I had fun watching this gull repeatedly drop a mussel from considerable height onto the exposed rocks. Eventually the shell cracked enough for the bird to get its dinner.
cracking the mussel
Tag: birds
fulica americana
American coots have the craziest feet! Each of the forward-facing toes has wide, scaly, flexible lobes that seem reptilian or even alien.
When under water, the lobes help the foot to push through the water. But on land, the lobes fold back when the foot is lifted, making it easier (than if the feet were webbed) for the bird to walk on grass, mud or even ice.
Coots aren’t the only birds with lobed feet; some grebes and phalaropes also have similar structures, though not quite as long or broad.
phalacrocorax
I did a bird walk at Malibu Lagoon with the Audubon Society yesterday morning, and learned so much! With friendly help, I spotted 37 different species.
My camera and binoculars are not of birding quality, but several people generously shared time on their scopes. I plan to nature journal my learnings over the coming weeks so as to help the new knowledge stick.
And I for sure want to attend their future monthly Lagoon visits. Some people travel long distances for these events; I’m so lucky to live close by this birding hotspot.
sayornis nigricans
These handsome flycatchers have been evident in the garden lately. So dapper!
spinus psaltria
Ugh. Another one down. I don’t know why there’s a sudden spate of collision deaths, but we need to do something about it right away.
setophaga coronata
We’re enjoying these cheery winter garden visitors.
tyrannous vociferans
When I pulled into the Park yesterday, I saw a new-to-me flycatcher snaring insects on the wing. The flight pattern drew my attention; if the kingbird hadn’t been actively hunting I might not have noticed it. So pretty, with its lemon yellow underbelly and white chin!
passerella iliaca
owl at night
Lots more hoots on recent nights. I still haven’t seen one, but I’m happy they are hanging out. Eat some gophers please!
Selasphorus sasin
I think it was either a female or immature Allen’s hummingbird sitting still among the bougainvillea flowers. It was a fat, sturdy little thing with mostly grey colouring.
hashiworks 