Nature and wildlife

They're a regular sight, but the beauty never gets old. Balloons passed over the community Sunday morning, slipping through the air that will reach 100 degrees today. They landed near Lake Calero around 8 a.m. Read more » about Flying through a summer morning

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Bill "Birdman" Gengler found an egret that likes hanging out with the bulls and cows.  They're relaxing here along a fence on Jackson Road. Read more » about Bull rider with feathers and skinny legs

Bill Gengler, the Birdman of Rancho Murieta, sends a note, some photos and a little mystery.  First, the note: "Marcy Clifton of Rio Blanco sent me this stunning picture of two barn owls that have been living in a tree behind her house.  I asked her if I could send it to RanchoMurieta.com, and she said yes.  Maybe we have the Birdwoman of Rancho Murieta."  Marcy, thanks so much.  With photos like that, Bill's right -- he may have competition for the Birdperson of Rancho Murieta. The mystery part has to do with the photo at right, one of Bill's. Bill thinks it's a beaver; we're not sure. Surely, one of you knows. Click to the next page, take a closer look and tell us the answer. Read more » about Of barn owls, beavers and otters

Neighbor Mel Standart says he's taking up a new hobby, photography (not bee-keeping), and he shares his latest efforts.  In addition to the bee, he got a shot of the photinia that's certainly enjoying this spring in Rancho Murieta.  Thanks to Mel for sharing these. Murietans are a talented bunch, and we're glad to showcase your work. Read more » about Buzzing over spring in Rancho Murieta

If you happen to be a duck, there’s nothing like a rainy Monday for some family fun. When Bob and Susan Kurtz saw this duck family bobbing in their pool Monday morning, she called Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta, because “he takes the best pictures, and I thought he’d really like to see them.” Gengler, a regular contributor to RM.com, calls this unique local family “just another example of the beauty of your community.” (Photos by Bill Gengler)

First they’d seen the pair of mating mallard ducks in their pool. Next, they’d watch as the female made repeated trips into their yard. She’d fly into the pool, hop up on the waterfall and then disappear under the tree in the secluded area next to the pool. Did she have a nest there? Was she sitting on eggs?  Bob and Susan Kurtz watched from the picture window overlooking the pool and wondered. Read more » about Cheep-er by the dozen

Neighbor Bill Gengler, the birdman of Rancho Murieta, has been tracking this nest for years, watching as it was occupied by owl and hawk tenants. Here's his note: "it looks like the owl chicks in the tree by the front gate are growing up and that there are two of them with their mother, who keeps a watchful eye over them. It shouldn't be too much longer when they leave the nest, making room for the hawks to take over. Have an RM day."  Yes, do have an RM day. Read more » about Look whoooooooo's growing up

A note and photos from neighbor Bill (Birdman) Gengler: "Attached are two photos taken today.  One is a picture of a mother Horned Owl with her baby chick in a hawk's nest near the front gate.  The other (right) is a picture of the mother Horned Owl and what could easily be a hawk in the same nest.  Most likely it is an owl but you will note that it doesn't have the same fluffy feathers and large head as the baby or the mother as displayed in the other photo. I posted pictures last year of a hawk and her chicks in the same nest and also photos of an owl and her chick in the nest back in 2004.  Just another example of the nature sharing the beauty and wonders of this community. Have a RM day!" Read more » about A popular place to raise a family

Tuesday's late-day mix of sun and rain sprouted multiple rainbows over Rancho Murieta, none prettier than the one captured by neighbor Bill Gengler. Read more » about A day for rainbows