February 25

After an intense week of entertaining relatives and traveling congested highways, Caroline and I find respite in Hopkins Wilderness Park, a natural oasis in the heart of Redondo Beach. On a sunny, cool afternoon we follow an earthen trail to the edge of a small pond where we spot some basking Red-eared Sliders and swimming Koi. These hybrid carp are a symbol of luck, prosperity and good fortune in Japanese culture. Proceeding on a perimeter path around this 11-acre preserve, patches of Wood Sorrel brighten the winter landscape. Other colorful blossoms of note include: Wild Radish and Sow Thistle. As the trail turns and leads me along a steep bluff, I pause to look beyond the sprawling urban landscape to the snowcapped peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains, 30 miles to the east. Also, I think about how for thousands of years this land was used as a lookout by Native Americans, then as a Minuteman missile site during the 50’s and 60’s, before the city secured it as a nature park in 1977. Further ahead, while glancing up at one of several Ponderosa Pine trees, I not only observe several egg-shaped cones but also a fist-size gall caused by a rust fungus. Continuing on the trail, a sudden movement on the ground draws my eyes to a 3-inch, Western Fence Lizard barely visible on the leaf litter. These native reptiles can change color from light grey or tan to nearly jet-black, but probably use this ability for thermoregulation while basking and not to camouflage themselves. As the trail turns toward the bright sun, long shadows of leafless tree branches decorate the ground in front of me. Looping back toward the trailhead, we are pleased to see an elementary school group using the park for an outdoor education activity. Nearby, the wispy red blossoms of a Powder Puff tree and the white blossoms of a Wild Plum tree catch my eye. Coming to the end of the trail, I could not ask for a better conclusion than a close up view of the ornate wings of a resting Western Tiger Swallowtail.

Mother Earth

Nature the host

Winter wonderland

California coast

Flowers to flaunt

Birds to boast

Winter wonderland

California coast

Azure skies

I admire most

Winter wonderland

California coast

D. DeGraaf

February 18

In sharp contrast to the frigid, snowy conditions back home, Caroline and I are enjoying mild afternoon weather as we hike in southeastern California’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Guided by longtime friends, Bruce and Flossie Bode, we make our way through this sublime landscape, that greened up from recent rains, and come across several piles of coyote scat containing bones and hair. Without any trails to follow, Bruce leads me through this unfamiliar habitat where I admire blossoming flora including: Brittlebrush, Poppy, Barrel cactus, Ocotillo, Agave and Bigelow’s Monkeyflower. Pausing next to a Creosote bush, I not only observe its showy flowers but also smell the musky, earthy aroma of its leaves. Just ahead, I watch a male and female California quail scurry along the sandy ground while a Black-throated sparrow gets ready to take off. Continuing to scan this desert terrain, I note the abundance of Cholla cacti. Upon a closer look at a remnant of this plant, I’m intrigued to see a skeleton-like layer exposed beneath the thorny skin. In the distance, a perching male Purple Finch catches my eye. Near my feet, I watch a foraging 1-inch Darkling or Stink Beetle. When threatened, it will raise its rear end and spray a foul smelling compound to ward off predators. Stopping briefly, Bruce points out and explains “dry wash” terrain. This wide sandy passage is formed during flash flooding as torrents of water move down slope. Next, my attention is drawn to a dozen Painted Lady Butterflies fluttering around a Lavender bush where one stops to rest. On the desert floor nearby, I stoop to watch a colony of Harvester Ants. Although benign if left alone, this insect will produce a painful bite and sting if disturbed. With gratitude for my opportunity to witness this unique ecosystem, I turn around and head for cover as rain clouds approach.

