Downpour and first wildflowers

Even with the heavy rains we received at the end of February this year, we are still only at about 1/3 of the average rainfall totals for this time of year according to OC Watershed data. 

These Altocumulus? Cirrocumulus? clouds reflect a beautiful sunset on March 3rd shortly after the rains.

One lonely, but gorgeous bunch of poppies, "copa de oro" popped up at Aliso & Woods where they have done extensive work removing giant reed and re-seeding the area with natives.

Bobcat tracks

Fiddleneck!

I have seen this before, and forgotten what it is. There is a elmer's glue-like substance in the center of it. I want to say pincushion, but I haven't been able to identify it yet.

Our dry vernal pool. It seemed like so much rain, but not enough.

We saw one frog. I imagine they come out and mate when it does rain. I wonder if there are any underwater puddles where they can lay their eggs, or do they all dry up and die? What hardship!

Fresh Greens and Sunsets

Among the fresh greens cropping up trailside in Aliso & Woods is this one. Is it wild carrot, or poison hemlock?

Here's a look at the underside

Wild carrot is also called Queen Anne's lace and apparently she has hairy legs. It's hard to tell from this picture, but I'm leaning towards hemlock. What do you think?

As we head into January, shedding the old year, looking forward to the new, nature all around us is doing the same. Remnants of last year's caterpillar phacelia's flowers, now dry and brittle, stand a colorless backdrop to the fresh green leaves renewing the landscape. 

The glorious winter sunsets cast their warm color on the foothills exposing their crevices, painting the sky with a radiance that alights the soul.