Common Ravens Playing! - Corvus corax
I've gone on several hikes over the past month and a half, but haven't had the time to write about them. This week I decided I better catch up before it's too late!
Little Deer Lake
On October 5th, my friend Diane and I hiked over to Little Deer Lake. To our delight Common Ravens were playing in the updrafts of a nearby ridgetop. There were about 16 Ravens, and they were riding the updrafts repeatedly, and then dropping back down! It was so fun to watch them! We have seen them doing this in previous years, always in the Fall.
Of all the corvids, Ravens are the most playful! They have been seen playing games, like dropping a stick in the air and catching it before it lands! Ravens also like to swing upside down, do rolls and somersaults in the air, and slide down snow banks! Scientists think this play may be just for fun, or perhaps a way of showing off and attracting a mate.
Little Deer Lake - 10/05/23
Little Deer Lake is situated on the west side of the main ridge that runs through the Lakes Basin. It's a beautiful lake rimmed with rocky slopes on two sides, as well as open views to the west. It was definitely too cold to swim, but the sun felt great as we ate our lunch and lingered on the lakeshore.
Helgramite Lake - 10/12/23
Helgramite Lake and the Round Lake Loop
On October 12, a group of us hiked up to the Helgramite Lakes and then completed the Round Lake Loop Trail for a total of 8 miles! The Fall colors were just starting and the air was clear and cool. It was a perfect day for a Fall hike!
California Mule Deer - Odocoileus hemionus californicus
Near the beginning of our hike we came across a California Mule Deer in the forest! WOW! I don't often seen deer in the Lakes Basin! The black tip of its tail indicated the species! It froze in position for a few seconds, and then bounded off! This doe will not stay in the Lakes Basin for the Winter, as it can hike down to lower elevations and milder weather. What a treat it was to see this beautiful animal!
Veronica Lake 10/12/23
Veronica Lake was lower than the last time I had visited it. The grasses had expanded further into the lake and were a lovely rusty color!
Mallard (female) - Anas platyrhynchos
There was one lone female Mallard on Veronica Lake! Probably enjoying the last of the mild weather before it's time to migrate to it's overwintering area in California's Central Valley.
American/Red Osier Dogwood - Cornus sericea
The American Dogwood at one end of the lake was a brilliant raspberry color and was covered with white berries! Just lovely!
Hidden Lake - 10/19/23
Hidden Lake
On October 19, my friends Diane, Sylvia and I hiked to Hidden Lake, which is situated off the trail to Mt. Elwell at 6,864' in elevation. Being late in the season the water was quite low, but an incredible deep jade-green in color. So beautiful!
Mallards (2 females, 1 male) - Anas platyrhynchos
We passed an un-named pond on the way to Hidden Lake, where two pairs of Mallards were lingering before their Fall migration to California's Central Valley! The males were already in their mating colors, and it was apparent that they had already paired up. Actual mating won't take place until early spring.
Douglas's Spirea and unknown grasses - Spirea douglasii
The fall colors were already starting to fade but we came across a few brilliant patches of shrubs and grasses that glowed in the low-angled sunlight.
Volcano Lake - 10/26/23
Volcano Lake
On 10/26/23 we hiked to Volcano Lake, at 6,335' in elevation, because it had snowed an inch or two in the Lakes Basin! The trail to Volcano Lake is almost totally exposed the whole way to the lake, with an expansive view to the south. We didn't encounter much snow because of this southern exposure. The Sierra Buttes, and nearby ridges were lovely in a light dusting of new snow, the first snow of the year!
View east from the Volcano Lake Trail
Later in the day, beautiful expansive views to the east, from the trail, were dappled with cloud shadows! Such clear air after the snowstorm!
Mt. Elwell and Long Lake - 11/12/23
Helgramite Lakes & Meadow
Just last Sunday, 11/12/23, I went for a quick hike up to the meadow past the Helgramite Lakes. It was SUPER BLUSTERY with super clear air, and chilly! No one else was on the trail!
The meadow was dry and no flowers were blooming, but it was beautiful and peaceful! A lovely place to linger, before I had to head back home.
Veronica Lake 11/14/23
Veronica Lake
Last Tuesday my husband and I hiked to Veronica Lake on another blustery cold day! Once again the air was crystal clear because of the wind! The lake was a lot fuller than last time, because of the rain we've gotten this past month. However, the grasses were way less prevalent. Perhaps they had gotten frozen! I could see them submerged in the pond.
American Robin - Turdus migratorius
Unusually we saw lots and lots of American Robins flying around! They were probably feasting on some kind of berry that was ripe in the area. We couldn't really tell what they were eating, as they flew off as soon as we came into view! They were probably stopping by on their way to their winter ground in the California Foothills. They were a delight to watch!
Mt. Elwell 11/14/23
The clouds framed Mt. Elwell with beauty, as we hiked back to our car and headed home. Another lovely day with Nature!
What's happening in my neighborhood?
Are the Fall colors persisting?
Check back next week for the answers to these questions and more.
Your questions and comments are always appreciated! Please email me at northyubanaturalist@gmail.com. Thanks!
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