#coastal sagebrush

[flowerishness]

Sphaeralcea munroana (Munro's desert-mallow)

Munro's desert-mallow is native to dryer areas of the Great Basin in Western North America (sagebrush country). Vancouver is classified as coastal rainforest and you have to know what you're doing to make it prosper in this much wetter environment. This is what I love about botanical gardens; not only do they expose me to flowers that I can't grow in my back garden but, thoughtfully, they label these exotic species so I know what to call them.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

At first glance the hills and valleys covered in coastal sage scrub oak are little more than a featureless green swath. On closer inspection, however, you can recognize it for what it truly is: the beating heart of one of the most genetically rich ecosystems on the planet. Birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and even some other plants find refuge under the boughs of coastal sage scrub oak, while water drawn up from its deep roots spreads out to sustain ground-dwelling organisms.

Species name:

Coastal sage scrub oak or Nuttall’s scrub oak (Quercus dumosa)

Description:

The coastal sage scrub oak rarely grows more than about 7 feet tall, but it can spread outward a great distance thanks to its lateral branches and multiple trunks. The trees’ small, spiny leaves emerge in the spring soft and bright green, but gradually toughen and darken to a dusty dark green by summer. Their acorns tend to be thin and elongated, almost conical.

Where it’s found:

The coastal sage scrub oak, as its name implies, is found along coastal areas in Southern and Baja California. The full extent of its range is the subject of spirited debate, as it shares many similar physical characteristics with other scrub oaks found more inland. In San Diego County, the remaining populations of coastal sage scrub oak exist in fragmented populations, usually in wildlife reserves, like islands in a sea of urban development.

IUCN Red List status:

Endangered

Major threats:

Urban development destroyed much of this tree’s habitat, and its remnant population still faces this threat, along with several others. The introduction of grasses and other highly flammable nonnative species, like eucalyptus, have increased fire frequency and intensity. Escaped ornamental plants and grasses can outcompete oak saplings for light, space, and water. And climate change is resulting in disruptions to precipitation, which stresses all populations.

My favorite experience:

While collecting tissue samples after a spring rain, I took a moment to look at the tracks imprinted into the soft ground. Animal prints were everywhere — mule deer, raccoon, fox, opossum, roadrunner, and what I hoped were those of an exceedingly large bobcat and not a mountain lion. I rarely saw any of these animals during the day but, thanks to the rain, it was clear that they were all around me — present but hidden within the oaks.

My favorite experience:

What I could see, however, were the many birds flying from tree to tree, reminding me of fish swimming among outcrops of coral. Insects buzzed all around. Galls created by tiny wasps were starting to grow from some of the oaks. By summer, some of these galls would grow to the size and color of a peach, bobbing slowly in wind scented with wildflowers, sunbaked dust, and sagebrush. I knew that under my feet deep roots reached toward the precious groundwater that would sustain the forest during the dry season, and spreading from those roots were mycorrhizal fungi that would work with the oaks to support each other.

I grew up among the firs, cedars, hemlocks, and maples of the Pacific Northwest. I always thought forests needed to be composed of tall, majestic trees christened with carpets of rolling moss. Yet this sea of small, scraggly oaks held so much life. My perspective grew. It’s one thing to read about this ecosystem and another matter entirely to truly see it and understand how precious it is.

[desertmountainapothecary]

Tidepools of La Jolla, California – Nursery of The Pacific Ocean Marine Life - Torrey Pines, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean Beach Adventure

To the north and east of the beach Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve is one of the last remaining salt marsh areas and waterfowl refuges in southern California. The marsh, coves, and tidepools are rich in sea life: limpets, shore crabs and hermit crabs, mussels, barnacles, sea anemones, and many species of snails and cast-off shells.

This is the perfect place to watch the annual gray whale migration. All year round, you can see Seals, dolphins, porpoises, and sea lions in the ocean. About two hundred species of birds are protected at the reserve, including migratory ones.

Year round Resident shore birds include brown and American white pelicans, black-bellied and snowy plovers, American avocets, western sandpipers, willets, whimbrels, sanderlings, great egrets, and longbilled curlews. Occasionally, visitors may see gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and mule deer. Reptile residents include rattlesnakes and various other snakes and species of lizards, including the endangered horned lizard.

