A quick walk through the San Elijo Nature Reserve with
several photos of the Nuttall's Woodpecker. The male and the female that I
photographed both had dark chins. I wonder what really turns the chins on these
Nuttall's Woodpeckers so dark. Also some photos of the other bird subjects that
were at the lagoon.
As I arrived at the Nature Center on Manchester Avenue,
the first bird that I spot is a California Gnatcatcher.
A look at the under wing.
Oh, another one is spotted in a nearby bush! This one is a
male with a dark cap. Also a look at the undertail shows the thin white outline that
positively identifies this little guy as a California Gnatcatcher
Waking past the boardwalk, I spot a male Nuttall's
Woodpecker. He appears to be working on a nest. I notice that his chin is dark.
Pecking away.
Flies to a nearby branch.
Same tree but just a few feet down. There is another hole that he is working on.
A look at the dark chin.
A female Nuttall's Woodpecker is spotted in another nearby tree. I
notice she also has the dark chin.
Close look at the dark chin.
A female Blue-winged Teal duck is seen in the duck
pond.
Here is the male Blue-winged Teal. Notice the white
crescent on the face above the bill.
Close-up of the white crescent marking.
A adult American Coot floats by.
As I head back towards the parking lot, I spot a male American
Wigeon swimming on the east side of the bridge.
Close-up.
Approaching the Nature Center, the resident male
Anna's Hummingbird guards his territory.
Close-up
Side view.
Time to say goodbye for now.
Happy Easter Everyone!
The dark chins could possibly be stains from tree sap or other plants in which they may have been feeding. This is the time of year when Bushtits get yellow willow pollen on their faces and look somewhat like verdins!
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, Good to read your comments about the possible cause of the dark chin on these guys. I sure would love to find out what tree or plant that might causes this dark chin. Thank you for stopping by. See you out birding!
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