We drove to Pt. Reyes on Lucas Valley Road which had many California Buttercups
in bloom.
At Pt. Reyes we hiked out to Abbott's Lagoon. Along Abbott's Lagoon trail many
species are in bloom although only Manroot or Wild Cucumber and California
Poppies were in large numbers.
White-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds were in full
song today. Water birds were mostly absent. Turkey Vultures were about the
closest thing to a Raptor today. Even gulls were scarce. The usual deer were
around.
The most flowery area was the headland south of the area by the bridge at the
end of the trail. There are Goldfields, Buttercups and Pussy Ears (Calochortus
tolmei) and many other flowers at the top including some small displays and
views. The trail up is short but steep and slippery in places. Be careful as
there is plenty of Poison Oak up there as well. (There is also Poison Oak along
the sides of the Abbott's Lagoon trail in places as well.)
Check out the sand dunes for more flowers as the sand is a different habitat
with many other species in bloom.
After Abbott's Lagoon we drove north to the Tule Elk area and not only saw elk
but added Yellow Bush Lupine and Cow Parsnip to plant list. Also good patches of
a small lupine just before the parking lot at the end of the road.
We stayed overnight at the Pt. Reyes Seashore Lodge, which has nice grounds
including large trees and a stream running along the back creating excellent
bird habitat. Before breakfast we saw 14 different bird species including a
Black Night-crowned Heron, a Great Blue Egret hunting, a Hairy Woodpecker and
Collared Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon that we don't often get to see except up
here.
It was extremely windy during the night and most of today. This didn't stop us
from going to Chimney Rock, which is one of the windiest places on the West
Coast and it kept its reputation. The wind basically took out flower photography
and although there was less in bloom than previous years there were still many
species to see. The best flower areas are out near the point and in field right
next to the parking lot. Fortunately, Pussy Ears Calochortus tolemeii was fairly
plentiful and doing well.
Many birds were taking shelter but we did find thirteen species including two
Great Horned Owls in the trees near the house and two species of loons.
The highlight of day was the Elephant Seals. There are now over eight hundred
Elephant Seals including over 300 on the beach by the lookout. There are also a
number of Elephant Seals right next to the Historic Lifeboat Station Building.
Discussion
0 repliesin bloom.
At Pt. Reyes we hiked out to Abbott's Lagoon. Along Abbott's Lagoon trail many
species are in bloom although only Manroot or Wild Cucumber and California
Poppies were in large numbers.
White-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Red-winged Blackbirds were in full
song today. Water birds were mostly absent. Turkey Vultures were about the
closest thing to a Raptor today. Even gulls were scarce. The usual deer were
around.
The most flowery area was the headland south of the area by the bridge at the
end of the trail. There are Goldfields, Buttercups and Pussy Ears (Calochortus
tolmei) and many other flowers at the top including some small displays and
views. The trail up is short but steep and slippery in places. Be careful as
there is plenty of Poison Oak up there as well. (There is also Poison Oak along
the sides of the Abbott's Lagoon trail in places as well.)
Check out the sand dunes for more flowers as the sand is a different habitat
with many other species in bloom.
After Abbott's Lagoon we drove north to the Tule Elk area and not only saw elk
but added Yellow Bush Lupine and Cow Parsnip to plant list. Also good patches of
a small lupine just before the parking lot at the end of the road.
We stayed overnight at the Pt. Reyes Seashore Lodge, which has nice grounds
including large trees and a stream running along the back creating excellent
bird habitat. Before breakfast we saw 14 different bird species including a
Black Night-crowned Heron, a Great Blue Egret hunting, a Hairy Woodpecker and
Collared Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon that we don't often get to see except up
here.
It was extremely windy during the night and most of today. This didn't stop us
from going to Chimney Rock, which is one of the windiest places on the West
Coast and it kept its reputation. The wind basically took out flower photography
and although there was less in bloom than previous years there were still many
species to see. The best flower areas are out near the point and in field right
next to the parking lot. Fortunately, Pussy Ears Calochortus tolemeii was fairly
plentiful and doing well.
Many birds were taking shelter but we did find thirteen species including two
Great Horned Owls in the trees near the house and two species of loons.
The highlight of day was the Elephant Seals. There are now over eight hundred
Elephant Seals including over 300 on the beach by the lookout. There are also a
number of Elephant Seals right next to the Historic Lifeboat Station Building.
I have photos and detailed flower and birds lists at:
http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2013/04/10/pt-reyes-wildflowers-birds-elephant-seals-april-7-8/