Common Merganser - Females in Golden Light

Late February, Hemeon's Head.

Common Goldeneye - In flight

Harlequin Ducks - A Closer Look

A few days after the last photos posted I managed to get a little closer to a couple of individuals from the same flock.

Harlequin Ducks - Flocks in the Surf

In mid February Harlequin ducks were still here in abundance. These are the kind of conditions in which you typically find them, in rough seas and not far from shore. It's a wonder they are able to survive and thrive in this harsh environment.

American Goldfinches

These are from early February when these birds were still in Winter plumage. They are looking much more colourful these days although not quite yet in full breeding plumage.

Dovekie

From mid January after a storm, where several birds of this species were blown ashore. This one survived the storm but others didn't fare as well.

Purple Sandpipers

Another late post from early to mid December. Just a few of the several Purple Sandpipers I photographed this past Winter.

Tree Swallow - Better Late Than Never

No, this is not the first swallow of the season. It's actually one of a pair that were very late in the season back on December 7. I saw them again two weeks later on the 21st and was surprised they were still surviving since they are strictly insect eaters. There was snow on the ground on both days and no flying insects. Now that the first migrants of the Spring season have arrived it seemed like a good time to finally post this.  (no pun intended)