This type of Magpie is very common in Edmonton, Alberta. They are in yards everywhere, on lawns and in trees. The sun turns their "black" feathers a shiny blue.
Black-throated Magpie-Jay ~ This amazing bird is a native of Northwest Mexico. I was birding in the Tijuana River Valley area, only a mile or so from the Mexican border, and three of these birds had come across the border for a visit. This is the only one I managed to photograph. Look at that amazingly long tail!
Flying in Formation ~ Cliff Swallows flying in tandem, away from the mud-gathering area, getting mud for nest building.
