serger
Author: Hashi
Epipactis gigantea
My docent buddies Rick and Tom showed me a secret (off-trail) trove of stream orchids in the mountains. The hike included bushwhacking through poison oak, and getting wet in the creek. Some blood was shed (by the guys, not me). But we were rewarded with the best stand of Epipactic gigantea I’ve ever seen. Thanks Rick and Tom, it was awesome.
Calochortus albus
Friday hike in the Ventura River Preserve. I wanted to check out Fern Grotto Trail, hoping it would yield, you know, a grotto full of ferns. I did see some ferns, and also two little white globe lily plants, which distracted me from further exploration. By the time I’d journaled them, it was time to head home.
Procyon lotor
Caught on camera. We might have some competition for the tomatoes when they ripen.
Crotalus oreganus
We failed to find newts, but we did come across a tiny rattlesnake coiled in the grass.
under the oaks
I spent much of the day at beautiful King Gillette Ranch, both staffing a booth for Malibu Creek State Park, and enjoying the music of the annual Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest. I plucked this mushroom from under the nearby valley oak and was intrigued by its strong smell, so I asked a few people to sniff and describe. We settled on soy saucy chocolate. Later I found fresh specimens of the same species; their aroma was much milder. No, we were not tempted to taste them.
mystery nest
We found a lovely soft nest on the ground, mostly made of oak catkins and cobwebs, with decorations of feather and lichen. It actually looked like two conjoined nests, but I assume it had been teased out by an interested critter, before or after it fell. Who built it? I hope the eggs hatched safely.
leptoglossus
Grevillea rosmarinifolia
I love grevillea, with their gorgeous “spider” flowers. There are over 380 different species, and most of them are endemic to Australia. They are rich in nectar and provide food for many birds and invertebrates. Usually, the ones with white flowers are pollinated by insects, while the brightly coloured ones—reds, pinks, and other vivid shades—are bird-pollinated.
Aboriginal Australians have used grevilleas in many ways—for food, medicine, tools, and ceremonies. The most common way people have eaten them is by sipping the nectar straight from the flowers. (Just a heads-up though: some types can be toxic, so do your research first!)
this week’s draw with me
hashiworks 