Bird Gallery – Favorites of 2021-2022
November 30, 2022
No Comments
“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them
Bird Gallery – Favorites of 2021-2022
“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”
―
Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption
“The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”
―
The ability to fly is a thing I have always dreamed about, and still do. The grace in which birds can soar above us and the beauty of their feathers is a thing I have always found both profound and beautiful. Birds are the only still living dinosaurs with Crocodiles being a close relative and both are technically reptiles. While the first Jurassic Park film touches on what was then a lesser accepted theory of the dinosaur-bird relationship it has been mostly accepted as fact now. While they all have certain characteristics that unite them, there is something wonderous about their variation and evolution.
Archaeopteryx Fossil
Early birds like Archaeopteryx are anatomically similar to advanced non-avian dinosaurs like Velociraptor.
Here is an excellent article from Smithsonian Magazine about how prehistoric birds evolved flight three separate times.
Dinosaurs Evolved Flight at Least Three Times | Science| Smithsonian Magazine
Article about the “Cretaceous Pigeon” on LiveScience.
Newfound Pigeon-Size Cretaceous Bird Was Preserved in 3D | Live Science
An artistic rendering of the early Cretaceous era fukuipteryx prima
An artistic rendering of the early Cretaceous era fukuipteryx prima, a dino-bird with a tail feather-supporting skeleton, which was discovered by researchers in central Japan. (Masanori Yoshida)
Prehistoric Flying Creatures
Image from prehistoric-wildlife.com comparing various sizes of ancient creatures.
This is a collection of some of my favorite avia in Southern California, from the North, High Mojave Desert to the coastal beach cities and the mountains between.
Starting in the High Desert of the Mojave we have one of the most famous creatures of the desert – The Greater Roadrunner.
You, the reader, have most likely first learned of the roadrunner from the wonderful Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese Cartoons about the equally as famous coyote, Wile E. Coyote and his pursuit of the Road Runner.
One thing (of many) that makes the anthropomorphized cartoon characters so wonderful and bridges the gap between reality and fiction is the look and actions of the two.
While the real-life creatures don’t wear sneakers, have an endless supply of ACME supplies or handmade signs – they DO often find themselves in pursuit.
The desert can be a scarce place for food and the Roadrunners best defense is its speed and smaller size.
Geococcyx californianus is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, from the Aridoamerica region in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The scientific name means “Californian earth-cuckoo”
Much like the cartoon, the Greater Roadrunner has very large and long tailfeathers, accompanied by a “pompadour” of head feathers that can spring to life.
While the colors are a more subdued than the cartoon, they exist in a rich pattern of browns, blacks and whites that act as a great camouflage for the desert. In the right light there is a very rich and deep green color to the feathers.
While not the bright blues of the cartoon, they hide rich colors in their wings while the tail typically has more substantial coloring.
Occasionally found in small bursts of flight, you can really see the beautiful array of rich greens and blues in their feathers. I managed to snag photos of these things and they are among my most favorite.
Staying in the High Desert, we have a look at some more widely spread, common feathered friends.
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey that breeds throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. It is one of the most common members within the genus of Buteo in North America or worldwide.
These photos are of a parent and its now-grown child. Originally found near the Quartz Hill area in Lancaster, Ca a group of towering pine trees made a good nest. With the ability to peer across the desert basin of the Antelope Valley, the pair of Red-Tails were often seen soaring high above the patches of desert between houses.
The once juvenile Red-Tail made itself a good living situation in the Prime Desert Woodland Nature Preserve of Lancaster, Ca. just a mile away from its parents’ nest.
This preserve is an excellent spot for predatory birds, rich with lizards, squirrels, rabbits, insects and other delicious meats. Living in a joshua tree nest, away from the pathways, the child seems to have found a comfortable home.
Often times it is the distinctive shriek I hear from above that alerts me to its presence. Sometimes however, I only notice it because its large wings will spread out from the spines of its joshua tree nest.
