Photo ABCs

Wilson's Warbler

A Wilson's Warbler, photographed at Brawley's Cattle Call Park in April of this year.

Long-billed Dowitcher

After most birds bathe, they will flap their wings and sometimes hop into the air, like these Long-billed Dowitchers.

Photographed in April of this year next to the Salton Sea.

Ridgway's Rail

A Ridgway's Rail, photographed a few minutes after the photo in yesterday's post.

Marsh Wren Nest

A Marsh Wren nest, in a marshy area next to the Salton Sea.

Photographed in April of this  year.

Burrowing Owl

A Burrowing Owl, perched upon irrigation equipment near the Salton Sea. Photographed in April of this year.

American Avocet

An American Avocet, photographed next to the Salton Sea, in April of this year.

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Another Ash-throated Flycatcher, photographed at the Brawley Riverview Cemetery in April of this year.

Western Kingbird, Phainopepla, Great-tailed Grackle, Eurasian Collared-Dove

A Western Kingbird, displaying its characteristic white outer tail-feathers. Photographed at the Brawley Riverview Cemetery in April of this year.

Phainopeplas eat mostly berries, especially mistletoe, in the fall and winter. In spring and summer, insects form a large part of their diet. Here is one chasing a flying insect (the speck above its head) at the Brawley Riverview Cemetery. (tap or click to enlarge)

A Great-tailed Grackle, photographed near the Salton Sea later that day:

A Eurasian Collared-Dove, photographed a few minutes later:

Gambel's Quail

A male Gambel's Quail, photographed near the Salton Sea in April of this year:

Pacific-slope Flycatcher

A Pacific-slope Flycatcher, photographed at the Brawley Riverview Cemetery in April of this year.