February 12

Last Friday, Caroline and I returned to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, south of Los Angeles to hike in the 51-acre, George F Canyon Nature Center. The early morning weather included a thinning marine layer, a temperature of 58 degrees and a slight ocean breeze. From the parking lot, we followed an earthen trail west along the base of a steep canyon where I spotted a beautiful orange, blossom of climbing Nasturtium. This popular garden plant is native of Peru and can become invasive if grown unchecked in the wild. Next, I was puzzled to hear a strange birdcall that sounded like an injured gull. Later, I found out it came from a wild Peacock, a common pet around here that often escapes from its owners. Continuing west, I paused at a dry creek bed to observe a large blue-green boulder called Catalina Schist. This ancient metamorphic rock forms the geological base of the Los Angeles basin. Just ahead, I looked up a steep bank and noticed a brownish, Robin-sized bird, called a California Towhee foraging on the ground. Still heading west, the breeze picked up and began blowing through a Brazilian pepper tree. Also, I stopped for a while to observe a couple of Red-Tailed Hawks souring high above the canyon. Much to my surprise, they both flew over to a tall tree and perched long enough for me to take a photo. After about a mile, the trail ended. Shortly after turning around to retrace our steps, I spotted a small patch of poison oak. While this plant is a serious health hazard around here, it is not back in mid Michigan. Continuing east, I came across a strange looking parasitic vine called California Dodder. While the vine does penetrate the host plant and extract nutrients, it usually does not kill it. Also, I paused to listen to a California Scrub Jay call from the dense brush nearby. Even though I didn’t see it, I was able to find a photo of one. Just prior to the end of our hike, we stepped aside to let a few horses pass by. Finally, we made it to the car and headed back to our winter rental in Redondo Beach.

Curious eyes wide open to see

Mother Nature here with me

Different flower, different tree

New kinds of birds flying free

Look around on land and sea

Unknown trails, hiking spree

Stoop down on bended knee

Strange lizard, stranger bee

Coastal treasures, found a key

Discovering more is my plea

D. DeGraaf