See if you can tell the difference between the 3 Red-Tailed Hawks…
Next, we have a collection of smaller birds, all found and photographed in Lancaster, California.
This collection is of the White-Crowned Sparrow, (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a species of passerine bird native to North America. Breeding in the North American Tunda and Rockies, it migrates across the entire Northern Continent throughout the year. I find them here in the desert, most often in the late fall and winter months.
Migrating in groups, these ones found a temporary home in the Lancaster Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, snacking on insects and seeds scattered around a burned-out tree and surrounding foliage. They tend to dive from their perch to pick around the soil and were not shy around humans. I find their presence endearing and I look forward to their visit every year.
The cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is perhaps the loudest of the birds I regularly come across in the Mojave Desert, next to Hawks and Mockingbirds.
The largest of Wrens, with its distinctive beak and even more distinct sound (akin to an engine failing to start) once you know it, it is unmistakable.
While it is endemic to the Southwestern Deserts of North America and commonly found atop the famous California Joshua Trees, it is the State bird of Arizona.
The western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) is a large tyrant flycatcher and not a bird I often have the chance to photograph. While found throughout western environments of North America and as far south as Mexico, the majority of their North American life is for breeding.
Highly territorial I am most often not able to get close to them, although I have seen them squabble with the ravens and hawks. Their wingspan compared to their body is large and when displayed, are quite beautiful.
One of the most common birds in all of North America, The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family, Columbidae. The bird is also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove, and was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove.
Their wings make an unusual whistling sound when they land and take-off, called sonation. That is how this one was spotted.
Oddly enough, I have not encountered these very often in the desert, but I assume it is a seasonal thing. They feed on seeds, so obviously outside of spring growth and the autumn fallings, there isn’t as much food for them to eat during the drought of the desert summer and winter. I was lucky to snag these two photos when I did, they have an absolutely gorgeous spread.
Say’s phoebe (Sayornis saya) is a bird that I had seen quite often but did not know much about. They are a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. Meaning, they most often catch insects in flight. Nesting under bridges, in places like mine shafts and along canyons, I have yet to find a nest.
A common bird across western North America, it prefers dry, desolate areas. The open land of deserts, especially near water where insects thrive, is where I have most often seen them.
Soft colors and defined feathers, coupled with a high-pitched but gentle call allows their presence to be fairly minimal, but once you notice them, it is hard not to. I especially love the way sunlight illuminates their feathers in flight.
The northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a mockingbird commonly found in North America and known for its mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its scientific name, “many-tongued thrush”. Feasting on both insects and fruit, the Mojave Desert makes a good home with both its array of insects and Yucca fruits.
A vastly intelligent bird, they have the ability to recognize individual humans. Especially ones that have been a threat in the past. I believe this is why I have been able to get relatively close to specific ones in some locations I frequent. Most significantly, their ability to mimic sounds has left me surprised and confounded. There have been days where I thought I was on the trail of an entirely different bird or was confused by what sounded like a child mimicking a motor vehicle.
I must mention what is undoubtably the most common bird you can find in my end of the Mojave Desert –
The common raven (Corvus corax). The same size as a Red-Tailed Hawk, they are large all-black passerine birds. It is the most widely distributed of all corvids, found across the Northern Hemisphere. It is a raven known by many names at the subspecies level; there are at least eight subspecies with little variation in appearance, although recent research has demonstrated significant genetic differences among populations from various regions.
As known in popular culture through all times, featured in literature and song, they are smart, unforgiving and not to be trifled with. Sometimes however, they will befriend you if they understand that you are non-threatening and leave them treats. famously some have even dropped off trinkets and other gifts to people they have befriended. With an unmistakable caw, significantly larger than crows and ALWAYS in groups (murder?) you will find them everywhere.
