Random Flights in the City for SMaP 295

When out and about in the city, I come across different bird species that frequent this urban environment on Canada's west coast. In this edition of #SMaP, I include an assortment of birds that I took at various times and locations. I also mention the picture that I’m choosing as the main entry. Enjoy!

In the nesting season, Canada Geese spring into action and give birth to a new generation. In this photo, they’re enjoying a pleasant family day at the seawall with a great view of the ocean, which everyone seems to be enjoying.

The following is one of the strangest locations in which I have seen a bird flying.

The local downtown stadium has a retractable roof that is usually closed when the weather is not collaborating. On this occasion, it was closed because of the threat of rain and the low temperatures. When the music began playing loudly throughout the stadium and the fireworks exploded, I spotted a crow flying around in circles overhead. How did it manage to enter the arena? Looking closely at the roof, I could see gaps, so the crow likely entered through there. It seemed to be enjoying itself as the flashy noisy musical extravaganza got underway, then when the show was over, it disappeared.

The crow in the above picture was hanging out at the local pool, likely taking in on the sunlight that was nice and warm that cool day.

The flicker was up to something on the side of a hill. He was difficult to catch because its plumage blended well with the dry grass. They're secretive birds, so it's difficult to figure out what they're up to, but in all likelihood, it was looking for something to eat.

The breezes that blow from the ocean sometimes bring with them strong currents and birds appear to enjoy playing in them. I say appear because not being an expert, I can only make conjectures about what I see. Take these pigeons for example, they showed up in a flock when the wind currents were strong, as you can see from the extended flags, and swooped in a circle, letting themselves hover in the air and swooping right back around to do it over several times. They were still doing it when I left, so I figured they were having a good ole time.

And now, for the grand finale, starring a hungry seagull.

I was about to enjoy a Portuguese tart and Japanese pastry when this guy showed up and made eye contact with the treats in my hand, then took a look at me, while I gave it a steely gaze.

I had the phone in my hand just as it spread its wings while looking directly at me, perhaps making a calculation about whether it felt lucky today or not. It seemed to think better of going after my food and took off flying.

The next shot is my entry for the Show Me a Photo #295 contest.

Thank you for visiting.

Images by @litguru