Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Squirrel eating Oak Gall

Quercus sp

Photo by HemaShah
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

37.8944, -122.036

Field Notes

Description:

When the gall ripens.the squirrels like to eat the soft Galls. Birds too.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)
orbea
"As the name suggests, the eastern gray squirrel has predominantly gray fur, but it can have a brownish color. It has a usual white underside as compared to the typical brownish-orange underside of the fox squirrel.[8]" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_gray_squirrel I think I mostly see S. carolinensis near Sacramento. :)
HemaShah
Best Bet would be to go thru my squirrel collection :) !
orbea
How about the eastern grey squirrel (S. carolinensis)? This is what I understood to be the common introduced species in urban areas. Also, you linked the western grey squirrel twice. :)
HemaShah
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/43348004 this is a California ground squirrel. Fox,ground and hybrids are common out here in the East Bay. Beldings and Gray are occasional.
HemaShah
Here is the fox. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19184110
HemaShah
Here is the western Gray, http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19184110
HemaShah
Fox squirrel is an introduced species. The gray squirrel was the original. I can share spots.
orbea
Cool, I didn't realize Sciurus niger occurred in CA. Do you happen to have any tips in distinguishing it from S. carolinensis?
HemaShah
great feedback. ! Squirrel is the Fox squirrel or a hybrid.
orbea
What do you want a name for? The oak, squirrel, or gall? Compare the oak with Quercus lobata, the squirrel with Sciurus griseus or S. carolinensis, and the galls with Andricus quercuscalifornicus.
Photographed
PublishedAugust 23, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies