As the last hints of daylight fade behind the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, and the local community retreat into their homes for a night’s rest, a different kind of state park-goer begins to stir. If one listens for the piercing calls of the owls or the evening chorus of the coyotes; the raccoons rustling in bushes or the soft flapping of bat wings, the magic of nature materializes.
In the dark, a range of vital species play their role in the local ecosystem. Read on to learn more about them, and how CCSPA looks forward to honoring the wildlife during their 6th annual Butterfly Ball.
***
The most prominent owl species that reside among SLO’s state parks are Great Horned Owls, known for their “hoot hoot” sound, as well as Western Screech Owls with their comparative “bouncing ball” call. Barn Owls can be identified from their distinct screeching call and impressive hunting abilities, which are a source of natural rodent control for orchard and vineyard owners.
The Central Coast is also home to almost 20 species of bats, all of which are insectivorous, meaning they primarily feed on insects –– a positive for agriculture, as they control insect populations and lower the need for pesticides. Bats are the only truly flying mammals, and some species you may encounter in SLO include the Mexican free-tailed bat and the California myotis, one of the smallest in the state.
Mountain lions are also nocturnal creatures that have been sighted in town hundreds of times in the last few years. These big cats are most active between dusk and dawn, and generally stay clear of humans. Similarly, bobcats are another nocturnal animal you may encounter after dark in San Luis Oispo’s state parks, including Montaña De Oro.
Coyotes are not strictly nocturnal, sleeping and eating during the day and at night. However, they are more active during sunset and the evening hours, and communicate through a variety of howls, yips, and barks.
If you keep your eyes peeled at dusk, and on into the night, you may cross paths with other species, including raccoons, skunks, and opossums. To better connect with our local state parks, keep digging into the nocturnal creatures of our area. This can also prepare you for Central Coast State Parks’ 6th annual Butterfly Ball at The Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo, on September 27.
The theme, Moonlit Wings and Wild Things, pays tribute to the park’s diverse ecosystems that come alive at night. The Ball, scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m., will be filled with music, informative presentations, and food and drink, along with a silent auction to support San Luis Obispo’s 10 state parks.
This year’s funds will support programs including the Education Program Support, which provides free school field trips and guided hikes, and supports volunteer programs to get the next generation involved with environmental stewardship.
Funds will also go to Park Maintenance and Signage programs –– which maintain trail signs to improve access and support museum exhibit upgrades –– as well as Community Engagement efforts that keep the gears running with regards to local events, intern programs and nature stores, and the Western Monarch Conservation Programs.
For tickets and more information about the Ball, go here. And to donate and help CCSPA reach their $50,000 goal, head here. CCSPA is actively looking for volunteers, event sponsors, and silent auction donations.
