Category Archives: wildlife

animal life in the park

great horned owl chicks wow birdwatchers

The following is excerpted from an article by Katie Worth in the San Francisco Examiner (4-9-11): “In the mottled light behind the trunk of a pine tree, four poofs with eyes huddle together. And they’re watching.  Those poofs are in … Continue reading

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feeding feral cats in golden gate park

The definition of “wildlife” in urban parks is far from precise! Here’s an excerpt from a story by Matt Smith from SF Weekly that illustrates evolving urban ecology and some of the dilemmas that attend this evolution. “It’s 7 o’clock … Continue reading

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academy roof garden hosts diverse species

At a symposium last weekend at the Academy of Sciences, Alana Hysert, Academy Naturalist, reported some interesting preliminary data on the living roof.   Recognizing the research and education potential of the new green roof, Hysert has been overseeing a citizen science … Continue reading

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hunting wild animals in golden gate park in 1905

A full page, illustrated article in the Sunday, August 27, 1905 edition of the San Francisco Call celebrated the many animals housed in the park at that time.  The “head keeper,” William Leland was in charge, and his duties including birthing … Continue reading

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mystery bird identified: western gull, Larus occidentalis

Mystery bird: western gull, Larus occidentalis This leucistic individual is difficult to ID, but after staring at this bird through a magnifying glass for 3 hours and comparing it with a hundred or so photographs, I think I’ve got it! … Continue reading

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mystery bird in the park | Science | guardian.co.uk

Here’s a fun challenge from the UK!  The bird is in Golden Gate Park: “This beautiful North American mystery bird is quite special when compared to its brothers and sisters — how? Complaints about yesterday’s mystery bird being ‘too easy’ … Continue reading

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a wildlife photographer shares twilight adventure in golden gate park

Janet Kessler took this delightful photograph of a raccoon in Golden Gate Park for an exhibit at the main San Francisco library last summer.  The following is her description of capturing these elusive animals on film  .  .  . “I … Continue reading

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golden gate park after dark?

golden gate park at night (by photographer Chris MacArthur, SF Weekly) Marie Winn’s delightful book,  Central Park in the Dark: More Mysteries of Urban Wildlife (New York:   Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  2008) begins: “The first time I walked through … Continue reading

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a grizzly story: bear pit long gone!

This bear pit was formerly located at the west end of what is now the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park.  It’s one of the more colorful “lost” sites in the park;  one that lives on in civic … Continue reading

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herons return to stow lake

The herons are returning to nest in the stand of trees on the little island in Stow Lake, in front of the boat house.  Last weekend I saw five of them, seemingly inspecting their nests and assessing necessary repairs.  With … Continue reading

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