Every discovery has a source.

Historical California observations, with approximate map locations. These are not current sightings or observations made by Nature Relay users. Original photographs retain the credits and licenses below. AI-created characters are stylized illustrations, not identification diagrams.

California poppy · Eschscholzia californica
(c) Annette Herz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-03-06 · Coyote, CA, USA
California fuchsia · Epilobium canum
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-11-11 · Los Altos Hills, CA 94022, USA
variableleaf collomia · Collomia heterophylla
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-07-02 · Santa Clara County, CA, USA
blue oak · Quercus douglasii
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2020-08-21 · Cupertino
clay mariposa lily · Calochortus argillosus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-06-14 · Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Palo Alto, CA, US
California scrub oak · Quercus berberidifolia
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2016-07-17 · Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, CA, US
orchard grass · Dactylis glomerata
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-07-02 · Santa Clara County, CA, USA
dendroalsia moss · Dendroalsia abietina
(c) Annette Herz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-02-03 · Los Altos Hills, CA, US
giant chain fern · Woodwardia fimbriata
(c) lazarus, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2018-12-09 · Santa Clara County, CA, USA
California buckeye · Aesculus californica
(c) rappman, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-05-24 · McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino, CA, US
Common Raven · Corvus corax
(c) Brooke J., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2025-10-09 · Marin County, CA, USA
Greenish Blue · Icaricia saepiolus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2017-06-18 · Glenn County, CA, USA
American Black Bear · Ursus americanus
(c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2010-05-28 · Kings Canyon National Parks, CA
Red-tailed Hawk · Buteo jamaicensis
(c) Brooke J., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-05-26 · Tuolumne County, CA, USA
Mourning Cloak · Nymphalis antiopa
(c) Irina Mitine, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-02-14 · Hyatt Vacation Club at the Welk, Escondido, CA, US
Cactus Wren · Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2025-01-12 · Thousand Palms, CA, US
Coyote · Canis latrans
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-12-26 · Rancho San Antonio Preserve, Palo Alto, CA, US
California Sister · Adelpha californica
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2026-08-10 · Hayfork, CA 96041, USA
Western Ponderosa Pine · Pinus ponderosa
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2019-06-22 · Mono County, CA, USA
Cooper's Hawk · Astur cooperii
(c) Becky Matsubara, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2019-06-26 · El Sobrante Hills, Richmond, CA 94803, USA
California Wild Rose · Rosa californica
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2016-06-19 · Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, CA, US
interior live oak · Quercus wislizeni
(c) Marc Whitaker, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-09-28 · Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Descanso, CA, US
Menzies' metaneckera moss · Neckera menziesii
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2011-04-19 · Gazos Creek, San Mateo County, CA, USA
American Dipper · Cinclus mexicanus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2020-12-29 · Fern Canyon, Humboldt County, CA, USA
Clodius Parnassian · Parnassius clodius
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2013-07-13 · Desolation Wilderness, Eldorado National Forest, El Dorado, California, United States
Western Fence Lizard · Sceloporus occidentalis
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-04-10 · Bass Cove Trail, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Alameda County, CA, USA
Desert Sunflower · Geraea canescens
(c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2008-03-01 · Tecopa, CA, US
desert willow · Chilopsis linearis
(c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2017-09-16 · Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, CA, US
Wild Turkey · Meleagris gallopavo
(c) Bruce Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-06-08 · Fremont Older Preserve, Saratoga, CA, US
Tedoc stonecrop · Sedum rubiginosum
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-06-23 · Trinity County, CA, USA
Sierra Nevada Parnassian · Parnassius smintheus behrii
(c) Justin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2013-09-04 · West Ridge of Mount Conness
California bay · Umbellularia californica
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-11-15 · Rancho San Antonio County Park, Los Altos, CA, US
Shy Mariposa Lily · Calochortus invenustus
