Oddments

~ The American robins have found the seeps in Santa Ynez Canyon and are flocking to drink, en route north. Larger than their European counterparts which are house sparrow-sized, they are reliable visitors to birdbaths and often found around hackberry trees in winter. In spring and summer, they’re easily spotted with earthworms and insects in their yellow bills. 

~ With recent rains, the frogs are courting in the creek. (Click here and turn your volume up for a sample of Baja California tree frogs calling). What do they make of all this moisture after several years of drought?

~ Seeds from the California sycamores, relying on their caramel-colored tufts to be carried aloft, are landing on our patio. Some lucky seed-eating birds might find them, or maybe the neighborhood mice, voles and moles will consider them to be snack-worthy.  

~ The quality of light now shifts from hazy, tepid wintery sunshine toward a piercing, coastal 34.0356° N, 118.5156° W summer shine.  On days when the Santa Ana winds arrive from the north, Catalina Island and all three islands in the Anacapa chain are easily spotted.

~ High up on the treetops, the ravens’ calls waft across the canyon, their hackle (throat) feathers pulsing outward with each song. 

Blink and we could miss it.