Category: Photography

Blainville’s Horned Lizard on the Meadow Vista Trail

A Blainville's Horned Lizard relies upon camouflage to blend in with its surroundings.

Last Saturday my sister Roxanne and I hiked a loop on trails in the Lang Ranch and Woodridge open space. As has become my habit, I took photos of wildflowers. While walking down the Meadow Vista trail, my sister heard a rustling sound and turned to spot an unusual creature trying to hide in a… Continue reading Blainville’s Horned Lizard on the Meadow Vista Trail

White-lined Sphinx Moth

Looking for its next meal or a good place to become a moth

On a recent hike with a friend, Silvia, we came across a late instar of a White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) caterpillar that was probably looking for another plant to consume followed by a good place to pupate. Silvia nick-named him Gilberto. The color and markings of this moth’s larvae varies. All the individuals I have… Continue reading White-lined Sphinx Moth

Conejo Open Space: Autumn Ridge and Sunrise Trails

With its wings showing the signs of a long journey, a Painted Lady takes a brief respite

In Thousand Oaks we are fortunate to live near relatively wild land with more than 150 miles of trails. I like to hike and trail run; more recently I am learning to mountain bike on some of the trails protected by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSTAC). The Conejo Open Space “…offers a safe,… Continue reading Conejo Open Space: Autumn Ridge and Sunrise Trails