Montecito Journal Feature: More Mesa Magic

In pursuit of our mission to preserve More Mesa forever, the More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) constantly strives to reach the broadest spectrum of our community with our message.  One technique we have used in the past is illustrated talks tailored to the needs of audiences such as Homeowners Associations, Fraternal and Service Organizations and…

So far, we are aware of at least eight fledged chicks from the first broods of More Mesa’s kites. Since kites often have two clutches a year, this early count is an extremely heartening number. Last year, the total count, for the whole breeding period, for all four mated pairs, was ten. This early news…

Reptiles and Amphibians: In the past we have highlighted many of the biological resources found on More Mesa: birds, plants, mammals and, in last month’s update, our colorful insects, the butterflies. So it seems timely that the recent finding of a very long Gopher Snake shed should prompt this month’s discussion of the reptiles and…

El Niño Rains Haven’t Forgotten Us … They May Just Be Running Late If you are wondering what happened to the vaunted El Niño,  weather experts have stated that periods of sunny and warm weather are typical even in strong El Niño winters and that there is “No need to be alarmed that El Niño…

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHICKS!! Update on White-tailed kites … In May we reported that the pair of white-tailed kites occupying the east nesting area on More Mesa had fledged three chicks. This eastern area on More Mesa, known as Oak Hollow, has consistently and persistently been occupied each year with breeding kites. It now appears they…