Personally, there are a few that live atop my roof that I leave snacks for and they often greet me when I come home by perching above the door, giving me a few calls. Away from the suburban sprawl, I routinely see them bully other birds and pick fights with Hawks.
Thinking about it, there isn’t a single place in the Southwest I have not seen Ravens.
Shifting through the High Desert is by far one of my favorite birds and perhaps one of the most common that I see next to Ravens –
The California scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica) is a species of scrub jay native to western North America. It ranges from southern British Columbia throughout California and western Nevada near Reno to west of the Sierra Nevada.
Spreading across the West Coast, this beautiful, mid sized bird is very common but often called a Blue Jay, which is incorrect. Bluejays and Bluebirds are entirely different species. I often describe them as looking like a small blue and white crow. Scavengers and well prepared, they gather food and nesting materials in caches in various places around their nest.
Most often I see them in pairs on scavenge missions, but occasionally feeding as well. They don’t seem to be as fearful as many birds their size and definitely don’t hide their presence as much as many other birds. While not as confrontational as Ravens, they don’t seem to be flustered by the presence of humans.
As you can see in the gallery, there was a particular Scrub Jay that was more interesting in checking me out than being fearful. In fact, it got so close to me that I had to back up to take photos in focus. Meanwhile its mate sat atop a tree watch. Perhaps this was to distract me. I don’t know, but it was a wonderful experience with a seemingly curious creature.
Heading out of the Desert and into the San Gabriel Mountains there is a greater diversity of birds, given the more hospitable conditions. Nestled in Placerita Canyon, Santa Clarita, is a State Park that is complete with a bird sanctuary as well as prime conditions for wild animals.
I would like to take a moment to mention the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. If you are in the area, it is well worth a visit. You can spend a day on the trails or just have a quick peek at the rescued animals.
The adjacent image is of a Red-Tailed Hawk at the center. They are brought out for flight regularly but like all of the animals there, are treated and taken care of – unable to survive in the wild.
You can also donate to help sponsor the animals or attend one of their regular presentations.
Originally from Baja California, there is Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna). Named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, they are a medium-sized bird species of the family Trochilidae. In time, people planted more exotic ornimentals and the Anna’s Hummingbird expanded its home. They are now found along the entirety of the West Coast of the North American Continent.
Using its long tongue, they collect nectar but will also catch and consume small insects as well. Most often you probably see them feeding from manmade feeders or feasting in gardens of exotic flowers.
If you live on the West Coast of the America’s, this is the hummingbird you are most likely to see. Its bright, bold and shimmering array of magentas, pinks and greens are always a sight to behold. The males are the ones who have the loud calls and bright crown of feathers while the females have the darker and muted shades of green. Brighter colors are indicative of a high protien diet.
Their barrel chest is full of incredible muscle structures that allow them to hover in flight as well as shake off things like rain at a rate of 55 times per second. I really had to crank my speed settings up to capture their wings “frozen” in flight.
Feeding from a fountain located in the Placerita Canyon Park are a large varity of birds. The most common ones I have seen are Finches, Hummingbirds and Thrashers.
Starting with finches we have the commonly found House Finch. (Haemorhous mexicanus) is a bird in the finch family Fringillidae and found across almost the entire North American Continent. The richer and deeper the shades of red are on males, the more the females are attracted. Sometimes diet can give them more of an orange or yellow color, but red is typical.
Feeding from the same fountain is the California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum). Since the San Gabriel Mountains are where the California High Desert meets the Los Angeles Basin and coast, it is a fruitful space for the desert dwelling bird. It is a large member of family Mimidae found primarily in chaparral habitat in California and Baja California. It is the only species of Toxostoma throughout most of its range and you can find them across the California Coast and Deserts.
Lastly in this series of shots from the fountain is the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) and the lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria). It is one of the smallest if not the smallest of the “true finches” and this American Finch is distinguished by its black forehead as opposed to the red or yellow faces of the European Goldfinches. Together with its relatives the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch, it forms the American goldfinches clade in the genus Spinus sensu stricto.
