Photos / Sounds
What
Genus NidulaObserver
rwaayersDescription
I think this fungus is in the genus Nidula but am unsure as to species. I would say the cup is about 7-8 mm wide.
What
California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This squirrel was seen from a distance with something in its paws that appeared to have legs. After a quick check with binoculars, I grabbed my camera and was able to record this image. It's unknown whether the squirrel killed this gravid female Western Fence Lizard or not, but it was clearly eating the lizard and eggs.
What
Ascomycete Fungi (Phylum Ascomycota)Observer
rwaayersDescription
At Rustler Park, under unburned conifers.
What
Rounded Earthstar (Geastrum saccatum)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Along trail which connects to the upper parking lot at Madera Canyon.
What
Yellow American Blusher (Amanita flavorubens)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Each of these mushrooms was approximately 40 mm wide (the cap). They were growing in oak / juniper woodland, in the Bog Springs Campground in Madera Canyon. They look a bit like Amanita to me but I am unsure.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus KukulcaniaObserver
rwaayersDescription
Would like help narrowing to species.
North Peak, Cuyamaca Mountains, San Diego County, California, USA
July 31, 2022
Size: Estimate: 20 mm
This spider has a web-lined tunnel between a large concrete brick and some decorative rock on my patio. There are many large ants (likely Camponotus sp.) that are active at night around my home, and one of the ants made its way too close to the spider's tunnel. This is an area with oaks and pines, as well as chaparral in the vicinity, at 4200 feet elevation.
What
Antalis pretiosaObserver
rwaayersDescription
Several empty shells were found at the water's edge.
28 mm long.
I think this may be Antalis pretiosa, but am a bit uncertain due to the lack of other observations.
What
Merriam's Chipmunk (Neotamias merriami)Observer
rwaayersDescription
With severe damage to one ear. Oak / pine woodland with adjacent chaparral at 4200 feet.
Photos / Sounds
What
California Tree Frog (Pseudacris cadaverina)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Was observed relaxing in a shallow, ground-level bird bath after dark. It then moved to this rock. The area is oak / pine forest with adjacent chaparral at 4200 feet.
Photos / Sounds
What
Clipped Semele (Semele decisa)Observer
rwaayersDescription
The empty valves, the interiors of which were facing upwards, were visible from the surface where I was snorkeling. Maybe the result of an octopus meal? 86 mm in width.
Photos / Sounds
What
Bay Blenny (Hypsoblennius gentilis)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This fish (and others like it) were skulking in and around the large rocks of the breakwater. This one appeared to be feeding on small organisms on the rock surface. It was around 5-6 inches in length. The "rabbit-ear"-like appendages on the head seem interesting and maybe important for identification?
What
Coenonycha acutaObserver
rwaayersDescription
Came to light on a chilly evening. This is a male with leading edge of clypeus highly reflexed (Ron McPeak, pers. comm.). This beetle was identified by the scarabologists R. McPeak and A. Evans, from this image (pers. comm.).
What
Coenonycha acutaObserver
rwaayersDescription
Came to light on a chilly evening. This is a female with leading edge of clypeus not highly reflexed (Ron McPeak, pers. comm.). This beetle was identified by the scarabologists R. McPeak and A. Evans, from this image (pers. comm.).
Photos / Sounds
What
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This Black Phoebe visited a bird bath, as well as perching and vocalizing for a few minutes in the typical Black Phoebe manner. I don't see this species up here very often. The habitat is oak/pine woodland with patches of chaparral regrown since the 2003 Cedar Fire, at 4200 feet.
What
Western Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor ssp. mormon)Observer
rwaayersDescription
At Santa Ysabel County Preserve. It was part-way onto the dirt trail on a warm day which was turning cool and cloudy.
What
Northern Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus ssp. pinus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Three birds in total were seen coming to a seed cake, and seeds on the ground. The birds in these two submissions are different individuals (one has an injured foot).
What
Northern Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus ssp. pinus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Three birds in total were seen coming to a seed cake, and seeds on the ground. The birds in these two submissions are different individuals (one has an injured foot).
What
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)Observer
rwaayersDescription
About half a dozen birds fed on acorns in this oak.
What
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)Observer
rwaayersDescription
About half a dozen birds fed on acorns in this oak.
What
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This appears to be the Acorn Woodpecker with the yellow crest seen several times in the past weeks.
What
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This appears to be the California Scrub Jay with the deformed bill again.
What
Botta's Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae)Observer
rwaayersDescription
Periodically popped its head up near a bird feeding area.
What
Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)Observer
rwaayersDescription
About a half dozen birds entered this oak and were busily eating acorns. This is a young bird; thus the lack of white collar and minimal green on the neck.
Photos / Sounds
What
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This jay seemed healthy and active despite the odd bill deformity. In looking online a bit, I found at least two records of similar-looking bill deformities in this species.
What
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
This bird has strange light brown feathers. Not sure if they are just very worn, or if this was their "original" color.
What
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
A yellow-crowned (or golden-crowned) Acorn Woodpecker. This bird has been seen on three different occasions at this location. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology mentions this crown color form as occasional in California and elsewhere. Julian, Cuyamaca Mountains, California.
What
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)Observer
rwaayersDescription
A yellow-crowned (or golden-crowned) Acorn Woodpecker. This bird has been seen on three different occasions at this location. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology mentions this crown color form as occasional in California and elsewhere. Julian, Cuyamaca Mountains, California.