I really enjoy hiking alone, but I’m also aware that I need to pay attention to my surroundings and not make assumptions about safety. The places I tend to explore are generally quite safe — but it is the outdoors, and sometimes the unexpected happens. So I’m always alert and cautious about meeting up with potentially aggressive wildlife or humans.

That being said, most of the time that curious rustling in the bushes along the edge of my trail is caused by birds or squirrels — and naturally spring is a very busy time for the creatures of my local oak woodlands and vernal pools, who are even more wary of me than I am of them.

Spottted Towhee

Yellow-billed Magpie

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

California Towhee

Red-wing Blackbird, non-breeding male

Western Kingbird