Joe Morlan
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Joe Morlan
@jmorlan.bsky.social
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jmorlan.bsky.social
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris)
31 December 2025. Bass Strait near Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, Australia.

By far the most common seabird in the area. From a distance they looked like swarms of flies. They are a transequatorial migrant all the way to the Bering Sea.

#Birds
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) 31 December 2025. Bass Strait near Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, Australia. By far the most common seabird in the area. Photo taken through plexiglass from the "Crow's Nest" observation deck on the 10th floor of our cruise ship. From a distance they looked like swarms of flies. Slightly smaller with a more diffuse underwing than similar Sooty Shearwater, they are a transequatorial migrant across the Pacific all the way to the Bering Sea in their non-breeding season. Formerly placed in the genus "Puffinus," the chicks are harvested commercially under license and locally called "Muttonbirds." Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) 31 December 2025. Bass Strait near Cape Barren Island, Tasmania, Australia. By far the most common seabird in the area. Photo taken through plexiglass from the "Crow's Nest" observation deck on the 10th floor of our cruise ship. From a distance they looked like swarms of flies. Slightly smaller with a more diffuse underwing than similar Sooty Shearwater, they are a transequatorial migrant across the Pacific all the way to the Bering Sea in their non-breeding season. Formerly placed in the genus "Puffinus," the chicks are harvested commercially under license and locally called "Muttonbirds."
January 19, 2026 at 12:49 AM
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Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera)
01 January 2025. Badger Creek, Victoria, Australia.

A female lacking the buff forehead patch and brighter iridescent wings of the male. A fairly widespread Australian endemic pigeon.

#Birds
Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera) 01 January 2025. Badger Creek, Victoria, Australia. A female lacking the buff forehead patch and brighter iridescent wings of the male. A fairly widespread Australian endemic pigeon. It was feeding in the Emu exhibit at the Healesville Sanctuary (zoo) but the enclosure was open and the bird wild and free flying. A lifer for us.
January 17, 2026 at 11:08 PM
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White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis)
01 January 2026. Badger Creek, Victoria, Australia.

A female. Males have a more extensive black mask. Scrubwrens were formerly placed in the Pardalotidae (Pardalotes) but are now placed in the Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies) family.

#Birds
White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis) 01 January 2026. Badger Creek, Victoria, Australia. A female. Males have a more extensive black mask. Scrubwrens were formerly placed in the Pardalotidae (Pardalotes) but are now placed in the Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies) family. They like to forage on the ground in leaf litter, scratching with their short legs. Highly variable with numerous subspecies, that can be broken down into two groups: White-browed and Buff-breasted. This nominate race is in the White-browed group characterized by a pale chest with little spotting. The former "Spotted" group has recently been split as a separate species, "Spotted Scrubwren." White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis) 01 January 2026. Badger Creek, Victoria, Australia. A female. Males have a more extensive black mask. Scrubwrens were formerly placed in the Pardalotidae (Pardalotes) but are now placed in the Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies) family. They like to forage on the ground in leaf litter, scratching with their short legs. Highly variable with numerous subspecies, that can be broken down into two groups: White-browed and Buff-breasted. This nominate race is in the White-browed group characterized by a pale chest with little spotting. The former "Spotted" group has recently been split as a separate species, "Spotted Scrubwren."
January 17, 2026 at 3:59 AM
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Snowy Plover (Anarhynchus nivosus)
13 January 2026. Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, California, USA.

I participated in a monthly state-wide Snowy Plover survey yesterday. We found 18-20 plovers. This is the Western nominate race characterized by dark lores.

