Ambient temperature about 67° F
There were at least two individuals feeding on Laurel Sumac seeds within a few feet of one another. I believe all of these photos are of the same individual. I'll post a 2nd observation with the 2nd individual.
I initially observed this colony of California Harvester Ants on 4/25/24 (see observation: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/209604588) I returned the following day and saw that the colony had been attacked by these smaller ants, which I believe are invasive Argentine Ants.
One of a few of the spotted towhees that I saw this morning. I believe the towhee is eating a coffee berry in two of the photos.
Under tan oak, almost smooth hymenophore with black setae
Interesting fasciated Beeplant inflorescence
I observed the male of this pair chase off a Red-tailed Hawk, then fly in and copulate with the female.
Historic observation.
I watched this thrasher eat 3 toyon berries before it flew off with one in its beak.
This pile of Water Striders were feeding on a deceased European Honey Bee
Almost had a heart attack…
Tarantula-hawk wasp dragging an immobilized tarantula
Vibrant adult male
They popped out of the sand, and they were about the size of quail eggs.
Yellow flowering
(Plus bonus snake)
One large male (large tympanum) at upper pond.
Growing out of sidewalk crack.
Found swimming in the pool spa. No crickets, grasshoppers or beetles in sight, although there is a millipede in the vicinity.
I observed two of these Chipmunks together, but was only able to photograph one of them. I was surprised to see them at this location as I have been visiting Eaton Canyon Natural area for years and have never seen them here before.
Observation for the rattlesnake
Perhaps my favorite observation ever. I wasn’t even looking for snakes when I heard something rustling in the bushes. I went to investigate and was pleasantly surprised to see a kingsnake. I was about to grab it but I quickly realized it had just grabbed a rattlesnake by the head which was what made that rustling noise. I watched the entire event from beginning to end which took about an hour. I have video of it too for anyone interested
This juvenile specimen was found in the pictured position in broad daylight. Occasionally it would twitch, but otherwise did not move.
Presently my suspicion was confirmed when a very large Pepsis flew over and started inspecting it (shown in third photo). Suddenly, it flew off, and did not come back.
A few minutes later, another tarantula hawk, this one smaller (shown in picture four), came scuttling through the grass behind the tarantula, and, to make a long story short, started dragging it off in the direction it had come.
Temperature was in the mid 70s°F. The day was overcast.
Thanks,
Arthroverts
See this observation for the story of this specimen: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/128505363
This specimen did not fly while I was observing it, even when it came back from its ostensible burrow to collect its quarry.
It seemed to drag the tarantula by its fangs.
Temperature was in the mid 70s°F. The day was overcast.
Thanks,
Arthroverts
Found on Quercus agrifolia. Old ones from last year and new ones
Common and in peak flower throughout the wild area, including recent burns. This one feeding a Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Molt in nest observed a little further up the road: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/105934977
Caught what looks to be Chalcoscirtus diminutus. Thought they were perhaps mating up until she popped off its head.
Man root on right, man on left. Found excavated by construction activity, took home to nurture, fed tea, then planted in native garden.
*2021 Update: the transplant didn't take and this sweet soul was lost to the world, buried dead as it had been buried alive.
Watched this spider the night before take on this inch worm with a blacklight. The spider won his dinner. Next morning the spider was still holding on. Above on a leaf, another smaller inch worm, looked paralyzed.
I found 10+ trout in the pool of water below the waterfall. Two fry and adults that looked like they were 7-8 inches long. Depth: 10 to 15 inches deep. Water Temp: 71 degrees F.
Same individual observed here.
Just one seen this warm morning, nectaring on Eriogonum fasciculatum.
T. hammondii catching and eating an Oncorhynchus mykiss from the stream in the Willow Riparian of Eaton Canyon.
Found these south of the first popular water spot on the hike to the first waterfall at Eaton Canyon Natural Area. Their website says there are no naturally occurring at Eaton.
A 5 year-old girl with a very sharp eye pointed this Trout out to me in the pool of water under the 1st waterfall at Eaton Canyon Park.