Searing heat

Miles of sand

Life displays

In barren land

Finch and quail

Colorful plumes

Succulent flowers

Cactus blooms

Drive to survive

With little rain

Nature’s wonders

Desert domain

D. DeGraaf

February 11

With bright sunlight at our backs and a rare chill in the morning air, Caroline and I find ourselves walking behind a surfer down a paved path to Malaga Cove, a coastal landscape near our rental house in southern California. As the trail levels off and hugs the shore, I see how vegetation such as Sagebrush and Buckwheat stabilizes the slope to prevent landslides, especially for that palatial home on the precipice. Turning my attention to the rocky beach, I spot both an adult and juvenile California Gull, side by side, noting the contrast in their plumage. After watching a foraging Willet, I come across the carcass of a Cormorant. Also, I observe one of several piles of Kelp with its characteristic air bladders. Speaking of Kelp, I move a pile to reveal hoards of Kelp flies that spend most of their life in this habitat. These insects are ecologically important as decomposers as well as a food source for beach-dwelling fauna. Scanning the rocks, those with a honeycomb pattern catch my eye. This phenomenon, called Tafoni, is due to both physical and chemical weathering. Another object to catch my eye is this plastic milk jug, one of many plastic items littering the beach. Needless to say, this material, an invention of modern man, has become a major environmental scourge to our planet, both on land and sea. Proceeding from a rocky to a sandy beach, I watch a Sanderling scampering near the surf and a Willet probing the sand for crabs and worms. Further ahead, I see a small flock of foraging Sanderlings. After foraging, these birds often regurgitate sand pellets studded with fragments of mollusk and crustacean shells. After glancing far up the coast to see our town of Redondo Beach, we turn around and retrace our steps where we meet a dog walker as well as a couple of surfers. Meanwhile, I stop by the mouth of a tiny freshwater stream where I spot some unusual cattails, displaying 2 flower heads per stalk. Finally, it’s back up the slope to the car for our trip home.

February focus

Coastal bluff

Trail that slopes

Terrain’s rough

February flora

Take the stage

Colorful cacti 

Fragrant sage

February fauna

Butterflies

On the path

A lizard lies

D. DeGraaf

February 4

After dropping Caroline off at the hairdresser, I make my way into southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula to revisit the George F. Canyon Nature Preserve. While a polar vortex descends on the Midwest, I enjoy pleasant afternoon weather hiking an earthen trail to discover samples of winter wildlife. With my senses fully engaged, I take in the sweet aroma of sage and the colorful sight of Bush Sunflowers (California Brittlebush). Other blossoms that catch my eye include: Blue Blossom Ceanothus and Sierra Snakeroot. Soon, a Mourning Cloak Butterfly flutters by and perches on a tree branch while a Cedar Waxwing sits still among the twigs. This time of year back in Michigan, Mourning Cloak adults disappear by seeking shelter in tree crevasses while Cedar Waxwings are seen in small flocks and on bird feeders. Just ahead, I spot some Prickly Pear cacti, displaying colorful fruit. Surprisingly, this plant can be found in Michigan, although now buried under the snow. With the trail mostly to myself, I meet a few humans with dogs and sidestep evidence of prior horseback riding. Triggered by recent rains, I notice the vines of Wild Cucumber (Manroot) are displaying lots of blossoms as well as a few spiny, tennis-ball size seed pods. These vines grow from a large, tuberous root that can extend several feet and weigh over 200 pounds. One Manroot found in Rancho Santa Ana reported to weigh 467 pounds. Even though the fruit has a mild cucumber aroma, it is inedible by man and beast. The trail I tread follows an intermittent stream that drains a large part of the peninsula, forming a ravine that cuts down to the basement rock, a 150 million year old metamorphic rock called Catalina Schist. Continuing west, I spot another Mourning Cloak resting on the ground and then gaze up at the blue sky to observe a soaring Red Tailed Hawk. Turning around and heading back, I am grateful for this time to escape the hubbub of the city and commune with nature.

All the trails are brown

Ne’er a sky of gray

I went for a walk

On a winter’s day

I’ve been safe and warm

Since I’m now in LA

California hikin’

On such a winter’s day

Flowers in bloom

Passed along the way

Nature all around

Her wonders to display

Don’t miss the cold

Guess I’m gonna stay

California hikin’

On such a winter’s day

D. DeGraaf

January 28

After an hour drive, having “Google Gal” guide us through rush hour traffic, Caroline and I arrive safely at Laguna Lake, a 7-acre, freshwater habitat in the heart of Fullerton, California. Beautiful, sunny weather greets us as we begin our ¾ mile hike around the perimeter of this man-made basin. Besides us, we share the groomed, earthen trail with other hikers, dog walkers, joggers and baby strollers. Near shore, we observe a male Ring-necked Duck diving for food that includes tiny invertebrates and pondweed. These ducks will overwinter here and then migrate north to their summer breeding grounds in Canada. Speaking of ducks, I’m pleased to see a sign posted discouraging humans from feeding these waterfowl. Something my hometown of Alma needs in their park on the Pine River. Along the way, I admire the color and texture of a mature Eucalyptus tree trunk that sheds its bark annually. Also, just off the trail, the lovely blossoms of a Bougainvillea vine and Wood Sorrel plant catch my eye. Turning again toward the water, I pause to watch an adult Coot swimming near shore followed by a juvenile. Far away on the eastern horizon, I catch a glimpse of snow-covered Mt. Baldy, 30 miles away and 4000 ft. high. Continuing to circle the lake, it was easy to spot domestic ducks (Peking) mingling with the wild ones. Not surprisingly, I also spot some hybrids, called “Mule Ducks” that are sterile offspring of domestic ducks that mated with Mallards. Gazing skyward, I see Eucalyptus leaves being swayed by a refreshing breeze. Still looking up, I notice the leaves and pods of a Jacaranda (Fern) tree that displays lovely lavender flowers in the spring and summer. Nearby, I observe the pink blossoms of Wood Mint. Back to the water, my eyes catch a solitary Cormorant perching on a submerged rock. Walking back to the car, I’m impressed about this place where living space and freshwater are in great demand, and yet a small portion of both have been set aside for the co-existence of wildlife and humans.

