Natural History Wanderings

Many flower species in bloom at Plumas-Eureka State Park

Today Golden Gate Audubon first went to Carmen Valley where I saw or heard 25 bird species. Other group members may have seen more. I was also looking at wildflowers as a number of plants were in bloom. The highlight was probably having good looks at Mt. Blue Bluebird and again seeing Nighthawks. One group member saw a bear.

The group next went to a nearby area called Carmen Summit where we hoped to see a Black-backed Woodpecker and although we waited for a while only saw other birders also looking for the woodpecker. We did find Leichlin’s Mariposa Lily and Blue-eyed Blue-eyed Mary in bloom.

In the afternoon we went to Plumas-Eureka State Park where we walked from the Museum area to the campground along the road and back on the trail. I only had nineteen birds identified as I was focused on the many flower species in bloom (no large displays).

Birding highlights included seeing the Hairy Woodpecker hole in the buildings with Woodpeckers in them, Peregrines, a probably Goshawk, and American Dipper. Also identified were Poperius Duskywing, Variable Checkerspot and Pale Swallowtail butterflies, a Forester moth, Least Chipmunk, and a squashed small Rubber Boa. Flower highlights included Leopard Lily, Paint Brush, Crimson Columbine, Coyote Mint and White Rein Orchid.

Go to Read More to see bird and flower lists

click for bird list for Carmen Valley

Carmen Valley Plant List

• Yarrow
  
• Aster
  
• Sticky Cinquefoil
  
• Slender Cinquefoil
  
• Interior Rose
  
• Crimson Columbine
  
• Mule Ears
  
• Meadow Penstemon
  
• Lupine
  

click for Bird List for Plumas Eureka State Park

Plumas-Eureka State Park Plant List

• Snow Plant
  
• Deer Brush Ceanothus
  
• Buckthorn Ceanothus
  
• Mule’s Ear
  
• Paintbrush
  
• Coyote Mint
  
• Yarrow
  
• Scarlet Gilia
  
• Sierra Onion
  
• Delphinium
  
• Whisker Brush
  
• Bitter Cherry
  
• Lupine
  
• Crimson Columbine
  
• Horse Mint
  
• Leopard Lily
  
• Interior Rose
  
• Sierra Gooseberry (in fruit)
  
• Creek Dogwood
  
• Blue Elderberry
  
• Naked Buckwheat
  
• Thimbleberry
  
• Pretty Face
  
• Phacelia
  
• Purple Nightshade
  
• Pussy Paws
  
• False Solomon’s Seal
  
• a purple aster
  
• a Catchfly
  
• Showy Penstemon (?)
  
• Arrowleaf Groundsel
  
• Corn Lily (just starting to bloom)
  
• White Rein Orchid

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