Visitors 50
Modified 21-Dec-23
Created 7-May-19
59 photos
The crest of the wave of springtime wildflowers has receded from the open grasslands on the ridge, and is breaking in the deep green forests below. Springtime is a long process in these forests, with wave after wave of flowering plants reaching their peak. This morning we notice pervasive White Globe Lilies and Blue Dicks – both especially prominent this year. A brave Striped Coralroot Orchid flowers just below Trail 8, not far from Searsville Lake, drawing sustenance from other plants through its roots, displaying its flower spike to attract pollinators. Warrior’s Plume is going to seed, replaced in the spectrum by bright orange-red Indian Paintbrush. Buckeyes are putting forth their flower spikes – the female flowers at the tip are opening, to be soon followed by the male flowers lining the spike below. If possible, the female flower wants pollen from another tree, so the tree holds off on displaying its male aspect.
Serpentine soil supports forest as well as grassland. The signature tree of the serpentine forest, the Leather Oak, puts forth an exuberance of new growth. If every year were like this one, these trees would be twice as large by now.
In the shady forest along Trail 5, below the Black Oak forest towards San Francisquito Creek, Crimson Columbines flourish, displaying their blossoms in profusion. Why just here? A few yards up the trail, all the way up to the serpentine soil, there has been no sign of Columbine that I noticed.
Nearby, Pacific Ninebark sports spherical balls of flowers. Native Winter Ants explore, drinking nectar. We have noticed these industrious ants several times this morning. It is nice to see they are thriving.
Flowers call forth insects. Following insects: birds. Welcoming the first outpouring of sunlight at the start of our day, the majestic Valley Oak shows off its new leaves of the season. It is a haven for many different birds, though the Acorn Woodpeckers try to assert their dominance here. Swallows swoop overhead, then rest above their nest holes. A Nuttall’s Woodpecker moves up a bough, searching for insects – using its woodpecker skills to find food, not just to store it as the Acorn Woodpeckers do. Overhead, water birds complete their morning commute to Searsville Lake.
The dwindling flow from Corte Madera Creek cascades down the face of Searsville Dam, behind new spring leaves.
A nice slow walk with fellow photographers, observing. Enjoy!