#Birds
Snowy Plover (Anarhynchus nivosus) 13 January 2026. Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, California, USA. I participated in a monthly state-wide Snowy Plover survey yesterday. We found 18-20 plovers. This is the Western nominate race characterized by dark lores. Formerly in the genus "Charadrius" and lumped with Kentish Plover. They were mostly outside the fenced exclosure. Disappointing was seeing that a section of fencing had been removed. Classified as "near threatened," this vulnerable species likes the same kind of sandy beaches that humans prefer but unfortunately they do not get along well with dogs. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean that its okay for him to run free on the beach. This beach is well posted requiring dogs be leashed, but sadly this law is mostly ignored and has been given a low priority by local law enforcement. Our plovers deserve better.
January 15, 2026 at 12:53 AM
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Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris)
03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia.

The bill is actually shorter and more stubby than it looks in this photo as it appears to be carrying nesting material.

#Birds
Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) 03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia. The bill is actually shorter and more stubby than it looks in this photo as it appears to be carrying nesting material. Interesting because males of this species have not previously been observed nest building. Near endemic to Australia where widespread but absent from Tasmania. The southern nominate race seen here is characterized by a broad black facial border and deep russet belly. Whistlers are in the Pachycephalidae family and named for their loud vocalizations.
January 11, 2026 at 12:40 AM
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Willie-wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)
03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia.
All personality and one of Australia's most gymnastic birds. Not actually a wagtail but a member of the Fantail family. Often wags tail from side to side rather than pumping up and down.

#Birds
03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia. All personality and one of Australia's most gymnastic birds. Not actually a wagtail but a member of the Fantail family. Often wags tail from side to side rather than pumping up and down. This one has a reduced supercilium. Note white spotting on throat. Nominate subspecies across southern Australia. Often spelled unhyphenated "Willie Wagtail" or Williewagtail. Additional video: https://macaulaylibrary.org/catalog?taxonCode=wilwag1&subId=S292018877&view=grid
January 7, 2026 at 9:52 PM
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Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)
03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia.

A large aggressive highly venomous snake, endemic to Australia. At least four deaths have been attributed to its bite which releases a potent neurotoxin.

#Wildlife #Snakes #Australia
Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) 03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia. A large aggressive highly venomous snake, endemic to Australia. At least four deaths have been attributed to its bite which releases a potent neurotoxin. This head-on closeup shows the diagnostic flattened head shape and scale pattern. Yellow underparts are barely visible. We estimated its length at about 4 feet as it was stretched across the path. Highly variable, this is a darker individual with faint pale banding. Formerly numerous subspecies were recognized, but now it is considered monotypic and the only member of its genus. Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) 03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia. A large aggressive highly venomous snake, endemic to Australia. At least four deaths have been attributed to its bite which releases a potent neurotoxin. This head-on closeup shows the diagnostic flattened head shape and scale pattern. Yellow underparts are barely visible. We estimated its length at about 4 feet as it was stretched across the path. Highly variable, this is a darker individual with faint pale banding. Formerly numerous subspecies were recognized, but now it is considered monotypic and the only member of its genus. Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) 03 January 2026. Curalo Lagoon, Eden, New South Wales, Australia. A large aggressive highly venomous snake, endemic to Australia. At least four deaths have been attributed to its bite which releases a potent neurotoxin. This head-on closeup shows the diagnostic flattened head shape and scale pattern. Yellow underparts are barely visible. We estimated its length at about 4 feet as it was stretched across the path. Highly variable, this is a darker individual with faint pale banding. Formerly numerous subspecies were recognized, but now it is considered monotypic and the only member of its genus.
January 6, 2026 at 11:16 PM
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Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens)
13 December 2025. Calera Creek, Pacifica, California, USA.

Active and jumpy, these little birds seldom hold still for photography. This is the gray-flanked subspecies "P. r. barlowi" which ranges south of the Golden Gate and into the East Bay.

