The Real Dirt

At this time of year, many of us struggle not only with the heat, but with a dispiriting lack of color in our gardens. And, while it’s not a good time to put in new plants that will surely also struggle in the heat, it IS a good time to note spaces in your garden where you’d like to insert those cheery…

Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an attractive green plant with small yellow flowers commonly seen growing prostrate along the side of the road. A native to Southern Europe, it’s also referred to as “goathead.” However, underneath its foliage lies danger: spiky seedpods with needle-point spikes. If…

A true treasure of the Americas, hummingbirds are a diverse family of more than 340 species, only 17 of which are found north of Mexico. They are also keystone mutualists, nectar feeders that have coevolved with the indigenous plants they pollinate. For example, in the woody grasslands of Patagonia at the…

Barn Owls seem to be the go-to owl when it comes to biological control of rodent pests, dominating the literature on owls and IPM. According to several studies, pocket gophers, mice, and voles constitute most of the Barn Owl diet.

Raptors are birds of prey that hunt and feed on vertebrates. The term encompasses a group of birds consisting of hawks, owls, eagles, kites, falcons, and vultures. Because of their acute eyesight, strong beaks, and powerful feet with hooked talons, raptors are effective hunters. These birds are protected…