Natural History Wanderings

We started the day with a visit to Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pacific Grove where we found there were still plenty of Monarchs clustered in the Eucalyptus. The sun had just come out and some were starting to fly.

We then did a drive to Big Sur and did a short hike in Andrew Molera State Park. Lots of early blooming trees, shrubs and and wildflowers. The most interesting was observing the stages of Sycamore blossoms from buds just opening to quickly forming fruits often on the same branch. Natives in bloom were Alders, Coast Live Oak, Tan Oak, Poison Oak, Strawberry, Hedge Nettle, California Poppy, Blackberry, Wild Cucumber, Wild Currant, Milkmaid, Blue Witch, and Blue-eyed Mary. Aliens included Mustard, Vinca, Bermuda Buttercup and Cape Ivy. There were also many Monarch and Sarah Orange-tip butterflies.

Later in the afternoon we drove along the coast in Pacific Grove. (The poor man’s 17-mile drive) There were many harbor seals on the beach just past the aquarium. Also a few sea otters out on the bay There were also many Western Gulls, Western Grebe and Pelagic Cormorants. Also seen were Brant, Surf Scoter, Clark’s Grebe, Eared Grebe, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, Heerman’s Gull (saw a group of seven),Black Turnstone, American Crow, Western Scrub Jay, House Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, House Sparrow.