One of the most important food items for nesting birds is grasshoppers. Last year the Chico grasshopper field trip tallied 41 grasshopper species. On August 5th, starting at 0730 at headquarters, we will try see what new species we can add to the list that already has over 50 grasshopper species on it. Because there are so many different micro-habitats, we will visit as many as time allows. We hope to see representatives of all the grasshopper groups, Pygmy Grasshoppers (haven’t found any yet), Slant-faced Grasshoppers, Band-winged Grasshoppers, Spur-throated Grasshoppers, and the large Lubber Grasshoppers. We will also look for katydids which are close relatives of grasshoppers and along with crickets are a part of the Orthoptera order. Pictured above is the sleek Mottled Sand Grasshopper hitching a ride on my car windshield.
In the Studio with Teal Blake
"I think you really do a subject an injustice if you don't know about it. If your heart's not in it, it doesn't mean anything."
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