Natural History Wanderings

Where to photograph in California – Yahoo Groups (Calphoto has the following report for  Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Sunday May 8.

 

Russian Ridge is our best wildflower area on the San Francisco Peninsula and very popular.  Most years wildflowers peak somewhat later than other areas in early May.  And indeed it is now at this year’s late season peak.  The amount of wildflowers varies considerably from year to year.  Although this year is well above average, it pales compared to 2005.  Unlike many lower elevation and inland coast range mountain areas, due to its marine influence, grasslands are still very green and not at all turning to yellow-greens.   And those grasses are very tall right now to the extent they tower over most flowers.  Not all areas have showy wildflowers as large expanses are just tall grasses with flowers hidden down below. There was a long list of species though early season species like johnny-jump-ups and bicolor lupine have faded.

See rest of report at Where to photograph in California – Yahoo Groups (must register to access)