The Torrey Pines 2,000-acre reserve contains about 300 endangered and protected species of native plants. These vanishing habitats are home to sand verbena and beach primrose on the beach, as well as California sagebrush, California buckwheat, black sage, and coastal barrel cactus. On the cliffs other high elevations there are many chaparral plants, including chamise, manzanita, ceanothus, California scrub oak, toyon, and mountain mahogany. Many of these scrub plants in particular provide the refreshing herbal fragrance that mixes so incredibly with the ocean breeze.

Before this area was colonized by Spain, the Kumeyaay tribes migrated lived here, and migrated between here, the deserts, and the mountains throughout the seasons. The land was bountiful, and the Kumeyaay would have fished, hunted, collected crustaceans, and gathered seeds, fruit, roots, to create probably a very healthy and tasty diet. The Kumeyaay have left an indelible archaeological and cultural legacy here in San Diego county and they continue to be a strong tribal nation today both here and south of the border in Baja Norte state.

The water is usually so clean and clear here, and because of the lack of shoreline development, and the underwater marine reserve, this constantly ranks as one of the 3 cleanest beaches in SoCal. This is a wonderful rare instance of extremely valuable real estate, both being a wildlife refuge and habitat, and a beautiful escape from civilization for people to enjoy for the most part in harmony.

It’s been an incredible day on the coast here in Torrey Pines and La Jolla, and I’m so glad that we were able to explore my favorite beach together. You can enjoy my series: Torrey Pines – La Jolla, California – San Diego Pacific Ocean Beach Adventure, full length, 3 glorious days on the North County coast, and experience all of the different moods and landscapes from the ever-changing interplay between the coastal inversion and sunlight.

Full Length Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLyySza85jA

Thank you so much for joining me for this adventure in my favorite beach town on the west coast, the gem of the San Diego coastline, La Jolla, California. It means the world to me to be able to share my treasured slice of heaven in the summer heat with you, and thank you so much for watching, upvoting, commenting, and subscribing.

All the best,

William Z. Brennan & Desert Mountain Apothecary

Please Enjoy Anza Borrego Desert Wildflower Superbloom – We had the most incredible wildflower superbloom in the California Desert this past year, join me from the beginning of the cold winter through the waves of dazzling blooms to the hot end of the season.

Web: https://desertmountainapothecary.com/

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Please Enjoy More Videos!

Supreme Superbloom! Anza Borrego Desert Spring Wildflowers! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGDPHEmN3v8

Grateful Desert Ocotillos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bstybc3XcAk

Coyote Canyon Offroad Adventure! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQYPvqj2ouU

Julian & Santa Ysabel, CA Epic San Diego Backcountry Road Trip- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Z_o0S4Hpg

Bellport in Spring - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J9hzsFhS-k

Santa Ysabel Preserve – Backcountry Hiking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XLrSJMLXUw

[wild-west-wind]

32, 42?

32. Is there a smell that reminds you of your childhood?

Sagebrush! I grew up in coastal California, and the the coast sage scrub, especially after rain, smells like home to me!

42. Do you have a favourite swear word?

I like them all. I love to use words other than shit and fuck when something goes wrong though. I live to stub my toe and yell "Cock!" I trip and fall and yell "Piss!" It's just nice to say a bad word.

I grew up in a household where we really didn't swear (well, my dad did, but my mom was extremely against it). So I learned how to swear as an adult. It's a fun hobby.

Random Ask Game

[transroadwarrior]

I love the intermountain west I love being able to wander in and out of the mountains and deserts and sagebrush steppe and work with wildlife. It is NOT just Mormons and evil ranchers ffs and there are so many queers from so many walks of life here and if another coastal lib/queer tells me I need to move to a coast I am going to lose my goddamned mind. The folks here are fighting tooth and nail and the strongest and best queer communities I know are in Utah and Texas and North Carolina because they have to be.

USAmericans: This pride month, talk to the queer people who actually live in all those bad evil icky red states and find out what it's actually like, how we actually feel about it, and who here is actively fighting against it. No more telling us to "just leave" or reducing us to innocent victims who are "trapped" here. There are so many of us and we live here for so many reasons, none of which should be justified. We are resilient, we are powerful, and we are fighting against the fascist laws working to eradicate us or scare us away. Being trans in a red state right now is in and of itself an act of resistance. That being said, pay attention to the brave souls on the front lines, pushing against the laws, making good trouble, and refusing to be silenced.

