February 13

The mid-afternoon temperatures are in the low 80’s, under sunny skies as we hike along the edge of Peck Park Canyon, about 10 miles south of our Lomita, CA rental. Near the trailhead, I come upon a sign that spells out the cautions necessary when humans and wildlife vie for the same habitat. With a steep, wooded ravine on my right, I proceed eastward on an earthen path and pause to listen to the bird call of a Northern Flicker, a familiar sound heard back in Michigan. While Michigan Northern Flickers migrate south for the winter, these are year-around residents. Continuing eastward and overlooking the massive seaport of Los Angeles, I stop and peer through the haze at the snow-covered peak of Mt. Baldy, some 50 miles away. Turning around, I come upon a huge Banyan Fig tree with its sprawling, above-ground root system. Following another trail as it descends into the canyon, I spot bright yellow blossoms of Rush Rose and tiny pale-blue blossoms of Plumbago. Up ahead, my ears perk up to the sound of a Hutton’s Vireo, a bird yet to be seen in the wild (stock photo). These small, well-camouflaged birds move slowly and deliberately through foliage in search of food. They take prey from branches and leaves, picking them quickly as they move along, or hovering or hanging upside-down to glean them from the tips of leaves or needle clusters. They chase and fly after flying insects as well. Their known prey include stinkbugs, leafhoppers, lady beetles and caterpillars. Hutton’s Vireos are unusual among North American vireos in that they don’t migrate. The species name was given in 1851 by John Cassin, Philadelphia ornithologist, for William Hutton, a field collector of birds, about whom little is known. Continuing westward, I glance down to the base of the canyon to see a narrow stream of clear water, remaining runoff from soaking rains of a few weeks ago. Starting in 2005, natural vegetation was planted on these slopes to curb erosion and filter runoff so cleaner water would drain into the nearby harbor. Further along, I notice clusters of white flowers from a Japanese Lilac tree. This is one of many examples of a cultivated plant that has escaped someone’s yard and has the potential to out-compete native species. Approaching the car, I come to a clearing in time to enjoy watching a few fluttering butterflies. After waiting in vain for at least one to land for a photo op, I do my best to track them in flight. The first one is a dipping and dodging Morning Cloak (stock photo). The second and third ones are Monarchs that meet each other and head off.  

Curious eyes open to see

Mother Nature here with me

Different flower, different tree

Different bird flying free

Look around on land and sea

Different topography

Down low on bended knee

Welcome sound, bumblebee

Coastal treasures, found a key

California discovery

 

D. DeGraaf