We went to Chimney Rock at Point Reyes to see wildflowers today. Although the bloom was definitely below average for Chimney Rock there were still plenty of flowers in bloom, especially out near the end of the trail. The Pussy-ears star-tulip/Calochortus tolmiei is in bloom. There were many Douglas Iris flowering. No large displays but many species (see plant list below). There was a fair amount of bird activity as well. Mule Deer and Elephant Seals are also around. The park service has closed off many of the secondary trails that go close to the cliffs. I guess they are getting very cautious. Here are some photos, plant and animal lists.
To see plant and bird list for today click read more
Chimney Rock Plant List April 9, 2012
Calochortus tolmiei Pussy-ears star-tulip
Calystegia purpurata ssp. purpurata Morning-glory
Camissonia ovata Sun-cups
Castilleja wightii Wight’s Paintbrush (pale yellow)
Castilleja subinclusa ssp. franciscana Franciscan Paintbrush (red)
Cerastium arvense Spring-snow
Claytonia perfoliata Miners’ Lettuce
Erigeron glaucus Seaside Daisy
Erysimum menziesii ssp. concinnum Wallflower
Eschscholzia californica CaliforniaPoppy
Fragaria chiloensis Beach Strawberry
Fritillaria affinis var. affinis Checkered Mission Bells
Grindelia stricta var.platyphylla Prostrate Gumplant
Heracleum lanatum Cow Parsnip
Iris douglasiana Douglas’ Iris
Lasthenia californica ssp,. californica Goldfields
Lasthenia californica ssp. macrantha Giant Goldfields
Lomatium dasycarpum Hog-fennel
Marah fabaceus Man- root
Mimulus guttatus Seep Monkey-flower
Prunella vulgaris var. lanceolata Self-heal
Ranunculus californicus California Buttercup
Rubus ursinus Native Blackberry
Sanicula arctopoides Footsteps-of-Spring
Sidalcea malviflora Checkerbloom
Sisyrinchium bellum Blue-eyed-grass
Stachys ajugoides var. rigida Woodland Hedge-nettle
Stellaria media Chickweed
Trifolium sp. Clover
Viola adunca Blue-purple Violet
Wyethia angustifolia Mule’s Ears
Used Marin CNPS: Short list –NATIVE WILDFLOWERS and SHRUBS – POINT REYES HEADLANDS-SPRING 2004 and CHIMNEY ROCK AREA compiled by Doreen L. Smith* ( last updated 17 Feb. 2005). for plant names and ID
Bird List for Pt. Reyes–Chimney Rock, Marin, US-CA Apr 9, 2012
17 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose
Surf Scoter
Bufflehead
loon sp.
Double-crested Cormorant
Pelagic Cormorant
Brown Pelican
Turkey Vulture
Western Gull
Mourning Dove
Anna’s Hummingbird
Common Raven
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Also seen Mule Deer and Elephant Seals.
Natural History Wanderings 
Leave a comment