This is a close view of a Brandt's Cormorant, from the breeding colony on the cliffs by La Jolla Cove, in the San Diego area. During breeding, the skin patch under the bill is bright blue, and is used in mating displays. This is the more common cormorant in that area--nearer home, the Double-crested Cormorant is what I usually see. 3/28/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
When I was at San Jacinto Wildlife Area the other day, there were still a few smaller ducks left, and a few waders like this American Avocet. This one is in breeding plumage, based on the rusty head and neck--after breeding it will be just black and white for the rest of the year. This is likely a female, which has a more curved bill than the male. They feed by sweeping their bills side to side through the water. The markings on her underside are reflections from the water. 4/1/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
This shot is of a couple of White-faced Ibis. It shows them without the white face, which only shows up during breeding. I liked the colors in the water, and their reflections. They were photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area. 3/27/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
