I'm thinking on the SP that would be the reportedly extinct Oakland Mole species. Was the bird a Lark? I remember you had quite the issue with unscheduled Owl movements as well.
Oakland Mole! LOL I love it. I actually had a great grandfather on my mothers side that worked at the Oakland Mole. My mother said she remembers getting on trains there when he worked there.
My mom got off a troop train there on her way to Australia during WWII. They took a ferry over to the Army dock at the Presidio to board a troop ship.
Well, you could always set live traps right on the layout. Build them right into the scenery. Ready for this one? "Cage-In Pass"
Getting ready to head to CA next week for the N Scale Convention in Sacramento. Really looking forward to it! Got some more progress pics on camera ready to down load and get on here, probably while Im out there or when I get back. Might post a pic or two from phone....poor quality but better then nothing. lol Have added many more trees, houses, finished small bridge except for guard rails between tracks, added 6 arm poles and got them strung with ez line. That's about it.
Be sure to have plenty of pocket change. I hear a rumor that California is installing coin operated pay drinking fountains- One dollar per sip.
Sorry Ken. Doesn't work that way. When you enter the state, you will be questioned how much water you expect to use, and you need to pay an up front charge.