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Tag Archives: urban wildlife
pocketing gophers in golden gate park and golf courses
‘Sheila Bradford [a gardener with the Recreation and Parks Department] has recorded on a tally sheet the 1,290 gophers she’s trapped in city parks the past two years: 1,004 at Alta Plaza Park, 239 at Crocker Amazon Park, 12 at … Continue reading
Posted in people, urban ecology, wildlife
Tagged golden gate park, gophers, urban ecology, urban wildlife
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urban ecology: duckweed and african frogs clog golden gate park pond
‘About a decade after a quickly growing weed and a vicious frog species infested a secluded pond in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco officials say they are close to a solution. Once a crystal-clear reflecting pond sequestered on a short … Continue reading
Posted in plants, urban ecology, wildlife
Tagged african clawed frogs, duckweed, golden gate park, invasive plants, urban ecology, urban wildlife
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coyotes in golden gate park
It seems we may be seeing coyotes more frequently in Golden Gate Park, according to this recent column by C.W. Nevius, for SF Gate: ‘Four years ago, the city was in a tizzy over coyotes. It culminated with two of … Continue reading
quail in golden gate park
According to the Golden Gate Audubon Society web page: “The haunting call of the California Quail, the California State bird, is now rarely heard in Golden Gate Park. Historically, San Francisco’s streams and coastal scrub vegetation provided the food, cover, … Continue reading
urban ecology: how native ants are faring in golden gate park
Have you been worrying about the health and safety of native ants in Golden Gate Park? I recently realized that maybe I should be paying more attention to these small creatures. This epiphany occurred after I read a scientific paper published … Continue reading
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
Posted in urban ecology, wildlife
Tagged golden gate park, nature photography, urban wildlife, wildlife photography
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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
Posted in people, urban ecology, wildlife
Tagged feral cats, golden gate park, urban parks, urban wildlife
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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
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
Posted in "lost" golden gate park, history, people, wildlife
Tagged golden gate park, urban wildlife
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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
golden gate park: views from the thicket 