Birders are flocking to the San Juan River in Port Renfrew, BC, to see two very rare Taiga Bean Geese. These uncommon Eurasian visitors have been consistently hanging out in the river over the last couple months. This offers a remarkable opportunity for West Coast birding enthusiasts. Taiga Bean Geese show dark chocolate-brown heads, pale-edged…
A Black-bellied Whistling-Duck greets birders as a welcome party at the entrance to the South Padre Island World Birding Center. This January morning photo shows the duck standing on the grass near several nearby flocks gathering around the entrance area. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are one of only two whistling duck species in the United States, along…
A single whooping crane probes the shallow flats of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, quietly looking for blue crabs. With careful, deliberate movements, it searches the water for its favorite prey. Blue crabs are the number one preferred food for wintering Whooping Cranes here. Their strong bills are perfectly adapted for grasping and crushing these crustaceans….
This Cattle Tyrant is far from home, surprising birders with a rare appearance in Corpus Christi, TX. He spends much of his time looking for insects in a very specific couple of blocks downtown. A favorite spot is the restaurant patio at Water Street Oyster Bar. This turned out to be a happy coincidence as…
An Eastern Kingbird is observed near Neskonlith traditional land in open farmland above the South Thompson River. One individual perches on a barbed-wire fence bordering irrigated fields. This species typically selects exposed perches for aerial foraging where the bird makes repeated short flights to capture flying insects. Prey taken on the wing are often flies…
A Western Meadowlark was filmed at Nighthawk Campground picking through freshly mowed, well-watered grass beside the apple orchard. This setting shows how managed landscapes can temporarily concentrate desert birds in British Columbia. Its beak was open not for singing, but to release heat during a very hot day. The meadowlark moved steadily through short grass,…
Tree Swallows arrive early at Iona Beach, signaling spring across open fields and coastal wetlands. Identification can be tricky as they are similar to Violet-green swallows. Tree Swallows show glossy blue upper-parts, white underparts, with a full colored rump and color below the eye. At Iona, these birds favor fence posts and driftwood between fast…
A Pine Siskin called and appeared in Lakeview Heights in West Kelowna during a cold winter morning. The small finch showed sharp streaking across its body. Bright yellow wing bars flashed as it moved through alder branches. The bird fed steadily on hanging cones near the trail. Pine Siskins often wander widely during shifting cone…
The Redhead is a medium diving duck that occasionally visits urban lakes like Sunset Park in Las Vegas. Males show a bright rufous head, yellow eyes, and a smooth gray body with crisp black breast. The species often associates with mixed waterfowl flocks, making careful scanning important for identification. Its rounded head and gently sloping…
The Lure of Owls in the Americas Owls have long captured the imagination of people across the Americas. Their haunting calls pierce the stillness of night. Their eyes seem to hold ancient secrets. Many birders are drawn to their silent flight and mysterious behavior. From the Arctic tundra to South American rain forests, owls enchant…
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