Nature and wildlife

"Bug Week" concludes with photographer Bill Gengler's take on the fly.  And if you're put off by bugs, Bill Gengler's photo gallery includes some new beautiful bird shots and one of a balloon passing over his street (for those who can't handle the Birdman's avant-garde work). On the other hand, Bug Week inspired Mike White to launch a gallery with his photo of a wasp on a leaf -- a worthy addition to the week.  Read more »

Neighbor Steve DeMello caught this moment the other day in his wife's flower garden on Puerto Drive.  We're not sure what it means exactly, but it seems like an appropriate pick-me-up for a Monday morning.

They're a regular sight, but the beauty never gets old. Balloons passed over the community Sunday morning, slipping through the air that will reach 100 degrees today. They landed near Lake Calero around 8 a.m.  Read more »

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Bill "Birdman" Gengler found an egret that likes hanging out with the bulls and cows.  They're relaxing here along a fence on Jackson Road.

Bill Gengler, the Birdman of Rancho Murieta, photographed this family of California Elegans red-shouldered hawks last week in their nest on Camino Del Lago. The nest became an attraction on the Rancho Murieta Women's Club garden tour in April after docents pointed it out to visitors at the home of Pat and Richard Dubey. The nest sits high up in a cluster of palm trees and spotting the birds became something of a "Where's Waldo?" challenge. Undaunted, the Birdman set out to get a photo after hearing about the nest. "Pat says that she has seen as many as four chicks in the nest, but it looks like one or two may have moved out," Bill wrote in an e-mail.

Come join the Rancho Murieta Rotary on a guided hike of the Deer Creek Hills preserve with Roger and Joanne Brandt this Saturday.  The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the North Gazebo, and then caravan to Deer Creek Hills, which is right next door to Rancho Murieta.  Read more »

Bill Gengler, the Birdman of Rancho Murieta, sends a note, some photos and a little mystery.  First, the note: "Marcy Clifton of Rio Blanco sent me this stunning picture of two barn owls that have been living in a tree behind her house.  I asked her if I could send it to RanchoMurieta.com, and she said yes.  Maybe we have the Birdwoman of Rancho Murieta."  Marcy, thanks so much.  With photos like that, Bill's right -- he may have competition for the Birdperson of Rancho Murieta. The mystery part has to do with the photo at right, one of Bill's. Bill thinks it's a beaver; we're not sure. Surely, one of you knows. Click to the next page, take a closer look and tell us the answer.  Read more »

Neighbor Mel Standart says he's taking up a new hobby, photography (not bee-keeping), and he shares his latest efforts.  In addition to the bee, he got a shot of the photinia that's certainly enjoying this spring in Rancho Murieta.  Thanks to Mel for sharing these. Murietans are a talented bunch, and we're glad to showcase your work.

If you happen to be a duck, there’s nothing like a rainy Monday for some family fun. When Bob and Susan Kurtz saw this duck family bobbing in their pool Monday morning, she called Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta, because “he takes the best pictures, and I thought he’d really like to see them.” Gengler, a regular contributor to RM.com, calls this unique local family “just another example of the beauty of your community.” (Photos by Bill Gengler)

First they’d seen the pair of mating mallard ducks in their pool. Next, they’d watch as the female made repeated trips into their yard. She’d fly into the pool, hop up on the waterfall and then disappear under the tree in the secluded area next to the pool. Did she have a nest there? Was she sitting on eggs?  Bob and Susan Kurtz watched from the picture window overlooking the pool and wondered.  Read more »

Neighbor Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta, has been tracking this nest for years, watching as it was occupied by owl and hawk tenants. Here's his note: "it looks like the owl chicks in the tree by the front gate are growing up and that there are two of them with their mother, who keeps a watchful eye over them. It shouldn't be too much longer when they leave the nest, making room for the hawks to take over. Have an RM day."  Yes, do have an RM day.