In honour of World Soil Day, I did some digging into the subject of my favourite micro-animals. Who doesn’t love a moss piglet? They can survive in extreme environments that would kill almost any other animal, and they are undeniably cute.
In celebration of International Cheetah Day, I attended an interesting session with John Muir Laws and the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Killdeer get their name from one of their most common calls, a shrill, wailing “kill-deer”. They are shorebirds that nest away from water. Like most (all?) plovers, they lay their eggs in a shallow scrape in somewhat exposed areas, even on gravel rooftops. They will deploy a broken-wing display to lead predators away from their nests. However, this doesn’t stop horses or cows from stepping on their eggs. To deter these large hoofed animals, a killdeer will try an “ungulate display”, fluffing itself up, splaying its tail over its head, and running at the beast to attempt to make it change its path. Sadly, this tactic is often fatal for the bird.
Annette and I have hiked to Tropical Terrace in Solstice Canyon many (many) times. But today was our first foray up the Sostomo Trail and around the Deer Valley Loop. We have declared it our new favourite hike. The creek crossings are delightful and the views from the top make the climb worthwhile.
We saw a hedge nettle (Stachys bullata) blooming out of season. What’s up with the common name? This member of the mint family neither grows in a hedge nor stings like a nettle. 🤷🏻♀️
Teensy little leaves being eaten by teensy little caterpillars.
Our neighbour’s garden is not alight, but the Fire Sticks succulent (Euphorbia tirucalli) sure is aptly named.
Seen on my walk, the prettiest white eucalyptus flowers (or gum flowers, as we call them Downunder.)
hashiworks 