After a long winter we look forward to the first signs of spring.   South-facing slopes and benchlands dry off and warm up first and we may see buds forming on shrubs and the first wildflowers.     The first sighting of sage buttercups (Ranunculus eschscholtzii ) was on March 20 on a benchland on the north side of the river.    Successive sightings near Rose Hill followed, then yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica) on Mount Mara.   While out hiking we noted the locations of a few other plants for another day.

All photos by the author.    Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption/ID.

pussytoes (Antennaria sp.)

clematis

Oregon grape (Mahonia sp.)

sagebrush buttercups

buttercups on Rose Hill

yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica)

Once we have warmer nights and longer days there will be more emerging wildflowers and flowering shrubs to view and enjoy.    The cameras will be ready to capture some of these.