Female Surf Scoter, Melanitta perspicillata, 50.8 cm. / 20 in. COMMON on both coasts on open salt water, nests on ponds and lakes within spruce forests.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, USA.

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Tags:   Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Anatidae Ducks, Geese and Waterfowl ©bryanjsmith Birds of California

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Eared Grebe, Podiceps nigicollis, 33 cm. / 13 in. COMMON on shallow ponds and lakes with emergent reeds, on open water from small ponds to open ocean.

Mission Bay, San Diego City and County, California, USA.

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Tags:   Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Podicipedidae Grebes Birds of California

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California Scrub-Jay, Aphelocoma californica, 29.2 cm. / 11.5 in. COMMON in coastal regions with oaks in brushy areas and open woods. Handheld.

La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, San Diego County, California, USA.

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Tags:   California Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica Corvidae Crows, Jays and Magpies Birds of California

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Heermann's Gull, Larus heermanni, 48.26 cm. / 19 in. COMMON along coast, mainly on ocean beaches and open ocean close to shore.

La Jolla Cove, La Jolla, San Diego county, California, USA.

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Tags:   Heermann's Gull Larus heermannii Laridae Gulls, Terns and Skimmers Birds of California

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Little Blue Heron, Egretta cerulean, 60.96 cm. / 24 in. COMMON in shallow water with emergent vegetation and grassy fields.

San Diego River Estuary, San Diego City and County, California, USA.

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Tags:   Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Ardeidae Herons, Egrets and Bitterns Birds of California

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