Calochortus!!!

The other day I was in the field walking in front of a tractor making sure they don't run over snakes when I saw this yellow Calochortus in the distance. I did not have my camera with me and I unfortunately I could not collect it. From memory I think the species was Calochortus clavatus var. pallidus.

The above photos are other varieties of this species. Calochortus is one of my all time favorite flowers. They have 3 petals which are often speckled, hairy or brightly colored. They grow from bulbs and do not flower for long. Since they are so pretty and hard to grow horticulturaly, many are protected. I wish I would have had a permit to collect some from this patch so I can get a positive id but this guerrilla id will have to do.