It's been a while since I actually went out to photograph birds and wildlife. I just realized how long I have been away from the bird books when I came across regulars and I was struggling to get their name right. I also realized how much I had been missing it. I spent the whole morning walking around and shooting anything I could spot and get close enough. I would probably still be lurking on those trails if I hadn't run out of camera batteries.
It all started because of news of Eared Grebes in breeding plumage. These birds breed up near the Arctics and winter around these parts. During winter, they have a comparatively dull black-and-white plumage. Turns out that some birds have assumed their breeding plumage before they start their long migration and I just had to go check them out. The other option is to go to Alaska or some place far north during late spring and summer. Driving 10 minutes is perhaps a simpler option for now?
Plumage comparison! Guess which one's in breeding plumage...
Barn Swallow
Canada Geese
Geese are bold. They can bite too! And they are very strong...
Canvasback male and female
A Cliff Swallow. In a few weeks, this place is going to have a nest built of clay... it's Spring!
A Coot. They were everywhere. They always are.
Greater Yellowlegs
If they called the one above Yellow Legs, then they should have called this on Graylegs. But Willet it shall be
Bushtit
A California Towhee having breakfast
Surf Scoter. Doesn't this look like he's got his mouth wide open? :))
... a side view
A Desert Cottontail! Note: As premium bird feed, this photograph qualifies to be under a post titled "Birds!"
Golden-crowned Sparrow
House Finch
Anna's Hummingbird
Drinking anddriving flying!
Has her own orchestra too...
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe assuming breeding plumage
Eared Grebe. Aren't they beautiful?
They're practicing their rituals too...
"Nice hairdo!"
"You too!"
"Hey, shouldn't we going off to Alaska now?"
"No. Let's hang around here for a bit longer. I hear they are having issues with a volcano."
"Oh Boy. That sure is going to disrupt air traffic."
It all started because of news of Eared Grebes in breeding plumage. These birds breed up near the Arctics and winter around these parts. During winter, they have a comparatively dull black-and-white plumage. Turns out that some birds have assumed their breeding plumage before they start their long migration and I just had to go check them out. The other option is to go to Alaska or some place far north during late spring and summer. Driving 10 minutes is perhaps a simpler option for now?
Plumage comparison! Guess which one's in breeding plumage...
Barn Swallow
Canada Geese
Geese are bold. They can bite too! And they are very strong...
Canvasback male and female
A Cliff Swallow. In a few weeks, this place is going to have a nest built of clay... it's Spring!
A Coot. They were everywhere. They always are.
Greater Yellowlegs
If they called the one above Yellow Legs, then they should have called this on Graylegs. But Willet it shall be
Bushtit
A California Towhee having breakfast
Surf Scoter. Doesn't this look like he's got his mouth wide open? :))
... a side view
A Desert Cottontail! Note: As premium bird feed, this photograph qualifies to be under a post titled "Birds!"
Golden-crowned Sparrow
House Finch
Anna's Hummingbird
Drinking and
Has her own orchestra too...
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe assuming breeding plumage
Eared Grebe. Aren't they beautiful?
They're practicing their rituals too...
"Nice hairdo!"
"You too!"
"Hey, shouldn't we going off to Alaska now?"
"No. Let's hang around here for a bit longer. I hear they are having issues with a volcano."
"Oh Boy. That sure is going to disrupt air traffic."
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