April 17

The morning temperatures are in the upper 50’s with a gentle north wind while the sun shines through a hazy sky as I begin hiking on a nature trail in Lumberjack Park. Heading north over the boardwalk, I spot a few Skunk Cabbage sprouts, a sure sign of spring. Crossing the bridge over Mud Creek, I pause to watch its water flow gently west toward a confluence with the Pine River. Off in the distance, a small group of foraging Wild Turkey catch my eye. Continuing through a pine forest, I come upon a tree trunk with a woodpecker hole occupied by the web of a Funnel Weaver spider (stock photo). Arriving at the edge of the Pine River, I watch its water flow by while being serenaded by a Northern Cardinal. After passing the Keeler overlook, my ears perk up to a duet of a Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse. While crossing the Lumberjack Rd. bridge, I spot a highly decomposed deer carcass. Looking more closely, I spot a ½ -inch American Carrion Beetle that gets its name from the prominent role that flesh of dead animals plays in its existence. These beetles and other decomposers are important because they get rid of dead matter by consuming it. They can fly to carrion up to 1.5 miles away by using olfactory organs located on their antennae. They usually arrive during the early to middle stages of carcass decomposition and lay eggs on or near the carcass. Their young then feed on the fly larvae that are present on the carcass. Carrion beetles also have chemical defenses. They secrete a strong, smelly odor that irritates other bugs and small animals. They can even spray the odor at predators to keep them away. Also, I notice several ¼-inch green Ham Beetles on the carcass. Possibly native to northern Africa, having been found in Egyptian mummies, they are now found throughout the world. Ham beetles also feed on animal products in processes such as taxidermy, where they may be a nuisance as they feed within antlers or other residual meat materials. Their life cycle can be completed in as little as 30 days – 17 days as a larva and 13 days in pupation. Adults are rather long-lived, surviving up to one year or longer, and several generations can be produced each year. Turning east to hike along the riverbank, I notice, up ahead, how the morning sunlight reflects off the rippling water. Heading back to the car past the campground, I pause one final time to hear the song of a White-breasted Nuthatch. 

 

High in azure blue 

Or low without snow

Honk of a Canada goose

Caw of a Common Crow

Noisy Jay of blue

Chipping Cardinal of red

White breast of a Chickadee

Black cap on its head

Some perch in stillness

Other ones in flight

Nature’s winged wonders

April’s morning light

 

D. DeGraaf

April 10

Back in Michigan, I begin my morning hike in Alma’s Conservation Park where the sky is sunny, the air is a chilly, 32 degrees along with a gusty north wind. After passing a singing Song Sparrow, I proceed west along a green-less bank of the Pine River. Up ahead, I spot a male and female Wood Duck perched high on a tree branch. These ducks are unique among most waterfowl in that they need bodies of water that are near woodlands so they can nest in tree cavities. The male is one of the most stunningly attractive of all waterfowl with plumage of iridescent chestnut and green as well as ornate patterns on nearly every feather (stock photo). Unlike most waterfowl, this mating pair is at home high in the trees. Their webbed feet are tipped with sharp claws that allow for easy perching, and their broad wings and tail allow them to easily navigate as they fly through dense woods. The Wood Duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods in one year. Suddenly, they fly off as the female makes its familiar high-pitched squealing call. Proceeding south away from the river, I approach the Girl Scout Cabin where my ears perk up to the sound of a Robin and my eyes are drawn to a Northern Flicker foraging on the lawn. On the rain-saturated ground nearby, I see a few puddles covered with ice which reminds me this is springtime in Michigan, not southern California. Working my way along the south boundary of the park, I hear one variation of a Cardinal song, followed by another. Turning east, I follow an earthen trail through a dense, coniferous woodland where I pause to listen to a drumming Downy Woodpecker, followed by a faint response from another one in the distance. Many birds sing to advertise their presence and attract a mate. Woodpeckers drum, rapidly pecking their bills against resonant objects to announce their availability to prospective mates. In the forest they seek out dead trees and hollow logs to produce this percussive hammering sound. A sound quite different than the irregular pecking made when they are feeding. Next, I proceed toward the Eyer Learning Circle where I have a stare-down with a Whitetail deer. After checking out the kiosk displays at the circle, I wander over to the bird feeders in time to see several Dark-eyed Juncos, foraging on the ground. Like many other birds, Juncos migrate “South” for the winter months; however, lower Michigan is their “South.” Soon, they will begin a northerly migration to their summer breeding grounds in Canada. 

