Photo ABCs

Baird's Junco

Another photograph of Baird's Junco, an species endemic to the Sierra de la Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur. Here one forages in the forest undergrowth. The juncos of the Sierra de la Laguna were not particularly skittish, and allowed quite a close approach (the closeness exaggerated, of course, with a telephoto lens). The yellow eyes of this junco are quite striking!

American Coots

American Coots, at the estuary in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur. The colors in the water are a reflection of a nearby hotel.

San Lucas Robin

This is the San Lucas Robin, the third bird endemic to the Sierra de la Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur. (I don't know if it has been decided if this is a separate species, or a sub-species of the American Robin). It has a paler breast, and a different call from the American Robin. I was not able to get as close to the robin as I was to the Cape Pygmy-Owl or Baird's Junco, (it was very high in a tree), so this picture will have to do. (as always, you may click to enlarge)

Baird's Junco

This is Baird's Junco, only found in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur. The Baird's Junco is either a distinct species, or is a subspecies of the Yellow-eyed Junco which is found in mainland Mexico. I don't know if it's been decided!

Cape Pygmy-Owl

The Cape Pygmy-Owl is found only in the mountains of Baja California Sur. Here is one, photographed in the Sierra de la Laguna, east of Todos Santos.

Green Heron

A Green Heron, photographed about ten days ago at the San Jose del Cabo estuary, in Baja California Sur.

Elegant Terns

I believe that this is a mixed flock of juvenile and adult Elegant Terns. Unlike the tern in yesterday's post, the tern in the foreground still has mostly yellow legs. The adults in the background have characteristic orange bills. Photographed about a week ago, north of San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur.

Elegant Tern, juvenile

This tern was photographed last week north of San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur.

I believe that this is a juvenile Elegant Tern. The bill is still yellow, not orange as in an adult, though the legs are black, as in an adult. If anyone can correct me, please do!

Sanderling

A Sanderling takes a break from feeding on a beach north of San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur. Photographed last week.

Great Egret

A Great Egret, in a palm tree at the estuary at San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur. Photographed last week.