Natural History Wanderings

submitted by Alasdair McCondochie

Redbuds are in Full Bloom

“Went up to El Portal along the Merced River Canyon on Apr.12. The redbud near el portal are now in full swing. Many are close to the road, but there are a few juxtaposed a bit closer to the water. Still no sign of poppies on surrounding hills. The river is high, but bound to get higher as the melt off starts in earnest. Highway 140 east of Merced has some nice patches of cream cups and what look to be a few vernal pools with nice rings of flowers. Pull-off spots can be a bit tricky and cars zoom along this section, so use care if trying to stop and flower peep.
Also went through the green hills east of Oakdale, along hwy. 120. Again, cream cups and buttercups steal the show with wide swaths in some areas. Enjoy.”