Coming Up in the Elfin Forest

Text and Photo by Jean Wheeler

    We’ve had a few good early rains and lovely results among our early blooming flowers, but we could certainly use more rain well into the spring to continue a good flowering season. The normal blooming time for Morro manzanitas is February and March. Even though some began blooming as early as late November this winter, they should still have some lovely pink and white blossoms at least well into February along the more moist parts of the lower boardwalk. Fuchsia-flowered gooseberries normally bloom from about January into May. They also started early this winter, but their bright red blooms should brighten the greenery around the boardwalk and provide nectar for our flying flowers—Anna’s Hummingbirds—well past the end of March.  Also red are the drooping globes of California peonies (pic­tured). They are less than two inches in diameter on short herba­ceous plants that lurk under the protection of taller shrubs and are best seen on the sand trail leading from 11th Street to the board­walk or near Siena’s View. Buck brush or California lilac shrubs are very abundant all along the boardwalk and will continue to be beautifully covered with lavender and white blossoms.

These months feature wonderful birding opportunities in the Elfin Forest. Basically all of our winter water birds are still here by the thousands at least through February. This includes all Ducks and Geese, all Wading Birds, and all Grebes listed in our Pocket Guide. American Avocets, and most Sandpipers are also here through March.

    Among the shrubs and trees, our year-round birds are here of course. These include California Quail, both species of Towhees, the California Thrasher, Bushtits, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and several species of sparrows to name just a few. Winter visitors such as Ruby-crowned Kinglets, American Robins, and several migrat­ing species of sparrows are nearing the end of their winter stays and will soon head north or up into high mountains. They’ll be joined by migrants passing through from wintering sites in Middle and South America, which may include Rufous and Allen’s Humming­birds. Some of our summer birds, such as House Wrens and all of our species of swallows, will be returning from their holidays in the tropics to get to work again building nests for this year’s family.

    What a great time of year to visit the Elfin Forest, whether for a few short strolls or for many hours of fascinating study!

Please Report Elfin Forest Sightings. Have you observed any usual birds in the Elfin Forest? Mammals? Reptiles? Amphibians? Insects? Interesting activities or footprints of wildlife in our Elfin Forest? Unusual plants? Please report any interesting sightings to: web@elfin-forest.org. Get a photo of your sighting? Be sure and attach it. You can also leave a message on SWAP’s answering machine, 528-0392.