I enjoy visits to the drier side of the coastal mountains, looking for new species and sights. These images of insects, wildflowers, and birds in open vegetation are from two trips to Mt. Adams, and one to the eastern Sierras of Southern California.
Many of the birds are found in coastal areas as well, but at different times of the year. The Willet breeds in prairie marshes and winters on estuaries. The Great-horned Owl and Red-tailed Hawk are common in many habitats, but a little easier to find with fewer trees around! The Yellow-headed Blackbird is relatively uncommon but found in summer marshes; in this case singing from the top of a reed bed.
Open hillsides and oak trees on the slopes of Mt. Adams in Spring.
Mid-summer pollinators
Spring Crocus
A busy landscape
Great-horned Owl
House Finch on Scrub
Horned Lark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Willet in Owens Valley
