by Rich Leighton | Aug 14, 2019
The long narrow leaves of the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) give it its common name, but it is not a true willow. It is beautiful when in bloom, and provides valuable nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE...
by Rich Leighton | Aug 9, 2019
California poppy leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans and the pollen was used cosmetically, while the seeds continue to be used in cooking. MORE PHOTOS OF WILDFLOWERS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora, fauna...
by Rich Leighton | Aug 4, 2019
Our native orchids have a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi called a mycorrhizal association. The fungus provides nutrients to the orchid plant, and the orchid is a home to the fungus. Orchid seeds are so tiny they do not have enough food to nourish a...
by Rich Leighton | Jul 16, 2019
Mergansers feed mostly on fish and have serrated edges to their long and thin bills that help them grip their prey, hence the common name “sawbills”. MORE PHOTOS OF BIRDS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series about the flora,...
by Rich Leighton | Jul 11, 2019
Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and their wings can beat at up to 80 times per second. Also a hummingbird’s heart beats at over a 1,000 times a minute! MORE PHOTOS OF BIRDS MORE INTERESTING NATURE FACTS Interesting Nature Facts is a series...
