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
