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Hows that?

Like someone else mentioned, they are only here in Winter, and aren't common even then. Add on that, if you see one, they are one of the hardest birds to get a decent picture of, because they move so fast and constantly, so I am very pleased when I do get a picture!!! I have only gotten a few 🤣

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/301293041

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/345534991 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/345534861

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/222077581

Virginia Rail

I have never seen one, so I made up my own.

From my yard earlier this spring

I have an older one I really like, in the nest, and got a bunch recently watching a frenzy of nest building and mating at a local lake...

How about a portrait?

One of my favorite pics I've gotten since I started birding in the last year https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/291662691

It's not the greatest photo but I'm still proud of it! https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/343525341

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON!!! (In daylight) Personally I think I got some descent photos. https://ebird.org/checklist/S89307226

They are so adorable ❤️

Rufous-collared Sparrow https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/348724471

The best I can find 🙂 I have so many photos never processed or named...makes finding them rather difficult 🤣

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Mojave Desert. This Great Horned Owl has some serious camouflage sitting in this Joshua Tree. This photo was taken today at dusk.

California Thrasher! Leucistic! https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/348329351

Yet another visit from a Great Horned Owl to my Mojave Desert waterhole this morning. This makes 3 days in a row all before dawn. This photo was taken at 5:26 am. They have been staying for about 20 minutes. I have heard their Ca-Coooing sound many times at night and always thought they were calling there mate, but I found they also make that sound when they are standing right next to each other. Got a profile shot of this one admiring my waterhole.

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/345869661 https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/345869471

Not best, but my favorite.

Added a goofy one.

I bellyflopped in several inches of mucky freshwater in an attempt to get an eye level shot of a pair of Least Sandpipers, and then crawled on my elbows to get closer. (Probably should have removed my coat before doing this) I had also forgotten about the existence of leeches until one bit my stomach...anyways, I think it was worth it in the end! I got probably the best shot I’ll ever get of the species, and was treated to awesome views as they foraged and preened. https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/342830091

Finally got a good picture of a Turkey Vulture!!! https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/349721801

I know we aren't supposed to post two in a day, but this Scintillant Hummingbird is also pretty good https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/348907171

Have two favorites from today. The Barred Owls were a very pleasant surprise. Yes there are owls here but with all the vegetation for cover we rarely see them.

A 2nd visit this week from a pair of Great Horned Owls in the Mojave Desert. This photo was taken before the sun came up. This is where an electronic viewfinder really comes in handy. Even though I could barely even see them with naked eye, I kicked up the EV 2.75 stops and it was bright enough to actually get a manual focus from about 100ft away. Still a grainy photo but I'm surprised to get a photo at all.

Flower Power

American Wigeon (lucky fella surrounded by females) and a morph known as a Storm Wigeon.

Here's a pic with a bonus thrown in 😉.

This Wigeon Drake & Mallard Hen were actually a mated pair. The second picture is the resulting offspring.

From a few days ago: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/345558721

Mojave Desert, taken late afternoon yesterday..... Ladder-Backed Woodpecker.

The eye has it. In reviewing the pics of the Bluebirds feeding the babies, I was amazed to notice the details visible in the eye. You can see the sun and the clouds covering it with mixed blue skies, the corner of the bird box roof, the outline of the back of my house, and even the camera tripod in his eye.

These are just stunning!