Confounded yet again by beavers plying the water of the Kismat tract. They actually hauled off the 2 x 4 lumber used to back up water in the “double flashboard risers” in what is called Water Control Structure K at the site. Moreover, they destroyed two more of the three-year old native trees planted on the adjacent Silva tract. I am getting another lesson in humility. I recall having chuckled at seeing a requirement in the Habitat Conservation Plan that the Conservancy control beaver populations on managed marsh complexes. At the time (six years ago), I had no idea the damage they could do. Now I understand.
Rodent exterminator, no charge
Photo taken by Conservancy staff on a Conservancy preserve, 2024. It’s often difficult to view, but part of the Conservancy’s job is to see that wildlife has access to sustenance on the preserves. Here, a Snowy egret (Egretta thula) manages to nab a quick lunch on a Conservancy owned and …