Flora & Fauna

Coastal California, for me, is a place of wonder. The woods here are prehistoric and full of so much exciting micro-life, especially after dark.  You merely need to break out a good flashlight, squat down, and scan the forest floor.  You will see neat stuff.  For me, of particular interest, are salamanders. In my opinion, these mysterious and private little amphibians are woodland prizes, and any time you can find one, you should feel lucky.

If I lived in this area, I would definitely familiarize myself with the vast array of different mushrooms that grow here. There are so many varieties, and I want to know which ones are good to eat. I do know that most of them are not.

This is a mushroom.

Banana slugs were everywhere. They are kinda cool, and kinda gross at the same time.

Buttercup.

More mushies.

California Slender Salamander.

Ferns are cool.

Another slender in situ under a log.

Some of the mushrooms are bright red.

And some look like weird flowers.

Others grow in little clusters.

And some grow in huge clusters. Each of these was as big as a dinner plate.

Tiny ones.

And a big spider that was chillin on the house under the light.  And I mean big.

These two slugs spent the night snogging.

On Friday it started to rain, so on Friday night I walked the area in search of bigger rewards. I found this beast of a Northwestern Salamander.

Headshot!

This sally was pretty big and plump.

Snails everywhere too.

This is 2 of 2 Arboreal Salamanders I found. The first adult one I flipped under a rock but I did not get a photo. Friday night I found this one clinging to the lichen covered embankment like this.

A nice side view of this young Arboreal, note the big head and yellow spots.  They also have big feet and squared off toes for climbing.

Another different snail.

Ensatina were the most common salamanders out, I saw dozens of them.  Alas, no Coastal Giants, but then again, I didn't try very hard.