 

Perching squirrels

Chitter, Chatter

Chipmunks run

Pitter, patter

Wood duck pair

Fly and squeak

Rushing river

Babbling creek

Frogs and toads

Start to sing

Nature’s choir

Hymns of spring

 

D. DeGraaf

April 3

Under sunny skies, temperatures in the low 60’s and a slight sea breeze, Caroline and I are hiking along Rat Beach, a short, sandy stretch of shoreline in Torrance, CA. Up ahead, I spot two common shorebirds foraging in the surf zone-a fast-moving Willet with its straight beak and a slow-moving Dowitcher with its curved beak. Nearby, I come upon a pile of Kelp weed lying on the beach. Upon closer look, I notice one of many swarming, 1/4 -inch Kelp flies. The larvae of these flies play a major role in decomposing kelp. Also, both larvae and adult flies are preyed on by beetles and shore birds, serving as an important resource in the sandy beach food web. Looking toward the water, a never-before-seen Heerman’s Gull catches my eye. Named after Adolphus Lewis Heermann, the 19th century explorer and naturalist, this medium-sized gull is unlike any other North American gull in both appearance and migration pattern. It has an unusual "backwards" migration as it breeds mostly south of the United States and then moves north for the nonbreeding season. Every summer, flocks of these shore-birds move north along the Pacific coast from their nesting grounds in western Mexico. This movement is timed with the northward flight of Brown Pelicans; when a pelican comes to the surface after plunging into the water for fish, a Heermann's Gull is often waiting to try to snatch the fish from the pelican's pouch. At my feet, I observe a 3-inch abdomen/tail section of a Spiny Lobster, most likely from a juvenile since a full-grown adult can reach 18 inches in length. This crustacean goes through several larval stages (stock photo) as it grows. It grows by molting the exoskeleton; the soft body hardens into new exoskeleton about a day after leaving the old one. Further ahead, I see the 5-inch carcass of a Sea Cucumber. When alive, the skin of these creatures can change to different colors, due to a rich supply of pigments. After death, these pigments break down, leaving the skin colorless. Nearby, I spot a juvenile California Gull perched on a pile of seaweed. Arriving at a rocky part of the beach, I spot a perching Yellow-rumped Warbler and a perching Black Phoebe. Looking more closely, I come upon a rock, covered with fossilized, carbonate structures that were once the homes of tiny tube worms. Turning around and heading back toward the car, I pass orange blossoms of Nasturtium and then pause to watch a couple of Ravens scavenging for food. Glancing up at the cliff-face, I noticed evidence of a recent rockslide and a nearby home on the precipice. 

Vast waters

Mighty blue

East bound

Bid adieu

Setting sun

Scenic shore

Gulls hover

Breakers roar

Images stored

Thoughts adhere

California 

Back next year

 

D. DeGraaf

March 27

It’s a blustery, overcast morning with temperatures in the mid 50’s as Riley, Caroline and I hike in the 123-acre, Deane Dana Nature Park, located in the coastal city of San Pedro, CA. Coming upon an open field, dotted with fresh mole mounds, I spot a half-dozen foraging Western Bluebirds.  Nearby, I see a Rattlepod plant. The name refers to the rounded, inflated seedpod that contains several pea-like seeds. When dry and hard, the seeds rattle around when the pods are shaken. Continuing downhill, the massive Port of Los Angeles comes into view. This complex is the nation’s premier gateway for international commerce and the busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere. Located in San Pedro Bay, 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, the Port encompasses 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles of waterfront. Along the way, I notice a trunk of a young Sycamore tree with its unique bark — a “camouflage” pattern of peeling patches. The bark is brittle and can't accommodate the fast growth of the trunk and branches, so it cracks and exfoliates. As the tree ages and the trunk becomes large, some bark is actually retained which creates a vastly different appearance. Next, I come upon a patch of Black Mustard with blossoms swaying in the breeze. This tough plant germinates early in winter before native plants have taken hold, grows tall, hogs the sunlight with its thick stalks and lays down a deep system of roots that beats out native plants for water. Nearby, I spot a large stand of mustard stalks from previous years that have dried up and now serve as kindling for a potential wildfires. Further ahead, I recognize a patch of Leafy Spurge. Cows eating leafy spurge suffer from blistering of the mouth and digestive tract. Sheep and goats, on the other hand, suffer no ill effects from eating this plant and even prefer it over many other common pasture grasses. Turning around, I observe several patches of Garland Daisy that produce both yellow and white blossoms. Also, pink blossoms of Wishbone bush catch my eye. Its common name comes from its forked stems that resemble poultry wishbones, especially noticeable when leaves drop later in the season. Just before reaching the car, I look on the ground to see several nickel-size shells of White Garden Snails. In the active season, this snail can defoliate a variety of shrubs and trees, including citrus. The great density of the populations in California (up to 3000 snails per tree) and the rapid rate of reproduction are primary factors in making this snail a major pest.

