January 16

The morning temperature is 60 degrees, under partly sunny skies as Caroline, Riley and I walk an earthen path on Pt. Vincente, a favorite place on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, 10 miles west of our Lomita, CA. rental. Hiking south, I take in coastal sounds and sights, including ocean waves, palm trees and distant Catalina Island. Nearby, I spot a single Black Phoebe while far ahead, I see several Brandt’s cormorants perched on a steep rock face. Blossoms that catch my eye, include Sea Lavender and Baja Fairy Duster. After glancing skyward to see a Gibbous moon, I look down and notice some webs made overnight by ½- inch Grass Spiders (Funnel Weavers) (stock photo). This spider waits patiently within the funnel portion of its web until an insect gets tangled in the upper, sheet-like area, then it scurries out to bite and paralyze it. Once the insect is immobilized, the spider pulls its prey down into the funnel where she can feed at leisure – It’s the female that makes the funnel web. Next, I come to an overlook where fellow whale watchers are tracking and counting migrating Gray whales. While the white board shows none had yet been seen, I find out later that 9 whales were counted, including 2 calves. Continuing down the path past an often-seen sign, I observe a Dessert Cottontail rabbit and a never-before-seen Orange-crowned warbler whose namesake orange crown patch is rarely seen but may become visible when the bird raises its head feathers in excitement or agitation (stock photo). Looking away from the ocean, I spot a foraging, White-crowned sparrow and a couple of perching Common Ravens. Nearby, I see a familiar creature, an Eastern Fox Squirrel resting on a tree trunk. These squirrels were brought from the eastern United States in the early 1900’s and have been increasing their range and population ever since, both on their own and from humans deliberately spreading them through the state. Heading back to the car, I notice a European Starling perched near the top of a Palm tree. Scanning the tree, I see clusters of dates hanging from some branches. Date Palm trees are one of the oldest known crops, cultivated in western Asia and northern Africa more than 5,000 years ago for their sugary fruit—and still commercially grown in Iraq, North Africa, and the United States. This tree has long been considered the tree of life in desert cultures and is associated with fertility. Finally at the car, I take one last look at the Pacific coastline before heading home.

 

Overwhelming ocean 

Cliff-side perch

Binoculars poised

Morning search

Steamy blows

Whales of gray

Soaring high

Birds of prey

Sea lions swim

Dolphins dive

Senses alert

Nature’s alive!

 

D. DeGraaf