Magnificent fragrance coming from these trees that are just starting to open.

One of a few plants I found today, none of which had started flowering yet. Boo.

Guessing this is caused by something in Andricus, but research is required. Lots of older brown ones on this valley oak too, but the green ones were spectacular.

I just re-watched Aliens and now these seem a bit menacing to me.

This weird little gilia is probably Gilia clivorum, but it was lacking the purple spots (well, they're kind of there but really faint).

Lifer for me. Many thanks to the super birder I met on the trail who pointed this out to me. He had seen Nashville and MacGillivray's too! I had seen... juncos. My warbler mojo is lacking.

Sort of looks like someone stepped on it.

First time seeing this in the bay area, I think.