February 2012

The Eyes Have It!

Why Is It That Raptors Have Such Great Vision?
Many expressions are used to extol the incredible vision of raptors.  Most of us have used the phrase “Hawk-eyed”, or know someone we refer to as having an “Eagle Eye”.  And then, there is the oft-quoted football field analogy … “A Golden Eagle’s sight is so keen, it could read the New York Times across a football field!” However, although raptors, including Golden Eagles, definitely cannot read, there is no mistaking that they do have extraordinary vision.  To find out why, check the newest feature of our More Mesa Preservation Coalition website, “Raptor Vision”, located here.

More Mesa Through the Eyes of the OAK Group
We are extremely pleased to announce that the prestigious OAK Group has decided to feature More Mesa in their month-long exhibition at the Faulkner Gallery, this coming October.  We will be updating our supporters about all aspects of this event as the year progresses.

The Eyes Have It

October 2011

It’s All About The Birds

Many different species of birds have been reported on More Mesa in the past few weeks.  In addition to our year-round residents: White Tailed Kites, Red Tailed Hawks, Red Shouldered Hawks and Kestrels, winter visitors are already arriving, as evidenced by the presence of Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Say’s Phoebe during the month of September. Red-winged Blackbirds frequent the west side, especially near a large bird-feeder in the garden of a home abutting More Mesa.

We truly appreciate the sightings reports provided by those of our supporters who are also bird enthusiasts.  THANKS SO MUCH!

binos
American Kestrel and Sharp-shinned Hawk on More Mesa

September 2011

Stories of More Mesa
Last month we shared one of our “Stories of More Mesa”; stories that tell the world what More Mesa means to the people who cherish it.  This month we present a second story, a different story, but the same theme. (If you, too, have a story you would like to share, please contact us here.)

In my “other life” when I held a job, raised three kids and lived in the hustle and bustle of L.A., I hurried off to the mountains, the desert, or an peaceful seaside community every chance I could.  I drove one way for 5-20 hours, threw out a sleeping bag, slept, hiked, climbed, ran rivers and reveled in the wilderness … trees, free flowing rivers, wild flowers, wild animals and magnificent birds.  There were few structures, no traffic, few people and the whole outdoors to admire, appreciate and soak in. Now that I am twice as old as I was then, I still need the wilderness I sought in that other life.  But, my body is not as willing to jump into cars and drive 20 hours, sleep on the ground, climb, hike or run rivers.  But it’s more than happy to walk on More Mesa.  And although there are places where houses can be seen, there are also many places where you see only the mountains and the ocean.  And there are trees and wild flowers and wild animals.  There are magnificent oaks, incredible raptors, snakes, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks and bobcats. I can feel the rhythm of the seasons, the wind, the sun, and experience the quiet.  In short, it feels just like a wilderness … a wilderness in my backyard.

kestrel
sunset

August 2011

Stories of More Mesa
Over the past year or so, we have been collecting stories from folks who regularly use More Mesa.  These stories describe what More Mesa means to those who cherish it.  This month we share one of our most favorite ones with you. (If you, too, have a story you would like to share, please contact us here.)

As anyone who knows me can probably tell, I have fallen in love with More Mesa.  I walk there when I am happy, when I am sad, when I want to be inspired – whenever.  And every time I walk there, I see something new that I never saw before.   It is truly an amazing place!

eveningbaby kite

August 2010

People
The More Mesa Preservation Coalition is pleased to announce that Dan Gira has rejoined the Board of Directors of the MMPC.  And, in addition to being a Board member, Dan has agreed to assume the post of Vice-President as well.  Welcome back Dan!

Birds
Although we do not have our regular winter raptor visitors to enjoy at this time of year, there are still many beautiful and interesting birds to observe on More Mesa.  We have had several reports of a Peregrine Falcon, on and near the coast, sightings of Blue Grosbeaks and two recent reports of a Harrier Hawk as well.  And, while Peregrines and Grosbeaks are summer species on More Mesa, it is most unusual for Harrier Hawks to be observed at this time of year. Look for these and other rare birds during your visits to More Mesa.  And, be sure to report them by clicking on “Birds, Animals and Rare Plant Sightings” located at the bottom right hand side of the home page of this web site.  Sightings reports are very important because, while anecdotal in nature, they represent an extensive data base, that has been, and will continue to be, used as credible evidence for the existence of the various special species that live on More Mesa.

blue grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak on More Mesa