I won't let myself be talked about like I'm stupid to live here.

I won't let myself be talked about like I'm a helpless victim who's trapped here.

If you can't join the fight by standing beside us, then the least you can do is empower us, amplify our voices, and pay more attention to the ones who are FIGHTING AGAINST THESE LAWS than you are to the chucklefucks trying to pass them.

[sweetkoalastarfish]

Malibu: A Land of Fire and Affluence

Malibu, California, is a paradox of beauty and danger. Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway, this affluent beachside community is renowned for its stunning ocean views, celebrity homes, and relaxed coastal charm. However, Malibu is also synonymous with devastating wildfires that frequently disrupt lives and landscapes. Despite these recurring disasters, the area remains a prime real estate market with some of the highest property values in the country.

Why Does Fire Always Exist in Malibu?

Malibu's susceptibility to wildfires is rooted in its geography, climate, and vegetation:

1. Mediterranean Climate: Malibu experiences long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The lack of consistent rainfall dries out vegetation, creating a perfect fuel source for fires.

2. Santa Ana Winds: These strong, dry winds often blow in from the desert during fall and winter, rapidly spreading flames across the area.

3. Chaparral Vegetation: The region’s native plants, like chaparral and sagebrush, are highly flammable. These plants can easily ignite and burn at high temperatures.

4. Topography: Malibu’s mountainous terrain allows fires to travel quickly uphill, making it difficult to contain them.

5. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts exacerbate fire risks, making the "fire season" longer and more severe.

Why Is Malibu Still Highly Desirable?

Despite its fire-prone environment, Malibu continues to be one of the most exclusive places to live. Several factors explain its enduring appeal:

1. Natural Beauty

Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of coastline, with pristine beaches like Zuma and El Matador, is breathtaking. The Pacific Ocean provides stunning sunsets, and the Santa Monica Mountains offer hiking trails with panoramic views. This idyllic setting makes Malibu a dream location for many.

2. Privacy and Prestige

Malibu has long been a haven for celebrities and high-profile individuals seeking privacy. Gated communities and secluded homes provide a sense of exclusivity, adding to the area’s allure.

3. Prime Location

Malibu is close enough to Los Angeles for business or social engagements but far enough away to offer a peaceful retreat. Its proximity to Hollywood has made it an iconic spot for movies, TV shows, and the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

4. Resilient Real Estate Market

The high demand for Malibu properties keeps prices elevated, even after disasters. Many homeowners see their investments appreciate over time, making it a financially sound decision despite risks.

5. Community and Lifestyle

Malibu offers a laid-back, luxurious lifestyle with world-class dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events. Its tight-knit community and resilience in the face of adversity create a strong sense of belonging for residents.

Balancing Risk and Reward

Living in Malibu comes with a high price tag—not just in terms of money but also in terms of safety and peace of mind. Residents invest heavily in fire-resistant building materials, private firefighting services, and insurance to mitigate risks. Moreover, the local government has taken steps to improve fire preparedness by enforcing stricter building codes, clearing vegetation, and implementing evacuation plans.

The Future of Malibu

As climate change continues to intensify, the challenges facing Malibu are expected to grow. However, its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural significance ensures that it will remain a desirable location. Advances in fire management technology and sustainable development practices may provide hope for a safer future.

Conclusion

Malibu’s story is one of resilience and allure. While the specter of wildfires looms large, the community’s enduring charm and status make it a place where people are willing to take the risks to live in paradise. Malibu is not just a place; it’s a symbol of aspiration, beauty, and the human capacity to adapt and persevere.

Thank you for reading.

[petnews2day]

What happens to birds when it's smoky outside?

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/GmXgu

What happens to birds when it's smoky outside?

Last summer, Carrie Brown-Kornarens spent 10 minutes every week observing birds in her Los Angeles backyard and at nearby Griffith Park. Brown-Kornarens, a ceramicist with a background in graphic design and animation, looked and listened closely for birds amid the coastal sagebrush, scrub, oak and walnut trees. She was already collecting data for a local […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/GmXgu #BirdNews

[fromthedeskoftheminister]

Watching a streamer I like compose music, and its paintin such a picture in my head I wanted to save it.

