Natural History Wanderings

I drove into Anza Borrego today from the west side of the park and saw quite a few species in bloom, especially in little canyons along the road.  Mostly perennials and no big displays along the road.   Species included Ocotillo, two species of Phacelia, Desert Chicory, Desert Golden Poppy, Brittlebush, Popcorn Flower, Creosote Bush, Fiddleneck, Desert Dandelion, Chuparosa, Emananthe, Desert Pincushion, a blue purple Lupine, and Barrel Cactus. Also what may have been Saltbush and Dodder (a orange parasitic plant).

Than went to the Visitor Center and Nature trail around it which included a number of  the above species plus a small Whispering Bells.  There were a lot of Ocotillo, Phacelia, Chuparosa, and Brittlebush.  It was a good place to photograph as the plants were very accesible and in good shape (it looks like they have a irrigation system here).

The Anza Borrego State Park Website has a new flower update: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

Currently, the prediction is the peak will be the second or third week of March.  However, there were plenty of subjects for close-up work.  I have posted a few photos below and will post additional updates as I explore further.