Tag Archives: Wildlife

Thoughts on Rare Lily Ojai Fritillaria and Indian Fire

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Earlier this year in March, out scampering around in the Los Padres National Forest, I stumbled across a rather impressive stand of a rare wildflower, Fritillaria ojaiensis or the Ojai Fritillaria lily. I had previously noted this Seldom Seen Slim … Continue reading →

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Horny Toad

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jack Elliott

“It was a rough land that bred a tough man.” —Louis L’Amour, Utah Blaine (1984) The observer may glean some insight into the nature of the land by looking at its native inhabitants. When you’re wearing a helmet of horns and shrouded … Continue reading →

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The Wondrous Orange-Bellied Newt

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Jack Elliott

California orange bellied newt (Taricha torosa). One of the great indicators of seasonal change in the Santa Ynez Range of Santa Barbara is the arrival of orange bellied newts to mountain streams. They don’t always live in water. Newts spend … Continue reading →

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Pronghorn, Carrizo Plain National Monument

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Jack Elliott

Pronghorn on the Carrizo Plain National Monument, March 1, 2017. “We were taught how the pioneers went into the West. They opened their eyes and made up what things could be. . . .People think there aren’t frontiers anymore. They … Continue reading →

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Gaviota Coast Gallivants: Then Came the Fox

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Jack Elliott

June 2016 I take the kids to the zoo. It’s not a place I can appreciate any longer, but granny bought us a family membership. So we go. The kids scamper through the prison camp, er, zoological garden with great delight. … Continue reading →

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