Much activity is spotted in recent days since the pinyon nuts have just ripened in the 30-foot tall pinyon trees growing at a residence on Andanada Street on Barranca Mesa. In the last week, all sorts of wildlife have appeared to feast on the bounty. In one day there were Steller’s and California scrub jays, pygmy and white-breasted nuthatches, ravens, spotted towhees, morning doves, chipmunks, red squirrels and even a hummingbird. Here a California scrub jay is grabbing a nut from one of the pinyon trees. Photo by Ken Hanson
A red squirrel grabs a pinyon nut. Photo by Ken Hanson
A pygmy nuthatch catches a beetle, surprise! Photo by Ken Hanson
This raven comes up with two pinyon nuts. Like the jays, the ravens break open nuts by pecking at them while holding them between their feet. Photo by Ken Hanson
A white-breasted nuthatch searches for a pinyon nut. Photo by Ken Hanson
A chipmunk takes a nut from a pinyon cone. Photo by Ken Hanson
A Steller’s jay drops its pinyon nut. Photo by Ken Hanson