Diario del proyecto Yuba-Sutter Farm Days 2020 - Gray Lodge Wildllife Area

Soon I will give hints about the first animal in this scavenger hunt. Remember, physical collection of wildlife without a permit is not allowed by CA state law. Instead, you will be photographing the wildlife, then posting your image on this website. Some images will be better than others. If your pictures turn out fuzzy or in the distance, it’s okay. Post them anyway and leave me a comment about the life you found. We’ll start with an easy one, then progressively get harder through the month. If needed, research the hints to learn more. I look forward to reading comments about your adventure.

Welcome to the first hunt. In this series of searches in the coming weeks, you can label me, “A”. Below are a few hints that you’ll use to find me.

1. Did you know wildlife consists of both plants and animals? I am not a plant.
2. Wildlife moves around in their environment using different modes of travel. Some swim, while others may crawl. Think of the different ways wildlife get from one place to another. I am often called a Hexapod, because I use 6 of these to move from place to place on land. I can’t swim, but rather enjoy a terrestrial life.
   
3. As an invertebrate, I have an exoskeleton that protects me.
4. I have two antennae and can come in many shapes, colors and sizes. I have many different names. I am one animal in a Class of animals. Choose one or several for your find.
5. In the evening, when I see a porch light is turned on, I will move toward the light. I'm often found near the light, on a wall or other objects nearby.
6. What am I? Please take my picture.

All of your answers will be different, so don’t try to match another person’s sighting. There are literally thousands of correct answers for the identity of me. Again, in your comments, please call this animal “A”.

For those that figured it out, "Wildlife A" is an insect. Did you know that new species of insects are still being discovered? Some experts say there are over 27,000 insect species in California. Wow - What a Class!
List of insects by the Amateur Entomologist' Society: https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/fact-files/a-to-z-of-insects.html

Post an image of this insect species: Common Greenbottle Fly (Lucilia sericata)

For this search, call me, ”B”. Below are a few hints that you’ll use to find me.

1. I am part of the animal kingdom.
2. Scientists classify me by physical characteristics, which include feather and hollow bones.
3. I don’t have a stomach like you, but instead rely on a crop and gizzard to “chew up” my food.
4. I can be a few inches tall or several feet tall.
5. I come in many colors, which many people find beautiful.
6. What am I? Please take my picture.

For those that figured it out, "Wildlife B" is a bird. Did you know there are about 10,000 species of birds, worldwide? I bet you've heard of the largest bird in the world - the ostrich. Although all birds have feathers, some don't fly. Other than the ostrich, can you name one? Hint: Some of these live in Antarctica.

Post an image of this bird species: California Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)