pesayo

According the link below, and the photos on the Wikipedia page, it looks like Oreaster reticulatus comes in a four legged variety occasionally.

http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/pipermail/cor...

Looks to me like a Brant in transitional plumage.

To paraphrase a wise old reptile looking Jedi, "When 111 years old you reach, look as good you will not, hmm."

I think technically, this should be in the "Other" category not "Amphibians". Slugs and snails are mollusks.

I love that you can see the "pupils" on the eye-stalks!

I guess House Sparrow based on the size you mentioned and the dark markings from the forehead to the breast along with the coloration of the rest of the bird.

Thanks everyone for the comments and the favorites. I realize the Giant Sequoia isn't as elusive and camera shy as most of the other wonderful and beautiful Spottings of the Day, but it is a magnificent sight! If you ever get the chance to see one, don't pass it up!

Ariana,
Thanks for posting. I just took some picture of the same species and was searching for the ID. Saw your photo and the light bulb went off.

I agree with ManuelZumbado, it's a crane fly. I don't know enough about them to help on the species though.

Well, I couldn't help it, I kept looking for a species. I now have slightly less hair. I've settled on Castilleja linariifolia based on where it was growing as well as its physical characteristics. I'm about 85% sure on the ID.