Vertebrates

Browse our Q&A about birds, eggs, nests, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Central Coast and Channel Islands.

“I saw this at base of eroding cliffs at Butterfly Beach in Montecito, just curious if animal or possibly human. Thanks. It was just about 10 inches in length.”
Aaron, Santa Barbara - May 8, 2023

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“On the 15th of this month, I went to the hummingbird feeders and saw a dead hummer underneath the feeder. It looked muddy and while it didn't look like an Annas Hummingbird, it seemed similar in size....”
Janine, Ojai,CA - March 21, 2023

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“I found , see pics, boon teeth look jawline to me but I have no clue what animal, if it's old, if it new etc. can you help me identify?  My research has me guess seal”
Lorraine, Pa - March 18, 2023

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“During the recent wind storm, this nest fell out of a tree in our backyard. It fell out of either an Ash or a California Pepper Tree that grow side by side. The nest is quite large. Can we donate it t...”
Cayce, Goleta - March 1, 2023

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“I found an object on Ledbetter Beach that has me stumped. Because it was on the beach I first assumed that is was of marine origin, but it looks more like a mammal horn. I hope that the attached photo...”
David, Santa Barbara - November 16, 2022

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“What made the tracks?”
Pam, Santa Barbara - October 24, 2022

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“When I was given this some thirty years ago, I was told that it was the vertebra of a wooly mammoth, and that it was found in Alaska.. in my little research, I am not so certain.. the vertebra seems...”
Mette, Santa Barbara - September 13, 2022

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“We have had a bat visiting from time to time over the last month in a small space in our ceiling. I've found the opening in the wall through which it is making its way into the house and would like to...”
David, Santa Barbara - August 24, 2022

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“Found about a dozen eggs, (small about 1/2 inch or smaller) while cleaning out a clay pot that had a dead plant. Digging in the soil to remove roots, my hand tool came up with a few eggs, more scoops...”
Sandra, Santa Barbara - July 20, 2022

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“I photographed this dead woodrat on San Marcos Foothills Preserve on May 2, 2022. I'm wondering if it is a Dusky-footed Woodrat.”
Barbara, Santa Barbara - June 15, 2022

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