Magenta fades into peach into pale pink into blue as the clouds whisp in. They dont roll, but start as light little whispy things that just chase each other across the early mornin sky colliding until they build up into a dusky puffy cloud that hides the pink behind it, causing the surrounding sky to pale further in comparison as the cloud grows darker and whisps out, spreadin slightly as it dissipates and a light sprinkle early mornin sunshower starts. the edge of the large cloud fuzzes and dissipates, with a whispy playful nature loosing its clean edge as the rain slowly falls on coastal scrub mountains, bringing for the scent of creosote, sage and petrichor washing away the dust and enhancing the various subtle shades of green found in the desert from the waxy evergreen of some of the shrubs to the velvet grey green of the sagebrush, to the yellow green and cream of the yucca and the soft blue green of a succulent. The dirt beneath slowly drinking in the winter rain, revealing all of the different shades of brown from a deep dark grey that turns into the best kind of mud to play in, to a rich red brown full of clay, to a sparkling pale tan as water runs down a rock face accenting the quartz and mica, causing them to sparkle in the sun. and above it all, the clouds continue to chase and build and spread across the sky, over the land, bringing depth to a new day.

[startracktours]

The Mountain Topography Surrounding Hollywood, California

Tours of Hollywood Sign and More

Hollywood sightseeing tours all include spectacular (and cost-free) views of the surrounding mountains (the famous Hollywood Hills) but just how much do you know about the topography of this part of the city of Los Angeles?

The vibrant city of Hollywood, California, renowned for its glitz and glamour, is nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County. Beyond the bustling urban landscape, Hollywood is enveloped by a picturesque mountainous terrain. This article explores the fascinating mountain topography surrounding Hollywood, providing insights into its geology, prominent peaks, recreational opportunities, and the breathtaking views they offer to residents and visitors alike.

Geological Background

The mountainous landscape around Hollywood owes its origins to the complex geological history of the region. The area lies within the southern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains, a range that stretches approximately 40 miles parallel to the coast of Southern California. The Santa Monica Mountains are part of the Transverse Ranges, which were formed by the tectonic forces of the Pacific and North American plates. Over millions of years, uplift, faulting, and erosion shaped the mountains we see today.

Prominent Peaks

Several notable peaks dot the mountainous terrain around Hollywood, offering stunning vistas and recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Lee, crowned by the iconic Hollywood Sign, is a prominent feature that rises to an elevation of 1,708 feet. Griffith Observatory, situated atop Mount Hollywood (1,625 feet), provides breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Another prominent peak is Cahuenga Peak (1,820 feet), located within Griffith Park, offering commanding views of the San Fernando Valley.

Recreational Opportunities

The mountainous landscape surrounding Hollywood provides a haven for outdoor activities and recreation. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offers an extensive trail network for hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. The popular Griffith Observatory and its surrounding trails provide opportunities for both nature exploration and stargazing. Runyon Canyon Park, located just south of the Hollywood Hills, is a favored destination for hiking, with trails offering panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. These mountains also attract rock climbers, who can challenge themselves on the steep cliffs and boulders that punctuate the landscape.

Flora and Fauna

The mountainous terrain surrounding Hollywood supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. Chaparral, characterized by drought-tolerant shrubs, dominates the landscape. Common plant species include California sagebrush, toyon, and coastal sage scrub. The mountains are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous bird species. Protected areas within the mountain range, such as the Griffith Park Nature Reserve, ensure the preservation of these natural habitats.

Breathtaking Views

The mountain topography around Hollywood offers breathtaking views that have captured the imagination of artists, photographers, and visitors for decades. The panoramic vistas from Griffith Observatory showcase the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles, the glimmering Pacific Ocean, and the silhouettes of neighboring mountain ranges. Atop Cahuenga Peak, one can marvel at the sweeping vistas of the San Fernando Valley, extending to the majestic Santa Susana Mountains. These awe-inspiring views serve as a reminder of the natural beauty that coexists with the vibrant urban setting of Hollywood.

The mountain topography surrounding Hollywood adds a natural grandeur and serenity to the bustling cityscape. From the iconic peaks like Mount Lee to the panoramic views from Griffith Observatory, these mountains provide a refuge for outdoor enthusiasts and a source of inspiration for those seeking respite from the urban bustle. The diverse flora, fauna, and recreational opportunities within this mountainous landscape create a unique juxtaposition with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, enhancing the overall charm of the region.

