Natural History Wanderings

New report from Oregon Wildflowers:

Zumwalt Prairie – Flowers just starting in lower elevations (below Zumwalt Prarie preserve), after winter of heavy snow, now rushing rivers and still some rain. In spots, balsamroot plentiful, also lupines, phlox and some giant head clover, and yellow button shaped flowers on tall stems (species?). Prairie smoke blooming along gravel road to Zumwalt preserve. Many meadowlarks (females nesting in tall grass, males singing/warning/watching), horned lark, red tails, kildeer and other birds. Zumwalt preserve road a mudhole last Saturday, by access gate, very little blooming except prairie smoke–will be passable (SUV or high clearance vehicle) when it dries out more.