at eagles' nest? Could be

Neighbor Dr. Bill Day shares the photos, taken this month on the North Course, and this note: "These are a white tail hawk. Rare for this area. There are two of them keeping busy gathering sticks from a tree across the fairway from my back deck. After picking out the nest material they fly off to their future home, but they always return for a few more sticks. I was able to sit in a chair and focus them in with a long telephoto lens and patiently wait for them to settle down, but they are quite active and not very good portrait subjects. The white tail hawk has a wingspan of about 36 to 40 inches and weighs about a pound. They feed on small rodents and birds." (Click photos for larger images.) Read more » about Murieta 'Wild Kingdom' continues to grow

Photographer Paul Anderson writes, "Loving these stormy sunsets. Lake Clementia last night." And now, a break in the weather. The forecasters see a few dry days, then rain Tuesday into Thursday. (Click photo for larger image.) Read more » about Sunset at Lake Clementia

Local organizations have issued a report about their work to improve community lakes, in particular Laguna Joaquin. The Rancho Murieta Association, Community Services District and downstream ranchers are represented in the group, which was formed in response to last July's fish kill at Laguna Joaquin. Read more » Read more » about Group reports on efforts to improve lakes

Neighbor Paul Anderson, who has shared so many great photos, offers this one and some news about our local bald eagles: "I was out photographing last weekend.  I have not seen the eagles around the past few weeks and suspected she may be on the nest.  Sunday I was able to see that bright white head popping out of the nest.  She was definitely sitting on an egg. Bald eagle gestation period is only 35 days, so I suspect we will have eaglets by the end of March!" Paul captured other eagle babies last spring. (Click photo for larger image) Read more » about Getting the nursery ready once again

Bill (Birdman) Gengler checks in with a new photo: "Spotted this new neighbor with double stripes on its face at Lake Clementia this week. It is not a hawk although it looks a lot like one. It is the smallest falcon there is. It is an American Kestral and its call is a shrill killy killy killy. It feeds on insects, reptiles and small mammals. As it is doing in the photo, it often perches on telephone wires before plunging on its prey. Interesting, huh?" Read more » about Birdman finds a pretty little falcon

Neighbor Paul Wallace got these shots last week of Murieta's most famous residents chilling at their Lake Clementia home. (Click photo for larger image.) Read more » about Sitting on the nest and standing watch

Happy Valentine’s Day from Lake Clementia! Neighbor Paul Anderson, who has shared many wonderful photos of Murieta wildlife, offers this one to put you in the mood of the day. (Click photo for larger image.) Read more » about Happy Valentine's Day, Murieta lovers!

Shots of passing fish from the camera that was pulled from the Cosumnes River. (Click photo for larger image.)

Vandalism at the Cosumnes River fish ladder, probably Rancho Murieta’s signature environmental presence, has forced the Fishery Foundation of California to remove a $50,000 fish-counting camera from the river and to address concerns about whether the camera will return. Read more » Read more » about Fish ladder camera removed after vandalism