Visitors 10
Modified 21-Dec-23
Created 13-Jun-23
23 photos

Watchful Ravens challenge an intruder, circling overhead, cawiing loudly -- from sighting him stretched out on the road with a camera, to when he finally exited at Escobar Gate. Were they guarding the body of the King Snake, an attractive source of meat? Or were they reacting to the novelty of someone rising from a sprawl?

Here are a few more record shots, birds seen out of Escobar Gate with the birders on 6/7, and leading a tour on 6/10. As well as some Veromessor andrei swarming in an unusual piece of fluff; and an ant-like insect (?), waiting for your ID.

Bonus: dueling Juncos seen just outside Escobar Gate, and cute parent and chick, also waiting for an ID.
Not an Ant??Harvester Ants (Veromessor Andrei) Inspect FluffHarvester Ants (Veromessor Andrei) Inspect FluffHarvester Ants (Veromessor Andrei) Inspect FluffCalifornia Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica)HawkWestern Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)Raven WarningRaven ComplaintFly Visits Dead California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae)Ravens ComplainRavens Complain (Detail)Common Raven (Corvus corax) in FlightYoung Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)Bonus: Junco CombatJunco Combat (2)Junco Combat (3)Junco Combat (4)Junco Combat (5)