How Do Seaweeds Survive Powerful Waves?
A reader wonders how sea palms and other species stay upright while being battered by waves.
Author Archives: Michael Ellis
Santa Rosa-based naturalist Michael Ellis leads nature trips throughout the world with Footloose Forays (footlooseforays.com).
Ask the Naturalist: Which Bird Migrates Farthest to Get to the Bay Area?
A reader wonders which bird travels the farthest each year to arrive in the Bay Area
“By the Wind” Sailors: Seasonal Velella beaching mystery solved
Recently, Bay Area beachcombers have been spotting dozens of mysterious blue jelly-like creatures littering the beaches. What are they, and why are they here? Bay Nature naturalist Michael Ellis explains.
Ask the Naturalist: Where Are the Chorus Frog Babies?
Q: I collect rainwater to use on my garden and I’ve found Pacific chorus frogs in the black garbage can that collects the rainwater, but I’ve never seen eggs or...
How Can You Tell Male vs Female Lizards?
Is there a way to tell the difference between male vs female lizards? How do they attract their mates? –Saundra, Concord One way, Saundra, is to wait until spring and...
How do barnacles make baby barnacles?
Barnacles are hermaphroditic -- they contain both male and female sex organs. You're thinking, "Well, they always have a date on Saturday night." No, it's a really bad idea to self-fertilize: Inbreeding...
Should we be worried about asbestos in serpentine rock?
Should we worry about asbestos in serpentine rock? Yes, a bit. In California, we have North America’s largest exposures. It's even our official state rock.
Biggest Local Land Invertebrate? The Tarantula
Q: What's the largest underground-dwelling invertebrate in the Bay Area? How does it live?
Why do pelicans fly so low?
Learn a few secrets of efficiency from the majestic pelican.
What’s the Secret of Nectar?
Q: When I see bees and hummingbirds feasting on even tiny flowers, I wonder if each flower replenishes the nectar supply, or is it a one-time offering?
