Erik Chalhoub here, still a little sore from a three-hour bike ride over the weekend on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
I’ve been an avid mountain biker for most of my life, but have lagged heavily over the past few years, instead opting for a stationary bike. My goal is to get back into it again, and I’d like to hear your suggestions on where I should ride in Monterey County.
Being the busy Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, a good chunk of my focus was dedicated to avoiding other trail users (being courteous and waiting for enough room to pass. Although I feel bad that I scared one dog who didn’t see me coming until I was passing it).
But there were many other users who didn’t follow the rules of the trail, and kept darting out in front of me even when the path ahead looked clear. I’m talking about ground squirrels and lizards, who don’t know to look both ways before crossing the road.
It got me thinking—with the arrival of summer, more people are heading outdoors, increasing the chances of interacting with wildlife, often in negative ways despite the best of intentions.
On cue, I received an email yesterday from SPCA Monterey County, advising that it was taking care of two young killdeer after their eggs were mistakenly taken from their nest.
According to the SPCA, the eggs were taken by students who thought they were abandoned by their parents. They hatched them in an incubator before being handed off to the SPCA.
Now two weeks old, the birds were cared for using a feather duster as a surrogate parent, and once they mature, will be released to a killdeer habitat near the Salinas River.
The SPCA recommends not taking wild eggs. If you spot eggs that appear abandoned, share photos and videos with the SPCA so they can provide advice. Oftentimes eggs that may appear abandoned are being cared for by parents scared away by human presence.
Fawn season is also upon us. Deer are most active in forested areas around dawn and between 6-9pm, so be extra vigilant when on the road.
If you see a wild animal in need of rescue, do not attempt to move it. Call the SPCA for help at 264-5427.
Remember to be mindful of all your neighbors—not just the human ones.
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