#Birds
Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) 13 December 2025. Calera Creek, Pacifica, California, USA. Active and jumpy, these little birds seldom hold still for photography. This is the gray-flanked subspecies "P. r. barlowi" which ranges south of the Golden Gate and into the East Bay. Although resident in California's coastal Douglas Fir forests, they have been expanding their colonizing forest habitats in the central Sierra Nevada as well as suburban areas in eastern San Francisco Bay where they seem to adapt well to parks and gardens. Formerly in the genus "Parus." Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) 13 December 2025. Calera Creek, Pacifica, California, USA. Active and jumpy, these little birds seldom hold still for photography. This is the gray-flanked subspecies "P. r. barlowi" which ranges south of the Golden Gate and into the East Bay. Although resident in California's coastal Douglas Fir forests, they have been expanding their colonizing forest habitats in the central Sierra Nevada as well as suburban areas in eastern San Francisco Bay where they seem to adapt well to parks and gardens. Formerly in the genus "Parus."
December 15, 2025 at 2:19 AM
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Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
11 December 2025. Crab Cove, Alameda, California, USA.

This handsome adult male showing a solid white patch on its upperwing coverts. The fine vermiculated herring-bone pattern of gray shows only at close range.

#Birds
Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) 11 December 2025. Crab Cove, Alameda, California, USA. This handsome adult male showing a solid white patch on its upperwing coverts. First year birds have this area mottled with gray. The fine vermiculated herring-bone pattern of gray shows only at close range. A rare but regular winter visitor to California, they are almost invariably found by searching through large flocks of American Wigeon. Now moved from the genus "Anas" to "Mareca" to prevent polyphyly in "Anas".
December 12, 2025 at 8:22 PM
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Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
11 December 2025. Ballena Bay Yacht Club, Alameda, California, USA.

Adult are starting to show breeding (alternate) plumage with bright red gular pouch. Can we call it a "Ruby-throated Pelican?"
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) 11 December 2025. Ballena Bay Yacht Club, Alameda, California, USA. Adult are starting to show breeding (alternate) plumage with bright red gular pouch. Can we call it a "Ruby-throated Pelican?" This is the larger California race "P. o. californicus". Other races have blackish or blue-green gular pouches. Formerly endangered but downgraded to "least concern." Their continued success largely due to banning DDT in the United States.
December 12, 2025 at 3:14 AM
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Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
30 November 2025. Lloyd Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA.

Endemic to North America, the male's extravagant white crest with black trim may be raised in ritualized courtship display giving them an outrageous foppish profile.

#Birds
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 30 November 2025. Lloyd Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA. These elegant fish-eating ducks prefer shady ponds. They are increasing but remain uncommon. Endemic to North America, the male's extravagant white crest with black trim may be raised in ritualized courtship display giving them an outrageous foppish profile. Unique in its own genus they are considered basal to typical mergansers and goldeneyes.
December 1, 2025 at 6:46 PM
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Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
16 November 2025. Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores, California, USA.

This widespread species gets its name from the patch of bright green on its secondaries usually concealed on swimming birds. Here it shows when the wings are partly raised. An immature male.

#Birds
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 16 November 2025. Nob Hill Pond, Redwood Shores, California, USA. This widespread species gets its name from the patch of bright green on its secondaries usually concealed on swimming birds. Here it shows when the wings are partly raised. Two subspecies are recognized, this being the expected North American race "A. c. carolinensis". Some authors regard them as two different species with Eurasian birds going under the name "Common Teal", but the new AviList treats them as subspecies noting extensive hybridization. This is a first winter (formative plumage) male. Note the retained juvenile scapulars which looks like white stitching and the fainter white vertical bar on the side of its chest. Such birds may be confused with hybrid Green-winged X Common Teal. Caution is warranted.
November 30, 2025 at 3:03 AM
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Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
20 November 2025. Pescadero, California, USA.

Striking a menacing pose, an adult showing reddish head skin and small ivory colored bill. They take three years to get full adult coloration.

#Birds
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) 20 November 2025. Pescadero, California, USA. Striking a menacing pose, an adult showing reddish head skin and small ivory colored bill. They take three years to get full adult coloration. Their digestive system kills pathogenic germs making them a natural disinfectant as they scavenge. American vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures. Their similarity is an example of evolutionary convergence. This western subspecies "C. a. meridionalis" is smaller and browner than eastern birds and has fewer facial papillae.
November 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM
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Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus).
18 November 2025. Pier 94, Salt marsh restoration, San Francisco, California, USA.

