Point Reyes National Seashore: 38.07242, -122.88174

On Wednesday, September 20, we visited Point Reyes National Seashore. We walked along a rough gravel/sandy path that led us to the beach. We observed multiple Lupinus arboreus specimens. Not all of them were flowering, but those that were had light purple inflorescences (as is characteristic of this species north of the Golden Gate Bridge).

As we walked along this path, we saw a male and female deer in the long grasses to our left. We also observed numerous humpback whales offshore–we saw them blow above the surface of the water and lunge feed to catch small fish. There were many birds flying over each whale as they attempted to take advantage of the same food supply.

     

      

Samuel P. Taylor State Park: 38.02457, -122.72707

Along our way back to San Francisco, we also stopped by Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Lagunitas. We were hoping to find Mimulus cardinalis specimens, however, we were not able to do so. M. cardinalis is a riparian species and is confined to inland areas, unlike L. arboreus. This species is pollinated by hummingbirds, which can travel fairly long distances to reach different M. cardinalis populations. However, their movement can be restricted by dense forest environments.