March 20

On this first day of astronomical spring, Caroline and I begin a hike in Hopkins Wilderness Park, an 11-acre nature oasis in the heart of Redondo Beach, California. The mid-morning sky is partly sunny with temperatures in the low 60’s as I pass by a shallow pond where a few Red-eared Slider turtles are resting on a rock.  Up ahead, a flash of blue catches my eye as a Western Bluebird lands in an open area and grabs a grub, before taking off.  Nearby, I pause to watch Honeybees feeding on blossoms of Dark-star Mountain Lilacs and Woolly Sunflowers while a tiny, ¼ inch Fairy Bee feeds on blossoms of Mock Orange. Fairy bees lack the part of the stinger that pumps venom, rendering them effectively stingless. After stopping by a sign to read a list of tongue-in-cheek rules for park visitors, I notice the fruit of Himalayan blackberry. This Eurasian species, introduced for fruit production, is highly invasive and difficult to control. It forms impenetrable thickets, spreads aggressively and has significant negative impacts on native plants, wildlife, recreation and livestock Their berries are tasty, though apparently less tasty than the native blackberries. They are most often consumed just as berries or as fruit pies. A short distance away, I come upon a Climbing Asparagus fern displaying its dark fruit while on an overhead tree branch, I look at and listen to a female House Finch. Descending an earthen path, I spot a Mourning Cloak butterfly perched on a rock, flapping its wings to warm them up. Up ahead, I notice a fist-size woody growth on a small Hickory tree. Called a Phomopsis gall, it is a swelling on a branch caused by a fungus. Looking skyward as the morning sun crosses the celestial equator, I recognize the vernal equinox and the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere.  Following a perimeter path back toward the car, I pause by a Japanese Cheesewood tree as several Monarch butterflies lite on its white blossoms with their strong citrus fragrance.  Near the car, I catch a brief glimpse of black and yellow bird moving quickly through the dense underbrush. My guess it’s a Yellow-rump Warbler. This bird is one of the most widespread and well-known warblers in North America. Birders affectionately refer to this species as "butter-butt," since its bright yellow rump is an eye-catching and diagnostic field mark throughout the year. Adults also have a yellow crown patch, most obvious in adult males. 

 

Orb of the heavens 

Sun of the sky

Giver of life

None can deny

Orb of the heavens

Ascending star

Your vernal place

Your journey so far

Orb of the heavens

Warming sphere

Welcome to spring

Glad you’re here

 

D. DeGraaf