Photos
First time I've ever seen one while hiking. Out owling for the SCVAS Bird-a-thon with Calvin Lou. I heard the rustling of a large mammal, shone my flashlight, and there it was! Obviously I could not get a picture under those circumstances. But I had to record it!
Assuming the light, crusty looking stuff along the tallus margins and in spots on the thallus surface are isidia, I can't quite work this out with the Brodo key. Growing on mossy soil on an embankment above a stream.
Not sure I've ever found a rattlesnake skin with its head. A cyclist said he'd seen live ones a week before, so maybe this was shed by a snake that had just emerged from hibernation.
Also at Monte Bello Pond, SAnta Clara county
California Spreadwing seen at Monte Bello Pond, Santa Clara County
Seen while participating in the Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, along the Waterwheel Trail in Monte Bello OSP.
Seen along the Waterwheel Trail while participating in the Palo Alto Summer Bird Count in Monte Bello OSP.
Photographed this Painted Lady (thanks to Lori Conrad for help identifying it) during the Palo Alto Summer Bird Count, when I was doing the Waterwheel Trail at Monte Bello OSP
Although it is mid-May at this altitude they are just beginning to bloom
In the draw that is still wet. Many plants there
right off the parking lot there are several plants. I have also noted several more across the road within the chaparral there
Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica (male and female) found together
Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica (male and female)
Saw this nice buck and a couple of others today.
