Saw a pair calling and flying in coastal sage scrub habitat
2+ perched in tall Eucalyptus trees
Saw individual with fully red head on Eucalyptus tree in my back yard
7-8" juvenile, found alive in pool.
Unmistakable species- all black with crest, unique call, white flashes when in flight (see photo). I have only seen 1 pair in this area, at least near the road.
Got the ID second-hand from our neighbors who said they'd seen it some early mornings. Spotted one in our yard probably in the mid 1990's, but none since then.
Very common species in this area. Groups become very boisterous at dusk which is when I'm usually hiking here, lots of vocalizations.
Juvenile
Pair was foraging in buckwheat on exposed south-facing slope near the end of Camino Monte Sombra. Heard the call first- very nasal and high pitched. I do not commonly see this species around my neighborhood.
Found under river rocks in shaded area next to my house.
Adult lizard and juvenile found at the bottom of my pool on consecutive nights.
Large adult (6+in) seen in protected area of open space. Every year I usually only see babies/juveniles during the summer, but never adults.
Found alive in my pool
Group of 5, fully grown or at least all looked to be the same size, active at dusk. I hear packs yipping near my house extremely often. Sometimes I see them around dusk or even middle of the day. Coyote photo (one of many) was taken with a camera trap just below my house.
