Sometimes things pop up early, as was the case in 2026. Rain came early in buckets, and then a warm spell forced plants and flowers out of the soil before their usual time. So I keep my eyes peeled even in January and February.

This scene, captured in the Catalina Foothills early in February, is a prime example.
Little pops of pink and white dappled the slopes as we made our way to the Romero pools and waterfall. All was well, until we heard the unnerving sound (like a woman screaming) of a mountain lion coming from the ridgeline across from us. We glassed the slope just as several deer were scattering. So we changed course and enjoyed the elevation where these flowers were blooming.

Anemones are tubers and members of the buttercup family. These, as well as the other smaller flowers on the foothills, are among my favorites.

What’s Up? Buttercups.