Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) breeds over a large swathe of western North America, often in large colonies. It winters at the coast, including the Baja peninsula where I took this, but it doesn't breed in Baja. I have always found them to be a bit wary and difficult to photograph close, but I managed to take this from a small boat as we slowly cruised a mangrove at San Ignacio lagoon. Although I have seen them many times this is the only previous photo I have ever posted of one:
www.flickr.com/photos/timmelling/8597439318/in/photolist Its scientific name Aechmophorus translates as spear-carrier, referring to its long, sharp bill. Occidentalis simply means western

Tags:   Aechmophorus occidentalis Western Grebe Baja Mexico Tim Melling

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A lovely surprise visit from two female Redpolls and a male.

Tags:   Redpoll Female Redpoll West Yorkshire Gt. Britain April2024 Canon 100 - 400 mm II CanonR7 Carduelis flammea

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We had a warm and sunny day after the solar eclipse and suddenly there were butterflies everywhere! This is an American Lady on the cherry blossoms in my backyard. There were hundreds of them as well as Red Admirals. Spring magic!

Thank-you to all who take the time to comment on my photos, it is greatly appreciated!

Tags:   Butterfly American Lady Beauty Nature Spring Cherry Blossoms Flowers Sun

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