alanjs
Concrete Chaparral
257 posts
Exploring and Expanding the Urban Wilderness
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
alanjs · 4 years ago
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Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia species) among California sagebrush (Artemisia californica).
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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The last few California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are still blooming but seeds have been collected for next year - though the poppies themselves do a pretty good job reseeding on their own. By the way, scientists have proven it is impossible to have too many poppies in your yard...
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Spooky! A dead paper wasp (Vespidae family) remains on its nest in a mummified state. Perhaps on Halloween it will fly again... Despite their reputation, paper wasps aren’t aggressive unless threaten. They also prey on other insects for feeding their young.
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Behold the Roly-poly , aka pillbug, aka potato bug, aka pill woodlouse, aka doodle bug, aka slater - and, of course, the Latin: Armadillidium vulgare. More closely related to shrimp and lobster than insects, the roly-poly is an European native now found through North America especially in our nice damp lawns.
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata). A long slender lizard, in the brush it can be mistaken for a snake as it quickly runs in a S line and it’s small legs are obscured by the grass and leaves.
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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>sigh< Great, more trash to be left behind on the trails... Use a trash can folks!
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Flower from hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia). Though the flowers are tiny, they grow in a tight cluster on a racemes around 1’ to 1.5’ inches long.
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) - The western fence lizard can change its color from light grey or tan to black. Not for camouflage, but to help it absorb heat from the sun.
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alanjs · 4 years ago
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Close up of hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) flower.
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Coming in for a landing... A honey bee (Apis mellifera) collects pollen from California poppies (Eschscholzia californica).
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Flower of blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) among the aloe.
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Who is he? Where does he come from? Is it even a he? A small bug that appears whenever my seaside daisies (Erigeron glaucus) bloom. Never see them on anything else and the nearest wild population of seaside daisies is over 50 miles away. The back reminds me of the shell of sand crabs, so I will name them ‘sandcrab creepers.’
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Hummingbird #3 - “Ah... that’s the spot.” An Allen’s hummingbird finally finds a good use for a bougainvillea thorn.
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Hummingbird #2 - Hmmm... the sweet taste of nectar. Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Hummingbird #1 - When going in for a drink, always glance over your shoulder to spot any rivals... Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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California wild rose (Rosa californica) blooming trail side in Kenneth Hahn Park.
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alanjs · 5 years ago
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Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). Normally found in riparian and wetland areas, this is a common plant found growing on the dry slopes of Kenneth Hahn Park. But does it actually make mules fat?
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