While hiking out at Montano de Oro, looking out over the cliffs above the sea, I spotted this Black Oystercatcher. It was using it long orange bill to probe around in the rock crevices, and came out with this yummy shellfish of some kind. He walked over to a spot, used his bill to open the shell, and ate the contents. He repeated the process a few times while I watched. All I can say is thank heavens for the bright orange bill, to help spot him on the rocks. 10/1/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
A smaller version of Arizona wildlife, was the many butterflies I saw flying everywhere. The most impressive was at Canoa Historic Ranch natural area, where some of the plants had attracted many butterflies. This shot was of a cluster of Queen Butterflies in a garden area near the lake. 9/1/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
I went up into the mountains today--the San Jacinto Mountains--and stopped for birding at a few locations. One place was Idyllwild County Park & Nature Center. Outside the Nature Center, I spotted this unusual wildlife. I'll bet even Bill Boyd doesn't have one like this coming into his back yard! The artist was Lauretta Lowell. 5/28/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
