Heron
Great Blue Herons visit the park regularly. These large majestic birds with 5′ to 6′ wingspans come to the park to patiently hunt ground squirrels. Though somewhat gory to watch, it is interesting to see raw nature in action as they catch and swallow one whole.
Squirrel
Ground Squirrel – They are plentiful in the park. They live in burrows, some of which are occupied communally but each individual has its own entrance. They feed on roots and are scavengers. And they serve as a food source for snakes, herons and raptors. Please do not feed them.
Poppys
California Poppys are native to California and serve as our state flower. The Ohlone cherished the poppy as medicine. Its leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans, and the pollen from the plant was used cosmetically. Their seeds were used in cooking.
Preying Mantis
A Preying Mantis is carnivorous, consuming virtually any other small insect, including other members of its own species. Nymphs hatch in the spring from hard egg cases laid the previous fall. Lifespan is seldom more than one year. When they mate the mount can last for hours. Often during or after mating the female devours the male. All have sensors near their legs that allow the preying mantis to lose its head and still function.
Blackbird
Redwinged Blackbirds are a welcomed indication of the return of spring. They arrive with their song and begin to build nests. Glossy-black males have scarlet and yellow shoulder patches that they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. Females are brown and look like sparrows.
Owl
Burrowing Owls are present between October and April in a protected zone in the northeast corner of the park. The endangered wintering owls find shelter in the burrows of ground squirrels or in holes between rocks. They hunt after dark and prey on small mice, moles or larger insects. Please stay out of the protected area.
Hummingbird
Named for the sound creating by their beating wings, they originate in S. America in the Andes. They feed on flowers with nectar, Most migrate in the Fall to Mexico or Central America. Aztecs wore them as talismans for their vigor, energy and skill. The Ohlone tell the story of how Hummingbird brought fire to the world.
Jackrabbit
Jackrabbits do not build nests. The mother simply chooses a place to her liking and the young are born fully furred, with their eyes wide open. Hares are active primarily at night. When frightened they run with such speed that few dogs can catch them. At the start of the chase their speed is broken by high long leaps.
Pine Tree
Pine needles are simply the leaves of pine trees. The needles grow out of a small cone. And as they mature the needles are turned brown by the summer sun, and fall from the trees in early autumn. Both the needles and sap are distinctively fragrant. The needles are great for making baskets. Pine needle basketry, conceived by Native Americans in pre-columbian times, is an important part of our diverse cultural heritage.
Flower
Name?
Cormorant
Cormorants are coastal birds eating fish and small eels. They dive from the surface. After fishing, they go ashore and are frequently seen h olding their wings out in the sun to help dry out their permeable feathers. They nest in trees or rocky islets and have one brood a year.
Snake
Gopher snakes are one of the most common snakes in California. Active in the daytime, occasionally at night. Found in most areas of the state, including mountains, deserts, open areas, woodland, forests, and frequently seen on trails in the park. They are non-poisonous.
Sourgrass
Sourgrass (Wood Sorrel) is an edible weed. Who hasn’t munched on the sour stems of these flowers with their heart shaped leaves. The Kiowa Indian tribe chewed it to alleviate thirst on long trips. The Potawatomi cooked it with sugar to make a dessert. The Algonquin considered it an aphrodisiac. The Cherokee ate it to alleviate mouth sores and a sore throat, and the Iroquois ate it to help with cramps, fever and nausea.
Crows
Young crows are moving to the Bay Area to exploit its riches. Cities tend to be warmer and have large trees for night roosting. They are less likely to encounter their mortal enemy, the great horned owl, and city lights let crows spot owls before they spot them. They feed off scraps we just drop or toss in the street. Crows run in gangs and mug raven pairs and mob Cooper Hawks
Hawk
The Red-tail Hawk is Americas most common hawk. They are keen and efficient hunters, soaring over open country in search of its prey but just as often perches in a tree at the edge of a meadow, watching for the slightest movement in the grass below. They feed mainly on ground squirrels, rabbits, mice or reptiles. Breeding season initiates a spectacular sequence of aerial acrobatics. Average lifespan in the wild: 21 years.
Dogs and Foxtails
The barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant can work their way into any part of your dog or cat, from the nose to between the toes and inside the ears, eyes, and mouth. They can even simply dig themselves directly into a patch of skin.
Wildflowers (Facing West)
Name of flower? Favorite of Cabbage Butterfly
Butterfly
The Cabbage White butterfly is one of the most common butterflies in the world, and are abundant at the park. They fly around from late February to mid-November and are one of the first butterflies to be seen in the spring, and one of the last to be seen in the fall. Males and females can be told apart by their wing spots. Males have only one spot on each wing, while females have two.
Lizard
Common Lizard
Red Pods
Name?
Ladybug Beetles
There are about 5000 species in the U.S. They were introduced into the US from Asia to control aphids, mites, insect eggs and moth larvae. Many cultures consider them lucky, and they are popular among children. They begin to appear indoors in the autumn when they leave their summer feeding sites in fields, forests and yards, and search out places to spend the winter.
Kite
White-tailed Kite (Black Shoulder Kite)
Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk and Moon
Red Flower
Name?
Egret and Heron
Dance of Egret & Blue Heron
Aerial View
The Solar Calendar – Cesar E. Chavez Memorial at Cesar Chavez Park. This is an interim design – a research site for developing the various art, science and culture exhibits that will be a part of the final design. We are currently raising the substantial funds needed for the final installation.