January 27

The midday temperature is 62 degrees as Caroline and I reach the trailhead of the Filiorum Reserve, 191 acres of protected scrub grassland on the west side of California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula. From here, we pause to view the stunning coastal landscape before beginning our steep descent on an earthen trail where I spot a Desert Cottontail rabbit hiding in the underbrush. Walking gingerly down the slope, I begin to see several ¾ inch White Garden Snails clinging to the vegetation. These invasive gastropods came from Europe to California in shipping containers around 100 years ago and rapidly reproduced to become a major environmental pest. Scanning the nearby terrain, I notice we are surrounded by acres of tall, dried up stalks of Black Mustard. Stimulated by above average rainfall the past few winters, this invasive plant has spread rapidly along the coast. While, in the spring, they cover the hillside with an attractive blanket of yellow blossoms (stock photo), this time of year their dead stalks are prime tinder for wildfires. Continuing our steep descent, I spot the yellow blossoms of Tree Tobacco along with a female Lesser Goldfinch. Further downgrade, I recognize some white blossoms of Wild Cucumber vine as well as a whitish sedimentary rock common on the peninsula, called Diatomite. About ten million years ago, this place was submerged under the ocean where countless microscopic marine plants call diatoms lived, died and left behind their siliceous skeletons, eventually forming this rock. Ahead on the earthen path, I come across a ¾ inch black insect called a Stink Beetle. As its name implies, this insect’s defense against predators is to spray a noxious chemical from its hind end. Near the bottom of the hill, we take in the sweet aroma from Lemonade Berry blossoms. Finally, reaching the base of a ravine, I pause to observe piles of Diatomite rock that, over time were washed down the steep slope and deposited here. Turning around, we begin the arduous hike back up the slope. Reaching the trailhead, we catch our breath before taking one last look at the ocean and heading to the car.

Michigan melody

Usually airs in May

Solos from a palm

Not very far away

California winter

Sweet sound is heard

From a barren branch

Sits the whistling bird

Beak to the heavens

Fragile folded wings

Music to my ears

Song Sparrow sings

D. DeGraaf