Russo states that these are easily confused. This is likely the Fuzzy Gall Wasp (Disholcaspia washintonensis) or the Round Gall Wasp (Besbicus conspicuus)
One Valley Oak carrying many types of galls including this one
Along Alpine Road. Most are now in bloom
Obviously a youngster caught and eaten. Found on an open fire road.
Fawn hiding in the grass. At first I thought it was a dead hawk or owl, which I have found in this area in previous years. First impression was that it was dead but you could see the side move with each breath.
California Oak moth infestation on the Stanford campus. Individual live oak trees (Q. agrifolia) have a heavy population of these insects. The photos show individuals (1), masses within a lower crotch of the tree (2) and a tree stripped of ALL the leaves (3). As far as I can tell it is only individual trees and is not widespread in the area.
Within a week of this posting I got reports of a flush of adult oak moths on the campus.
Also note in Photo 2 in the bark fissure are several Tussock Moth cases of tan and brown
Juvenile. This bird has been hanging around for a while, calling frequently since it lost one of its' parents. The parent was crippled from flying into the side of a neighbors house. SPCA came but the bird could not survive. Photo is by my neighbor Lyn Toribara
Wren's nesting in a box. It turns out that there were four chicks hidden under this plastic tray. Dramatic differences in the chicks within 5 days. Parents have become comfortable with me hanging around while they try to feed this brood. Final count was four. Day seven they fledged and left the nest.
Last photo shows almost fledged birds allowing easier id.
moles are throughout
Hiding on the edge of chaparral
Lomatium species. A very good season for this plant. Trail 15
Very common under the oaks. Past prime but still a number of colorful individual plants
NW facing slope, serpentine soil, light shade, native bunch grasses, PO, Oaks, Indian Warrior. Trail 15
Juvenile of E. e. platensis I think. Intergrade between Oregon and Sierra Nevada also looks very much the same. Found under a piece of wood. Photo GJ Dodge
roadside. a pair of them. Will need to watch for nesting site
Flood plain of the lake.
Not certain which Malacothamnus but believe it to be M. fasciculatus
I love this plant
Trail 12 A small patch. The plant seems not as vigorous this year. Might be from the lack of rains this winter. 1/3 of normal I believe
Lovely flowering heads. Common over much of the preserve in and near edges of boarding plant communities
Most prominent right now with 40% of the plants in bloom. Heavy scent fills the air to the extent that I find it hard to breath sometimes
Trail 12 Riparian corridor of Corte Madera Creek. Numerous on shady areas. 50% show browse evidence.
Good crop this year along Trail 12 in deep shade
Numerous along trail 12
All along Trail 12, always creekside and very numerous. Begin at the first bridge on 12 and continue for the length of the trail.
