An American Herring Gull enjoys a feast of salmon. It’s a seasonal tradition along this river, as thousands of salmon spawn and die, feeding birds and adding nutrients and new life to the river. Mother Nature’s amazing cycle of life is yet another reason to give thanks. #birds_matter #birds
November 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM
An American Herring Gull enjoys a feast of salmon. It’s a seasonal tradition along this river, as thousands of salmon spawn and die, feeding birds and adding nutrients and new life to the river. Mother Nature’s amazing cycle of life is yet another reason to give thanks. #birds_matter #birds
The Western Meadowlark usually looks so celebratory, singing atop bushes and showing off that brilliant yellow chest and tuxedo tie. This one, flying through dried wild sunflower and curly dock laced with spider webs, took on a more mysterious air. #birds_matter
November 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The Western Meadowlark usually looks so celebratory, singing atop bushes and showing off that brilliant yellow chest and tuxedo tie. This one, flying through dried wild sunflower and curly dock laced with spider webs, took on a more mysterious air. #birds_matter
Amongst a throng of Coots and Pied-billed Grebes I noticed a bird that looked different. Different always catches my eye! In this case, it proved to be an Eared Grebe in winter (or maybe juvenal) plumage. An uncommon bird in my area, so fun to see. #birds #birds_matter
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Amongst a throng of Coots and Pied-billed Grebes I noticed a bird that looked different. Different always catches my eye! In this case, it proved to be an Eared Grebe in winter (or maybe juvenal) plumage. An uncommon bird in my area, so fun to see. #birds #birds_matter
All 15 species of crane dance, but Sandhill Cranes dance most frequently and energetically, and for a variety of purposes. Here, a pair dance in the ritual that is part of strengthening their lifelong bond. #birds_matter #birds
November 23, 2025 at 3:03 PM
All 15 species of crane dance, but Sandhill Cranes dance most frequently and energetically, and for a variety of purposes. Here, a pair dance in the ritual that is part of strengthening their lifelong bond. #birds_matter #birds
Sometimes I find myself standing in the right place at the right time. Here, for instance, I am in the glide path of a Northern Harrier who has more significant things on her mind than a mere human - even if that human has an unusually big eye. #birds_matter #birds
November 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Sometimes I find myself standing in the right place at the right time. Here, for instance, I am in the glide path of a Northern Harrier who has more significant things on her mind than a mere human - even if that human has an unusually big eye. #birds_matter #birds
Are there more American Kestrels around this year than ever? Or maybe just a few, following me wherever I go? On this day I saw them so often, peering down at me from high places, it seemed like a fine idea to photograph one as it flew. Easier said than done. #birds_matter #birds
November 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Are there more American Kestrels around this year than ever? Or maybe just a few, following me wherever I go? On this day I saw them so often, peering down at me from high places, it seemed like a fine idea to photograph one as it flew. Easier said than done. #birds_matter #birds
Snowy Egrets are usually so serene but these two had quite a dust up over a prime river rock position. It was brief, there was a clear victor, and the loser found another good spot nearby. All is now back in order in Snowy world. #birds_matter #birds
November 20, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Snowy Egrets are usually so serene but these two had quite a dust up over a prime river rock position. It was brief, there was a clear victor, and the loser found another good spot nearby. All is now back in order in Snowy world. #birds_matter #birds
A Tundra Swan seems to usher family members away from a nearby kerfuffle . . . . or maybe he’s just showing them who’s boss? #birds_matter #birds
November 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM
A Tundra Swan seems to usher family members away from a nearby kerfuffle . . . . or maybe he’s just showing them who’s boss? #birds_matter #birds
I’m not usually much for feeder photos, but this White-breasted Nuthatch on a feeder full of nuts just seemed … right. #birds_matter #birds
November 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
I’m not usually much for feeder photos, but this White-breasted Nuthatch on a feeder full of nuts just seemed … right. #birds_matter #birds
A Savannah Sparrow pauses in an inspirationally cheery setting. A brighter day is coming! #birds_matter #birds
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 PM
A Savannah Sparrow pauses in an inspirationally cheery setting. A brighter day is coming! #birds_matter #birds
A Red-shouldered Hawk is wonderfully camouflaged among fall leaves. It makes me realize how often I must miss seeing birds that are right at hand, but wearing Mother Nature’s natural cloak of near invisibility. #birds_matter #birds
November 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A Red-shouldered Hawk is wonderfully camouflaged among fall leaves. It makes me realize how often I must miss seeing birds that are right at hand, but wearing Mother Nature’s natural cloak of near invisibility. #birds_matter #birds
