A rare and magical moment at Holly Haven!

Yesterday was special…. We were in the workshop mixing bird seed, preparing hummingbird nectar and replenishing feeders and filling bird baths. We looked up, and outside the window we caught a glimpse of one of the visitors to Holly Haven. We stood quietly and watched, respecting each other’s space. The bobcat was generous enough to allow us to snap some photos from a safe distance. A peaceful, unthreatening moment of awe that doesn’t happen often… We felt privileged to be able to see him (or her) in his safe and natural habitat…

F. Perez

Fall & Winter Events & Workshops

Holly Haven has just received notice that extensive roadwork and construction will be taking place in the area from October to December.

Due to the uncertainty of this project and how it will affect access to the Sanctuary, all events during this time have been canceled, including the Thanksgiving/Autumn Harvest Celebration and demonstration project in November, and the Christmas/Winter Celebration in December. Private Events have also been canceled.

We regret the Sanctuary will not be available during this time, but once this work has been completed we will continue to have exciting, informative and fun-filled Events and Kids Workshops at Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary.

A special thank you to our Members, Partners, Volunteers and the many Subscribers and Supporters who are helping to preserve and protect the Sanctuary for birds, bees, butterflies and wildlife, and for people, too. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

F. Perez & G. Nueva

Celebrating Nature & Wildlife

In August, Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary welcomed local students and children to visit and learn more about nature and wildlife.  We also celebrated the start of a new school year by offering schools supplies and fun projects and coloring sheets to learn more about animals and wildlife. 

In keeping with one of our missions, this gathering was an introduction to connecting children and students with nature and the environment.

(Check our Events page and Blog page for more Events & Kids Workshops in the upcoming months).

Celebrating Summer & Helping Backyard Birds Beat the Heat!

As the summer temperate climbs, there are a number of things that can be done to help birds beat the heat and keep them healthy and happy.

Particularly during the hot summer months, birds are vulnerable to heatstroke and overexertion.  Keeping the bird feeders filled may not be enough.  Birds need water and shade, especially when the temperature soars.

COOL, FRESH WATER

A bird bath is only the first step.  Water features in your garden or backyard should include movement by a dripper, fountain, mister or, our favorite, a wiggler, as both the sound and movement of water attract birds.  Moving water is also a deterrent to bacteria and algae growth and discourages mosquitos from breeding.

To keep a bird bath cool, even in extreme heat, add a large chunk of ice to the bird bath each morning to provide a cool, refreshing sanctuary in your yard.  (Tip:  Freeze water in a plastic bowl the night before).

SHADE

Birds seek out shaded roosts on hot summer afternoons.  Most of their foraging for food is done during mornings and evenings when it is cooler, so providing a safe, comfortable place to rest during the hot summer days is important.  Layered landscaping, and native trees, vines and native plants with large foliage are excellent sources of shade.  Dense, fruiting shrubs provide shade and shelter from predators as well as a food source.   

HEALTHY FOODS

Whatever the temperature, birds need to forage and be on the lookout for predators.  However, having nutritious, high-quality food nearby helps them to beat the heat by not having to forage too far or too frequently.  Birds that have a steady, reliable source of food can spend less time foraging and more time resting and bathing.

By providing fresh, cool water, shade and nutritious food, birds will be less stressed by the summer heat and more comfortable visiting your back yard. 

(Note:  Supplementing food sources by providing bird feeders is helpful, but creating habitat for wildlife by planting native trees, shrubs and plants that provide nutritious fruits, berries and seeds is even better.  Native habitat also helps to sustain caterpillars and other insects that are vital to the ecosystem.  Doing both is ideal to having a happy and enjoyable back yard with lots of wildlife activity!).

F. Perez, L. Davide

Volunteers Gather at Holly Haven... to Celebrate the 4th of July!!

On Thursday, July 4th, Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary welcomed a few of our Volunteers to celebrate America’s Independence Day with us, and to enjoy a little bird watching and activities at the feeders that are all around the Sanctuary.  We even observed more nest building which was a delight to see!

