Perching Birds

Abert's Towhee

This Abert's Towhee was photographed at Salton Sea, CA. It is a desert species, noted for the dark patch on his face.

California Scrub Jay

The jay was photographed at Silverwood Lake in Southern California.

California Scrub Jay 2

This jay was until fairly recently, called a Western Scrub Jay. The species was recently "split" into 2 species, the California Scrub Jay (western coastal plain) and the Woodhouse Scrub Jay (interior). The CA tends to be a brighter blue than the Woodhouse.

California Scrub Jay 3

Another view of the jay photographed at Silverwood Lake State Recreational Area. I've seldom had one stay still in one place, so took several shots while I had the chance.

Mexican Jay ~ This is the "default" jay in much of southeastern Arizona. This one, with its almost turquoise blue plumage, was photographed in Ash Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains out of Sierra Vista, AZ.

Black-billed Magpie ~ This magpie was photographed in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are a very common bird in the city, seen in parks, residential neighborhoods, even in the city streets. This view shows the beautiful irridescent colors in his "black" feathers.

Stellar's Jay ~ This jay was the most common on the east side of the Sierras. I would have liked a better photograph, but they were very jumpy and didn't like posing for their portraits.

Bullock's Oriole ~ This male Bullock's Oriole was photographed at Barr Lake State Park in Colorado. There were many of these nesting birds there, with lots of young and females flying in the Cottonwood Trees.

Western Kingbird ~ This kingbid was photographed recently at Barr Lake State Park in Colorado.

Black Phoebe

This flycatcher was photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area. It is such a common bird here that I hardly ever take pictures of it, but this time he perched for me, catch light in his eye, so.....

All in a Row

These Tree Swallows are just a few of the thousands flying around at San Jacinto Wildlife area right now.

What Are You All Looking AT?

This row of Tree Swallows was photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area yesterday. Tree Swallows were there by the thousands, many lined up on power wires, as well as flying over the water and in treetops. I liked this view of three swallows all looking at the one on the right.

Red-winged Blackbird

This blackbird was photographed yesterday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area in southern California.

Yellow-eyed Junco

This southeast Arizona specialty bird was photographed in Rustler Park in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona.

Perching Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Cactus Wren

This cooperative wren was photographed December 25th in Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California.

Dark-eyed Junco

This junco was photographed this January at Thurman Flat Picnic Area in the San Bernardino Mountains, southern California.

Loggerhead Shrike

This shrike was photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, December, 2014.

Marsh Wren

I seldom manage to capture Marsh Wrens, as they are good at hiding in the cattails. This one showed itself just long enough for a couple of shots. San Jacinto Wildlife Area, southern California. Judith Sparhawk

Pinyon Jay on Joshua Tree

Photographed at Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Pinyon Jay

This was one of a flock of about 30 Pinyon Jays finding food on these Joshua Trees. It was photographed at Black Rock Campground, part of Joshua Tree National Park, California.