A rare visitor to the Bay Area with most records being males. This is the first female I have photographed. It is In its first winter (formative plumage).

#Birds
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus). 18 November 2025. Pier 94, Salt marsh restoration, San Francisco, California, USA. Found by Ben Dudek. A rare visitor to the Bay Area with most records being males. This is the first female I have photographed. In its first winter (formative plumage), note the retained worn juvenile rectrices and the freshly molted scapulars with contrasting pale sheen. A unique species, and the only member of its genus, they have contracted their breeding range in much of Western North America. They nested in Yosemite Valley in the 1940's but no longer breed regularly in California. Although still common in Alaska they are listed as "vulnerable" with threats including contamination by heavy metals in their shellfish.
November 19, 2025 at 4:43 PM
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European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
12 September 2025. Pier 94, Salt Marsh Restoration, San Francisco, California, USA.

Usually called "Praying Mantis" they were introduced to North America from Europe. They can change color from brown to green.
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) 12 September 2025. Pier 94, Salt Marsh Restoration, San Francisco, California, USA. Usually called "Praying Mantis" they were introduced to North America from Europe. They can change color from brown to green usually choosing a background providing color camouflage. They prey on other insects by grabbing them with their spiked forelegs. A peculiar feature of their life history is "Sexual Cannibalism" where the female kills and eats the male immediately after copulation.
November 13, 2025 at 12:49 AM
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Surfbird (Calidris virgata)
04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA.

Endemic to North America, breeding in the mountains of central Alaska and the Yukon and wintering along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to South America.

#Birds
Surfbird (Calidris virgata) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Endemic to North America, breeding in the mountains of central Alaska and the Yukon and wintering along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to South America. In California it is fairly common as a local migrant and winter visitor but appears to be declining. Nestled among Marbled Godwits, Willets and Black Turnstones, this is an adult in winter (basic) plumage showing extensive flank and belly spotting. The bill is unusually short and blunt for a sandpiper which is why it was formerly placed in its own genus "Aphriza." Presumed hybrids between Surfbird and Great Knot have been photographed in San Diego and Japan.
November 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
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Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA.

Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials.

#Birds
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 04 November 2025. Hayward Landing, Hayward, California, USA. Originally found 02 November 2025 by Ed Yong, a first winter (formative plumage) bird retaining juvenile wing coverts and tertials. I judged it to be a male based on its relatively small size (smaller than adjacent Willets) and short bill. They are a rarity in California. This is the seventh Alameda County record. Most Bar-tailed Godwits occurring in North America are of the dark-backed race, "L. l. baueri" which breeds in Alaska. Radio-tracked birds found this population undergoes the longest known non-stop migration of any bird. They use major pressure ridges to sling-shot across the Pacific, covering distances of up to 11,000 km (7,200 statute miles) in nine days losing up to half their body weight during these marathon non-stop migrations. Sadly, the future of these extraordinary migrants is imperiled by reclamation projects in the Yellow Sea destroying key migration staging areas for shorebirds in East Asia. They have been upgraded from "least concern" to "near threatened" as their population continues to plummet.
November 5, 2025 at 4:40 PM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
26 October 2025. North Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA.

Frequently misspelled, they were named in honor of the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller who collected the first specimen.

#Birds
Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) 26 October 2025. North Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA. Frequently misspelled, they were named in honor of the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller who collected the first specimen. Range in evergreen forests of western North America, they often visit picnic tables. They are famous for imitating a variety of birds, mammals, and other sounds including hawks, squirrels, and creaking trees. The pale blue streaks on its forehead are characteristic of coastal populations. This is the paler subspecies "C. s. carbonacea" which has more extensive blue streaking and is resident in central coastal California.
October 30, 2025 at 5:58 PM
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Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA.

