By Audrey F. Baker
As you traverse the trail, you’ll likely glimpse one of our resident favorites, the ground-probing California Towhee. From brush-enriched stony areas and canyons, to open chaparral and oak tree enclaves, this long-lived (up to 12 years) active forager is an iconic member of sage and chaparral communities.
The California Towhee’s tempered brown color is enhanced by a rusty throat and under-tail coverts that make for quick identification. Behavior confirms your identification. This “dancing denizen” of the chaparral floor performs a two-step hop, back and forward, simultaneously using both feet to stir the underbrush in search of seeds, fruits, invertebrates and insects. While raking debris, its long tail serves as a balance rod.
Chink-ink! A towhee’s territory is aggressively defended, even to the point of persistently poking at one’s own reflection in car mirrors and chrome finishes.
Along with coast live oak, arroyo willow and ornamental shrubs, choice nesting sites include poison oak. Those “berries of white” we fear as a “poisonous sight” are copiously eaten with abandon.
Our MTRP Trail Guide walks are an opportunity to learn more about natural Southern California, with its unique landscapes, habitats, local history, plant and animal life. The walks are free, interesting, fact-filled, and geared to all ages and interests. Grab sturdy shoes, that comfortable hat, water bottle and sunscreen and hit the trail!
Morning walks are offered every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. You’ll start from the park’s Visitor and Interpretive Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos. The walk beginning from the Kumeyaay Lake Campground Entry Station, 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail, at the San Carlos-Santee border, gives a different perspective of the park and its diverse habitats. These walks are offered from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, and take in historic Old Mission Dam.
Wildlife Tracking reveals the secret lives of animals, bringing insight into their survival techniques and habits. Tracking Team members assist in identifying and interpreting tracks, scat and habitats. Join us at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, May 2 in front of the Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Carlos, for a two-hour tracking adventure.
Discovery Table: Animal Skulls is an opportunity to improve your naturalist skills with a close-up look at animal skulls. You’ll examine features that give clues to animal behavior and learn fun facts about MTRP’s lions, coyotes, bobcats and other critters. See you inside the Visitor Center Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Bird Kumeyaay Lake with MTRP Birders Jeanne Raimond and Millie Basden for lakefront avian adventure. The area is active with newly fledged birds and the nesting activities of May’s late-arriving migratory species. Join us at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the Kumeyaay Campground Day Use Parking Lot, Mission Trails Regional Park, 2 Father Juniper Serra Trail, Santee for a two-hour exploration. Binoculars and bird book recommended.
Star Party Luminaries shine with Saturn rising in the southeast, as Mars and Jupiter set in the west. MTRP Resident Star Gazer George Varga will focus on the Whirlpool (M51), Sunflower (M36), Black-Eye (M64) and Sombrero galaxies and more! Rain cancels. We gather between 7:30 – 10 p.m. Saturday, May 16 at the far end of the Kumeyaay Campground Day Use Parking Lot, Mission Trails Regional Park, 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail, Santee.
La Mesa Walk and Talk offers a stroll along Lake Murray’s scenic shores accompanied by your MTRP Trail Guide and engaging nature subjects. Under today’s topic, “Our Nesting Ospreys,” we’ll delve into the lifestyle of the lake’s resident hawks and their head and feet-first fishing style. 9 – 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 19. Meet at the boat docks, Lake Murray, 5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa.
Family Discovery Walk connects your little ones to nature through discovering outdoor wonders as a family experience. This interactive outing focuses on childhood enrichment and fun! We meet inside the Visitor Center. Join us on Sunday, May 24, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Birding Basics, the 90-minute class conducted by Mission Trails Bird Guide Winona Sollock, teaches five simple techniques to identify birds “at a glance!” You’ll also pick up tips on bird field guide use. (Bringing one is optional.) Class meets inside the Visitor Center on Saturday, May 30 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, come on out and enjoy the park!
Visit mtrp.org for more information and our events calendar, or call 619-668-3281. Special walks can be arranged for any club, group, business or school by contacting Ranger Chris Axtmann at 619-668-2746 or at [email protected].
—Audrey F. Baker is a trail guide at Mission Trails Regional Park.