[drahdoutcosmeticdentistry]

Hike to Vanalden Cave in Tarzana

Located near Tarzana, Vanalden Cave is one of the most unusual sandstone formations in the Santa Monica Mountains. It has been carved out over thousands of years by either wind and water or tectonic movements. The result is a sandstone cave with a roof that’s only a few feet thick, allowing natural skylights to illuminate the inside of the cave.

Trailhead & ParkingHike 0.6 Miles Round Trip With 100 Foot Elevation Change

There is street parking available at the trailhead of Vanalden Cave, which can be reached from US-101. Exit Tampa Avenue south (right off the ramp if you’re going northbound) and follow the road 0.7 miles to Wells Drive, making a left turn. You’ll reach a dirt parking lot, which has plenty of space for your car and the trailhead to the Vanalden Cave Trail.

https://milissana321.medium.com/enjoy-lake-balboa-anthony-c-beilenson-park-in-tarzana-8183322ccba9

Hike 0.6 Miles Round Trip With 100 Foot Elevation Change

The Vanalden Cave Trail starts out easy-going and well-groomed before a steady climb begins that steepens as the hike progresses. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of desert plants like chaparral yucca and coastal sagebrush.

Once you get to the 0.3-mile mark, a trail splits off from the main Vanalden Trail. The offshoot descends to a large oak tree before gradually ascending upward for 0.1 miles over a 108-foot total elevation gain from the trailhead to Vanalden Cave, a sandstone den with a unique ceiling.

It’s a fun and spooky spot to explore, with plenty of interesting carvings and graffiti that make it feel both mystical and modern. It’s a great place to take family and friends for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.

You can also extend your hike to 1.55 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation change to a nearby vista point on the Vanalden Trail that provides an ampitheater-like view of the Santa Monica Mountains.

In addition to the cave, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife on the trail, including desert cottontails, badgers and bobcats. There are also scrub jays, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and western screech owls.

The cave is a cool spot for a picnic, too, as it’s nestled in a small oak grove. The area is also home to some native wildflowers, such as cactus, wild rose and wild plum.

This hike is a good option for families, as it doesn’t involve strenuous exertion and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive day out with your kids in the Santa Monica Mountains. The entire trail can be completed in less than half a mile, but it’s recommended to allow yourself at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the scenery and stop for a break.

[pacificnorthwesterngothic]

I think the issue is that the landscape of the non-coastal PNW isn’t unique to the PNW.

So apart from specific geological features like the Scablands, the sagebrush is indistinguishable from generic cowboy gothic

No horror media has used the true potential of the PNW as a setting since everyone is fixated on mossy doug firs and not sagebrush. Go east of the cascades for a real sense of dread

[custom-comfort-interiors]

Hike to Vanalden Cave in Tarzana

Located near Tarzana, Vanalden Cave is one of the most unusual sandstone formations in the Santa Monica Mountains. It has been carved out over thousands of years by either wind and water or tectonic movements. The result is a sandstone cave with a roof that’s only a few feet thick, allowing natural skylights to illuminate the inside of the cave.

Trailhead & Parking

There is street parking available at the trailhead of Vanalden Cave, which can be reached from US-101. Exit Tampa Avenue south (right off the ramp if you’re going northbound) and follow the road 0.7 miles to Wells Drive, making a left turn. You’ll reach a dirt parking lot, which has plenty of space for your car and the trailhead to the Vanalden Cave Trail.

Hike 0.6 Miles Round Trip With 100 Foot Elevation Change

The Vanalden Cave Trail starts out easy-going and well-groomed before a steady climb begins that steepens as the hike progresses. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of desert plants like chaparral yucca and coastal sagebrush.

Once you get to the 0.3-mile mark, a trail splits off from the main Vanalden Trail. The offshoot descends to a large oak tree before gradually ascending upward for 0.1 miles over a 108-foot total elevation gain from the trailhead to Vanalden Cave, a sandstone den with a unique ceiling.

It’s a fun and spooky spot to explore, with plenty of interesting carvings and graffiti that make it feel both mystical and modern. It’s a great place to take family and friends for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.

