iNaturalist Observations

Fire Poppy on the Etz Meloy/Backbone trail, Santa Monica Mountains, April 2019

I am spending much of my time in the field and just outside my door taking photographs of plants, flowers and insects with the occasional bird, reptile and mammal included when our paths intersect. Doing this kind of work requires patience and focus. I find that I must slow down and concentrate on my subject.… Continue reading iNaturalist Observations

Bindweed Turret Bee

A Bindweed Turret bee rests on a bindweed flower.

The Bindweed Turret bee, Diadasia bituburculata, is a solitary bee that nests in the ground. Each female digs her own nest and provides sustenance in the form of pollen and nectar packets that she leaves in the nest for the larvae to eat when they hatch.