Flora and Fauna
Natural Phenomena
Science Attitudes in Catalina
Summary
Works Cited
The Western Gull is a bird that
Western Gulls fighting for dissected squid
has a white body, grey wings,
pink feet, and a red spot on the
underside of bill. They are the
most common gulls in Catalina.
The Western Gull is an Aerialist,
a group of marine birds. Its
nickname is the “garbage of the
sea.” They can eat anything, but
their favorite food is other bird
eggs.
The Garibaldi is a bright orange
fish with a bump on its forehead.
Babies are orange with bright
blue spots. They are territorial,
or are very protective about their
eggs. Their nickname is the
“California State Marine Fish.”
Today, it is illegal to fish or catch
a garibaldi.
Photo Courtesy of Kaylin Martin
The Leopard Shark is a type of
shark that got its name by having
the spots of a leopard. They are
grey with black spots and have
tiny teeth that cannot harm
people. They are cartilaginous, or
a marine mammal that has
dentacles, an oily liver, and five to
seven gill slits. The ones in
Catalina moved around the whole
time non-stopping.
Courtesy of Emma Price
The Toyon Tree contains
red berries that are toxic.
The scientific name is
Heteromeles Arbutifolia. It
is part of the rose family.
Its habitat is wooded parts
of the island in canyons,
on the mountain sides,
and on the bluffs.
The Laurel Sumac is a
relative to the poison oak
family and has red and
green leaves. Its scientific
name is Malosma Laurina.
Its habitat is canyons and
rocky or clayey, wooded
slopes.
In Catalina, there is a lot of kelp
forests that contain a type of kelp
called Giant Kelp. It can grow up
to two feet per day in prime
conditions. Prime conditions are
cool, clean water and the kelp
loves cold water. Temperature over
65oF will cause kelp to die. Kelp is
used in products such as
toothpaste, ice cream, chocolate
milk, and paint. It provides more
oxygen than trees!
There are many beautiful
sunsets in Catalina that are
amazing with combinations of
pink, blue, white, and other
colors. Catalina is a big,
Channel Island with beaches
that are rocky, not sandy. The
beaches are rocky because of
the dirt and rocks from the
hills and mountains.
There are a bunch of
caterpillars roaming around
in Catalina. Some
caterpillars are black and
fuzzy. This particular
caterpillar might be part of
the Giant Leopard Moth
family.
Courtesy of Kaylin Martin
This picture was taken while hiking on the hills. Catalina has
many hills and plants. In this picture, there is a beach called the
Parson Beach that is sandy with a few rocks.
In Catalina, you have to
take lots of notes. Do not
leave any notes
incomplete. Wear a beanie
to keep you warm. Bring a
water bottle and keep
refilling it, so that you do
not get dehydrated. Bring a
backpack to carry your
belongings to your classes
and activities.
Madeleine and I are completing
our notes.
Elena snorkeling
When snorkeling, wear a
mask that has a snorkel
tube attached to it, so that
you can breathe easily
underwater. Wear a wet
suit, so that you can be
warm and protected. Also
wear fins to protect your
feet and they also make it
easier for you to move in
the ocean.
Madeleine and Myself carrying a kayak
People should be careful when using rented property. Do not
drag the kayak on the ground, but instead carry the kayak to the
area where you want to place it. Only take a kayak when
instructed to or when given permission to.
I went on a sixth grade scientific field study trip to Emerald Bay in
Catalina. I attended different labs and classes, where I learned about
Catalina flora and fauna. I also got to touch a leopard shark, horn shark,
and sting ray at the vertebrate and invertebrate lab. I got to dissect a
female squid and I learned that there is no such thing as a starfish, but
instead there is a sea star. I also had fun going hiking, snorkeling and
kayaking. Catalina is a Channel Island that is about breaking your fears,
being a good steward, following your dreams, and believing in God.
Squid dissection
Sand Sculpture of a Narwhal
Neap Tide
“Catalina Island Conservancy.” Catalina Conservancy. Catalina Island Conservancy. 2009.
Web. 27 March 2012 <http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/>
Ray, Bat. Vertebrate and Invertebrate Lab. 22 March, 2012.
Star, Sea. Bird Lab. 19 March, 2012.
“The Hills Are Alive with California Holly.” Wood Press. Hope Anderson Productions. 2010.
Web. 28 March 2012 <http://underthehollywoodsign.wordpress.com/>