Lower Table Rock -- Two Rare Sightings

May 5, 2018

We decided to venture back to Lower Table Rock, after a hike there about a month ago, to see what wildflowers were still in bloom and to check on the Vernal Pools at the plateau. In addition to the normal hike, we were treated to a pair of rare sightings.

Time to hike a local favorite

Yes, there were swaths of Sea Blush, Camas, and Fiddlenecks along our hike to the plateau joined in at times by various other wildflowers like Cat's Ear, Larkspur, Lupine, and Desert Parsley.  However, as we went through the lower Oak Savannah area, our eyes caught something different in the middle of all the purple Camas blooms.  There, all by itself, was a white Camas.  We have seen white Shooting Stars and white Houndstongue on other hikes, but this was the first white Camas ever -- so beautiful.

Rare white Camas.  Purple Camas in background.

Then just a little further up the trail, a couple groups of hikers were stopped.  Out of breath?  Reconsidering their hike? Nope. Instead they were looking at a Great Horned Owl who (no pun intended) was still out on an oak branch despite it being late morning.  One of the observers was a co-worker of Glenn's and took some incredible pictures of the owl.  Thanks Sammie!!

Great Horned Owl hanging out at Lower Table Rock

Sammie also took a picture of a Blue Grey Gnatcatcher he saw at Lower Table Rock the same day  (we didn't see it) and shared a recent picture of a Burrowing Owl he saw at Agate Lake.  Beautiful creatures and beautiful pictures.  Thanks for sharing Sammie.

Blue Grey Gnatcatcher @ Lower Table Rock

Burrowing Owl @ Agate Lake

When we arrived at the plateau, only one vernal pool still had water, but it was loaded with tadpoles. We enjoyed the great views of snow covered Mt McLoughin and of course the Rogue Valley.   Even though it was a hike we have done many times, our hike today proves that you never know what rare sights you may encounter or miss.  So get out and explore....and keep your eyes open!

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol