March 18

A couple of flatlanders from Gratiot County, Michigan, Caroline and I trudge up a steep hill on a narrow, rocky trail, lined with yellow blossoms of Brittlebush. The morning sky is clear with a cool breeze off the Pacific Ocean as we explore the Forrestal Nature Preserve on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula. Adjacent to the trail, I notice a patch of dainty Stork’s-bill blossoms while up ahead a ground- foraging White-crowned sparrow pauses before running for cover. While looping back, we rest briefly, observe the rugged terrain and then watch a Wren greeting the morning. Following the meandering trail around toward the ocean, I spot a perching Painted Lady Butterfly. Prompted by plentiful rainfall, hoards of these butterflies are invading Southern California as they fly north from the deserts of Mexico to breeding grounds in Oregon. Yesterday, from our backyard patio, we watched in amazement as hundreds of them flew overhead. Lesson learned: Monarchs are not the only North American butterfly that migrates. Continuing on the undulating path, I pass through a fragrant field of yellow Mustard flowers. Upon closer inspection, I see some purple Succulent Lupine blossoms mixing with the Mustard. Climbing up the trail once again, I notice a stationary, 3-inch Fence Lizard as well as a perching Cabbage White butterfly, After turning around to begin my descent, I am pleased to see a colorful Northern Flicker fly up and perch on a Lemonade berry shrub against a stunning azure blue sky. As my descent continues, I notice some Prickly Pear cactus, a cluster of Blue dick blossoms as well as a perching California Towhee. After pausing to enjoy a refreshing sea breeze, we head back to the car while I reflect on another successful encounter with west coast wildlife.

Outer edge of winter 

Mother Earth prepares

Rousing the creatures

Opening their lairs

Prompting the trees

Catkins are seen

Waking the ground

Sprouting the green

Welcoming back

Birds on the wing

Nature announcing

Harbingers of spring

D. DeGraaf