Mark F

Very interesting, thank you. Bud worms are sad for the spruce, but great for birds.

Is that because they are more abundant this year? (I should have said that the photos were taken today in the SF Bay area.)

Oh wow, that's a lifer! Or, at least, it's the first time that I know it's a Pine Siskin. 😃 Many thanks! Mark

Hi all, Could I get your opinion on whether these are Yellow-rumped Warbler? One is fighting off a Lesser Goldfinch. Thanks, Mark

Thank you both so much! I never cease to be grateful for the knowledge and generosity of people on this site.

A friend took these photos with an iPhone near Monterrey within the last two days. I'm guessing the first is a Long-billed Curlew (please correct me if I'm wrong), but I'm not sure about the other. Many thanks for your help!

Anna's Hummingbird standing guard above our feeder.

That's a great education, Tony. Thank you so much for this thoughtful and well-explained reply! Mark

The photo from All About Birds (copied below) shows a white/dark banding pattern on both sides of the tail from rump to tip. I don't see this in my photo. Could just be the angle or the way the tails are (or are not) displayed.

Thank you!

Thanks!

Hi all, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know whether this is a Bewick's Wren. It looks pretty good to me, except for the lighter markings on the outer tail feathers which don't quite match what I see on the Cornell "All About Birds" site. Thanks! Mark

This elegant Brown Pelican has a fishing lure caught in its right wing, as shown in one of these photos (taken by my daughter). International Bird Rescue in the Bay area has been made aware.

Thank you!

Seen a couple of days ago near SF Bay. Is it a female House Sparrow? Sorry, I know this should be easy.