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Intruders

  • Acorn woodpecker. Paramount Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi
  • Nanday conures, Paramount Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi

Native acorn woodpeckers are defending valley oak from colorful Nanday conures that have moved into their neighborhood at the Paramount Ranch in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Southern California color spotter Kathy Jonokuchi captured the “noisy affair” during a break from staying close to home due to work, quarantining and this past summer’s smoky air.

  • Frémont cottonwood, Paramount Ranch, Santa Monica Mountains NRA (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi



  • Frémont cottonwood, Malibu Creek (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi
  • Western sycamore, Malibu Canyon (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi
  • Western sycamore, Peter Strauss Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi

Kathy reports the Santa Monica Mountains are at peak with valley oak, western sycamore and Fremont cottonwood providing color.

  • Valley oak, Malibu Creek SP (11/24/20) Mark Harding
  • Frémont cottonwood and poison oak, Malibu Creek SP (11/24/20) Mark Harding
  • Blue elderberry, Malibu Creek SP (11/24/20) Mark Harding
  • Western sycamore, Malibu Creek SP (11/24/20) Mark Harding
  • Western sycamore, Malibu Creek SP (11/24/20) Mark Harding

Mark Harding similarly found oak, cottonwood, elderberry, poison oak and sycamore peaking at Malibu Creek State Park.

  • Hooded merganser, King Gillette Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi
  • Ring-necked ducks, King Gillette Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi
  • American Wigeon drake, King Gillette Ranch (11/23/20) Kathy Jonokuchi

While at King Gillette Ranch, snow birds are providing the color while enjoying the Southern California sun.

  • Santa Monica Mountains NRA (750′) – Peak (75-100%) GO NOW!
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