August in the Chaparral

In August the hillsides are dried out, the grass is brown, most shrubby plants have drying seeds on them, the baby quail are almost full grown, and the rattlesnakes don't seem to be out on the trails as much.  There are still a few new plants blooming and a couple sights unique to this month.

Beware allergy sufferers - the ragweed is about to bloom.

 In the early morning when the marine layer made everything all misty, I could see spiderweb "funnels" all over the open grassy areas.

 Sweet Fennel is about 6 feet tall this time of year.

 The marine layer cools everything off and makes for a nice run.

 A field of sweet fennel.