December 23

Wednesday, since dogs were not allowed on the premises, I hiked without Remi at Madrona Marsh Preserve, located in the urban center of Torrance California. This 43-acre preserve is considered to be the last remaining vernal freshwater marsh in Los Angeles County. The mid-morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 65 degrees and no wind. Entering the sandy trail, I paused to face the sun in recognition of the recent winter solstice. Despite its lowest solar noon altitude of 33 degrees, 2 days ago, it was still 9 degrees higher in the sky than it was back home in Alma where it is farther from the equator. Heading east on a perimeter path, I noticed several White-crowned sparrows fluttering through the underbrush. These birds could be winter residents having migrated from northern Canada and Alaska. However, since year-round populations are known to exist along the Pacific Coast, it’s hard to know for sure. Further along, I paused to examine a large Willow Oak and noticed some broken branches were ladened with dead immature acorns. As the trail curved south, I spotted several American Sycamore trees with their distinctive, spiny seed balls. Examining the path more closely, I came upon some Raccoon tracks embedded in sandy soil. Noticing that much of the soil around me was sandy, I read in the brochure that this area is part of an ancient back dune system of the Pacific Ocean. Turning west, I enjoyed seeing a few winter blossoms including Bush Sunflower and Woodland Sunflower. Overhead, the familiar sight of a Monarch Butterfly and a Mourning Dove reminded me of last summer in Michigan. As the trail turned north, I finally came upon a marshy landscape that despite the extensive drought in the area contained some water from recent rains. At last, I returned to the car and headed back to Redondo Beach.

Earth slumbers

Noon draws nigh

Sun of the season

Low in the sky

Deep in December

First winter days

Sun of the season

Cooler your rays

Wildlife in waiting

Nature’s content

Sun of the season

Begin your ascent

D. DeGraaf