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Flax-leaved Blue Pimpernel (Lysimachia monelli)Observer
bewilderbeastDescription
I had never seen this apparently introduced species before anywhere in the region as far as I can recall.
Growing in abundance in an area known for its native wildflowers
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Pacific Newts (Genus Taricha)Observer
bewilderbeastDescription
A single live Taricha granulosa was seen active in this seasonal pond.
Taricha torosa is also present at this locale. Several were observed in surrounding upland habitat but none were observed active in this pond at this time.
Dozens of newt carcasses were observed. Species was impossible to determine based on advanced decomposition of specimens.
California Chorus Frogs are normally so prevalent at this location that you must be careful not to step on them as you walk around the pond margin. Their mating choruses are usually deafening. No frogs were observed either visually or by ear.
This pond is well known for its large population of frogs and newts and is a popular destination to watch newt mating behavior because of the large numbers of amphibians that the pond usually attracts in the wet season.
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Foothill Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta cypreophila)Observer
bewilderbeast
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Sierra Bog Orchid (Platanthera dilatata var. leucostachys)Observer
bewilderbeast
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Western Fairy-Slipper (Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis)Observer
bewilderbeastDescription
There seemed to be an orchid per square foot of forest floor.
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Western Fairy-Slipper (Calypso bulbosa var. occidentalis)Observer
bewilderbeast
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Powderblues (Complex Porcellionides pruinosus)Observer
bewilderbeastDescription
I found a number of these terrestrial isopods along the Merced river west of Briceburg. They immediately caught my eye as something different because they reflected my headlamp beam and appeared to glow silver. There seemed to be some sort of waxy scale or coating that caused the reflection which rubbed off when I attempted to examine one.
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California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae)Observer
bewilderbeastDescription
A very beautiful, high contrast california kingsnake. Still alive unfortunately. Moved it off the road so scavengers would avoid the same fate. Interestingly this is the second river canyon where I have found sympatry with L. zonata. The first was the Merced River canyon, and though lower in altitude, the habitat and geology is strikingly similar.
This animal was found at a slightly higher altitude than L. zonata that I found along the same canyon.
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Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii ssp. xanthoptica)Observer
bewilderbeast
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