Caterpillar Phacelia & busy pollinator (L.Johnson 5/10)

Solstice Canyon is one of the prettiest canyons around. Although it is an uphill walk, it is not steep. The first mile or so is paved, permitting wheelchair accessibility. As a result, our resident flowers & butterflies expert Margaret Huffman was able to accompany us and keep us entertained with her encyclopedic knowledge. Leader Jean Garrett kept us moving along, but there was so much to see and hear and smell, that our 3-hour trip stretched out to over four hours.

A very cryptic Fence Lizard (L.Johnson 5/10)

Most of the local chaparral and riparian birds were building nests or hauling food to hungry nestlings or busily singing up a storm. On this warm day, the air was filled with insects which the various flycatchers were happily thinning out. The Black-hooded Parakeets – now resident in nearly all of our Westside canyons –  were flying in and out of nesting holes in the sycamores. The numerous small holes in the large granary tree by the bridge was nearly depleted of acorns: apparently the local Acorn Woodpecker clan had used up their stores and would have to rely on insects until the next crop comes in.

We heard at least 3 Canyon Wrens: 2 below the ruined house at the end of the trail, and one above the waterfall which was briefly spotted flying away from its song-perch. Hikers were in abundance on this beautiful day.

Next year we may begin this hike a few hours later in order to maximize the presence of butterflies. Cold-blooded creatures, they don’t really get moving until it’s nice and warm.

Pacific-slope Flycatcher (L.Johnson 5/10)