Nature and wildlife

Neighbor Steve DeMello added some wonderful photos to his gallery today, proving that even if the weather hasn't budged past winter, there are signs that spring hasn't abandoned us. If you want your own gallery for photos, just drop us a note at editor@ranchomurieta.com.  We'll even help you post the first batch. Read more » about Yes, Virginia, there is a spring

Noted wildlife photographer Bill "Birdman" Gengler captures a family of Rancho Murieta geese enjoying the day.  The forecast calls for a beautiful holiday weekend, with sunshine and temperatures around 70. Bill has more nature photos -- birds and frogs -- in a Forum post. Read more » about Spring sunshine on the lake

Bill Gengler, the nature photographer who is called the birdman of Rancho Murieta, shares another wonderful collection of his photos.  This is a red-headed woodpecker that hangs out at Lake Clementia.  In the Forums, Bill also tracks a growing eagle and offers do-not-miss shots of a heron and a hawk. (Be sure to click the photos so you can see them at larger size.) Give thanks for the community we share. Give thanks for people like Bill. Read more » about The wonder of nature all around us

Look who's back. Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta, shows why he's called that by offering this season's first sighting of a bald eagle in the community. See the Forums for Bill's comment. Read more » about At the winter home in Murieta...

It's a time to give thanks -- for the natural beauty all around us, for the community and country where we live, for the friends and family who make Thanksgiving special. Some neighbors started a thread already, thanking those who are far away this Thanksgiving, serving our country. Stop by that thread and add something for which you're thankful. (Photo: Bill Gengler) Read more » about Take a moment to give thanks

This family of hungry baby mute swans looks for lunch Wednesday at Lake Clementia. The photo is by Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta. Bill says the mother and father of this clan were nearby, finding their own lunches. There are 159 of Bill's photos in the galleries. You'll find other neighbors represented too -- Phil Billman (31 photos), James Johnson (26 photos) and Michael Snyder (23 photos), to name the rest of the top posters. Read more » about Lunchtime at the lake

Seven recent arrests for driving under the influence prompted a warning to residents from Security Chief Greg Remson. "Over the years, they come and go, but I can't remember having this many in this concentrated amount of time," Remson told the Community Services District Security Committee Friday about DUI arrests in July and August. Remson also shared  another cause for concern, saying patrol officers responded to 14 snake calls in August, and 13 of them involved rattlesnakes. Read more » about Security warns community about DUI arrests and rattlesnakes

"Bug Week" concludes with photographer Bill Gengler's take on the fly.  And if you're put off by bugs, Bill Gengler's photo gallery includes some new beautiful bird shots and one of a balloon passing over his street (for those who can't handle the Birdman's avant-garde work). On the other hand, Bug Week inspired Mike White to launch a gallery with his photo of a wasp on a leaf -- a worthy addition to the week. Read more » about Bug Week conclusion: The fly

Neighbor Steve DeMello caught this moment the other day in his wife's flower garden on Puerto Drive.  We're not sure what it means exactly, but it seems like an appropriate pick-me-up for a Monday morning. Read more » about Making the most of life