Golden Gate Park (08/05/2021)

today i wanted to visit the AIDS Memorial Grove to see if it should be included in The Book. the book is going to be scaled down a bit so that it can actually be done in a reasonable timeframe. on the way, i strolled through the CAS Botanical Garden to notice more summer states of native plants, swung by the Owl Spot and caught all three Great Horned Owls in the Coast Live Oaks (Junior in his favorite spot with mom and dad on either side of him, both sleeping while he preened), and walked along the edge of the still-algae-covered Lily Pond. took my time meandering through the AMG, which is always quiet and peaceful. the tiny redwood grove is such a comfort. i was reminded while walking amongst the redwood giants how i was always afraid of the forest until i met redwoods at Theatre in the Woods. and now, i always feel protected by them. watched a Black Phoebe catching food over the lawn, happily IDed a Purple Coneflower i’d seen there before, and savored my walk up and alongside the creek. maybe the “rain” overnight brought out more food for the birds? they seemed notably more active than in recent weeks, which is always nice for me. anyhoot, hysterical owl photo shoot in the comments, for interested owl folks…