Monkey Flower Ranch

Our Ravens

Bryan Bailey — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:17:54 +0000

Our Ravens

We have a family of ravens on the property. Who knows how long they’ve been here these are Californian Ravens (Corvus corax) which can live up to 23 years in the wild. There are a pair which I’ve seen care for three hatchlings. I’m sure these offspring are flying around there today.

I’ve watched this pair of ravens over the years – well, I am assuming it’s the same pair – so let’s just say it is. But anyway, one can watch this pair fly together – dodging and near tagging each other as they fly to the vanishing point. It’s a reminder that us sapiens are not the only creatures who bond with one another.

The post Our Ravens appeared first on Monkey Flower Ranch.

Black Widow Bites

Bryan Bailey — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 11:12:15 +0000

— Monkey Flower Ranch

Black Widow Bites

If you’re bitten by a black widow spider at the Monkey Flower Ranch, here’s what you should do:

Immediate Actions:

Stay calm and try to remain still to slow the spread of venom
Clean the bite area gently with soap and water
Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce pain and swelling
If possible, try to capture or photograph the spider for identification (but don’t risk another bite)

Seek Medical Attention:

Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately – black widow bites can be serious and potentially life-threatening
Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop, as they can worsen quickly
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for additional guidance

What NOT to do:

Don’t cut the bite area
Don’t try to suck out the venom
Don’t apply heat to the bite
Don’t take aspirin (it can increase bleeding risk)

Symptoms to watch for:

Muscle cramps and spasms (especially in the abdomen)
Severe pain at the bite site
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty breathing
High blood pressure
Sweating and fever
Headache and dizziness

Treatment: Medical professionals may administer antivenom (antivenin), pain medications, muscle relaxants, or other supportive care depending on the severity of symptoms.

Black widow bites are most dangerous for young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, but anyone bitten should seek immediate medical care. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome typically is.

We are nearly 25 minutes away from the Kern Valley Hospital. Please call 911 via the house phone for advice.

How to Avoid being Bitten

Just a few simple precautions to enable you to hopefully not have a Black Widow encounter.

Use care when handling wood by the woodpiles at the bon fire pits.
Shake out and/or brush off outdoor furniture cushions and chairs before use.
If you see cobwebs around the porch areas, use caution and brush them away. There is plenty of nature for the spiders here – just not around the house.
Use a flashlight before reaching into any dark place.
Stay alert – stay alive.

Bryan Bailey

Bryan Bailey is the owner of the Monkey Flower Ranch. He's a native Californian who has traveled extensively in the US and Europe over the past several decades. He is retired and he's the guardian of the Monkey Flower ranch and its properties.

Book Now!!

You can find us at Airbnb, Hotels.com, Expedia or Vrbo.

Click here now to book!

The post Black Widow Bites appeared first on Monkey Flower Ranch.

Creek floods in Spring of 2018

Bryan Bailey — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 22:06:13 +0000

Wow! With all the snow that melted in April, the creek flooded over a wide swath of the central creek area. It was quite impressive – Bailey beach was not touched since it is on higher ground. It reminds us of the power of mother nature.

For a few days, South Kelso Valley Road was flooded and closed which stranded our neighbors for a bit. It has not flooded like this since then, but just goes to show that you have to be aware that mother nature does what she wants out here.

Bryan Bailey

The post Creek floods in Spring of 2018 appeared first on Monkey Flower Ranch.