Crossing from the San Gabriel Mountains to the San Bernadino Mountains further South-East, much of the same varity of birds can be found. There are, however, some that especially like the higher elevations of the SB Range and specifically the high-elevation lakes.
Nestled in the San Bernadino Mountains is the town of Big Bear Lake, stemming from the eponymous Lake itself. Originally a shallow, natural lake that is adjacent to current manmade lake, Big Bear is home to a large variety of flora and fauna.
Originally named after the once predominant Grizzly Bear that adorns the California State Flag, like the rest of the state, only Black Bears can be found in the wild. No, I don’t have photos of one in the wild – the times I have come across them I either didn’t have my camera or it was absolutely not a moment to be concerned with photography.
This Big Bear Gallery is a collection of commonly seen birds at the lake and one mediocre photo of a vulture that reflects is exceptionally large wingspan.
The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is the most widespread of the New World vultures. It is one of three species in the genus Cathartes of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Feeding almost exclusively on carrion, the Turkey Vulture can find plenty of things to feast on between roadkill and wildlife leftovers. Soaring high above the pine trees at Juniper Point, Big Bear Lake I managed to snag one photo before it disappeared into the forest of Fawnskin.
Second, we have the second longest bird in North America with the second largest wingspan (only behind the California Condor), is the The American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) From the order Pelecaniformes, it breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Central America and South America, in winter. Unlike the Brown Pelican it does not dive, but swims. There is a decent size concentration that live at Big Bear Lake and I was excited to capture their graceful flight with astoundingly white feathers.
Next there is the pine forest loving, American Mountain Native, Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). Found along the mountains of Central America, through the Rocky Mountains to Canada and scattered along West Coast Pine Forests, it is closely related to the Eastern based blue jay. It is also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay, and pine jay. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also sometimes colloquially called a “blue jay” in the Pacific Northwest, but is distinct from the blue jay (C. cristata) of eastern North America although they have been found to cross-breed.
It’s richly colored blue feathers are a highlight amongst its deep black and patterns of white stand out in the green and brown forests. It’s most iconic feature is its black “Mowhawk” of feathers on its crown. Loud and smart, they are found all over Big Bear Lake and most often seen feasting on seeds from fallen plant matter. I have also seen them drop pine-cones onto the street to feast upon after they are crushed by passing motor vehicles. They are also a mimic, most often copying the call of predators as a warning to others.
Amongst these lovely, feathered creatures I managed to get shots of several Western Bluebirds. The western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) is a small North American thrush. They are found across British Columbia, down the West Coast of America to Baja California and from the Southern Rockies to Central Mexico. Feeding mostly on smaller insects and berries, they are often heard singing and seen hopping along the forest floor. I find these quite often in Big Bear, sometimes cohabitating the same pine as the White-Crowned Sparrows but never with the larger Stellar’s Jay.
The grown males have rich blues and oranges, the females have more brown and grey feathers. The juveniles will grow into their colors and you can really see the varieties in this series. I even managed to snag a shot of one feeding a juvenile.
Sometimes from the mountains to the desert, you can also find the Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides). They are a migratory thrush and quite vivid in color.
With its piercing red eyes almost glowing from its nearly solid black head is the spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus) – a large New World sparrow.
It’s white and brown underside is in stark contrast to its black and white wings. Like many birds, their colors make a good natural camouflage. I have found these are very easy to spot in the forest however, mostly due to the fact that the scavange and feed from the floor.
Most often you will spot them swooping down from the trees to grab some food before returning to safety. If you pay close attention, you may find their nest on or close to the ground since it makes feeding much easier.
Sometimes you may also find the California towhee (Melozone crissalis) hanging around from the California Coast to the (less often) desert as well.
