Grove Dwellers

MoonShadow Grove is home to several varieties of raptors: hawks, owls, and the occasional eagle scan the grove and provide a natural means of sustaining the health of the grove by devouring rodents who threaten the integrity of the tree root systems.

Our signature raptor is a long-eared owl who patrols the southern section of the grove.  Walks through the grove are occasionally graced by the silent swoop of its 3 foot wingspan gliding overhead.

Jack rabbits appear and speed off before you are aware of their presence.  Sometimes they will pause and look directly at you as if to question your entrance into their domain.

Hundreds of wild turkeys find refuge in the branches of the trees. Turkeys assist in maintaining the grove by eating unwanted seeds and insects while providing a natural source of nitrogen as they strut between the rows of olive trees.

Arriving over Easter weekend, Ester, Bunny,  Lily and 2 calves have already made a significant difference in the weed cover.   Show-Moo joined us in the Fall.  Due to their short stature, miniature cattle do not harm the trees themselves but do an efficient job of clearing seeds and new growth to allow the olive trees to absorb more of the precious water that falls on the ground.  Visitors enjoy searching the rows of trees for the cattle and watching their peaceful grazing.   Following a romantic holiday at the miniature cattle ranch, we expect 3-4 additions to the herd this Spring.

Also meet Boris our latest bull born in December, 2011

MoonShadow Grove lies in the heart of the California Flyway migratory path and is visited by an ever-changing variety of birds.  Flocks of water fowl, pheasants, cranes, and songbirds sweep during their seasonal transit between warmth and cold.  Beyond their song and visual impact, birds add to the grove by turning insects into natural fertilizer.

A most efficient predator, the preying mantis provides excellent biological pest control, devouring any insect it catches.   They turn their heads following us as we pass, all the while maintaining their devotional pose, ever ready to pounce on the next unsuspecting bug that crosses their path.