Nature is Calling

   Living in Los Angeles, my experiences with nature and wildlife differ from someone living in a more rural environment.  However, outside my door and within my neighborhood, I’ve got my fair share of a wild kingdom.  Here are my top 6 nature observations:

1. Not all trees are green.  Outside my bedroom window, a large jacaranda tree towers over our home.  The lilac flowers fall and cover the grass with a “purple snow.”
2. Crows are alive and well and vocal in Los Angeles.  Crows always make me think of scarecrows and farms.  However, these crows seem to be auditioning for a choir.  They sing, croon, and yell at each other.  At times, their vocalizations sound like ducks quacking or owls hooting.
3. Squirrels are quick.  They run and chase each other, across the lawn and up a tree.  They amble over tree branches like circus performers on a tightrope.  They attempt to catch each other; although I’m not sure if they’re trying to attack each other or mate.
4. Raccoons live in families, and in my neighborhood.  One year, several years ago, my husband and I were walking around our neighborhood in the early evening hours.  The sun had set and out of some hedges we saw a family of raccoons scamper across to hide away in a storm drain.
5. Opossums live in my neighborhood.   They’re lurking, and just a few weeks ago, I watched one amble around my neighbor’s back patio.  They’re eerie, creepy, look like an over-grown rat, and frankly, have no business being anywhere near my home.
6. Birds really do look for twigs to build their nests.  Mama birds really do sit on eggs within these nests.  For the last week, my son and I check each day for our “Mama Birdie,” who sits in her nest perched atop the wall separating my back patio from my neighbor’s.