Grassland, Chaparral, and Oaks in Autumn
Foreground: native grasses and fragrant Hayfield Tarweed (Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifoli). Lower hillside: chaparral, dominated by Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis) and Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Crest of near hills: Valley Oaks (Quercus lobata), branches visible, the one on the right with no leaves; and Coast Live Oak (Q. agrifolia var. agrifolia), covered with leaves all year round. On Skyline beyond, fog creeping over from the coast. Look closely: a hawk watches from the highest point of the right Valley Oak -- probably a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensia). From Trail 15, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. 9/16/2022, 7:39 am.