It was fun to sit at the river’s edge and watch this little Spotted Sandpiper go about its business with its constant tilting as it foraged and, every now and then, a successful dip. #birds_matter #birds
November 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
It was fun to sit at the river’s edge and watch this little Spotted Sandpiper go about its business with its constant tilting as it foraged and, every now and then, a successful dip. #birds_matter #birds
A Killdeer takes to wing, brightening the sky on a dull day. #birds_matter #birds
November 14, 2025 at 2:48 PM
A Killdeer takes to wing, brightening the sky on a dull day. #birds_matter #birds
A Northern Harrier checks out a large pond that is new territory for her. There are a lot of American Coots here. I expect she’ll decide to hang around. #birds_matter #birds
November 13, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A Northern Harrier checks out a large pond that is new territory for her. There are a lot of American Coots here. I expect she’ll decide to hang around. #birds_matter #birds
A sweet Oak Titmouse pauses for a portrait. Just a picture of an ordinary little bird, rated Common. Common, that is, if you live in California. Seen almost anywhere else, this bird would be a rare vagrant, an exciting sighting! Everything is relative. #birds_matter #birds
November 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
A sweet Oak Titmouse pauses for a portrait. Just a picture of an ordinary little bird, rated Common. Common, that is, if you live in California. Seen almost anywhere else, this bird would be a rare vagrant, an exciting sighting! Everything is relative. #birds_matter #birds
A young White-crowned Sparrow isn’t yet showing its crown - that will appear during its winter molt - but it is already skilled at snatching a bug. #birds_matter #birds
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
A young White-crowned Sparrow isn’t yet showing its crown - that will appear during its winter molt - but it is already skilled at snatching a bug. #birds_matter #birds
The very aptly named Greater Yellowlegs migrates between Canada and South America, but can be seen along the west coast of the US all year. Despite its broad range it is rated Near Threatened due to loss of habitat. One day we humans will get a clue. #birds_matter #birds
November 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
The very aptly named Greater Yellowlegs migrates between Canada and South America, but can be seen along the west coast of the US all year. Despite its broad range it is rated Near Threatened due to loss of habitat. One day we humans will get a clue. #birds_matter #birds
The Great Blue Heron is a handsome and dignified bird. But when there’s an itch, well it’s only normal to break character for a moment. Every itch deserves a scratch. #birds_matter #birds
November 9, 2025 at 3:12 PM
The Great Blue Heron is a handsome and dignified bird. But when there’s an itch, well it’s only normal to break character for a moment. Every itch deserves a scratch. #birds_matter #birds
The Black-necked Stilt is among the most visually charming and photogenic of birds. But all charm is lost when one hears its annoying screech. This is a bird best appreciated via a nice quiet photo. #birds_matter #birds
November 8, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The Black-necked Stilt is among the most visually charming and photogenic of birds. But all charm is lost when one hears its annoying screech. This is a bird best appreciated via a nice quiet photo. #birds_matter #birds
A Common Merganser flies in. The female is well-known for her wild red “hairdo” but in the nonbreeding season the male fades into an eclipse plumage that looks much the same. So it’s hard to say if this is Mr or Mrs. #birds_matter #birds
November 7, 2025 at 1:58 PM
A Common Merganser flies in. The female is well-known for her wild red “hairdo” but in the nonbreeding season the male fades into an eclipse plumage that looks much the same. So it’s hard to say if this is Mr or Mrs. #birds_matter #birds
Portrait of a Sandhill Crane, looking thoughtfully reflective, but actually just scanning the ground in search of a snack. #birds_matter #birds
November 6, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Portrait of a Sandhill Crane, looking thoughtfully reflective, but actually just scanning the ground in search of a snack. #birds_matter #birds
Eventually the sun rose above the mists and created the iconic golden glow that lasts all too briefly. A silhouetted Sandhill Crane adds context to the scene. #birds_matter #birds
November 5, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Eventually the sun rose above the mists and created the iconic golden glow that lasts all too briefly. A silhouetted Sandhill Crane adds context to the scene. #birds_matter #birds
Sandhill Cranes in predawn mist. And yes, this is a full color image. #birds_matter #birds
November 4, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Sandhill Cranes in predawn mist. And yes, this is a full color image. #birds_matter #birds
Birdscape: Sandhill Cranes at dawn. #birds_matter #birds
November 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Birdscape: Sandhill Cranes at dawn. #birds_matter #birds
It was a chilly, misty, gray morning. But as the sun rose the mist turned golden. Was this something to celebrate? The Sandhill Cranes felt it merited a dance. #birds_matter #birds
November 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
It was a chilly, misty, gray morning. But as the sun rose the mist turned golden. Was this something to celebrate? The Sandhill Cranes felt it merited a dance. #birds_matter #birds