Reflections of the Natural World

Travel with me as I explore the wild things and wild places of our planet. – Jim Gain

  • Bald Eagle Family in Del Puerto Canyon

    Bald Eagle Family in Del Puerto Canyon

    One Moment in Nature explores a significant nesting event of Bald Eagles in Del Puerto Canyon, highlighting a successful breeding season through multiple observations. The series encourages conservation awareness, showcasing the Bald Eagle’s physical traits and seasonal patterns in Central California, where its population has rebounded due to conservation efforts. Read more

  • Rosy Dove Franklin’s Gulls

    Rosy Dove Franklin’s Gulls

    “One Moment in Nature” highlights Jim Gain’s discovery of Franklin’s Gulls at Modesto Water Treatment Plant, marking a significant observation for Stanislaus County. The post emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness and conservation. It also describes the physical traits and migration patterns of the Franklin’s Gull, a transient visitor in California’s Central Valley. Read more

  • Western Grebe

    Western Grebe

    One Moment in Nature reflects a personal exploration of the Western and Clark’s Grebes at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. Jim Gain hopes to inspire readers to advocate for environmental conservation. The post details the distinct features of both species, their behavior, and habitat in California, emphasizing their role in the ecosystem. Read more

  • American Barn Owl

    American Barn Owl

    “One Moment in Nature” reflects on discovery in natural settings, aiming to inspire readers to advocate for environmental conservation. The series features the American Barn Owl, detailing its physical traits, habitat in California’s Central Valley, and behavioral patterns. Despite being of least concern, regional population stability is influenced by land use and pesticides. Read more

  • White-faced Ibis

    White-faced Ibis

    “One Moment in Nature” by Jim Gain reflects on a personal discovery in nature, urging readers to advocate for environmental conservation. The focus is on the White-faced Ibis, detailing its physical traits in both breeding and non-breeding plumage, distribution in California’s Central Valley, and its ecological significance. Read more

  • One Good Tern Deserves Another Forster’s Tern

    One Good Tern Deserves Another Forster’s Tern

    One Moment in Nature reflects on the author’s exploration of the natural world, aiming to inspire readers to advocate for environmental conservation. Highlighting the Forster’s Tern’s breeding at Turlock Lake, the post details the tern’s characteristics, distribution, and challenges amidst California’s changing wetlands, emphasizing its importance in the ecosystem. Read more