Spring green

  

Eric spotted this beautiful green hairstreak during a walk in Glen Ellen this afternoon (29 March 2025).  The taxonomy of this group has been challenging, but it sounds like this is currently being called Lotus Hairstreak (Callophrys dumetorum).  

With many thanks to Eric for sharp eyes and patience with the camera, and to Alan for assisting with the identification and taxonomy update.

Monet with merganser?

 

We took a short walk in the Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen this afternoon (23 November 2019).  There was nice fall light, and a view of a Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) in the lower pond.  The effect of the lighting and reflections reminded me of a Monet!