Spring in the Hills

We are approaching the height of springtime in California's Great Central Valley, and there is certainly a lot going on in the natural world!  From stunning and rare "superblooms" of wildflowers to mass butterfly migrations, nesting resident birds to returning migrants, there is so much beauty and wonder to discover!

Yesterday, we spent some time with friends exploring the rocky hills above the Stanislaus River where it flows under the iconic covered bridge in the town of Knight's Ferry, and I was delighted by the vivid array of wildflowers and the discovery of returning birds that have spent the winter in warmer climes.


For me, the magnificent spires of purple flowers gracing mounds of silver bush lupine always steal the show.  They are certainly my favorite!  For others, golden patches of California poppies are the winners of the floral pageant.  But don't overlook the smaller blooms as well: bird's eye gilia, blue-eyed grass, popcorn flower, mariposa lily, Ithuriel's spear, blue dicks and fiesta flower, among others, can be found nestled amid the grasses.

Blue-eyed Grass

As always, keep your eyes and ears open for interesting birds!  I spotted my personal FOS ("first of season") Western Kingbird yesterday, a large yellow-bellied flycatcher that spends winter in the tropics.  The air was filled with the acrobatics of iridescent Violet-green Swallows, while Rock Wrens and Rufous-crowned Sparrows bobbed and darted among the rocks and the descending song of the Canyon Wren filled the canyon.  Spring migrants are passing through now, like Rufous Hummingbirds, and we should be seeing some Western Tanagers pretty soon as well!  Also keep an eye out for other flycatchers, warblers, vireos and grosbeaks.  Spring is an exciting time indeed!


A word of warning: sunshine and lovely weather bring out more than just the birds and wildflowers; rattlesnakes are awake and out now also!  Be cautious around their preferred rocky habitat and watch where you step (and sit).


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