A full moon rises over Easter Sunday, April 17, and brings negative low tides in the early mornings. The Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest call it the Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs. Along with the full moon, the Lyrid meteor showers begin the annual cycle of sky illuminations. They will be visible after 11 p.m. in the eastern skies between April 16 and 25, peaking the night of Earth Day, Friday, April 22.
Plants and shrubs continue to bloom even as the grasses begin to brown. The pale-yellow flower spires of red elderberry shrubs are blooming alongside the roadways, and the many varieties of lupine are making their appearance: Tiny deep-purple and white lupinus bicolor or miniature lupine dots the fields behind the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Nesting bird season is upon us, and you may have noted plenty of bird song. Male birds often use song to defend territory and attract mates. Trails and roadsides may appear a little shaggy as crews ensure their mowing activity does not disturb any ground nesters.
Most of the northern elephant seals have returned to the ocean, but now we have a chance to observe another part of their life cycle as some seals return to their natal beach to molt and grow new fur. Their blotchy, patchy look may be alarming, but it is normal.