Photo ABCs

Ring-necked Duck

A Ring-necked Duck, photographed at Santee Lakes about two weeks ago:

Gadwall

I love how understated and handsome Gadwalls look.

Here is one at Santee Lakes photographed two weeks ago:

Cinnamon Teal

It seems that there are more Cinnamon Teals at Santee Lakes this winter.

Here is one photographed two weeks ago:

Northern Shovelers

A Northern Shoveler couple, female in front.

Photographed two weeks ago at Santee Lakes.

Brown Pelican

These pelicans flew past on New Year's Day.

Nice lighting and wing position:

Nice wave in background, lousy wing position... oh well.

 

Whimbrel

On the morning of New Year's Day I spent 40 minutes observing and photographing this Whimbrel near La Jolla Cove, while it bathed, preened, and rested.

If it took any notice of me, it didn't let on!

Fluffing its feathers:

Startled by a wave that came too close for comfort:

Spotted Sandpiper

On New Year's Day I headed to La Jolla, where there was an extremely high tide at sunrise.

I found a Spotted Sandpiper which fed in the same area for about 45 minutes, and took no notice of me.

The Spotted Sandpiper is always one of my favorite birds.

Vermilion Flycatcher

I photographed this Vermilion Flycatcher at the Wiest Lake Campground near the Salton Sea in November of last year.

The background consists of a tree in sunlight, so it nearly overpowers the photo, but not quite, I think.

 

Say's Phoebe

A Say's Phoebe, photographed in Chino, California, in October of last year.

White-crowned Sparrow

Winter birding in Southern California means Yellow-rumped Warblers and White-crowned Sparrows, as well as wintering waterfowl.

Here is a backlit White-crowned Sparrow, photographed in Chino in October of last year.