Updated 5/5/13
Today we explored Knowland Park in Oakland, CA to see the Lupines (Lupinus microcarpus var. microcarpus) I mentioned from Calphoto a few days ago that were near the end of Snowdown Road. There are still many in bloom but the grasses continue to grow and the lupine are starting to dry out. We also walked about three miles taking “paths” (they are really more like fire roads) in several directions.
The butterflies were enjoying the sun. There were many Common Buckeyes, a number of Western Tiger Swallowtails and one unidentified blue.
Native flowers in bloom included Suncup, Blue Elderberry, Blackberries (some were already in fruit), Blue-eyed Grass, Hedge Nettle, a lomatium, Bush Monkeyflower, Yarrow, Honeysuckle, Cow Parsnip, a small yellow lotus, Lupine and California Poppy. Aliens in bloom included Radish, Pineapple Weed, Mustard and Ballardia.
There were birds singing in the trees with a few showing themselves. I identified them more by ear than sight today. I was able to identify were Mockingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Raven, Dark-eyed Junco, Scrub Jay, House Finch, Wrentit, Turkey Vulture, Anna’s Hummingbird, American Crow and a swallow (maybe a tree Swallow).
It was midday, warm and sunny. A nice day to be out but the light was too harsh for good photography. One of the most amazing things was that we only saw four other people in over three hours.
For more information on Knowland Park and the ongoing fight to prevent the Oakland Zoo from developing sensitive habitats that have rare species go to Save Knowland Park.
You can see more photos of Knowland Park at the following Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/groups/saveknowlandpark/ and Wildflowers of Knowland Park
Natural History Wanderings 
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