Red Tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks are found in the valley year-round. They are often seen soaring above open fields or brushy areas. They hunt small mammals, birds and reptiles. This one was perched in a favorite spot, a pine tree that overlooks my back yard.

Old Trapper's Lodge

This is California Registered Historical Landmark No. 939. These folk art sculptures were created by John Ehn, who was born in 1897, over a 30-year period that ended with his death in 1981. The oversized figures and humorous tombstones were intended to create a vision of the mythological Old West.

Originally located at a motel in Sunland Sun Valley, the collection had to be relocated in the late 1980's to make room for development. It now resides on the Pierce College campus, in an out-of-the-way spot near a cow pasture and some agricultural buildings.

A plaque dated 1969 identifies this as Alvin Cleveland Park. Most people on campus (including employees) don't even know it exists. It's a cute, quiet mini-park, well shaded, with picnic tables, paved paths, and a water fountain. The day I visited, one table was occupied by a young woman peacefully studying.

A Landmark Tour

Since 2007, Floyd B. Bariscale has been finding, photographing, and writing about the official historical landmarks of Los Angeles. I like his pictures ( he has a talent for being out and about on clear, blue-sky days). His commentary is both informative and entertaining. Lately I've been searching for some of the Valley's landmarks, and Floyd's entries have been helpful on more than one occasion when I just couldn't figure out where the darn thing was. The blog is called Big Orange Landmarks.

The Botanic Garden at Pierce College

This two-acre garden on the Pierce College campus displays "Mediterranean" plants suitable for the Southern California climate. In addition to native California plants, there is a nice variety of specimens from Australia and South Africa. The plants are labeled, so it's easy to borrow these ideas for your home garden. The area is bisected by "Evolution Walk", a pathway depicting major periods in the history of life on earth. There are additional pathways, benches and shaded seating areas. A small pond is home to turtles and frequently hosts ducks and egrets. Many other species of birds are attracted to the garden, which includes a fair number of hummingbird feeders.