Category Archives: Flora & Fauna

Lovely Deer

Posted August 1, 2010 in Critters, Flora & Fauna, Not my photo

Photo by 08042010 JCK , originally uploaded by JCworshipper clan.

Here are some deer that were spotted by a local resident. I’ve been lucky to come across them on occasion at dusk. For some reason they make me hold my breath and believe in magic again, just for a second. :)

I saw one on my street a month or so ago, bouncing on all four hooves together like he was spring-loaded. Every time he landed it made a cracking sound on the pavement. I’d never heard them be loud before. Usually there are quiet and tentative. This one was hopping right down the middle of the street.

I wish cities would take wildlife into account a little more, and allow them corridors to cross through from one wilderness area to another so they aren’t stranded. I’ve heard of certain planners starting to do this and I certainly hope it catches on.

The Traffic on Rincon Red Box Road

Posted June 8, 2010 in Critters, Flora & Fauna, Not my photo

Photo by The Traffic on Rincon Red Box Road, originally uploaded by Zane Selvans.

I sometimes take walks in our local mountains, and am often conscious of the fact that I might run into a bear. I have a pang that he would be agressive, but is seems that they mostly ignore us.

OPEN THREAD: Wildlife in Monrovia

Posted October 5, 2008 in Critters, Discussion, Flora & Fauna

I’ve recently heard some disturbing news that a bear was found near the foothills a couple of weeks ago with its head and feet cut off. Apparently this bear was mother to two cubs, which are now homeless. I’ve only lived in Monrovia for 5 years, but know that bears are rather beloved here, so it’s especially sad to hear that someone could do such a thing. I often see deer and coyotes in my part of town, and accept that we all share this land, and that I must take care to protect my pets when they are on the prowl. Your thoughts?

Mantis Extraordinaire

Posted September 12, 2008 in Critters, Flora & Fauna, My Garden


Ready for her close-up, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

Found this critter in my garden’s rosebush today. She’s a work of art. I thought she was a dead leaf and branch at first. Her wings look just like shriveled dry leaves, and her body like a small branch. Wonderous!

Arching Trees

Posted September 1, 2008 in Flora & Fauna, Not my photo, Places, Scenic


monrovia canyon park, originally uploaded by chiggins.

Fantastic shot of Monrovia Canyon Park. This past week I was Morthern California, and walked a natural area in Carmel Valley that is very similar in feeling to Monrovia Canyon Park. So Pretty!

Bucolic Bradbury

Posted May 4, 2008 in Critters, Flora & Fauna, Neighbors, Places, Scenic

I grew up around horses, and used to ride them from the stables to my house, on the side of the road. I miss seeing them, and was happy when I spotted some when driving through Bradbury the other day.

Like Deer on Flowers

Posted March 22, 2008 in Flora & Fauna

City Deer in Monrovia

I’ve been noticing more deer in my neighborhood lately, and spotted these four out while walking my dog. For some reason when I see them am overtaken by a sense of wonder and awe and delight. I want to just stop breathing and bask in the magic that surrounds them. It’s like people that seem them are momentarily overcome by a delicate and fleeting sense of bliss.

The best part is seeing the effect they have on cats: uttter and complete mesmerization. Somewhere in the mad kitty brain they are linking into a remnant of their big cat ancestry, and suddenly the cement under their paws becomes an african savannah, and they hunker down and wait for an opportunity that never really comes, despite their best efforts to calculate all the possibilities.

Winter Oranges

Posted December 15, 2007 in Flora & Fauna


Winter Oranges, originally uploaded by Living in Monrovia.

It always surprises me when my fruit starts to turn color in December. These are from my neighbor’s tree, illuminated by the late afternoon winter sun.