Speaking of birds…here’s the story behind America’s national symbol, the Bald Eagle…

Upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress gave our Founding Fathers the task of designing an official seal for the new nation.  Committees were formed to produce a design for a national emblem, however, no one could come up with a design that could win the approval of Congress.

A third committee was formed, the best design elements were chosen, and the small eagle that was proposed by William Barton, an artistically talented lawyer from Philadelphia, was replaced with the American bald eagle at the suggestion of Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress.  Congress finally adopted the design on June 20, 1782. 

America’s majestic national symbol representing freedom and strength took all of 6 years to design, and the bald eagle has remained the symbol of America for more than two hundred and thirty-seven years.  The bald eagle design is everywhere and has become an American icon. 

G. Nueva & F. Perez

A Gathering of Volunteers on Mother’s Day, May 12th and One Empty Nest…

On Sunday, May 12th, a small group of Volunteers gathered at Holly Haven to do a little bird nest watching, documenting and careful pruning and planting.

Birds make nests in the oddest of places!  We observed one nest that was built in the top of an outdoor heater.  The heater had toppled over in the wind and half of the top bent down, but apparently mama and papa bird found it to be a perfect place to build their nest.  We saw all sorts of twigs and pieces of natural twine and cotton sticking out from under the top of the heater. (Have a look at the photo on our Twitter page).

Both parents were kept busy foraging for food.  We observed that the nestlings were being fed at least ten to twelve times per hour by both parents.  And when the larger bluebirds flew by to get to a nearby feeder (no doubt foraging to feed their own young), the tiny birds went into protection mode and began squawking loudly as a warning for the bluebirds as well as other birds and predators to stay away from their nest.  (Fortunately, the small songbirds and all wildlife at Holly Haven do not have to go far to forage for food since there is an abundance of food for them in the natural environment of the Sanctuary that is chemical and pesticide free).     

We observed different types of birds flying into and out of the tall sycamore, pine, pecan, and palm trees.  Many of the birds traveled in pairs including the red-headed woodpeckers.  Sadly, the resident ravens’ nest and a focal point at Holly Haven for more than ten years has been abandoned and is no longer being used by the ravens. 

Every breeding season we would sit and watch the ravens return to the same huge nest high up in the sycamore trees.  Year after year, they always returned to rebuild and renovate their nest together.

We would watch as they flew around collecting material to provide warmth and security in their nest for their young.  We would hear them grunting and grumbling, working together to build a suitable dwelling that was always strong enough to withstand the wind and any inclement weather. 

But now they are gone, and the nest is empty...  According to a wildlife biologist, because there has been so much demolition and disturbance in the surrounding mountains and hillsides and Holly Haven is the only viable green, forested area left for birds and wildlife, competition for habitat among the hawks and owls and other predators has likely caused the ravens to move elsewhere.  (However, we are still looking for them, and we are hoping to find them.  Perhaps the ravens will come back again!)

The environmental dynamics may have changed, and the ecological balance is slowly being restored, but Holly Haven remains a safe haven for birds and wildlife.

We discovered many active as well as a few inactive nests.  We were surrounded by a variety of birdsong and avian activity.  It sounded like we were standing in an aviary with no cages.  We just listened and marveled at the sounds and the peacefulness that comes with being outdoors and a part of nature. 

Nesting season varies from species to species but usually runs from February to August.  For this reason, it is important to do any tree trimming or tree pruning from September to January, so nests are not disturbed. 

Keep in mind that State and Federal laws protect all native birds and it is “unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird…”  Nests cannot be moved, and a mother will abandon the nest. 

Finally, it is important to hire a trained arborist who is knowledgeable and experienced, and sensitive to the needs of wildlife and the importance of protecting all nesting birds as well as other creatures who live and breed in the wild.

Perfect weather, a perfect day, and a Happy Mother’s Day that was enjoyed by everyone!

F. Perez, P. Revel

Celebrating Mother's Day at Holly Haven Nests galore!!

Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 100 trees and shrubs, and many of those trees and shrubs are home to a variety of nesting birds.  From the smallest hummingbirds and songbirds to hawks, ravens, owls and other wildlife, there are nests galore! 

Songbird mothers work very hard to feed, protect and rear their babies.  Most songbirds are male-female parents, but mama songbird rules.  She not only picks a strong mate who can find food and defend the territory, but she also picks the nest site, she helps to construct the nest, and she makes sure it is safe, sturdy and camouflaged to protect her young from predators.

Chicks are fed worms and insects that are high in protein.  They are fed from four to sometimes twelve times an hour.  Both parents participate in the care and feeding and rearing of their young, but this is not true of all birds.  Not all birds behave the same.

In Southern California there are more than 600 species of birds that make up two-thirds of the bird population in North America including the tiny Calliope Hummingbird to the great California Condor.  Every bird needs a nest – somewhere, whether it’s in a tree, a bush, a burrow, on the ground, on the side of a cliff, or some other place they choose to call home.      

Birds can be creative in their choice of places to build their nest and in their choice of materials.  Nests are works of art and, depending on the bird, either the female, male or both will participate in the building of the nest.    

Observing and documenting nests is fascinating and an important part of being a citizen scientist.  Most importantly, as far as humans are concerned and in order to protect the eggs and the ongoing nesting activities, there is a Code of Conduct that should be followed if you are observing nests. 

1.      Search carefully for nests in the afternoon. Observe from a distance.    Document what you see.  Listen for the chirping sounds of the tiny, hungry chicks signaling they are hungry and about to be fed.  Keep a notebook and count the number of trips made to the nest to feed the chicks.

2.      Look for any predators and watch and listen to the reaction of the parents.   

3.      When searching for nests do not create an obvious pathway to the area where the nests are located.  This will invite predators to that area and place the nests in danger.  Predators are clever, and they will be watching your every move.

4.      If you can observe the nest up close, spend only a few seconds and not more than one minute.  Do not touch or disturb an active nest.  Be careful not to startle.

5.      If a chick falls out of the nest put it back gently and step away.  (The mother will not abandon it).  If a fledgling is on the ground leave it there, as a parent is likely to be nearby watching, and the chick is learning to fly on its own.

Many species nest between March 1st and August 31st while some nest year-round so there is a lot of opportunity to learn about the different breeding habits of birds and to enjoy nest watching.

For more information on avian nesting cycles and the variations in breeding among the different bird species go to nestwatch.org

 P. Revel  

Happy Earth Day 2019!

Every year since 1970 Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22nd.  Earth Day is a global event of ecological awareness and a call for action.  The theme this year is “Protect Our Species.”

The planet is made up of millions of species, some of which have not yet been discovered.  Every living thing has value and is important in the web of life -- from the tiny bee to the huge great ape.  Some species are now considered threatened, some are endangered and some are extinct or are nearing extinction.

The greatest threat to species around the world is man.  Human activity can either protect and preserve or endanger and destroy plants and wildlife everywhere.  This destruction is linked to human activities such as:  deforestation, irresponsible mass development, habitat destruction, pollution and pesticides, and trafficking and poaching, to name a few. 

However, we can all make a difference by doing something positive like avoiding the use of pesticides and pollutants that contaminate the soil in which our food is grown and planting even a small garden in a small space for birds and other pollinators.  And we need to work together globally to slow the rate of extinctions and species that are endangered.

The Earth belongs to everything on it and we are all caretakers of the Earth, so let’s take care of it together and find a way to live responsibly, and protect and preserve all species for future generations.

Reminder:  Next year, Earth Day 2020, will mark its 50th year anniversary!  

G. Nueva & F. Perez

Parts of Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary are Destroyed by Roaring River of Mud & Runoff

On Thursday, January 17, 2019, the threat of damage to Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary caused by the mass-grading of undeveloped mountains and hillsides surrounding the Sanctuary became a reality.  Mud, rock, silt, sediment and runoff came cascading down through the riparian corridor and culvert, and through the Sanctuary where the lower garden areas and the planned pool conversion to gardens and water features for wildlife were obliterated.  Fences, retaining walls, trees, vegetation and more, were all destroyed, and remain buried under several feet of this runoff. 

