Pellaea stictica
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Acinonyx jubatus
In celebration of International Cheetah Day, I attended an interesting session with John Muir Laws and the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Charadrius vociferus
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.
sad bee tale
Sostomo->Deer Valley
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. 🤷🏻♀️
The hungry caterpillar(s)
Teensy little leaves being eaten by teensy little caterpillars.
across the canyon
Our neighbour’s garden is not alight, but the Fire Sticks succulent (Euphorbia tirucalli) sure is aptly named.
gum flower
Seen on my walk, the prettiest white eucalyptus flowers (or gum flowers, as we call them Downunder.)
morning quiet
location scout
Annette and I circumnavigated the Santa Monica Mountains today, scouting possible locations for future Nature Journal Club meetups. We found several strong contenders, a couple of maybes, and we crossed a few off our list. A productive and fun day! (Sketched from a photo taken while hiking the day before.)
hashiworks 