kauveh's Favorites

Found in small clearing on ridge adjacent to hiking trail.

Glands at leaf base. Leaf tips pointed. Underside lighter-coloured and hairy (unlike P. emarginata)

Similar: P. avium but unlikely in mid-elevation away from city.

Spent a while on the roadsides in the area photographing the many Ochlodes sylvanoides. The reason was to document the variations in the individuals I came across. A couple individuals gave me fits as they were so plain in appearance I had very briefly thought I found a Euphyes vestris which hasn't been seen in the area for many many years.

Known isolated population on lower slopes of Sumas Mtn. Inaccessible location on private property, but visible with a long lens (and a little imagination) from across the Sumas River near McDonald Park. Characteristic twisted branches visible, with a few light green leaves (of fresh summer second growth); Bigleaf Maple also visible below for comparison of scale. Can't distinguish from English Oak at this distance though of course.

While observing a group of endangered Red-legged Frogs, we found this non-native Fire-bellied Toad. I also recognized the croak of a second frog further down the creek, since I have kept this species as pets for many years. Coincidentally, a herpetologist doing contract work for GGNRA was nearby and had the equipment to capture the frog.