 

Pacific panorama

Sea meets land

Nature’s shoreline

Living rocks, living sand

Coastal colors

Nature is nigh

Aquamarine

Living water, living sky

Miles of beach

Nature’s ways

Isles and coves

Living surf, living bays

 

D. DeGraaf

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 

March 13

Under sunny skies and morning temperatures in the upper 50’s. we begin our hike in Harter Park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. For thousands of years, the marine rock layers of this peninsula have naturally eroded, creating small canyons and steep ravines. Thanks to local residents, some of these landforms have been preserved as accessible wildlife refuges, like Harter Park. Following an earthen trail above the ravine, I notice colorful blossoms of Lupine and Wild Radish. Used as a food, all parts of Wild Radish are edible, hot and peppery. Leaves should be eaten when young before they become bitter. Flowers can be added to salads while seedpods should be eaten when immature. Next to the trail, an outcrop of Diatomaceous Shale catches my eye. This rock is fairly soft and light-weight, being composed of fine-grained sediments and diatoms, plankton that forms a siliceous exoskeleton (stock photo). Looking around, I spot yellow blossoms of Wild Mustard and Sow Thistle. Up ahead, my ears tune in to a flock of American Robins singing from the lush vegetation. Not surprisingly, I spot one of many perched in a tree and one of many foraging on the ground. These large flocks are common in winter in areas like this where abundant edible fruit occurs, including the berries of surrounding Pepper trees. Locally, robins are the number one carrier of West Nile disease. West Nile virus is the most common and serious vector-borne disease in California. There have been more than 7,000 human cases and over 300 deaths reported in the state since 2003. While the virus is almost always lethal to crows and jays, robins are able to carry the disease with fewer ill effects. A mosquito species spreads the disease to birds and humans. This mosquito takes blood meals from roosting robins who serve as an amplification mechanism enabling more mosquitos to acquire the virus and eventually infect people. Glancing down to the bottom of the ravine, I notice a blossoming patch of Trefoil and a blossoming Blackwood Acacia tree. Crossing over to the other side of the ravine, I start heading back when I pause to watch a Honeybee feeding on a blossom of Wood-sorrel. Continuing along, I see and enjoy the fragrance of small white blossoms on a Wild Cucumber vine that also displays a golf-ball size, prickly green fruit. Although this plant is related to the familiar, domestic vegetable, the prickly “cucumbers” are not edible.

Winter wanes

Here in the west

Communing with nature

Remains my quest

Snow-capped summits

Rocky beaches

Pelican dives

Whale breaches

Ospreys soar

Higher than most

Pounding surf

Carves the coast

 

D. DeGraaf

March 6

Under sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60’s, we make our way to the Pacific coast seashore, at low tide, to explore marine life in tide pools. After watching a Dowitcher shorebird search for food, I make it to a rocky beach with plenty of pools, just in time to spot a 4-inch, slug-like Sea Hare slowly moving about. The horn-like structures seen on the head are called rhinophores. They allow these animals to pick up chemical cues in the water, such as those from other sea hares during mating season. When threatened by predators, they release a dark purple fluid in defense. The ink gets its purple color from a pigment in the red algae that makes up part of their diet. Sea Hares have a secret shell-an internal shell that protects their vital organs. Their eggs are encased in a protective sticky jelly and look like masses of spaghetti noodles. They may lay up to eighty million eggs; its larvae hatch in 10-12 days. At the next pool, I pause to see some small shells in motion as they’re occupied by hermit crabs. After observing some Brown Pelicans soaring overhead, I stop by another pool where a few 1-inch Sculpin fish are darting about. These fish have the ability to camouflage themselves by changing color to blend into the background and hide from predators. This species has been well studied by biologists for its high tolerance of temperature change. Also, they have an amazing homing ability and can use their sense of smell to make it back to their favorite pool as the tide comes and goes. Other pools display a colorful Sunburst Anemone and Kelp algae with their distinctive bladders that keep them afloat. Nearby, I come upon a rock face above the waterline exposing a variety of organisms including red Coraline algae, tube worms, several small snails and a 2-inch, ornate Wavy Turban snail. Another rock face, close by, reveals several 1/8-inch Limpets and Chitons as well as a cluster of Mussels and Gooseneck barnacles. Next, I spot a 3-inch, Striped Shore Crab in the shadow of a rock crevice. These crabs make tiny clicking sounds that are heard near these tide pools. They feed on films of algae and diatoms growing on the rocks which they scrape off with their claws. They also scavenge on dead animals and at times eat living prey, such as limpets, snails, other crabs, and even the unwary fly. In turn, these crabs are eaten by gulls, octopus, rats, raccoons, and even man. Finally, I turned around to head back toward the car where I spot an Egret, in the distance, hunting for food. 

 

Ebb flowing tide

On rocky shore

Pools of life

Here to explore

Crustaceans cling

Tentacles sway

Algae of red

Shellfish of gray

Crabs, tubeworms

Kelp mats float

Nature’s realm

Worthy of note

 

D. DeGraaf