Reader Joe Dickinson sent some photos and notes he called “Early birds”:
One of the compensations for having a d*g who, as we get into winter, demands a walk pretty much at sunrise is the chance to see birds in the wonderful light of early morning. Here are a few from the last couple of weeks.First, a male Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) on the cliff above Capitola (California):
The rest are from near the mouth of Aptos creek, mostly on the same log (but at different times).
A Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons):
A female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos):
A couple of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax azurites), probably a juvenile on the right:
Finally, if you like, I have a little quiz. Can your readers identify this bird just from its wonderful feet?
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Right, it’s an American Coot (Fulica americana).
JAC: Even I knew that one!
Finally, Stephen Barnard sent yet another photo of the coyote (Canis latrans) Who Doesn’t Fear God. It apparently hasn’t blown itself up yet.
The morning light is fabulous! I’d guess the feet belong to an American Coot. 😉
The backlighting on the coyote is very dramatic. Like a line drawing.
Spectacular! Thanks for brightening the day!
Very touristy area there along Highway 1.
Wonder if Stephen sees any wolves in his area. Maybe not if coyotes are around there.
I’ve seen wolves here three times. They’re mostly in the nearby mountains, where they’re a problem for sheep ranchers. There are occasional mountain lion sightings, but I haven’t seen one.
Beautiful hummer!
Ducks are kinda cool, even if I don’t approve of their sexual behavior.
Beautiful photos!
I know, ducks are relentless perverts!
Yes, everyone says the males are sexually aggressive, but look at the way the females waddle about. What do they expect?
Nice pictures and love the coot feet!
Yeah! Cute feet 🙂
Beautiful light on the birds…all the hummingbirds are gone from the Northwest…boohoo.
I must say that is one handsome and healthy looking coyote.
Anna’s is the only Hummingbird I have seen in the wild, in California near Sequoia National Park. They were amazing.