Better day than expected

It was a better birding than I expected, given that it was spitting rain when I left the house and a few more times while outside.

Unstable weather.


Sort of thinking of buying a macro lens (or adapter) to allow me to take photos of things close-up. Nevertheless, the kit lens does a decent job too. These are sporangia of some kind of moss.


While walking along the rail track, I saw two crows chasing something - I immediately know it was a bird of prey. I believe this is a Cooper's Hawk, no?


In the wooded area, there was a much larger bird of prey perched near the entrance. I had to walk around to find a good spot to photograph it - this was the best. I believe this is a Red-tailed Hawk.


In the forest, I tried to take photos of the smaller birds but they are flew away when I walked towards them along the path. So I only took photos of the plants instead. One of the first flowers of the year! I'll have to come back to see what species it is. [Hugh (of RPL) identified it as Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis). Thank you!]


Another plant with flower buds.


At the exit of the forest, a Bald Eagle was perching on top of the tree not doing a whole lot.

Alaska Queen II

I spent a lot of time watching this Downy Woodpecker pecking and feeding from the trees. This is a good example of the woodpecker using its stiff tail to stabilize its body while banging against the tree.


It was not shy at all and got quite close (and low) to where I was taking its photos.


Juvenile gull flying by.


The funniest photo of a gull I have ever taken. Not as close as this photo, but still awesome to see it in person. It wasn't calling or anything - just open beak for several seconds - yawning?




A Bald Eagle perched on the trees at Finn Slough. May be the one I took photos of earlier.

Days getting better.

Then I took a lot of time photographing the robins running around, pausing, and feeding.

And also some head-scratching!