I have to admit I’ve gotten out of the habit of rising early and hitting the local trails with my camera; but lately I’m trying to do better. Getting out early means cooler temperatures, fewer people, and a higher likelihood of spotting some interesting local wildlife. The young bald eagles have pretty much left the nest, but the other day […]
As I walked through my neighborhood this morning I had a bit of a disappointment — I spotted some colorful plants (above), and from across the street I would have sworn they were colorful aloe vera flowers. I’m not sure what sort of plant it actually is, although I may have to go back tomorrow morning for a better image. I forgot about my disappointment later in the afternoon, as the dog and I passed by these amazing looking aloe plants, just begging for me to take their picture!
Bike traffic on this section of the bike trail has decreased dramatically since the rock slides officially closed it down; on the other hand, there’s plenty of goose traffic.
You never know what you might spot around here if you just keep your eyes open!
This gorgeous bright red naiad (Sympetrum illotum) was a very cool surprise near the end of a fairly warm hike yesterday morning.
Helianthus annuus (common sunflower) and Madia elegans (common madia).
Star thistles are not only pesky and sometimes painful weeds; they’re invaders which can take over and spread quickly, crowding out native grasses. This plant may have arrived in California as early as 1848 — and we’ve been fighting those darn “stickers” ever since!
Every cat knows that if you freeze and do not move, the human can’t possibly see you. This is especially true if you are perched on a pile of rocks, peering from behind a weed or two, enjoying your role as a mighty hunter. But if that pesky human refuses to acknowledge your feline invisibility… don’t forget to throw a […]