The next gallery is a combination of Swallows. With a fairly unique wingspan and tailfeathers, they can be easy to spot. The specific species of swallow can be hard to identify without a good view of the colors. Some swallows, such as a Barn Swallow can be easily identified by their exceptionally long tailfeathers.
Here I have a shot of what looks to be several female purple martins (Progne subis) on a branch. Unlike their male counterpart, they have a light-colored belly. Skimming over the lake are several shots of what looks to be a tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) with its stark contrast of a white underside and dark top. They are migratory and usually seen during this migration and/or migratory breeding.
The last shot in the series is of what is most likely a cliff swallow aka American cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) with its shades of brown on the body and wings with rust along the head and white underside.
I also wanted to include this single shot of a California Scrub Jay I spotted in big Bear Lake as well. One thing about this one that I noticed compared to the ones I often see in the desert, is that it has more dark/black feathers on it but the blues were more vivid.
I can only assume this might be a dietary thing as feather colors in birds can often be affected by their protein levels.
This single photos of a bird, in an almost angelic lighting, is what I believe to be a Warbler.
This one was spotted among blackbirds but with its coloring, stood out to me. The chest is an almost orange shade of yellow that fades to a lighter and natural yellow before turning a subdues grey near its hind. The males are much more bold and solid in color.
In Big Bear Lake, there is such a variety of multi-colored birds such as Orioles, which tend to have a more solid coloring of the underside or a black “collar” such as the Scott’s and Hooded oriole.
Loud and full of song, the noisy Townsend’s solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) caught my attention almost immediately with its flute-like sounds that didn’t have the same sort of patterns the other songbirds in the area have. A medium-sized thrush and the only solitaire native to the US and Canada, they find good habitat in Big Bear Lake. Feeding on either the insects at the lake or on the juniper berries from the bushes that cover the North-East end of the lake.
The pattern of the feathers on this particular one matches what you find in the juveniles of the species. As it grows, the plumage changes to a smoother, solid coloration. There were several other adults in the area, but this was the only one I was able to capture.
Blackbirds! So many blackbirds!
Big Bear is also home to several types of blackbirds. There are four types I find there most often;
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae and found year-round in the United States and parts of Mexico, Breeds in the Northern US and Canada, but can spend its winters in the deserts of the Southwest and Baja. Almost entirely black, it has bright red feathering on its shoulders with yellow.
The almost identical tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) has a more subdued red with a solid white patch under the red, which the red-winged does not have. The Tri-color is also endangered. Both types often live and flock together and I have seen both at the Lake, although in far less numbers.
The Brewer’s blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) is one of the most common types of blackbirds found across most of North America. While I frequently seen all three specials co-habituating to some level, the Brewer’s definitely keep more space from the Red-Winged and Tricolored. Much more accepting of human interaction, they are much more bold and often seen in parking lots and suburban areas looking for food.
Lastly there is the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). It is smaller than the red-winged and Tricolored, perhaps closer to the Brewer’s but is an obligate brood parasitic icterid. This means that they will lay their eggs in nests of other birds and leave them to be raised by another. Sometimes the birds they are left with eat entirely different diets and the young do not survive. Found across almost the entirety of North America, you can tell them apart from the others with their brown colored head.
The females of all four species are different but similar in appearance. Spotted with browns and greys, they are lacking the vibrant colors and solid blacks of their male counterparts.
While I cannot identify which black birds are in these shots, on this day the Red-Winged Blackbird was what I spotted most often. However, I spotted all four species in the same area at the same time. The marshy wetlands at Juniper Point are rich and fertile with plenty of lakeside flora, pine and of course, juniper.
The last gallery in this Big Bear Lake series, is a gallery of one of the most common birds found nearly worldwide – DUCKS, aka Waterfowl.
Starting with the most well-known, the mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos). A dabbling duck, you most often see them floating in water and picking at food from the surface between its lounging and bathing. This specific series of Mallard photos is from a friendly female that was most likely looking for food at the shore of Juniper Point, Big Bear Lake. I have also included two shots of a Male and Female that live at the Whitewater Reserve in Whitewater California.
