Peregrine falcons nest on Morro Rock, a plug-dome volcanic outcropping at the entrance to Morro Bay. About 15 minutes south, wildflowers are abundant at Montana de Oro State Park. The flowers can be seen along the park's 50 miles of trails. The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is alive with activity this time of year. Year-round residents include Gambel's quail , roadrunners , and bighorn sheep .
Rhododendrons start blooming in the undergrowth of old-growth redwood trees.
Their brilliant blossoms range in color from white to bright pink and light purple to deep red. Northern orioles return to the Bay Area by mid-April from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Wild iris blooms along grassy slopes in open places . Loons don their blooming plumage in late April and can be observed close to shore all around Tomales Bay. Males have red spots on the edges of their wings and are typically smaller than females.