Common Murre
September 2013 – Off the Oregon Coast
Outside the breeding season, these birds take-on a different appearance, and stick mostly to the water. Why come to land if you don’t have to?
Common Murre
November 2008 – Yaquina Head, Oregon
If penguins could fly, they’d probably look a lot like the Common Murre. These were getting ready to roost (not sure if there are nests here) on a rocky outcrop just off of Yaquina Head, near Newport, Oregon.
Heerman’s Gull
September 2013 – Oregon Coast
Gull species can be hard to identify sometimes, but Heerman’s Gull stands out with unique coloration and that striking orange bill. I haven’t seen a whole lot of these along the coast… in fact, this one is the first sighting I’ve confirmed myself – yay, a new bird for me!
Cackling Goose
July 2013 – Fernhill Wetlands, Oregon
These are often mistaken for the closely related Canada Goose (which in-turn are often mistakenly called Canadian Geese). They’re shorter and stockier than the Canada, but often will mix together with their larger brethern.
Greater Yellowlegs
July 2013 – Fernhill Wetlands, Oregon
This bird was wading all along in the shallows, not far from the parking area at Fernhill. It was almost like a bonus bird as I prepared to hit the road.
Western Sandpiper
July 2013 – Fernhill Wetlands, Oregon
A Western Sandpiper pokes through the shallows at Fernhill.
Least Sandpiper
July 2013 – Fernhill Wetlands, Oregon
This might look a bit like the Western Sandpiper, but I have other photos in this series that show the distinctive yellow legs.
Chipping Sparrow
April 2013 – Mosier, Oregon
This Chipping Sparrow is perched in a Ponderosa Pine, just outside the town of Mosier, Oregon. It was singing its trademark and distinctive song – a simple high-pitched flutter, about 1-2 seconds long.
Blue-headed Fantail
June 2013 – Banaue area, Philippines
Had a nice moment with one of these in a tree at the Native Village Inn, about 7km west of Banaue. I was lucky to catch a glimpse of this bird. A local person told me this particular bird was a bit of an omen… whether good or bad, he couldn’t say.
Lesser Whistling Duck
June 2013 – Singapore
There were a number of these in the upper pond of the Botanical Garden in the middle of Singapore.
White-breasted Waterhen
June 2013 – Singapore
These are fairly common in the Singapore Botanical garden… and in a few other places across the country.