A few newts were hanging out near the mouth of a small tributary to Nevada Creek. My guess is that they were California Newts, but I was unable to get a satisfactory look. According to the range map from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships program, this area seems to be at the edge of the range for the Rough-skinned Newt, and I'm not sure the picture I got is good enough to rule out that species.
I found these bright yellow, white, and pale yellow Calochortus lillies growing within 50 feet of each other. I'm not sure if they were the same species or different species.
I've been wondering for a long time what this fragrant plant is. I finally encountered it in bloom and was able to figure it out - pitcher sage. It was growing in chamise-dominated chaparral.
