Two nests
Osprey nests seen March 2022 at Rodman Slough, Clear Lake, and April 2022 at Steele Canyon Campground, Lake Berryessa.
Lake Berryessa memories
The last time I was in this part of Lake Berryessa, around Steele Canyon, was back in October 2004,when the Big Guy was fishing in a two-day bass tournament that launched here. Although I only have vague memories of how different everything looked back then, I do recall the date because his second-place trophy is hanging on our livingroom wall! […]
We want… a shrubbery
Neither of these two flowering shrubs are native to the areas where I found them; the snowbells originate in China, Korea, and Japan, so I can’t help wondering how this one came to be in bloom above the shores of Folsom Lake. The Pipevine Swallowtails don’t seem to mind the taste of something exotic! Although these shrubs are actually native […]
Trophy dogs
Here are a few more of my images from Doggy Day at Denio’s in late April. Nothing will convince me that these dogs do not take this event very seriously — well, most of them, that is! Why else would they be so eager to get a look at their winning trophies, and making sure their beloved masters don’t wind […]
Berryessa bird life
A nesting pair of ospreys and a gaggle of acorn woodpeckers, seen at Lake Berryessa’s Steele Canyon Campground, April 2022.
Surprise visitor
I think this sleek little feline has called on me before, but this time she was much less demanding. She noticed me relaxing on my front porch and moved in for a closer look; but after a quick once-over she moved on to all her other daily appointments.
Dachsund Dash
Here are a few photos from the Dachsund races — part of the annual Doggy Day at Denio’s, held this year on April 23.
Vernal pool prairie
The vernal pools appear dry, but the wildflowers are popping up everywhere. On my visit the other day, I saw mostly purple Vetch, yellow Hawkbit, and White Hyacinth. But as I continued to look, I also spotted Vernal Pool Goldfields, Little Quaking Grass, Checkerbloom, Valley Tassels, and even Downingia. The signs of life are definitely there to see, if you […]
Ladybug land
When I first noticed these yellow-and-white irises growing wild at Lake Berryessa’s Steele Canyon Campground, I had no idea that ladybugs had already moved in and were making themselves at home. It was difficult for me to get close enough to see precisely how many of these bright red insects were there; but I did also spot at least a […]