Photos / Sounds

What

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

Observer

crayonsss

Description

My favorite snake species! Easily handled, calm but seems to emit a smell of feces, so probably uncomfortable. Found by my back door on pavement. I showed it to my neighbors then released it on the hill above my yard.

Photos / Sounds

What

Southern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)

Observer

crayonsss

Date

July 19, 2021

Description

Have you ever wondered what a lizard head looks like from the inside? Neither have I , but it's beautiful! Found in my yard, probably predated upon, skin of head with skull still inside, only the top half. Tail nearby.

Photos / Sounds

What

Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii)

Observer

crayonsss

Date

July 9, 2017

Description

See "Video Link" field below, for sound of yipping.

Adorable little mottled, streaky gray owl, deep in Toyon tree, barking, a "yip" like a small dog. Apparently trying to distract me from finding a female or nest several feet away, where a higher voice was yipping. In the past couple of years, I have heard the characteristic hooting pattern, in the distance, once or twice a year, but they were not doing it this night.

Please forgive the poor photo, but you can make out his yellow eye.

Photos / Sounds

What

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Observer

crayonsss

Date

June 6, 2017

Description

Found 2 feathers on ground. 3 Barn Owls have been staying in area, heard nightly, seems like 2 hunt, bring food to a 3rd one in tree. Since then, all have been flying around area, on extremely long wings, making their raspy squeaking sounds when in trees. They seem to have displaced the resident GHO's, at least for now, but I still hear them hooting sometimes at night, in distance.

Everyone else is right, I was wrong- we never had Barn owls in the neighborhood- it's just the GHO's making a horrible screeching- squawky noise.

Photos / Sounds

What

Wirelettuces (Genus Stephanomeria)

Observer

crayonsss

Date

September 4, 2016

Description

Single stem, about 4 feet tall, branches near top to flower spikes. White flowerw/ 5 sepals & 10 petals, 5 teeth on end of each petal, about 3/4 inch diameter. Leaves linear, alternate up stem, largest about 2 inches long at base, covered in sticky hairs, maybe glandular? Whole plant sticky, has sticky milky sap. I see 2 or 3 of these around my yard each year, not thick growth like the invasive weeds. I think this is a native plant to southern California, but I don't know what it is.