Now, Here's Fred!

Betty and Wilma were such a hit, I decided to find Fred in the photo archives from the original pride parade in 2007.

Behr's Metalmark Having Sex in the Mission Gorge!

Behr's Metalmark, Apodemia virgulti (Behr, 1865), in the family Riodinidae (Metalmarks and friends...). These butterflies range from Central California to Central Baja and are threatened by habitat invasion by alien weeds. These two, however, are making sure that they are not the last of the species.

Much thanks to Dennis Walker and Michael Wall for the identification.

Tuberous Begonias

Tuberous Begonia. These like moist, well drained soil (think cactus mix) with a cool, dry, dormant period over the Winter.

Echinopsis

Echinopsis oxygona. The cactus are still in full bloom in the back yard. Shown here is one of the Echinopsis. Echino = Prickly; opsis = Appearance. Ironically, these are less spiny (is there such a thing) than some of their cactus cousins.

Echinocereus

Echinocereus blooming on the deck...

Daisies in a Cage

Daisies. Mission Trails Park.

Just the Bee's Knees...

Bee's nest. Mission Trails, CA.

Prickly Pear

Prickly Pear, Mission Trails Park

Graduating One Last Time

Okay, I admit it, school is fun! Last degree, promise.

Epiphyllum Aquarius

Epiphyllum Aquarius. I bought this a few years back but it is blooming for the first time! It's nice in a more delicate manner than its bolder, brighter colored bretheren.

The Epiphyllum Parade

Epiphyllum Ming Gold. Another awesome grower. This plant is positively huge growing in an extra big porclain pot. This is a little more coppery-orange than Cadet shown earlier.

Epiphyllum Cadet

Epiphyllum Cadet; Easy growing, floriferous jungle cactus. One of the best!

New Fish for the Aquarium

Spring cleaning for the aquarium and two new Angelfish (Pterophyllum). Angelfish are cichlids native to the Amazonian basin. The genus Pterophyllum has three species; however, the ones in captivity are likely hybrids based early confusion between the species and on decades of selective breeding.

Dahlia

Dahlias are in full season and what a sight to see!

Squirrel Gen 3

Baby California ground squirrels, Otospermophilus beecheyi. This is the third generation growing up in the back yard. They typically get bigger, get territorial and then move off to new turf.

The Amazing Adventures of Scrub Jay...

Adventures of the Western Jay (aka Scrub Jay, Aphelocoma californica). Western Jays are omnivorous, eating most anything from acorns to seeds to bird eggs and baby birds. This one is poking at a sparrow's nest trying to get a little snack while the mother sparrow stands helpless off to the side chirping madly at it.

California Quail

California Quail, Callipepla californica, dashing through the back yard with its mate (not shown). They eat miscellaneous seeds (including acorns!) and spring leaves.

Epiphyllum King of Yellows

Epiphyllum King of Yellows. Just like clockwork. It was May 2, 2010, the last time I snapped a photo of this same Epiphyllum! Not quite a calendar substitute but still, none too shabby!