Avian Scenes in the City

I really thought this was going to be a good birding season, but I must say that my plans got derailed by my addiction to World Cup soccer. I have throughout the year taken a few feathery snapshots here and there in urban environments. I thought I would share these in this post. I wasn't specifically looking for birds, they just happened to be there as I was going about my business.

It is hard to spot, but there's a crow feasting on these mussels that cling to this supporting structure (lower right), which becomes exposed at low tide. It's a seafood feast!

The water might be green because of phytoplankton bloom and melted glacier water.

Crows are extremely photogenic in spite of being plain black in plumage. I took a snapshot of this one in the evening, when it was looking very POEtic up on the branch.

This one decided to pose on top of bicyle art, and to be honest, the art looks much better with the crow on top. Good call, Mr. Crow.

But enough about the crows. There are other residents in town that also enjoy the grand views of the west coast.

I don't know what exact species this pair of ducks belongs to, but they looked like mallards. They were enjoying the sunset one summer day.

This next one is the mighty cormorant. I find these birds very mysterious and elusive in their shiny sleek black feathery coat. They spend a lot of their time diving underwater, so you see them pop up here and there wherever there is ocean water.

Lastly, there is the ever prolific, cranky but humorous and fashionable Canada goose.

If you have ever wondered what Canada geese were up to in Canada, now you know. Just chilling.

Thank you for visiting.