California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
The California poppy, with its silky, cup-shaped petals and vibrant orange hue, is one of the most iconic and beloved wildflowers of the West. This hardy native thrives in open fields, hillsides, and along roadsides, often forming brilliant, sunlit carpets in spring and early summer. Its delicate leaves and bright blooms open with the sun and close in the evening or on cloudy days. This Eschscholzia californica was observed in Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego—an emblem of California’s natural beauty and resilience.
Camera: NikonD7500
Lens: Pentacon 50mm f/1.8
Lens effect: Soft-focus bokeh created in-camera with vintage glass.