
This morning, I set out with the intention of photographing Greater Yellowlegs, but the shorebirds had other plans for me. Instead, my lens captured a wide array of birds, each with its own charm and quirks, making the adventure unforgettable.
As I arrived at the shore, the first bird to greet me was a hummingbird, caught in silhouette against the bright morning sun. There’s something mesmerizing about how such a tiny creature can appear so bold and powerful when reduced to just its outline. Fun fact: hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 80 times per second, and watching them dart around always makes me feel like they’re little gems of energy in the sky.

Next came the regal Great Blue Heron, standing tall and graceful as if it owned the shoreline. These herons can look almost prehistoric with their slow, deliberate movements, yet they manage to be absolutely elegant at the same time. Did you know they have a wingspan of up to six feet? Watching one take off is like seeing an ancient creature soar through time.

Then came the Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones, adding lively energy to the morning. Oystercatchers, with their bright orange beaks and piercing calls, always manage to steal my attention. They’ve got this funny habit of hopping around while digging for shellfish, which makes me smile every time.


The Black Turnstones are equally entertaining with their quick movements, often flipping over rocks like little archaeologists searching for buried treasures. They’re incredibly skittish and so well camouflaged against the rocky shore that you could easily miss them if you’re not paying close attention. One second they’re in view, and the next, they’ve disappeared into the background, only to reappear when they dart out to flip another stone. Their constant motion makes them a real challenge to photograph, but that only adds to the fun!

As I continued along the shore, a crow decided I was worthy of its company. It growled and followed me, almost like it was giving me an escort. Crows are such intelligent birds, and they never fail to amuse me with their sassy personalities. This one clearly had a lot to say, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at its persistence.

Suddenly, I noticed a bird with what appeared to be tiny heart-shaped patterns on its chest—a European Starling! These birds are often overlooked, but up close, their feathers shimmer with iridescent purples and greens, and those little heart-shaped spots were a delightful surprise. They also mimic other bird calls, which makes them such funny tricksters of the bird world.

Then, as if the morning wasn’t already perfect, I spotted a Savannah Sparrow with its striking yellow stripe on its face. It sat still just long enough for me to take in its beauty. These sparrows always remind me of how intricate nature can be—even the smallest birds have the most beautiful details if you take the time to notice.

Soon after, I was treated to the sight of a Female Hooded Merganser. Her spiky head feathers gave her such a cool, rockstar look. I learned that they can dive as deep as 20 feet to catch fish—what a show-off!


And just when I thought my morning couldn’t get any better, along came a Female Harlequin Duck. These striking birds are named after the colorful costumes of Italian clowns, but the female, with her more muted tones, is just as captivating. Harlequin Ducks are known for their love of rough waters—they thrive in fast-moving streams and coastal waves, which makes them exceptional swimmers. It’s said that they can even survive falls down waterfalls, an incredible feat! Watching her glide gracefully through the water was a reminder of how resilient and skilled these birds are, despite their seemingly delicate appearance.


But the absolute showstopper was a stunning Male Harlequin Duck. His vivid blue-grey feathers with bold white spots and chestnut sides looked like a masterpiece, painted by nature itself. These ducks prefer fast-moving streams and coastal waters, and they always make me pause in wonder. Seeing him felt like finding a rare treasure.



As I wandered further along the shore, I took a moment to check out a nearby tide pool, where vibrant sea anemones were nestled among the rocks like underwater flowers. Their bright greens, purples, and pinks stood out against the muted tones of the shore, swaying gently with the current. It's always a magical experience peering into these little worlds, where the colors and textures are just as captivating as the birds.

Every time I photograph a bird, electricity shoots through me. It’s like hitting the jackpot over and over again. While not every photo turned out perfect, each one holds a piece of the story I’m trying to tell—a story of the crazy, beautiful, and wild world we all live in. I feel incredibly lucky that these magnificent creatures are just outside my front door, waiting to be discovered in the neighborhoods I call home.
Absolutely stunning! The best yet!