The full moon of Monday, July 3 brings very low tides in the early morning just around sunrise. Described as a supermoon, it may appear bigger and brighter. The Farmers’ Almanac calls it the “buck moon,” as male deer typically have regrown their annual set of antlers by this month.
The warmer weather is hatching many flying insects. In turn, barn swallows, with their distinctive forked tails, may be seen swooping and soaring as they feast on the bugs. They are particularly active over the Bear Valley pastures in the early evenings, and their mud blob nests may be seen under the eaves of park buildings. Warmer weather has also brought about another die-off of by-the-wind-sailors, the small bluish hydroids piling up on the northwestern beaches such as Kehoe.
As summer arrives, the grass-covered hills are browning, though wildflowers have been at center stage with continuing blooms of lupine scenting the air. Native trees are beginning to bloom: California buckeyes are covered with spikes of pinkish brown flowers, and small yellowish flowers are appearing on bay trees. Blackberry vines are also sporting sprays of whitish pink blossoms, promising an abundant season.
Park trails, roads and visitor centers will be open on the July Fourth holiday. Fireworks are not permitted in the seashore or elsewhere in Marin County. The moon should be lighting up the sky that night!