You can also extend your hike to 1.55 miles round trip with 350 feet of elevation change to a nearby vista point on the Vanalden Trail that provides an ampitheater-like view of the Santa Monica Mountains.

In addition to the cave, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife on the trail, including desert cottontails, badgers and bobcats. There are also scrub jays, California quail, acorn woodpeckers and western screech owls.

The cave is a cool spot for a picnic, too, as it’s nestled in a small oak grove. The area is also home to some native wildflowers, such as cactus, wild rose and wild plum.

This hike is a good option for families, as it doesn’t involve strenuous exertion and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive day out with your kids in the Santa Monica Mountains. The entire trail can be completed in less than half a mile, but it’s recommended to allow yourself at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the scenery and stop for a break.

[pagansubmorine]

I was tired of living in a "dead" area.

I was stuck on the idea that "nothing grows around here" and "everything is dead." I was convinced that there wasn't any life here.

I was wrong.

I finally went out today to try and identify different plants I could find growing wild. I found...

Horseweed...

Telegraph weed...

A pear tree (planted by one of the first settlers here)

Coast live oak (also planted by the settler)

Pecan trees (settler)

Australian salt bush...

Alkali mallow...

Seaside heliotrope...

Tree tobacco...

American black nightshade (yikes!)...

And so so so much more! Tumblr mobile will only let me post ten pictures at a time. There's so much living here. I was so ignorant to think it was dead. I even found white horehound and sacred datura.

So I guess the lesson here is, if you feel like you don't live in a good place for Witchcraft™... Look again! Put in some effort to SEARCH for witchy things and different resources available to you!

[canisvesperus]

Cool times. 🦌

[fursona-resources]

Species: Wolves (Canis)

This series focuses on helping people choose interesting species for their fursona through informing them of the many, often overlooked, species out there! This post is about wolves.

──── ◉ ────

Species:

Red Wolf (Canis rufus)

Size: 66cm (26in) height (at shoulder), 121cm (4ft) lenght, 20-36kg (45-80lbs)

Diet: carnivorous, preys on deer, small mammals

Habitat: coastal prairies, marshes, forests

Range:

Status: critically endangered/endangered

──── ◉ ────

Eastern Wolf/Timber Wolf (Canis lycaon)

Size: 63-91cm (25-36in) height (at shoulder), 160cm (5.5ft) lenght, 23-30kg (53-67lbs) weight

Diet: carnivorous, preys on deer, large herbivores

Habitat: deciduous forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests

Range (in blue):

Status: imperiled/threatened

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Coyote (Canis latrans)

Size: 58-66cm (21-25in) height (at shoulder), 76-86cm (2.4-2.8ft) lenght, 6.8-21kg (14-46lbs) weight

Diet: omnivorous, preys and scavenges small mammals, deer, livestock, insects, carrion, berries

Habitat: varied, sagebrush-steppe, forests, prairies, deserts, savannahs, alpine meadows, temperate ranforests, urban

Range:

Please note, the coyote has 19 subspecies!

They all have small but interesting variation, and can vary in size quite dramatically. If you'd like a coyote fursona, I recommend checking them out! The picture above is of a mountain coyote (Canis latrans lestes)

Status: least concern

──── ◉ ────

Grey Wolf (Canis lupus)

Size: 80-85cm (31-33in) height (at shoulder), 100-160cm (3.2-5.2ft) length, 23-80kg (50-176lbs) weight

Diet: carnivorous, preys on large ungulates, small mammals

Habitat: varied, temperate forests, mountains, tundra, taiga, grasslands, deserts

Range:

Please note, the grey wolf has 38 subspecies (the above pictured being eurasian wolf, Canis lupus lupus)!

Of which I would like to highlight:

Arabian Wolf (Canis lupus arabs)

Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos)

Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi)

Also, please note the grey wolf comes in a variety of colors, regardless of subspecies

Status: least concern

──── ◉ ────

Dingo (Canis dingo)

Size: 52-60cm (20-23in) height (at shoulder), 120-150cm (3.9-4.9ft) lenght, 10-15kg (22-33 lbs) weight

Diet: carnivorous, preys on small mammals, livestock

Habitat: varied, spanning all if Australia

Range:

Please note, the dingo's taxonomic classification is debated - you may find it also listed as Canis familiaris, Canis familiaris dingo, or Canis lupus dingo

Status: threatened

──── ◉ ────

African Wolf/Golden Wolf (Canis lupaster)

Size: 40cm (15in) height, 7-15kg (14-33lbs) weight

Diet: Carnivorous, preys on small mammals, small reptiles, ground-nesting birds, insects

Habitat: mediterranean, scrublands, forests, savannahs

Range:

Please note! The african wolf has 6 subspecies!

