Cosumnes River Bat Spectacular

We went to the Cosumnes River Preserve for a potluck and bat presentation. We saw live adult bats. They are so tiny! The presentation dispelled many myths about bats. They don't nest in your hair, so when Bruce touched my head while thousands of bats were flying over I felt like a bat flew into my hair even though I know that would be very unusual.

Bats like to live under bridges during the day and then fly out at sunset. We waited until the sun was sinking as the evening light twinkled over the river. Then suddenly thousands of tiny bats like a swarm of ants flew across the sky. The preserve just south of Sacramento has about 40,000 bats as regular inhabitants. They eat their weight in bugs and help control mosquitos and other bugs.

We didn't join the Kayak Tour since I didn't want to kayak down the river after dark (I don't think Bruce did either.) We'll have our daylight kayaking next weekend. We took a walk along the river and watched the kayakers and hawks. A cool breeze, Mt. Diablo at sunset, and a bat fly over. Great evening!

So Many Flavors!

Out to the garden I went to pick some basil to add to the zucchini, onion, and cucumber dill mix I was mixing with the tuna. I love tuna, so it is the perfect base for the diced zucchini. You know how zucchini can get lost in the garden until it gets rather large. I always think tuna when I see a giant zucchini. Um. While I was there I decided to pick some red pepper, green pepper, garlic chive, and fresh dill. What a mix of color and flavors! When I tasted the tuna mix I wondered if I had gone too far. My taste buds felt a little confused with the mix of basil, dill and peppers. Not my usual combination. It’s easy to stick to the same vegetables and flavors that I am used to. The original cucumber dill blended very well but lacked color and distinction. As I began to enjoy the tangy peppery vegetable delight, I realized that adding more color and texture enhanced the meal. 

We talk about diversity at work, school, and church. But at the same time we can be imposing our own flavor on employees, students, and friends. Diversity begins at home. Learning to enjoy a wealth of flavors in foods, colors, and people. 

On my walks through the neighborhood, I often cross paths with a friendly man in a turban and wheelchair who always asks if my family is well, a gardener blowing leaves smiles, and a woman walking her poodle says good morning. The diversity of dress, skin tone, and activity make walking interesting. You never know what to expect. Get outdoors. See which way the wind is blowing and who is living and working in your neighborhood. Savor the colors, flavors, and textures that are all around you. Send me an email and schedule a Walk About U!

20 minutes walking

Cosumnes

We enjoyed a lovely rainy day at the Cosumnes River Preserve today honoring my husband and all of the volunteers who work so hard to welcome visitors, give tours, and maintain the environment around the wetlands. We enjoyed family time and lunch under the roof of the barn. I was looking forward to cooler weather and possibly a few sprinkles. It started raining as we drove out to the preserve, and by the time we got there it was pouring. Our 6-month old grandson got his first look at the rain up close and personal (wet!) I love the rain but thought we would miss the Sand Crane fly over. After lunch we were optimistic and decided to take a walk around the wetlands and see how the weather faired.

The rain gradually dwindled, and we watched the ducks swim around the marsh surrounded by the green tules. Under a cloudy fall sky we saw Sand Hill Cranes and the snowy Great Egret. The waterfowl were enjoying the weather as much as we were. We drove to Stanton Island to watch the fly over of the Sand Hill Cranes. As I looked out in the field, I was impressed by the community of cranes, egrets, geese, and swallows each with their own language and activities. The swallows flew back and forth over the field looking for food while the large white egrets held their ground. They might slowly move a little or crane their necks looking for food, but the egrets mainly stay in the same place while the swallows fluttered around. The geese flew in formation and the cranes chattered as their group formed and transformed. The cranes seemed to be talking to one neighbor and then moving ahead to talk to another as they flew across the field. Tree Swallows filled sections of the field in dense groups.

Observing the activity in the air and field, I could imagine the birds having personalities and communities like people. Some people find security in finding a place that has the resources they need and then settling in. Others move around even within a community looking here and there for the best and most interesting loot. Some of us like to chatter and move around the group as we work and travel while others stay in a uniform formation or working process.

We had rain, clouds, and a beautiful sunset as we watch the birds fly over. Even the rabbits and squirrels were out salvaging their dinner in the wet grass. We talked about wildlife, photography, and business and we enjoyed a lovely “Walk About” at the Cosumnes River Preserve. Changes in weather and environments are great opportunities to enjoy a walk outdoors. Call Nancy if you would like to schedule a Walk About U!

30 minutes walking