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Nectar Garden Coyote Hills Regional Park |
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| Adjacent to the Visitor's Center and open Wednesdays through Sundays 10AM to 4PM. | ||
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| The garden features a bubbling fountain, mist and drip pools. | ||
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| Fountains and pools attract a variety of birds such as this Mourning Dove. | ||
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| There are benches both in sunlight and shade where you can sit, enjoy your surroundings. | ||
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| Birds visit the bubbling central fountain throughout the day. | ||
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| They come to bathe and for a refreshing drink. | ||
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| The garden is a fenced enclosure sheltered from the wind with paths throughout. | ||
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| And it's filled with colorful, nectar-rich flowers. | ||
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| The air is often filled with the sound of hummingbird wings. | ||
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| Great place to practice photography. | ||
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| Areas with low light, shadows can present challenges. | ||
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| Take time to wander around and explore the entire garden. | ||
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| Pause to peer into shaded areas as well. | ||
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| You might catch a glimpse of a tiny vole foraging for food in the cool undergrowth. | ||
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| Hidden among the shadows, a Chestnutback Chickadee cautiously approches the drip fountain. | ||
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| At the fountain's edge, this young Scrub Jay acted as though this single leaf conceals it from view. | ||
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| A tiny Oak Titmouse blends beautifully with its surroundings. | ||
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| Wrens haunt the undergrowth in many an urban garden. | ||
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| So do Ground Squirrels. Many plants make tasty meals. | ||
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| This plant in particular is a tasty treat. | ||
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| As summer wears on their normal food supply dwindles, so squirrels spend more time foraging in the garden. | ||
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| [ sigh ] Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. | ||
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| What's blooming today, may vanish tomorrow. | ||
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| There's always a great number of butterflies nectar sipping in the garden. | ||
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| A Cabbage White. rather plain looking, but note the traces of gold markings on its wing. | ||
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| The spectacular Gray Hairstreak rotates its "tails" to distract predators. | ||
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| Monarches are frequent visitors to the garden. | ||
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| As are Tiger Swallowtails. | ||
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| Anise Swallowtail - note the difference in its wing pattern to that of the tiger swallowtail. | ||
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| Petals of this flower are like bright red Welcome mats for insects in search of nectar. | ||
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| Neon yellow, these petals are like broad landing pads for hungry insects. | ||
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| They are irresistable to butterflies. | ||
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| Hummingbirds are the real stars of the nectar garden. | ||
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| Lots of opportunities to try to photograph them in flight. | ||
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| They are fairly tolerant of photographers stalking them with cameras. | ||
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| Occasionally you'll find them at rest, but ever wary. | ||
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| The Nectar Garden is a cool and relaxing place to visit during hot summer weather. | ||
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| Other cool places for summer photography: UCSC Arboretum and Horseshoe Lake. | ||
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