A BioBlitz is a race against time to identify as many species as possible within a set time and place. It helps demonstrate the biodiversity of an area.
In 2026, Save Mount Diablo held two BioBlitzes: one lasted two weeks throughout the Diablo Range, and the other was a gathering of ecological experts in an intense 24-hour BioBlitz at one location hidden deep in the Diablo Range.
Together, we saw firsthand how these habitats are brimming with rare and exciting species. This year, 46 observers made more than 2,500 observations of at least 775 species.
Hiding in the Diablo Range are some of the most spectacular species on Earth. Photo by Emily Sherwood
Phainopepla in an oak tree in the Diablo Range during a BioBlitz
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Whether it’s majestic golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), sparkling Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna), or the endemic yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli), California’s impressive avian diversity was on full display.
The Diablo Range BioBlitz is held each spring to maximize findings of plants and animals when they’re most abundant. This year was no exception.
We found rare California endemics, like fairy fans (Clarkia breweri), many-flowered eriastrum (Eriastrum pluriflorum), and spring lessingia (Lessingia tenuis), and fire-followers like golden eardrops (Ehrendorferia chrysantha).
The Diablo Range has hundreds of insect and arachnid species, including many that are still undescribed or undiscovered. We saw dazzling colors from some, like showy butterflies and this stunning orange flame skimmer (Libellula satura).
There was also a tiny, water-dwelling Graptocorixa mottled in bright yellow and black.
Reptiles and Amphibians
common side-blotched lizard - Scott Hein 2026 BioBlitz 1200-wide
The varied climate of the Diablo Range provides excellent habitat for both desert species like the northern pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus ssp. oreganus) and western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), as well as riparian species.
Some standout amphibians this year were the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) and yellow-eyed ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii ssp. xanthoptica). We also saw the northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata), and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas).
Show-stopping megafauna like tule elk (Cervus canadensis ssp. nannodes) and mountain lion live in the Diablo Range, but you’re more likely to see a ground squirrel, rabbit, or even a coyote or a bobcat.
This 205-mile mountain range is bustling with miraculous species, often closer than we think. See what other species you can find in the Diablo Range on your next hike or join our 2-week BioBlitz next year!
The Diablo Range is rugged and teeming with life. Photo by Sean Burke
Credits
Many thanks to iNaturalist for encouraging citizen science like this.
Photos used with permission:
Sean Burke: Yellow-billed magpie, great-horned owl, golden eagle, American kestrel, Anna’s hummingbird, foothill yellow-legged frog tadpole, northern pacific rattlesnake, yellow-eyed ensatina, bobcat.
Scott Hein: Golden eagle with American kestrel, phainopepla, tufted poppy, oak gooseberry, Sierra snapdragon, bunchleaf penstemon, golden eardrops, many-flowered eriastrum, flame skimmer, native bee inside butterfly mariposa lily, common side-blotched lizard, coyote.
