Why do some animals’ eyes shine at night? John Muir Laws explains.
Author Archives: John Muir Laws
Naturalist and illustrator John Muir Laws is the author of the Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada and Sierra Birds: A Hiker's Guide. Learn more and find class schedules at johnmuirlaws.com.
Winter Issue 2023
Naturalist’s Notebook: Thrush Henge
You can use thrushes as a sort of seasonal calendar, as they fly in and out of the Bay Area.
Fall Issue 2022
Argiope Spiders Decorate Their Webs—And We Don’t Know Why: Naturalist’s Notebook
Maybe it helps them hunt. Maybe not. From the sketchbook of John Muir Laws.
Summer Issue 2022
Naturalist’s Notebook: Whale, Dolphin and Porpoise ID Guide
How to identify individual cetaceans in the San Francisco Bay.
Spring Issue 2022
The Amazing Color-Changing Lupine
Look for the blue blossoms of Lupinus chamissonis all along California’s coast.
Winter Issue 2022
Naturalist’s Notebook: A Plant That Relies on a Mushroom
The sugarstick is a parasitic plant that relies on the Western Matsutake mushroom.
Summer Issue 2021
Naturalist’s Notebook: Fire Pines
A visual explanation of how fire helps release the seeds of knobcone, bishop, and Monterey pine trees, plus a fun experiment to try at home!
Spring Issue 2021
Urban Rat Watcher’s Guide
Rats don’t have the best reputation, but you’ve gotta respect these adaptable survivors! Here’s how to identify your city’s rats.
Winter Issue 2021
A Seasonal Whale Finder for California
When to find and how to identify the three whales that regularly visit the California coast.
