Signs of Spring (and the Recent Rain)

We have received an unusual amount of rain in the past few weeks - VERY late for this region of the country, but we are not going to complain!

The wild flowers and even fungi are more lush than usual because of this moisture and I am trying to get out and see (and photograph) some of this spring bounty.

Pretty sure that this is Exidia glandulosa, "Black Witch's Butter", growing on the log we placed under the huge live oak tree in the meadow.

Colorful moth, as yet undetermined, that showed up at my black light last night. Finally the nights are warming after weeks of very cool (and damp) weather.

Hippodamia convergens (Convergent Lady Beetle) on Common Yarrow. Mountain Meadow Road.

The very common Acmaeodera hepburni, a jewel beetle. Oddly perched on young oak leaves (they usually prefer flowers). 

Collomia grandiflora. Don't see this one every year.

Lupinus succulentus, the common lupine species here in the mountains.

Turkey tail fungus.

Calochortus albus, the White Globe Lily. We have MANY of these this year, perking up the landscape, especially along roadsides.

Calochortus splendens. We've never seen so many of these mariposa lilies before. They are popping up all over.

Tremella sp., probably T. aurantia. 

Clarkia rhomboidea. 

Rhododendron occidentalis, Western Azalea. I have been meaning to photograph these flowers for years, and finally got around to it. They grow along Engineers Road in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and it takes a little bushwhacking to reach them.