R: Sulphur Tuft!
Today it was a moral imperative to go Naturing. By the time we had taken care of some things and picked out our xmas tree, there was just enough time before sunset to go OUTSIDE. Lucky me, my backyard was waiting.
I couldn’t really get motivated for anything in particular in GGPark East, so we did the Greatest Hits. Even though the last time I was there, that’s what I did with Linzy. But it’s so familiar. I don’t have to think about it. And at the end are my owls. So.
Firstly, SO WEIRD to be in GGPark on a weekend day. Such a different feel and different folks walking by, looking at this, about to buy that.
But what we mostly encountered was FUNGI. In so many unassuming spots. Love that Fungi Season is here.
And in the CAS Botanical Garden, lovely Coffeeberry berries made me smile. Along with a surprising Hermit Thrush, which didn’t seem to mind me and Brian watching it hop about.
Over at Anne’s Garden (or should I say, Agnes’ Garden?), much had dried up. But sweet Love-In-A-Mist blooms were nice to see.
Over at Squirrel Central, no Squirrel Lady. Plenty of Eastern Gray Squirrels. Plus a California Towhee and Fox Sparrow right next to each other that looked like best buds, working the ground below them for food.
Up at Blue Heron Lake, there were some fun overwintering birds we got to watch. Like a couple pairs of Hooded Mergansers. I really have to walk around the whole lake the next time I’m there. And go up climbing on Strawberry Hill. Next time.
On our way to the Boathouse, two formidable clusters of Sulphur Tuft were out and proud near each other. Upon our arrival to the scene, a woman was already crouched near them. Taking photos or something. Nice to know I’m not the only one that takes the time to enjoy them up close!
Though, I must admit that I couldn’t remember their name. At first, I thought that they reminded me of Honey Mushrooms. But they were too small. Can’t believe I didn’t remember Sulphur Tuft was their name. I hate how little time I spend outside these days. And I sadly won’t really improve much on that for a bit. It’s hard to even imagine a time soon when I can work on that. Sigh.
Can’t say enough how much I’m looking forward to my Presidio Night Walk program this coming Thursday!!!
Ok, back to it.
The Pioneer Trail had a couple darling Chip Cherries dotting the side of the trail. But the real delight came in seeing a Great Blue Heron just ohsocasually walking delicately across the meadow in front of us. It also didn’t seem to mind us much as we stopped to marvel at it going about its business.
What must they think of people?
The rest of the trail was quiet. As was the usual Great Horned Owl haunts. In fact, we didn’t hear or see any GHOs round sunset in the area. HM. I mean, this does happen. When I don’t hear or see them near their favored spots. And it always puzzles me. They seem to REALLY FAVOR their spots! Do they sometimes need to just get away from it all?
My small consolation prize was spotting a huge Artist’s Conk-looking Fungi on a tree in the spot that Linzy and I last saw my owls. Totally missed it then. Thing of beauty. Just chillin’ on a tree trunk.
All in all, it was FANTASTIC to get outside. To enjoy my backyard. To have seen so much Fungi already out there. To have the treat of watching a Great Blue Heron so close to us just being a Great Blue Heron. Yep, I’m absolutely bitching and lamenting and allthatcrap. But I treasure my time outside. Grateful to have it today.
