January 6

Caroline and I are enjoying the afternoon sunshine and 70 degree temperature as we explore the 290-acre Harbor Regional Park, 20 miles south of Los Angeles California. The paved trail we hike on follows the shoreline of 45-acre, Machado Lake where I spot a perching White Pelican out in the middle. Near shore, I notice a foraging Coot and the large seed heads of Pampas Grass. Continuing clockwise around the lake, we pass by colorful blossoms of California Fuchsia and Tree Tobacco. Fruit that catches my eye include red Toyon Bush berries and orange Lemonade berries. Far out on the water, I see a group of basking Slider turtles sharing a log with a couple of resting Cormorants. In addition to dog walkers, a common site along the walkway is Coyote Brush displaying their cottony seeds. Pausing on one of many lakeside decks, I scan the open water to notice a Western Grebe, a Canada goose, a pair of Mallards, a few Coots and a large gathering of California Gulls. Just ahead, I watch a Cormorant repeatedly surface for a few seconds before diving under to catch fish. From a dense stand of reeds near shore, I hear the familiar sounds of Redwing Blackbirds. Turning around to retrace our steps, I hear a sound that reminds us that we’re not in a remote part of Michigan but in the heart of a California megalopolis. On the edge of the pathway, I spot familiar blossoms of Sow Thistle and not so familiar blossoms of Wild Radish. Further along, I come upon a Desert Cottontail Rabbit as well as a White Bottlebrush tree displaying a mish-mash of drooping seeds, seedpods and blossoms. Before reaching the car, we veer off on another trail where we enjoy the fragrance of sagebrush while spotting a Prickly Pear Cactus. Also, a perching Egret catches my eye. Taking one last look at the lake, I can barely make out a wading Blue Heron on the far shore. Turning around again, we make our way toward the car when I glance high up a leafless tree to see and hear a male Great-tailed Grackle. Back in the car, we are pleased to realize there are urban places like this where humans preserve natural habitats for wildlife to not only survive but also thrive.

Cars and trucks

Planes in air

Concrete jungle

Horns that blare

Motors and strollers 

Groups of teens

Pedestrians scurry

Eying their screens

Amid the din

A song is heard

A cattail patch

A Redwing bird

D. DeGraaf