Right front. Despite the excellent mud puddle substrate, I was not able to photograph any good hind tracks or track patterns.
Or possibly California Mouse, also common in the area and larger than most mice. Size and other characteristics good for chipmunks however and Merriam's is only locally occurring species. Last image shows area context, where this animal made a number of trips between large beach debris at the edge of a lagoon and a rock pile at the base of a highway bridge adjacent to a large marshy area.
Curious multi-sign observation. I think this is a foraging dig of a bear, but inside were a few remnants of a cached Swainson’s thrush. Two split wings, but the majority of the body and feathers are gone. The frayed feather tips and mussed remains make me think of mammal predator, most likely a weasel. I am certain the prey species was a Swainson’s thrush.
Active nest with vigilant parent nearby. About 5 feet off the ground. I chanced up this nest, took these few hasty photos, and left immediately to reduce disturbance as much as possible.
we covered the levelled and compacted sand for the new sidewalk blocks to prevent disturbance from a predicted stormy period. Removing the tarp revealed that a mouse had sheltered in the new dry spot and snacked away - maple seeds, sunflower seeds, may beetle wing covers,...
Feeding sign. I saw the squirrel eat this cone like a corncob!