Figueroa Mountain - 31-March-2016

We had been reading some encouraging wildflower reports about one of favorite spring wildflower localities, Figueroa Mountain in Santa Barbara County, California.  Since our travels had taken us back to this area, we were determined to see what the El Nino rains this season had produced.  Our first visit was on March 31st. 

Driving out along Figueroa Mountain Road, there was quite a lot of wild mustard in the fields and hillsides.

As we approached the mountains, we could see the spectacular patches of California Poppies that cover parts of the mountains this year.

This open slope locally called "Grass Mountain" was particularly impressive.

Along the road we saw a variety of different wildflowers.

Johnny Jump-up

Chinese houses

Hummingbird sage

Buttercups

Bush poppies and bush lupines

There were a lot more Mariposa Lilies than most years.

But the real stars this year were all the California Poppies.

Death Valley Wildflowers 2016

After hearing of the potential for a better than average wildflower display in Death Valley this spring, we decided we would pass through for a quick visit.  On February 19th we spent most of the day driving down to the south end of Death Valley to see the wildflower displays around the vicinity of the Ashford Mill ruins.  There were very impressive fields of Desert Gold sunflowers.  We felt that this year's display was comparable to those seen during the "superbloom" of 2005.

Large fields of Desert Gold

Some covering the hills and valleys

Lots of gold!

A little searching turned up a few other species of wildflowers.

Crypantha and Sand Verbena

Gravel Ghost

Desert Five-spots, Phacelia and Desert Gold

Back-lit Desert Five-spot

Phacelia

Mojavea

Desert Chicory

Sunsets and Butterflies

We spent a few days staying at Cave Creek Regional Park just north of Phoenix, Arizona.  While we were there, we were treated to a couple of spectacular sunsets and we also took in Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale.

On the evening of our arrival was the first great sunset.

A hike in the park led to a strangely developed saguaro cactus named "Michelin Man".

The Butterfly Wonderland had an amazing variety of neotropical butterflies.

The butterflies would frequently land on the visitors.

Our last evening at Cave Creek provided our second beautiful sunset.