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Back when artist Kat Mulkey’s SOS woodpecker picture appeared in Gary Bogue’s column about the plight of the Rossmoor birds, I dropped her a note to thank her for her work and suggest she visit the Martinez Beavers. Maybe she’d be inspired? Kat came one evening in the spring and was met by myself and beaver regular LB for the full tour. She was treated to an excellent beaver viewing as our yearlings wrestled in the water and paddled about. I could tell her interest had been awakened but couldn’t yet tell what might come of it.

This morning I see in Gary Bogue’s website that she has been hard at work. I love the piece, fantastic noses, small eyes and especially the paddling webbed foot under the water. (This was one of the surprises she remarked on as we sat on the bank). As always Gary, thanks for your kind attention to us, and Kat thanks for letting our beavers inspire you. Hey, maybe you’d like to come to the beaver festival? Display your work and let your skills be seen? Or possibly consider donating this work for the silent auction and making some beaver fan happy for years to come?

Just askin’….

Welcome to the 400th post on this website! Thank goodness (and Jean) we’re back to normal for our CD anniversary. News of the day includes the Gazette mention of Mayor Schroder being honored by the Boy Scouts of America with the “silver beaver award”. Linda points out that beavers just seem to follow the poor man wherever he goes.

Yesterday I tracked down the artist of this fine environment-awareness raising work from Gary Bogue’s webpage.

Kay Mulkey is an artist and wildlife watcher in nearby Lafayette, and I suggested she may want to add beavers to her list of subjects. She was intrigued and plans a foray after the weather warms to try her hand at “Castor Martinium”. I’ll keep you posted!

Got word today that Solution-minded Beaver friend Mike Callahan had a nice phone conversation with Bob Armstrong about the beavers in Juneau. They are going to be working on fixes that keep those fat Coho salmon happy. For good measure I put Mike in touch with our NZ friend William Huges-Games, a marine biologist and beaver fan who is interested in challenging the myth that beaver dams ruin salmon’s day. He’s wants a large scale research project documenting dam passage to make Scotland feel better about its chances.

Finally, a personal note. Jon’s Honda expired this weekend and we had to seek alternate transport. Times being what they are we bought a Prius and are still trying to tell if the engine’s running when we stop. I decided to update the bumper sticker and called Zazzle about a problem with the order. The very kindly voice on the other end fixed me right up and then said tentatively,

“I have a confession to make”…pause…”I’m your neice!”

Of course when one calls customer service, one never knows where or who you’ll be talking to. I can tell you THAT was a surprise. So there you go, a reminder to be polite to everyone all the time.