Top, Left: Despite the presence of hydrogen cyanide, Toyon berries are a favorite food of more than twenty species of birds. On San Marcos Foothills these include California Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush and California Quail.
Right: Larvae and adult Craneflies, also known as Mosquito Hawks, are ready food for many birds. Mass hatches of Craneflies entice migrating Western Kingbirds and swallows that pass through in spring.

Middle, Left: From late winter through spring, Pacific Tree Frogs reproduce well in spring-fed ponds in creeks and cattle troughs on San Marcos Foothills.
Right: The skulking habits, buzzy call note, and highly variable song characterize Bewick’s Wren. Individual vocalizations differ greatly—if you have trouble recognizing a song, chances are it’s coming from a Bewick’s Wren.
Bottom, Left: Botta’s Pocket Gophers offer a subterranean dimension to the grasslands.
Right: Grassland Gopher Snakes rely on the burrows of gophers and ground squirrels.

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