R: Killdeer.
Today I actually went Naturing as part of some re-con I’m doing for my internship. So, I technically got paid to GO NATURING. That’s right, folks. I visited MacArthur Meadow, the Barnard Avenue owl nursery, El Polin Spring, the Butterfly Corridor, Quartermaster Reach Marsh, and Crissy Lagoon. Oh, and a couple of the first photos are from the Fort Mason Community Garden, where I spent a tiny bit of time birding before starting my day.
I am finding that Summer is truly characterized by juveniles. I see it over and over again! So, that’s the theme of my two primary photos. Apologies for making both of birds. Variety is nice, I know.
And, once more, I only have time for the highlights. Finding time to do full-on posts just doesn’t seem very possible! But, most folks just want the photos, so you got it!
Highlights include seeing the shape of a Northern Mockingbird bill via a lucky shot I got of it, watching a Violet-green Swallow juvenile begging for food from its parent in mid-flight, getting a private tour of the hidden pond by the Wildlife Ecologist at Presidio Trust (!), watching the American White Pelicans feed effortlessly at Crissy Lagoon, laughing at a Caspian Tern juvenile throw a tantrum then pathetically not succeed at a fish transfer from its parent, seeing Brown Pelicans bathe in Crissy Lagoon that looked like they just pounded their wings onto the surface for fun, and spotting a baby Killdeer with its parent. OMG SO FLIPPIN’ CUTE!
Lowlights include only finding one Great Horned Owl at the nursery. Oh, and the miserable humid weather that will not quit!
The Afternoon Naturalist 