However, only part of the Sanctuary was destroyed, and we are undeterred from continuing our Mission to preserve and protect Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary for students, children, educators, scientists and researchers, citizen scientists, and for everyone to enjoy.

Our Birding Basics Event, Garden Presentation and Kids Workshop was scheduled for Sunday, January 20, 2019, only three days later.  We did not cancel the event.  Instead, we blocked off the areas of destruction, made sure all areas were secured, and we proceeded with our Event as planned. 

It was a gorgeous, bright and sunny day, and the Event was a huge success enjoyed by many.  And we will be holding another event on Saturday, February 23, 2019!

It will take a lot to restore what has been damaged and to replace what has been destroyed.  It will take the help and support of people who are committed to preserving nature and protecting wildlife, where people and wildlife can coexist respectfully and peacefully.  Birds and wildlife need their habitat, too.

Volunteers will be needed in many areas (see our website).  Volunteers will be needed to plant and restore and replace the trees and vegetation.  This endeavor will be time-intensive and costly, but your support in any way will be greatly appreciated as we move forward to accomplish our goals.    

If you make a monetary donation, in any amount, be assured that 100% of ALL donations will go directly to the needs of the Sanctuary.  Most important, however, are the Volunteers that are needed who give of their time and their expertise in many different areas, and the people who care and want to share in our vision to protect and preserve Holly Haven Wildlife for wildlife and nature, and for everyone.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit our website and complete the form.  No experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome!  You may also make a monetary donation by clicking on the link below. 

Our next event will be on Saturday, February 23, 2019, Birds, Bees, Butterflies & Pollinators! Butterfly Gardens and a Kids Workshop.  We hope to see you there!!

Your continued support and participation are greatly appreciated.

Thank you from all of us at Holly Haven Wildlife Sanctuary!

L. Davide, G. Nueva

Steller's Jay Sighting in San Bernardino!

There was no mistaking it… The deep blue feathers and the shaggy black crest that looks like a mohawk. It was a Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), sighted on December 22, 2018 at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains in the foothills of Highland, CA a few miles East of Highway 138 leading up to Lake Arrowhead, and West of Highway 38 leading up to Running Springs and Big Bear. Normally found in western pine and coniferous forests, this one was sighted at Holly Haven, a deeply forested and welcoming safe haven for all kinds of birds and wildlife. For a few moments we were in awe and stood quiet and transfixed. Steller’s jays are vocal and territorial. They are also able to make different noises and mimic other sounds. They are beautiful to look at and they mate for life. Steller’s jays are interesting creatures to watch and to learn more about. (Sorry, no photo. we just weren’t quick enough this time. Next time…)

~~R. Louis & L. Davide

A Roadrunner, Really?

We were outside checking on the bird feeders when there it was, a roadrunner! Everything about it is long: long legs, long neck and long feathered tail. Even their beak is long, heavy and curved. Roadrunners, are cuckoos and about the size of a crow. They are tan and brown with specks of black and a short crest. They are fast…so fast that by the time we slipped quietly into the Research Center to get the camera — it was gone! (Special thanks to Jack W. who taught me (still a novice) many years ago how to identify a roadrunner when I saw this odd-looking creature literally “run” down from his property up in the hillsides and across the roadway and into Holly Haven. Thanks, Jack).

And here’s an interesting fact, In Native American Culture, the Hopi and other Pueblo tribes believed that roadrunners could protect against evil spirits and they are used as sacred symbols. Roadrunners have an unusual X-shaped footprint and these medicine birds are believed to ward off evil in many Pueblo tribes. The protective power of the roadrunner is evident in the X-shape of their tracks that conceals which direction the roadrunner is headed thereby throwing evil spirits off track.

L.Davide & M. Lopez