Chaparral excercise

Chaparral Species observed:

Indian paintbrushes- I saw these growing along the trail, their pale leaves may help them deflect intense sun rays.

Anna's Hummingbird- I saw them feeding among the manzanitas, they are able to take advantage of this winter nectar source in the chaparral.

Western Fence Lizard- as ectotherms, these lizards are able to maintain temperatures through behavioral thermoregulation, basking when cold, and staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

Honey bee- I saw these also foraging among the manzanitas, like the hummingbirds, they are able to take advantage of this winter nectar source.

Turkey Vulture- I saw these flying all around Mt. Diablo, they are probably able to visualize carcasses well in the low vegetation cover of the chaparral.

Posted on February 18, 2013 12:37 AM by cellardoor