In the distance, I could hear many voices raised in song, and I recognised Melanie DeMore’s Lead with Love.
lead with love
Images
Melanerpes formicivorus
Is the woodpecker attracted to vertical cylinders, even if they are cold and smooth? If this had been a rectangular prism, would it have tried to drill? Why did it take so long to give up? Bird brain!
Update: Kit, in the comments, writes: “Many woodpeckers “drill” as a signal to others. In our area, the northern flickers often find something metallic to hammer on as a display. So maybe this acorn woodpecker isn’t after food, but is magnifying his voice.” Thank you, Kit!
no diving
The sign says no diving. It doesn’t say no jumping.
Actually, I’ve jumped off that rock into the pool below … but not in the last 25 years. And now I’m a responsible state park docent, I probably won’t ever do it again. I’ve witnessed too many rescues.
freedom chase
Theodore (Ted) Gall is an Ojai-based sculptor whose work is mostly surreal. I’ve visited his studio, and it’s quite an overwhelming experience to walk amongst the complex works of art. This horse, by contrast, is very simple and graphic, constructed from steel plates.
joshua tree
Dreaming about a desert getaway.
zoom people
café
the lion creeps tonight
Malacothamnus fasciculatus
Such early flowering! Usually bush mallow flowers first emerge in April, and continue through summer. But this year they’re already popping out on sunny slopes in Mugu State Park.
Name Origin: Malacothamnus is Greek for “soft shrub.” The species name fasciculatus means “clustered“ or “bundled” in Latin, referring to the leaves and/or flowers. Other members of the Mallow family include hibiscus, okra, hollyhock, cotton, and a plant named Althaea officinalis, whose roots were used to make the original marshmallow as far back at 2000 BCE. The modern confection, however, is made from sugar, gelatin, and corn starch.
clowder of cats
hashiworks 