Another commonly found duck is the gadwall (Mareca strepera) is a common and widespread dabbling duck[2] in the family Anatidae. Similar looking to the Mallard, especially the females – coloration of their wings are one of the easiest ways to tell them apart. In fact, I wasn’t too sure if my close-ups of the Mallard is possibly a Gadwall given that I cannot and do not see the coloration in the wings, but she doesn’t have the white belly of the gadwall. the giveaway here is her mostly orange beak with dark splotching on the top, opposed to a Gadwalls dark beak with an orange stripe at the side.
In these collections of photos, other ducks can be seen. Mostly mallards and gadwalls, there is most likely a female northern shoveler (/ˈʃʌvələr/; Spatula clypeata), given the wide beak and brown/white coloration. Also, given a dark and narrower beak, there is most likely some cinnamon teal (Spatula cyanoptera) in here as well.
Finally, there are shots of 2 ducks that have a dark/white striped pattern across their head, matching the ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), although one of them has rust/red color spots on its wings with light feathers. This is often indicative of a Gadwall. Possibly a crossbreed since it was on its own, but most likely lighting conditions that make it hard for me to properly identify.
Female ducks can often be hard to tell apart without a good look at their beaks or spread wings. I do think however, these are most likely the three types of duck in this series of photos since they are all commonly found in Big Bear Lake.
Next on the journey through my favorite bird shots of 2021-2022 is down the mountains and to the Southern California Coast, from Long Beach to Orange County.
Wild Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) or Peacocks… in Palos Verdes, California.
Thats right. Wild peacocks live and thrive in an expensive California beachside community. Why? It has been up for debate but the short of it is that the wealthy Frank Vanderlip had them when he purchased the Rancho de los Palos Verdes in 1913. Some folks believe they were a gift from the daughter of the gum maker William Wrigley Jr. or Elias “Lucky” Baldwin (that Baldwin Hills is named after).
At one point in time people thought they came from Baldwin himself and crossed the mountains to the shore but that is no longer the common belief. Curbed Los Angeles wrote a good article about it in 2016 here.
Regardless, they can be found all over the area. On a day I was spending with someone in the area, we had to stop to allow this boy to cross the street. Like an excited child I jumped out of the car in pursuit of this peafowl to snag some photos. The last time I had seen them in person was at a ranch in Red Rock Canyon in Nevada and they were not nice. Loud and uninterested in human interaction, they would chase you and nip at your legs.
This boy, however, was pretty chill, obviously accustomed to human interaction after over 100 years of living in a suburban area. I was able to get closer than expected but he was on a mission, probably for food. It was a “California Winter”, a sunny, warm January and perfect to be out and about.
The Male Indian Peafowl are the ones with the bright plumage and famous, beautiful multicolored train. The females do not have this train and it is believed that the display has to do with sexual attraction and mating practices, but this is actually a thing that has been up for debate. There seems to be a very low correlation between mating habits and the train themselves, coupled with the fact that almost all males have the same train in very similar numbers. It may even be a trait leftover from a time when it did matter that has just become part of who they are. Wikipedia has a good information dump on this here.
Gulls!
Check back for updates soon!
Check below for the Desert Grizzly Photography Concert Blog.
Continuously updated with new and backlogged sets.
Melt Banana 11.12.2022 – w/ Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, Deaf Club and Glass Stab
November 25, 2022
No Comments
“It’s Grindcore, but with… Japanese Pop? I don’t know how to explain it, but you need to check this out.” It was somewhere in 2002
Naked Aggression – 10.28.2022 Halloween Party w/ Get Greens, The Church Crowd, Triste, CFTC and SVA
November 1, 2022
No Comments
It was going to be a night of noise, dirt and fury. Although dusk keeps everything well-lit for some time after the sun drops over
