This Hyacinth Macaw was photographed at San Diego Safari Park. The Hyacinth is the largest of the Macaws. It's best to keep fingers out of reach of its beak, as it has the ability to bite down with 5,000 pounds of pressure--not recommended! 4/16/19 Judith Sparhawk
Usually a couple of times a year I go to visit the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia, California. I haven't gotten there yet this year, but one of the fun things there, aside from all the beautiful gardens, is the many peacocks that wander around the grounds. This one was photographed there a few years ago. At some times of year they are doing a lot of display behavior, with the males raising their tails in a beautiful array of colors. 11/23/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
This golden chicken was one of several resident chickens at the nursery/garden shop I visited in Morongo Valley, CA. I thought this one had very unusual coloring, and I especially liked the sweep of head and neck feathers shown here. The owner told me what kind of chickens she had, but I don't recall the names. One of them--maybe not this one--lays blue eggs. 12/9/19 Judith Sparhawk