Late January

Snowless scene

Flowers bloom

Hills of green

An iceless lake

Cloudless sky

Lizards run

Ospreys fly

Mother Nature

Here with me

Far from home

Beside the sea

D. DeGraaf

January 21

In the sprawling megalopolis of Los Angeles, the definition of a nature trail is quite different than in rural Mid-Michigan. The one, Caroline, our daughter, Allison and I hike on meanders through a 50-yard wide strip of green space bordered by dense housing on one side and a concrete channel of the San Gabriel River on the other. My first impression left me wondering if wildlife could thrive or even survive in such a place. So, on this warm and sunny afternoon while Caroline and Allison move ahead, I dodge a few other walkers, leached dogs and baby strollers, to experience what nature has to offer. Soon, I come upon one of many Common Sage bushes that provide a pleasing aroma as well as nectar for the honeybees. Against an azure blue sky, giant transmission towers and numerous power lines come into view. Five years ago, government officials began restoring this easement property into habitat for native flora and fauna. Against the same blue sky, I marvel at a Great Egret perching among the male and female catkins of a White Alder tree. Surrounded by the commotion of this urban area, I enjoy a Northern Mocking Bird singing and a Monarch feeding on a colorful mint blossom. Surrounded by pavement and steel, I enjoy the pink blossoms of Wild Rose and the multi-colored blossom of a Passion Flower. Just ahead, bursting from green buds are the lovely flowers of Lion’s Tail that when dried, along with the leaves, can be smoked to calm the nerves. After completing a half-mile, I turn around and begin to retrace my steps where I can barely see a female Lesser Goldfinch against the branches and leaves of an oak tree. At the conclusion of the hike, I decide that despite a lack of peace and quiet, I am glad there is a natural oasis where wildlife and humans can co exist.

A peaceful meadow

A motor ran

Sounds of nature

Sounds of man

Sage on the trail

Trash in the can

Smells of nature

Smells of man

A flowery field

A beat up van

Sights of nature

Sights of man

D. DeGraaf

January 14

After surviving 45 minutes of rush hour traffic, Caroline & I are relieved to find peace and quiet as well as wildlife at El Dorado Nature Center in nearby Long Beach. Under cool and clear skies, we begin our hike by crossing over a footbridge where a lovely White Pelican greets us from its watery perch. Following an earthen trail and passing a Toyon bush with its colorful red fruit, we pause to watch a wading Snowy Egret stirring up prey with its feet. While admiring this clever behavior, I wonder if it’s learned or instinctive? As Caroline leads the way through a dense corridor of trees, we notice the trail is busy with lots of seniors on their morning walk. Around the bend, we spot the fragile web of an orb weaver, sparkling with morning dewdrops as well as purple berry clusters on a California Privet bush. These berries are toxic for humans but edible for birds, which are responsible for dispersal of seed. Along the creek and over the bridge we go to see a few colorful leaves still clinging to a Sycamore tree while most of them have dropped to make up the dense leaf litter. Looking skyward, we catch a glimpse of a perching Kestrel and an immature Red-shouldered Hawk. Continuing our one-mile loop, we come upon a Chinese Flame tree withits display of seed capsules–clusters of two-inch long papery husks resembling little Chinese lanterns. Just ahead, we stop to count three soft, eight-inch needles per cluster on a branch of Ponderosa Pine. Nearing the trailhead, we pause to watch a Great Egret wading gracefully in a narrow creek while a pair of Mallards and a colorful male Hooded Merganser swim nearby. Perched high at a distance, we could barely make out a tiny Allen’s Hummingbird. With our tranquil hike complete and minds at ease, we find the car and gear up to join throngs of vehicles heading north toward our place in Redondo Beach.

Honking horns

Sirens sound

Smoggy air

Humans abound

Asphalt of black

Urban scene

Where’s the fauna

Flora of green

Plumage of emerald

Eucalyptus here

Hummingbird hovers

Nature is near

D. DeGraaf