A rare vagrant in California. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) and the all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female.

#Birds
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) and the all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female. Widespread nominate subspecies characterized by relatively small size and reduced white on its lower back but here based on range. Formerly classified with other buntings in Emberizidae, Snow Buntings are now placed in a new family, the Calcariidae along with the Longspurs. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The sharply pointed and attenuated rectrices indicate an immature (formative plumage) Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) 28 October 2025. Mirada Surf County Park, El Granada, California, USA. A very rare vagrant in California, found 10/27 by Joanne Kerbavaz. The all dark primary coverts and alula indicate a female.
October 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)
27 October 2025. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California, USA.

Harsh backlighting was a challenge. Found by Deborah Crooks October 24, a very rare and declining late Fall migrant in California.

#Birds
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) 27 October 2025. Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Alameda, California, USA. Harsh backlighting was a challenge. Found by Deborah Crooks October 24, a very rare and declining late Fall migrant in California. This juvenile appears to be the third record for Alameda County, the first was in 1959 and the second in 2008. Recalls Pectoral Sandpiper but lacks the extensive breast streaking. Instead has a buff colored wash across the breast with streaking confined to a narrow band just below the chin. Note the contrasting reddish cap, white supercilium and throat without streaks and distinct eyering. Despite the similarity between the two, genetic studies have found that Pectoral and Sharp-tailed are not closely related.
October 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
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Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
24 August 2025. Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica, California, USA.

Posing on a dead sunflower head. A female of the race "J. h. pinosus" which is largely resident. They are distinguished by having more extensive pinkish color on their sides.

#Birds
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 24 August 2025. Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica, California, USA. Posing on a dead sunflower head, a natural feeding station. A female of the race "J. h. pinosus" which is largely resident. They are distinguished by having more extensive pinkish color on their sides. The contrasting gray hood is a feature of the far west "Oregon Junco" group formerly split as a separate species.
October 24, 2025 at 4:29 PM
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Columbian Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus).
23 October 2025. San Pedro Valley Park, Pacifica, California, USA.

Note sideways cud chewing action. Not often seen in the wild, deer usually repair to a safe place to chew their cud.

#Nature #Wildlife
October 23, 2025 at 10:55 PM
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Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
01 August 2017. Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, San Rafael, California, USA.

A peaceful reflective setting. An adult in breeding plumage showing black chin and bill ring.

#Birds
October 22, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii)
22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA.

A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. They feed on small birds.

#Birds
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) 22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA. A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. Notice the rusty facial feathers, forward facing eyes, and sparsely streaked belly which help distinguish this species from the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both feed mostly on small birds. Formerly restricted to remote forests, but has adapted to towns and villages, sometimes nesting along tree lined residential streets. Formerly placed in the genus "Accipiter". Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) 22 August 2025. Pacifica, California, USA. A juvenile Cooper's Hawk perching on our backyard fence checking out our bird feeders. Notice the rusty facial feathers, forward facing eyes, and sparsely streaked belly which help distinguish this species from the smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both feed mostly on small birds. Formerly restricted to remote forests, but has adapted to towns and villages, sometimes nesting along tree lined residential streets. Formerly placed in the genus "Accipiter".
October 21, 2025 at 6:42 PM
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Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA.

Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies.

#Birds
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA. Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies. North American breeding birds are the subspecies "H. r. erythrogaster" characterized by their reddish belly. They are named for their adopted habit of nesting in barns or other man-made structures. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) 24 August 2025. Point San Pedro, Pacifica, California, USA. Late nestlings. Likely a second brood. The yellow "gape flanges" attached to the edges of the bill and yellow-orange mouth lining stimulate the adult birds to feed their babies. North American breeding birds are the subspecies "H. r. erythrogaster" characterized by their reddish belly. They are named for their adopted habit of nesting in barns or other man-made structures.
October 20, 2025 at 5:22 PM