Status: least concern

──── ◉ ────

Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis)

The Ethiopian wolf has 2 subspecies:

Northern Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis simensis)

Southern Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis citernii)

Size: 53-61cm (20-24in) height (at shoulder), 100cm (3.2ft) lenght, 11-20kg (24-44lbs) weight

Diet: carnivorous, preys on small mammals

Habitat: afroalpine grasslands, heathlands

Range:

Status: threatened

──── ◉ ────

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)

Size: 46-51cm (18-20in) height (at shoulder), 69-84cm (27-33in) lenght, 8-11kg (18-24lbs) weight

Diet: omnivorous, preys and scavenges small mammals, small reptiles, ground birds, fish, insects, fruit

Habitat: open savannahs, deserts, arid grasslands

Range:

Please note! The golden jackal has 7 subspecies!

Status: least concern

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[fatehbaz]

There is a Nez Perce name for condors: qu’nes (distinct from the word for the turkey vulture, q’ispa’laya, a similar bird locally differentiated by its bent wing profile). And the great bird historically lived here, in the Palouse Prairie, Hells Canyon, and the inland Pacific Northwest along the slopes of the Northern Rockies. The bird was here not during some lost ancient “primordial” Pleistocene past, but recently; the bird lived here relatively few decades ago. “California” condors living quite far from California. These local names for were relayed to scholar Brian Sharp, and there are other condor-names from the Pacific Northwest (also recorded by Sharp). There is a Wasco word for condors, k’unwakshun (according to scholars of the Warm Springs’ Wasco language program, distinct from the word for turkey vulture, q’ispa’laya), evidencing the bird’s presence at the Dalles, along the inland Columbia River, and in the Blue Mountains. From near the sagebrush steppe east of the Cascades, a Yakama word: patsami hu’u, “rough or crooked beak” (according to scholars of the Yakama Cultural Center). There is lakessltl’nos, possibly the word for condor, which is distinct from the turkey vulture, hem-letet (”stinkhead,” according to Johnson of the Grande Ronde Tribe Cultural Affairs Program). Condor bones exist on islands in the Salish Sea. Sonny McHalsie Naxaxalhts’i (researcher of cultural heritage and Salish place names) identifies a Salish Sto:lo name for condor from the Fraser River: sxwe-xwo:s, “opening his eyes.”

The “official” story as reported in most literature from settler-colonial land management agencies is that condors disappeared from the Pacific Northwest before the 20th century. There are records, even from the mid-20th century, of condors glimpsed flying over the Cascades in the Pacific Northwest, sometimes far from the coast.

Why are Native observations of condors -- from the Pacific Northwest as recently as the 1950s and 1960s -- generally ignored?

Because of the locations of the last remaining populations of the bird (the Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert, canyonlands of southern Utah, and southern California), condors might be associated in popular consciousness with arid landscapes and deserts. A distribution map of where condors survive in the 21st century would give the impression that the bird is associated solely with California deserts of the so-called “American Southwest”. (The Hopi Cultural Office references a Hopi name for condor, kwaatoko, “big eagle.”) But as recently as the early 1800s, the bird apparently still lived all along the coast between the deserts and chaparral of Baja California, past the foggy redwoods forests, to the Garry oak savanna of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Fraser Delta of present-day Vancouver, on the edges of rainforest and beneath the Pacific Northwest’s glaciers.

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During the early Holocene, the California condor apparently lived across the mountains of western North America (and perhaps some birds traveled father eastward into the continent, with Pleistocene fossils found in Texas and elsewhere). But in recent centuries, condors seem associated with the Pacific coastline (maybe similar to how the bird’s counterpart, the Andean condor, lives in a narrow corridor along the Pacific coastline of South America, which shares the climate and environments -- including chaparral, temperate rainforest, and desert -- of the coast of North America, at mirrored latitudes). Early Russian colonizers, traveling from the Aleutian Islands and Alaska towards northern California, reported the condor along the shores of the North Pacific.