(c) James M. Maley, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-07-07 · San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear City, CA, US
Greater Roadrunner · Geococcyx californianus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-11-01 · Signal Ct, Palm Desert, CA, US
Hairy Tufted Jumping Spider · Phidippus comatus
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2016-05-23 · Contra Costa County, CA, USA
Oregon spikemoss · Selaginella oregana
(c) crothfels, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2017-11-09 · Patrick's Point
Acmon Blue · Icaricia acmon
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-07-04 · Fernandez Ranch, Contra Costa County, CA, USA
Pacific trillium · Trillium ovatum
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-02-18 · Mendocino County, CA, USA
Tanoak · Notholithocarpus densiflorus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-07-02 · Santa Clara County, CA, USA
Green Heron · Butorides virescens
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2022-12-29 · Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA, US
blue dicks · Dipterostemon capitatus
(c) Michael Warner, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-02-01 · El Sobrante, CA, US
sugar pine · Pinus lambertiana
(c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-07-28 · Del Norte County, CA, USA
chaparral yucca · Hesperoyucca whipplei
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2008-05-14 · California, United States
Great Horned Owl · Bubo virginianus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2021-04-06 · Mount Davidson, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA
Painted Lady · Vanessa cardui
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2026-03-05 · Signal Ct, Palm Desert, CA, US
California Ground Squirrel · Otospermophilus beecheyi
(c) smeckert, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-06-16 · Chino Canyon, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
woolly bluecurls · Trichostema lanatum
(c) Daniel S., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-05-16 · Agua Dulce, CA 91390, USA
Oregon oak · Quercus garryana
(c) Corey Shake, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-05-24 · Klamath National Forest, Siskiyou County, US-CA, US
Audubon's Warbler · Setophaga coronata auduboni
(c) Brooke J., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-05-26 · Tuolumne County, CA, USA
Eastwood's Manzanita · Arctostaphylos glandulosa
(c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-12-20 · Toro County Park, Salinas, CA, US
Western Pygmy-Blue · Brephidium exilis
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2016-04-30 · Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Los Angeles, California, United States
Winged Desert Threadplant · Nemacladus tenuis aliformis
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2020-04-20 · Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, US-CA, US
grand fir · Abies grandis
(c) jrsweet, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-02-25 · Crescent City, CA 95531, USA
Turkey Vulture · Cathartes aura
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2020-09-23 · Pacific, Arcata, CA, USA
Sierra Garter Snake · Thamnophis couchii
(c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2005-07-16 · Madera County, CA, USA
Bridges' cliffbrake · Pellaea bridgesii
(c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2009-10-24 · Mariposa County, CA, USA
Black Swallowtail · Papilio polyxenes
(c) katie_keller, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-12-14 · White Point Nature Preserve & Education Center, Los Angeles, CA, US
Desert Marigold · Baileya multiradiata
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2008-04-26 · Clark Mts., San Bernardino County, CA, USA
California black oak · Quercus kelloggii
(c) jayjt, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-01-24 · Livermore, CA 94550, USA
Brown-headed Cowbird · Molothrus ater
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2019-11-29 · W Elm St, Fort Bragg, CA, US
heart-leaf milkweed · Asclepias cordifolia
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2006-06-15 · Plumas County, CA, USA
Pacific poison oak · Toxicodendron diversilobum
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-09-22 · Ed R. Levin County Park, CA, USA
western sycamore · Platanus racemosa
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2016-03-19 · Kern County, CA, USA
Verdin · Auriparus flaviceps
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-11-27 · Signal Ct, Palm Desert, CA, US
Red Admiral · Vanessa atalanta
(c) Alex Shepard, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-07-25 · Clement St, San Francisco, CA, US
Common Raccoon · Procyon lotor
(c) Annette Herz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2023-05-02 · Solana Dr, Mountain View, CA, US
western columbine · Aquilegia formosa
(c) Ryan Elliott, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2019-07-22 · SE of Gumboot Lake, Siskiyou County, CA, USA
Tucker's Oak · Quercus john-tuckeri
