American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Smaller cousin of the raven, but no slouch in the brains department — crows use tools, hold grudges, and pass knowledge down through generations. If one seems like it’s plotting, it probably is. Found year-round across nearly all of North America, from city parks to farmland. Often in loud family groups, sometimes in winter roosts of thousands. Modeled range · iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 Wikipedia | eBird | iNaturalist | Range map

📍 Twin Peaks, San Francisco Common Raven (Corvus corax) One of the smartest birds on the continent — ravens solve puzzles, remember human faces, and seem to enjoy flying for the fun of it. Bigger and shaggier than a crow, with a heavier bill and a deep croak instead of a caw. Year-round residents all over San Francisco, and the high, windy lookout at Twin Peaks is classic raven territory — they’ll ride the updrafts off the hill for hours. ...

Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) A big, all-black shorebird of rocky Pacific coastlines, with a blazing red-orange bill it uses to pry mussels and limpets off the rocks. Year-round along the SF coast — look for them on rocky points and breakwaters rather than sandy beaches. Modeled range · iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 Wikipedia | iNaturalist | Range map | eBird

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) A tree-dwelling marsupial native to eastern Australia — not a bear, despite the nickname. Koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day because their eucalyptus diet is so low in energy. Not native here — this one lives at the San Diego Zoo, tucked into the classic koala nap posture in the fork of a branch. Wikipedia | iNaturalist

Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) A small African antelope built for rocky terrain — it walks on the very tips of its hooves, giving it remarkable balance on steep granite. Its coarse, hollow-shafted fur cushions it against stone and blends into the rock. Klipspringers usually pair for life, so you’ll often see them in twos like this, one keeping watch while the other feeds. Not native here — this pair lives at the San Diego Zoo. ...

River Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) The most rotund land mammal, with adults reaching roughly 4 tons; its eyes, ears, and nostrils sit on top of the skull so it can see, hear, and breathe while the rest of the body stays submerged. Its skin is 4–6 cm thick and secretes a reddish oily substance that functions as both sunscreen and antibiotic, requiring the animal to stay wet daily to avoid drying out. ...

Domestic Goat (Capra hircus) A whole herd grazing at golden hour behind a low electric fence — these are wildfire-prevention goats, deployed to clear the dry brush that would otherwise fuel fires. Since 2021, SDG&E’s grazing herds have cleared thousands of high-risk acres across San Diego County, navigating steep, rugged terrain that machines can’t reach — with no sparks required. Wikipedia | iNaturalist | Range map

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) A small group of dark brown and piebald domestic sheep grazing on a coastal hillside, their mottled fleeces standing out against the green. Sheep are grazed on hills and headlands throughout coastal Ireland, thriving on rough pasture in all weather. Modeled range · iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 Wikipedia | iNaturalist | Range map

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Named for its tail, which is often longer than its head and body combined, this adaptable monkey thrives in forest, mangrove, and urban edges across Southeast Asia. Singapore’s most common wild primate, found year-round in nature reserves like Bukit Timah and MacRitchie and along forest fringes. Modeled range · iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0 Wikipedia | iNaturalist | Range map