On this particular visit, I saw more Clark’s Nutcrackers than I’ve seen the rest of my life. Dozens of these birds darted among the trees, and soared down the cliffsides. They have the curious habit of finding the very tip of the tallest tree around, and perching on top of it.
Clark’s Nutcracker
These Harlequin Ducks were hanging out near the tidepools at Pistol River.
Harlequin Duck
Harlequin Duck
This is a female Harlequin Duck – flapping its wings as part of a preening process on a rock in the Quinault River in Olympic National Park. These ducks nest along tumbling mountain rapids, and spend their winters out to sea.
Not sure what it is about the Pistol River and these particular birds, but it seems like a good place to see them.
Pigeon Guillemot
Not the greatest photo, but the closest I could get to this pair of Pigeon Guillemots. These are very common birds at the coast, but spend much of their time far out to sea.
Pigeon Guillemot
Just off the jetty, Pacific Loons get about as close to shore as they ever do.
Pacific Loon
May 2013 – Cape Lookout, Oregon
The Cape Lookout hugs a cliff hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean. Far below, and maybe a mile out to sea, these Pacific Loons were going about their business.
Pacific Loon
These birds were introduced to the UK a long time ago. They look a bit mutty to me, but I suppose the look is unique at least.
Egyptian Goose
I saw two of these birds whilst in London. The other was in a small pond nearer Buckingham Palace. They seemed a bit wary & solitary, but tolerant of humans.
Grey Heron
These have solid black heads in breeding season, but these were all out of season, and/or perhaps younger birds. They’re common in the water around Hyde Park.
Black-headed Gull
A number of these were congregating near the ponds in Hyde Park.
Graylag Goose
This female was hanging out at Mt. Angel Abbey near Mt. Angel, Oregon. There was a male nearby as well, but they were both rather camera shy.
Bullock’s Oriole
I was happy to spot this Bullock’s Oriole, but not happy that I wasn’t able to get any closer. This bird was acting aggressive toward other small birds in the area, which makes me wonder if there was a nest involved. I might have to go back to investigate.
Bullock’s Oriole
Thanks to a passing stranger for spotting this bird in a tree with the sun behind. It was hard even to look at, much less photograph, but I managed OK.
Peregrine Falcon