Joe Morlan
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Joe Morlan
@jmorlan.bsky.social
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jmorlan.bsky.social
Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)
29 December 2025. Adventure Bay, Tasmania, Australia.

Locals call them "Swifties". They breed locally in Tasmania but most migrate to the adjacent mainland. Critically endangered with only around 300–500 now remaining.

#Birds
Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) 29 December 2025. Adventure Bay, Tasmania, Australia. Life bird. Locals call them "Swifties" not to be confused with fans of Taylor Swift. They breed locally in Tasmania but most migrate to the adjacent mainland. Critically endangered with only around 300–500 now remaining. Threats include habitat loss from uncontrolled logging and introduction of Sugar Gliders which prey on females on their nests. Extinction is predicted within the next decade unless serious measures are taken to control logging.
January 31, 2026 at 5:19 PM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

Note finely streaked pale throat. Large nominate race breeds in Tasmania but migrates as far north as New Guinea.

#Birds
Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. Note finely streaked pale throat. Large nominate race breeds in Tasmania but migrates as far north as New Guinea. Tail looks deeply forked in this photo because the feathers are clumped on each side. All rectrices are actually about the same length and in flight the tail looks mostly square. Formerly in the genus "Hirundo."
January 30, 2026 at 5:01 PM
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Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

Usually pronounced "PAAR-duh-lowt." Another unique Australian family the Pardalotidae consists of four species. Striated Pardalote is widespread and highly variable.

#Birds
Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. Usually pronounced "PAAR-duh-lowt." Another unique Australian family the Pardalotidae consists of four species. Striated Pardalote is widespread and highly variable. Nominate race in Tasmania has yellow, not red tips to their wing coverts. They are little bundles of energy.
January 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

It reminded me of a Palm Warbler foraging on the ground. They are known for building "false" cup-shaped nests on top of their real domed nests.

#Birds
Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. It reminded me of a Palm Warbler foraging on the ground. They are known for building "false" cup-shaped nests on top of their real domed nests, but the function of these false nests is uncertain. Thornbills are warbler-like members in their own family Acanthizidae. This is the isolated Tasmanian race "A. c. leachi", the largest and darkest subspecies. Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. It reminded me of a Palm Warbler foraging on the ground. They are known for building "false" cup-shaped nests on top of their real domed nests, but the function of these false nests is uncertain. Thornbills are warbler-like members in their own family Acanthizidae. This is the isolated Tasmanian race "A. c. leachi", the largest and darkest subspecies.
January 28, 2026 at 10:58 PM
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Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

They forage aerially but are unrelated to swallows. Their thick, heavy bill reveals they are actually modified Butcherbirds (family Artamidae).

#Birds
Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. They forage aerially but are unrelated to swallows. Their thick, heavy bill reveals they are actually modified Butcherbirds (family Artamidae). The narrow white outer primaries indicates the nominate race. Another subspecies in Western Australia has more white in the wing and tail. Widespread and fairly common but a lifer for us. Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. They forage aerially but are unrelated to swallows. Their thick, heavy bill reveals they are actually modified Butcherbirds (family Artamidae). The narrow white outer primaries indicates the nominate race. Another subspecies in Western Australia has more white in the wing and tail. Widespread and fairly common but a lifer for us.
January 27, 2026 at 5:55 PM
jmorlan.bsky.social
Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodangi)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

Australasian Robins are in their own family (Petroicidae) unrelated to other "robins" around the world. A lifer for us!

#Birds
Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodangi) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. Australasian Robins are in their own family (Petroicidae) unrelated to other "robins" around the world. This is a female less flashy than the male. Formerly lumped with similar Norfolk Robin under the scientific name (P. multicolor). A lifer for us! Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodangi) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. Australasian Robins are in their own family (Petroicidae) unrelated to other "robins" around the world. This is a male, with contrasting red and black and less white in its tail than mainland birds. Presumably of the East Tasmanian race "P. b. leggi" with longer bill and legs. Formerly lumped with similar Norfolk Robin under the scientific name (P. multicolor). A lifer for us!
January 26, 2026 at 10:55 PM
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New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)
29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia.

A spectacular honeyeater, common in flowering trees often in noisy flocks. They are active and jumpy, but this one cooperated long enough for a photo.

#Birds
New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. A spectacular honeyeater, common in flowering trees often in noisy flocks. They are active and jumpy, but this one cooperated long enough for a photo. Endemic to Southern Australia and adjacent islands. Of the three members in its genus, New Holland is unique in having white malar bristles and neck plumes, giving it a bearded appearance. The name "New Holland" comes from an old name for Australia. In fact this honeyeater was one of the first bird species to be described from Australia in 1790. This is the Tasmanian race "P. n. canescens" with long white malar plume, sparce white beard feathers, and heavier black breast streaking. New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. A spectacular honeyeater, common in flowering trees often in noisy flocks. They are active and jumpy, but this one cooperated long enough for a photo. Endemic to Southern Australia and adjacent islands. Of the three members in its genus, New Holland is unique in having white malar bristles and neck plumes, giving it a bearded appearance. The name "New Holland" comes from an old name for Australia. In fact this honeyeater was one of the first bird species to be described from Australia in 1790. This is the Tasmanian race "P. n. canescens" with long white malar plume, sparce white beard feathers, and heavier black breast streaking. New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) 29 December 2025. Inala, South Bruny, Tasmania, Australia. A spectacular honeyeater, common in flowering trees often in noisy flocks. They are active and jumpy, but this one cooperated long enough for a photo. Endemic to Southern Australia and adjacent islands. Of the three members in its genus, New Holland is unique in having white malar bristles and neck plumes, giving it a bearded appearance. The name "New Holland" comes from an old name for Australia. In fact this honeyeater was one of the first bird species to be described from Australia in 1790. This is the Tasmanian race "P. n. canescens" with long white malar plume, sparce white beard feathers, and heavier black breast streaking.
January 24, 2026 at 5:22 PM
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Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
29 December 2025. Lunawanna, Bruny Island, Tasmania Australia.

Its head was buried in a roadside anthill for a rather long time, but eventually it looked up and walked towards us revealing its peculiar snout and tiny eyes.

#Wildlife
#Tasmania
Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) 29 December 2025. Lunawanna, Bruny Island, Tasmania Australia. The highlight of our visit for me. Its head was buried in a roadside anthill for a rather long time, but eventually it looked up and walked towards us revealing its peculiar snout and tiny eyes. They forage like an anteater, having no teeth but extracting ants and termites with their long extensile tongue. They are apparently immune to the bite of the notorious Jack Jumper Ants. Echidnas are one of two groups of egg laying mammals (Monotremes}, the other being the Platypus. After the egg hatches, the baby, called a "puggle", moves into its mothers pouch. Adults have numerous protective quills like a porcupine and can roll themselves into a ball like a hedgehog. This is the smaller Tasmanian race "T. a. setosus" originally described as a separate species, "Tasmanian Short-beaked Echidna." Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) 29 December 2025. Lunawanna, Bruny Island, Tasmania Australia. The highlight of our visit for me. Its head was buried in a roadside anthill for a rather long time, but eventually it looked up and walked towards us revealing its peculiar snout and tiny eyes. They forage like an anteater, having no teeth but extracting ants and termites with their long extensile tongue. They are apparently immune to the bite of the notorious Jack Jumper Ants. Echidnas are one of two groups of egg laying mammals (Monotremes}, the other being the Platypus. After the egg hatches, the baby, called a "puggle", moves into its mothers pouch. Adults have numerous protective quills like a porcupine and can roll themselves into a ball like a hedgehog. This is the smaller Tasmanian race "T. a. setosus" originally described as a separate species, "Tasmanian Short-beaked Echidna."
January 23, 2026 at 9:39 PM
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Rufous-bellied Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii)
29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia.

The only Pademelon in Tasmania where it is endemic. Formerly ranged to Australian mainland, but was extirpated from there by the 19th century.

#Wildlife
#Mammals
#Tasmania
Rufous-bellied Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) 29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia. The only Pademelon in Tasmania where it is endemic. Formerly ranged to Australian mainland, but was extirpated from there by the 19th century. They succumbed to habitat loss and predation from introduced Red Foxes. When I first saw this one, I thought it looked like a rabbit, as the entire lower portion of its body was mostly hidden. Pademelons are among the smallest of the Macropod marsupials, small kangaroos. More active at night, they hide in dense shrubbery during the day. Sometimes called "Tasmanian Pademelon" or "Red-bellied Pademelon". Rufous-bellied Pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) 29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia. The only Pademelon in Tasmania where it is endemic. Formerly ranged to Australian mainland, but was extirpated from there by the 19th century. They succumbed to habitat loss and predation from introduced Red Foxes. When I first saw this one, I thought it looked like a rabbit, as the entire lower portion of its body was mostly hidden. Pademelons are among the smallest of the Macropod marsupials, small kangaroos. More active at night, they hide in dense shrubbery during the day. Sometimes called "Tasmanian Pademelon" or "Red-bellied Pademelon".
January 22, 2026 at 6:42 PM
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Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)
29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia.

These stunning birds usually move rapidly thought the vegetation, but this one had a territory in the park and sang briefly posing for a picture.

#Birds
Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus) 29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia. These stunning birds usually move rapidly thought the vegetation, but this one had a territory in the park and sang briefly posing for a picture. Endemic to Australia, these little birds stay in family groups which include a single dominate male, several generations of young males that do not achieve full plumage, and a single adult female mated to the dominate male. Socially monogamous, but sexually promiscuous with one study finding 76% of young fathered by males from outside the group. This is a dominate adult male; the immature/secondary males and females are dull, brownish. Nominate race endemic to Tasmania is darker and larger than those on the mainland. They are in their own family, Maluridae, unrelated to Wrens
January 21, 2026 at 5:54 PM
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Tasmanian Scrubwren (Sericornis humilis)
29 December 2025. Wellington Park, Fern Tree, Tasmania, Australia.

A Tasmanian endemic originally considered a distinct species, but then lumped with smaller more heavily marked White-browed Scrubwren; but now split again.

#Birds
January 20, 2026 at 6:04 PM
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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