This Common Gallinule was photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area recently. Although related to the American Coots that are so common here, this species is much less likely occur, and tends to be much more reclusive. When this one saw me coming down the path, it high-tailed into the undergrowth. 3/7/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
This was one of two similar sculptures on the edge of the water at Ventura Harbor, Ventura, California. I don't know the origins of the flower crown and the streamers--the yellow and blue may have been in support of Ukraine. At any rate, it was a very tall, eye catching sculpture. 3/6/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
This male Great-tailed Grackle was photographed in the San Diego area quite some time ago. When I could only hear him, he was making all manner of loud squawks, doing some kind of display. When I finally got to a place where I could see him, he quieted down and sat there innocently, as if to say, "What???" At least he found a pretty spot of pose for me. 3/5/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
