Bird Migration Info from BirdCast

When Will Spring Bird Migration Hit Its Peak?

For birders in North America, few times are as exciting as witnessing the return of warblers, tanagers, orioles, and other migrants that have been gone all winter. Thanks to the scientists at BirdCast, we have an educated guess about when migration will be peaking in your neck of the woods. 

Around 340 Million Birds on the Move Tonight (4/29/2024): Speaking of peak migration, BirdCast is forecasting major movements tonight over most of eastern North America.  This map is updated daily.

Sunland Welcome Nature Garden Tour w/ Roger Klemm, April 28.

 

Roger Klemm's enthusiasm for California Native Plants is contagious.

There were so many great questions and it was obvious everyone was so interested in learning more about the CA native plants in the garden and learning how to identify and differentiate between similar plants.  To look closely and see the differences.

Right Brain Drawing

It was over 45 years ago while in college that I took "Art for Non-Art Majors" from Betty Edwards, whom went on to become quite famous for her book, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." I had no idea that college class would change the way I "SEE" for my entire life. I actually think she taught me to "see", and that ANYONE can also learn the skill to "see" and translate that vision onto paper.

I did not pursue "art" as a career. I started out as a Draftsman (working in civil engineering, architecture, electronic, and aerospace industries), then as a Tool Designer in the Aerospace Industry--working on some of the first 3-D computer graphic systems in that industry, then transitioned into training and courseware development for those systems, and then 25 years as an IT Professional--all far removed from any "artistic endeavor".  

It wasn't until in retirement I took a couple "art classes" and rediscovered the seeds that Betty Edwards had planted in my brain as a young woman. Some of the things she taught gave me a huge jumpstart back toward "SEEING."  

In September of 2018, when I started drawing again (after 40 yrs), I tracked Betty Edwards down via email:

"Dear Betty, 

I took your class (Art for non-art majors) around 1979-80. Although I did not pursue "art" as a career, your class did change my perceptual skills and stay with me all these years.

I retired from technical careers (first as a draftsman/engineer/designer, then 25 yrs in the Information Technology (IT) realm)... very far from "art."

A month ago, I decided it was about time to pick up my pencil and try to draw again... remembering what I learned and practiced in your class--I need much more practice now--I felt like I just picked up from where I left off in your college drawing class.

SO, this letter is to tell you THANK YOU. I am looking forward to really learning to "see" again, the way you taught me, to turn off that logical (left) brain and really look at things, to slow down, to enjoy that magical place in my brain when I'm really in that groove of "seeing" and reproducing that image from my mind onto paper. What a joyful time it is, when I am able to get exactly into that moment, where time is meaningless and disappears, and only be in that moment with what I see and putting it there, right there on paper.

Fondest memories. Sincere Thank you!"

She responded:

"Dear Terri,

Thank you so much for your email and for letting me know that you are drawing again. I am so happy for you! I have such fond memories of the old days at Cal State Long Beach and of students like you who made the job fun and rewarding.

Thank you again for writing to me. I means so much to me.

Your old teacher,

Betty Edwards"

 

"Learning to draw means learning to see"

I highly recommend Betty Edwards techniques and her books. Check out her website:

http://www.learn-to-draw-right.com/right-brain-drawing.html

"With proper instruction the perceptual skills of drawing can be taught to anyone and they can be taught in a relatively short space of time."

-- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain®

Further thoughts...

After writing the above, I stumbled upon a 2022 interview with Dr Betty Edwards. Here is the link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW8dWV3pbgk  It was delightful after 45 years to see her face.  

Dr Edwards also has a blog that is current as of Feb 2024: 

https://www.drawright.com/blog

April 20th: Eaton Canyon's Earth Day Celebration. What a GREAT Day.

I talked to and met so many people! Some were familiar with what nature journaling is... others had no idea and I were eager to learn more...

I owe a shout out to Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates, Kenia Loyola Estrella, Lorraine Lazarus, and everyone at Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center for making me feel so welcome and part of their "family."

The leaf rub for kids (and adults alike) was great fun... To all the people that stopped to talk with me, THANK YOU ALL! -Terri Mando

Storyboard: "All Ages Can Nature Journal"

Side table: Many examples of journal pages by kids and adults.

April 28th Sunland Welcome Garden Tour and Introduction to Nature Journaling

Bring your curiosity and wonder...

Roger Klemm (Shadow Hills local CA Native Plant expert) and Terri Mando (A Nature Journaling enthusiast and Ambassador for Wild Wonder Foundation), are hosting a FREE talk/walk at the Sunland Welcome Nature Garden on April 28. 

• Full event details via Eventbrite, Sunland Welcome Garden Tour and Shadow Hills Nature Journal Club. 
• MUST register to attend. 
• Limited spots still available.

Nature Journaling: A Way to Slow Down and Connect with Nature

How to Keep Your Own Nature Journal. By John Muir Laws