(c) Garth Harwood, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-04-23 · San Luis Obispo County, CA, USA
Anna's Hummingbird · Calypte anna
(c) William Walker, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-11-02 · Orange County, CA, USA
Big Berry Manzanita · Arctostaphylos glauca
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-12-27 · Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA, US
California Tortoiseshell · Nymphalis californica
(c) Bruce Bailey, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-05-21 · Squirehill Ct, Cupertino, CA, US
cowbag clover · Trifolium depauperatum
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-04-02 · Marin County, CA, USA
lodgepole pine · Pinus contorta
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2022-02-27 · Del Norte County, CA, USA
American Osprey · Pandion haliaetus carolinensis
(c) Brooke J., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-07-21 · Calaveras County, CA, USA
Volcano Keyhole Limpet · Fissurella volcano
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2021-05-17 · Avila Beach, CA, USA
Broad-leaved Stonecrop · Sedum spathulifolium
(c) George Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-05-02 · Santa Barbara County, CA, USA
Queen · Danaus gilippus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2026-01-30 · Signal Ct, Palm Desert, CA, US
Pacific hound's tongue · Adelinia grandis
(c) joergmlpts, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2023-02-16 · Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve, US, CA
Pacific Acorn Woodpecker · Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi
(c) Brooke J., some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2026-01-22 · Bishop Ranch Regional Open Space, Contra Costa County, US-CA, US
gray pine · Pinus sabiniana
(c) Jed Whitten, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-03-26 · Tehama County, US-CA, US
Miniature Lupine · Lupinus bicolor
(c) Karen Kincy, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-03-29 · Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara, California, United States
Creosote Bush · Larrea tridentata
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2018-08-18 · Inyo County, CA, USA
Pacific madrone · Arbutus menziesii
(c) avocat, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-05-24 · Upper Stevens Creek County Park, Santa Clara, California, United States
Northern Mockingbird · Mimus polyglottos
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2022-12-03 · Signal Ct, Palm Desert, CA, US
Anise Swallowtail · Papilio zelicaon
(c) Karen Kincy, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2023-07-16 · Sunnyvale
Black-tailed Jackrabbit · Lepus californicus
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2023-07-09 · Joseph D. Grant County Park, CA, USA
gnome plant · Hemitomes congestum
(c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2020-06-28 · Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Redwood National Park, Humboldt County, US-CA, US
Douglas-fir · Pseudotsuga menziesii
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2024-08-02 · Skyline Trail, Santa Clara County, CA, USA
California Quail · Callipepla californica
no rights reserved
Original observation · CC0 · 2011-05-05 · Placer County, CA, USA
Eastern Mojave Buckwheat · Eriogonum fasciculatum polifolium
(c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2017-10-18 · San Diego County, US-CA, US
Mojave Sootywing · Hesperopsis libya
(c) Dennis Vollmar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-04-19 · San Bernardino County, CA, USA
miner's lettuce · Claytonia perfoliata
(c) Annette Herz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2023-02-08 · Loyola, CA, USA
California Scrub-Jay · Aphelocoma californica
(c) Corey Farwell, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-12-22 · Cuesta Park West
North American Hoary Bat · Lasiurus cinereus cinereus
(c) Amelia Tauber, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-10-07 · Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Scotia, CA, US
singleleaf pinyon · Pinus monophylla
(c) Max Miley, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-07-12 · Sequoia National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Tulare, California, United States
California Barrel Cactus · Ferocactus cylindraceus
(c) CK2AZ, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2024-06-08 · I-8 E, Jacumba, CA, US
Comstock's Fritillary · Argynnis callippe comstocki
(c) william_hoyer, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-05-22 · Santa Barbara County, US-CA, US
fire poppy · Papaver californicum
(c) Madeleine Claire, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2021-05-02 · Cleveland National Forest, Alpine, CA, US
box elder · Acer negundo
(c) Barry Langdon-Lassagne, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-01-18 · McClellan Ranch Preserve, Cupertino, CA, US
Bullock's Oriole · Icterus bullockii
(c) Michael Eisen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Original observation · CC-BY · 2022-06-04 · Rush Ranch Open Space, Solano, California, United States