April 6 is designated as California Poppy Day in honor of the official State Flower. To mark the occasion, here is an image from the Antelope Valley California Poppy State Reserve. The Poppy Reserve is 1776 acres of state-protected reserve land in northern Los Angeles County, 15 miles west of Lancaster. This image was taken in late March of 2008, a few weeks before the peak bloom.
April, 2010
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Apr 10
California Poppy Day
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Apr 10
Spring in Monterey County Brings Out the Poppies
The storms have abated, the hills are drying out, the temperatures have warmed, and this is the season for poppies. Poppies are just beginning to appear along the roadsides, on the hills and in the garden. Poppies pose a challenge for the photographer. The petals close in cloudy weather which is often the most favorable light. They are delicate and move in the slightest breeze.
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Apr 10
A Sea Otter Enjoys the Sun
This is a shot of the same sea otter taken two weeks later. It has the same discoloration or raw place on its nose. It seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the sun. Although the otters are a common sight in the Moss Landing area, there are fewer than 3000 along the entire California coast. They remain an endangered species.