How far inland, away from the sea, could condors travel? There are reports from 1818 of what are likely condors living in Hells Canyon, far away from the coast. Condors were also glimpsed above the Snake River Plain near present-day Boise. Into the 1890s, condors were (possibly/probably?) observed over the Rocky Mountain Front in present-day Alberta, where the prairies of the edge of the Great Plains meet the steep Rockies. (This is reported in a 1951 academic article, “Was the California condor known to the Blackfoot ...?”, which also describes a history of apparent condors feeding on bison carcasses.). In 1897, Fannin (who Sharp describes as “perhaps the most highly respected ornithologist in British Columbia”) caused debate when he reported a sighting of condors near Calgary; that same year, a condor was reportedly observed on the Blackfoot reservation in Montana along the Rocky Mountain Front (just south of the Alberta border).

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Some remain very skeptical of the existence of a few condors in the Northern Rockies, so far inland. What is more generally accepted, though, is that condors were residents in the coastal Pacific Northwest and what is now called “eastern Washington.” However, some settler-colonial scholars continued to doubt the possibility that condors were regular, year-round, permanent residents. Evidence for this permanent residency (as opposed to mere seasonal migration from California) includes Native oral histories from multiple tribes and in multiple languages; great numbers of condors historically seen along the lower Columbia and in Willamette Valley; condor bones from the Salish Sea region; the 20th-century reports of condor roosts from Washington State and the Mt. Hood area; and the Columbia River Gorge would’ve apparently provided ample nesting habitat.

In 1817, a condor was apparently shot by a settler in interior British Columbia, far from the coast. Between 1805 and 1825, Euro-American surveyors harvested condors which lived between the Columbia River Gorge and the mouth of the Columbia near present-day Portland and Astoria, where the L*wis and Cl*rk expedition "collected” at least four or five condors. Into the 1830s, settler surveyors Douglas and Townsend both reported condors “in abundance” along the lower Columbia and in western “Oregon.” Condors were still regularly seen in Willamette Valley until the 1850s.

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In the “official” narrative of Euro-American institutions, the last certain observation of a condor within the borders of “Oregon” was famously seen in 1904, a bit south of the Siuslaw River in the passage between Willamette Valley and the Umpqua River corridor. But there are other observations of the condor in the Pacific Northwest in recent decades, observations which don’t get a lot of publicity. But, as Sharp reports: “The paleontological record is proof of condors’ long-term presence in the region, [and] cultural connections between the condor and northwestern Native American tribes were [and are] rich and diverse [...].”

Co-author of Birds of Oregon, David Marshall, has asked: “How could such a huge, charismatic species have been missed in the 20th century?” To which Sharp responds:

The explanation is [...] simple: Euro-Americans did not explore parts of the Cascade Mountains until the mid-1900s. [...] The eastern slope of Mt. Jefferson is within the Warm Springs Indian Reservation [...]. The upper Clackamas drainage was rarely visited by [non-Indigenous people] before roads penetrated the Cascades in the 1950s [...] and before logging in national forests increased from the 1960s [...]. That federal and state wildlife biologists “missed” condors in roadless wilderness until the mid-1900s is not surprising. The condors were not really “missed” but were known to Native Americans and early [settler-colonial] forest workers [...].

Condors were still observed near Mount St. Helens in the 1930s. Many of these more recent observations were also reported by Brian Sharp. Multiple times, between the 1920s and 1940s, Yakama communities reported condors near Mount Adams in the Cascades of Washington State. In the 1950s, land management agency fire lookout staff observed several condors near Myrtle Creek in the Cascades of Oregon. In the 1960s, Forest Survey road-survey crews reported encountering condors multiple times at the Collawash and Clackamas rivers near Mt. Hood, east of the Cascades crest. And the communities of Warm Springs also regularly reported the birds near Mt. Hood well into the 20th century.

These observations don’t really get mentioned by settler-colonial land management agencies.

But, if you trust Native communities to know the difference between a turkey vulture and a condor, then there were great birds with a 10-foot wingspan flying over the Salish Sea, the sagebrush steppe and oak savanna of the Columbia River, and these rainforest-shrouded volcanoes in the recent past.