Category Archives: Framed

Framed, Photo Spreads

Peeps

FramedPhoto and story by www.PhotoByVivian.com

Although often mistaken for Snowy Plovers, our Central Coast beaches are currently a stopping ground for thousands of Sanderlings, a type of sandpiper affectionately referred to as “Peeps.”  Right now the numbers of Sanderlings is extremely high as it’s mating season and they are making their trek to the High Arctic Tundra to nest. As they migrate north most non-breeders stay in South America for the summer but a few of them will remain behind and spend the summer on our coastline.
Known by their obsessive «wave chasing» or «surf dodging» the Sanderlings run back and forth as waves ebb and flow as they hunt for food.  Running so quickly you can hardly see their legs move; they resemble «wind up toys» which they are also affectionately referred to.  If frightened or threatened, Sanderlings will fly erratically over the ocean in tights groups twisting and turning, like swirling dark clouds.
Sanderlings are one of the most widespread shorebirds birds on the planet and although they are one of the most common shorebirds, their populations are declining.  Their extremely long migratory route makes them vulnerable due to their reliance on many stopping grounds along the way. Living close to the shoreline they are also susceptible to pollution, oil spills and loss of habitat.

Framed, Photo Spreads

The Snowy Egret

FramedPhoto and story by www.PhotoByVivian.com

The Snowy Egret population, protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, has been rebounding on the Central Coast. Almost hunted to extinction because of the demand of their showy plumes, which were once more valuable than the price of gold, they have made a comeback, however they are still threatened by loss of habitat. Luckily, today you’ll see groups on our shoreline feeding on small fish and crabs, roosting in trees in our local orchards and even along the side of our freeways feeding on insects. They have beautiful bright yellow feet and yellow marking in front of their eyes. During mating season the yellow in front of their eyes turns red, their feet orange and their feathers look “shaggy.”
The Snowy Egret pictured above was soaring over Avila Beach.
See more photos at www.PhotoByVivian.com.

Framed

Framed: California Cows

Framed cow

Photo and story by www.PhotoByVivian.com

Are California Cows really happy?  Up until recent years yes, but, unfortunately, that is changing because of the drought that is forcing ranchers to move or sell-off cattle as green pastures turn brown and creeks and wells run dry.
San Luis Obispo County once home to mild winters and plenty of green fields for cattle to graze has been in a severe drought since 2013.
“Any amount of rain is considered a blessing for this ranch,” said local rancher Connie Grieb Willems. “2013 was one of the driest years in our local history. The drought on the Central Coast has made a big impact on our life and family.  With no affordable food for the cattle and no grass on the hills we sold and shipped off cattle and only kept a few cattle back to gamble that there would be rain this year.”
Willems said the article “Drought and Grazing” by Royce Lasen, UC Cooperative Extension, states, “in 1862 there was a severe drought that lasted three years and wreaked havoc on the state and the cattle industry.  Half the cattle in California died and many cattlemen were forced out of business forever changing the way the ranching industry worked in California.  Since 1869 there has been a drought year approximately every 17 years.”
Recent rains have turned the hills green, but the county and state are still in desperate need of more rain to increase ground water supplies. There are predictions for rain in the coming months, but will it be enough to save the cattle in San Luis Obispo County?

Framed

Orchids

FramedBy www.PhotoByVivian.com

Perhaps the largest, most diverse and most showy of all flowering plants is the orchid.  There are over 25,000 different types of accepted species of orchids and horticulturists have produced more than 100,000 hybrids such as the Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis. The Smithsonian Gardens in Maryland boast an orchid collection of more than 8,000 specimens. The orchid has evolved over the past 80 million years and adapted to almost every part of the planet from rain forests, to deserts, to forests, to mountains, to the most remote islands. Charles Darwin was fascinated by orchids and their sex lives. Continue reading Orchids →

Framed

Framed: March 19–April 1, 2015

FramedIrish Hills
By PhotoByVivian.com

The Irish Hills in San Luis Obispo were named by Irish immigrants because they reminded them of home. Today the Irish Hills and the Johnson Ranch Open Space are frequented by hikers and mountain bikers. Once a location for mining manganese, mercury and chromium, mineshafts and process ponds can still be seen from the trails. An old house at the Madonna trailhead was once a school that sat in the Irish Hills School District until 1943 when it merged with the Laguna District. Today trails connect the Johnson Ranch Open Space and the Irish Hills Natural Reserve. There is a three-mile loop that takes folks to an elevation of about 500 feet starting at the Johnson Ranch trailhead, or can be entered from the Madonna trailhead in the Irish Hills, use the Connector Trail and make a 10-mile or longer hike or ride and climb to about 675 feet. Along the way you’ll find groves of Oak trees, the hills and fields, currently bright green, are speckled with wildflowers and cows graze on the slopes. There are fantastic views overlooking San Luis Obispo from many spots along the way.