A walk on the wild side

STEVE KAWARATANI

“Millions long for immortality who don’t know what to do with

themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.”

-- Susan Ertz

“There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the

way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was

before.”

-- Robert Lynd

The gathering gloom and the first hint of raindrops registered as

a quickening in my heartbeat. With little remorse, I knew Sunday’s

luxuriating in bed was about to conclude early. Catharine was already

half-dressed and making her way toward her car. Silently, as wives

and husbands sometimes do, we (admittedly, initially she more than I)

had decided to embark on a rainy morning walk.

The entrance to the parking lot at Reef Point was empty -- the

ranger probably figured that the impending storm would discourage

visitors. However, she or he had not anticipated the pure joy that I

share with Catharine in walking in the rain. Making our way down the

quarter mile trail to the beach, I noted that the landscape had

greened considerably, from the regular watering prior storms had

brought.

The coastal bluffs of Crystal Cove State Park support a vigorous

community of coastal sage scrub. These plants thrive, despite the

challenging conditions that they must overcome, infrequent rainfall,

rocky soil and constant salt spray and wind. In addition, the

vegetation provides a habitat for a large number of native and

migratory birds.

The three-mile plus of beach between Reef Point and Pelican Point,

is one of the best places in the world for a long walk along the

ocean. This particular day, the entire beach was deserted, except for

hundreds of shore birds. Normally shy, whimbrels and willets were

busy drilling their bills into the sand, in search of brunch. Racing

the waves, sandpipers and turnstones sprinted across the departed

surf, also in search for tasty morsels.

As an enthusiastic birder, the highlight was the sighting of a

pair of terns, either Forster’s or Arctic. I would like to believe

that they were related to the same Arctic Terns we saw during a

recent trip to the Arctic Circle. Like the other birds, they were

oblivious to our presence, contending instead with the whipping wind

and heavy raindrops.

The most predominant plant of the coastal landscape is saltbush.

Its gray or silvery foliage is most tolerant of direct seashore

conditions. Its flowers and seeds are an important food source for

birds.

Just as tough is the crystalline ice plant, now considered the

only true Mesembryanthemum for those who care about such things. This

sprawling plant is only a few inches tall, but will spread several

feet wide. The foliage is covered with tiny blisters that glisten

like flecks of salt. During dry weather, the fleshy leaves will turn

red.

Sea-cliff buckwheat requires a little more distance from the

ocean. Growing on the cliffs of coastal California, it will withstand

wind and drought. The pale pink flowers are showy in late spring to

early summer

The ubiquitous coast prickly-pear was a common sight during our

walk. A native to the coast, the flowers and fruit are showy. The

last remnants of common fennel were also scattered along the cliffs.

An attractive plant that browns in cold weather, even birds have

acquired a taste for its seeds.

All too soon, Catharine and I had returned to our starting point.

It was raining harder and we were soaked, and enjoying every wet

moment. Rain is precious in California and so are the moments that we

share with those we love. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre St., No. 49, in Laguna Beach. He is happily married to

local writer, Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached

at (949) 497 2438 or e-mail to landscapes@ln.coxatwork.com.