Sierra Outdoor School

Mammals of the Mountain! Sierra Outdoor School is not just a place for students to take a short visit, but it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, in Stanislaus National Forest, many animals, plants, and ecosystems thrive in this area at 4100’ feet. Today we are taking a closer look at the mammals of this mountain community. “What makes mammal a mammal?” Mammals have five main characteristics that classify them differently from other groups of animals (such as birds, amphibians and reptiles).  1) Vertebrates. Mammals have a backbone called a spinal cord that is made of different vertebrae bones. 2)   Warm blooded. Using our metabolism and energy from the food we eat, we regulate our body to keep a warm body temperature. 3) Mammals breath air through their lungs. 4) Young mammals nurse (drink milk) from their mothers when they are born. 5) Mammals have hair or fur. Short or long, shaggy or smooth

It is that time of year! Noticeably, the days are beginning to warm and the sun is casting its light a little longer with each day. If you look and listen closely, you will notice pops of color from dormant flowers beginning to bloom, the birds have started singing, spring is here! Image 1. Ruby Crowned Kinglet. Photo by Paul Higgins.  After months of quiet skies, the Oregon juncos’ song will make your heart skip a beat. Many of the birds in our forest do not migrate, but their songs are silenced during the cold winter months.   I like to believe they are saving up their vocal chord strength for their spring song, when the males are in full singing form to attract their mate! Since the Oregon junco does not leave our forest in the winter, they are the first species to declare that spring is near. When the days get longer, they know it is time to find a mate, so they open their throat and let their trilly-song come through, and each time I hear it, I cannot help but sm