Orange and Blue on the Dunes

I saw lots of bright colors when I was out walking on the Manila dunes on Monday. Little Acmon Blue butterflies (Plebejus acmon) were flashing their blue and orange wings:

Goodness, but those orange bands are pretty:

This Acmon Blue was enjoying some Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium) flowers:

Coast Buckwheat seems to be quite popular with the insects around here -- including this unidentified bee -- and the little flowers are really lovely up close:

Speaking of bright colors, I have to share the abundant and phenomenal California Poppy:

And it's hard to find a brighter blue than in this sunny ocean scene:

There are so many bright and beautiful things in the sand! I love discovering these little treats at our new home.