Adjacent to Sespe Creek there is an expanse of semi-wildness that cradles the stream on either side. From this open land, my small yard has welcomed birds of wide array.  A family of valley quail, and another of newly hatched mallard ducklings (their mother’s leading) both graced our yard in the same year.  Roadrunners have checked us out from time to time, clutching the fence top, while I fully expected that cartoon ‘beep-beep’ to emanate.

Condors and turkey vultures cut lazy circles high overhead each day as they watch for carrion. Only once did I see the vultures land ‘en masse.’  I trained my binoculars on them, as they perched upon an abandoned fence, lined up like bowling pins.  It was quite a sight.  I only wished I had a worthy camera, but didn’t.  When up at dawn, I often spy blue heron or snow white egret heading for their favorite fishing spots, the ones that abound in frogs and pollywogs. It took my breath away one day to spy five stunning white-tailed kites perched together in a tree by the stream. It was my only siting of these hawk-like beauties that feed principally on mice.

 

Fillmore,  California
Naturally
close to
condors,
black bears,
oranges and avocados


Growing up, first in Nebraska, then in southern California, my strongest closely-held
recollections are earth memories.  Birthday parties and picnics have faded away. 
Shopping trips and Saturday afternoon movies are no longer recalled.  But, etched in strong detail are the moments when I came to know the truths one can only learn from nature. 
 
Now, many years later, I live in a small town located off the beaten path, in an
agricultural valley nestled between Los Angeles and Ventura, California. The
scent of orange and lemon blossoms join cilantro and other row crops that ride
the breeze to announce their zesty selves.
 
Behind our group of homes is Sespe Creek, a waterway that meanders from winter’s
snow-capped mountains toward the ocean.  A typical southwest stream, it is trickling and dryish in summer.  On rare occasion it becomes a roaring waterway carrying logs and boulders toward the Pacific.