The Loggerhead Shrike is common, but still a fun sighting when your are out in the field. The first time you find an insect or small reptile stuck on a mesquite spine or a barb wire is always a “what the heck?” moment. Years ago it lead me to investigate the natural history of this wonderful songbird predator or as my friend Peacock calls it, “the homicidal songbird.”
When I used to give talks I would always show photos and talk about our regional yucca species; Yucca elata, Y. baccata and Yucca...
I had a chance to use the word didymus when describing the seed pods of Menodora, but forgot, so here: the common name twinberry...
What is it about sycamore trees? When I mention a sycamore or show a photo of one to someone, invariably they declare their love...
