Bird Photographs and Stock Avian Photography

Stock photos of birds in flight, avian photography, seabirds.

Birds in Flight, Seabirds, and Professional Stock Avian Photographs by Natural History Photographer Phillip Colla.

Brown pelican in flight against pastel-colored sky at sunrise.  The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.  In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Brown pelican in flight against pastel-colored sky at sunrise. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage.
Bald eagle, closeup of head and shoulders showing distinctive white head feathers, yellow beak and brown body and wings, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
Bald eagle, closeup of head and shoulders showing distinctive white head feathers, yellow beak and brown body and wings.
Bald eagle makes a splash while in flight as it takes a fish out of the water, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Bald eagle makes a splash while in flight as it takes a fish out of the water.
Brown booby flying over Rose Atoll at sunset, with dark colorful storm clouds and other birds in the background, Sula leucogaster, Rose Atoll National Wildlife Sanctuary
Brown booby flying over Rose Atoll at sunset, with dark colorful storm clouds and other birds in the background.
A white tern, or fairy tern, alights on a branch at Rose Atoll in American Samoa, Gygis alba, Rose Atoll National Wildlife Sanctuary
A white tern, or fairy tern, alights on a branch at Rose Atoll in American Samoa.
Bald eagle spreads its wings to land amid a large group of bald eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
Bald eagle spreads its wings to land amid a large group of bald eagles.
Galapagos penguin, underwater, swimming.  Bartolome Island, Spheniscus mendiculus
Galapagos penguin, underwater, swimming. Bartolome Island.
Double-crested cormorant nuptial crests, tufts of feathers on each side of the head, plumage associated with courtship and mating, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Double-crested cormorant nuptial crests, tufts of feathers on each side of the head, plumage associated with courtship and mating.
California brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs. Adult winter non-breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs. Adult winter non-breeding plumage.
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second, Aechmophorus occidentalis, Lake Hodges, San Diego, California
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second.
Northern cardinal, male, Cardinalis cardinalis, Amado, Arizona
Northern cardinal, male.
Magnificent frigatebird, adult male on nest, with throat pouch inflated, a courtship display to attract females, Fregata magnificens, North Seymour Island
Magnificent frigatebird, adult male on nest, with throat pouch inflated, a courtship display to attract females.
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light.  This crane is one of over 5000 present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration, Grus canadensis, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This crane is one of over 5000 present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration.
Spectacular Brown Pelican Head Throw Display. This California brown pelican is arching its head and neck way back, opening its mouth in a behavior known as a head throw or bill throw, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Spectacular Brown Pelican Head Throw Display. This California brown pelican is arching its head and neck way back, opening its mouth in a behavior known as a head throw or bill throw.
Brown pelican in flight. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. Adult winter non-breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Brown pelican in flight. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. Adult winter non-breeding plumage.
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf.  Pelicans ride the updrafts of waves enabling them to glide long distances while minimizing the energy exerted by flapping wings, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf. Pelicans ride the updrafts of waves enabling them to glide long distances while minimizing the energy exerted by flapping wings.
A brown pelican preening, reaching with its beak to the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry. Adult winter non-breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
A brown pelican preening, reaching with its beak to the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry. Adult winter non-breeding plumage.
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy. Note the winter mating plumage, olive and red throat, yellow head, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy. Note the winter mating plumage, olive and red throat, yellow head.
Brown pelican in flight with wings spread wide, slowing as it returns from the ocean to land on seacliffs, adult winter non-breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican in flight with wings spread wide, slowing as it returns from the ocean to land on seacliffs, adult winter non-breeding plumage.
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration, Grus canadensis, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration.
Magnificent frigatebird, adult female on nest, Fregata magnificens, North Seymour Island
Magnificent frigatebird, adult female on nest.
California Brown pelican in flight, soaring along sea cliffs above the ocean in La Jolla, California. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Brown pelican in flight, soaring along sea cliffs above the ocean in La Jolla, California. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.
California brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs, dark background caused by seacliffs in morning shadow, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs, dark background caused by seacliffs in morning shadow.
Pelican yoga, Utthita Tadasana, extended mountain pose with backbend. A California brown pelican preening, rubbing the back of its head and neck on the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry. Adult winter breeding plumage showing brown hindneck and red gular throat pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Pelican yoga, Utthita Tadasana, extended mountain pose with backbend. A California brown pelican preening, rubbing the back of its head and neck on the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry. Adult winter breeding plumage showing brown hindneck and red gular throat pouch.
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur.
Sandhill cranes in synchronous flight side by side, matching their wingbeats perfect as they fly over Bosque del Apache NWR, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes in synchronous flight side by side, matching their wingbeats perfect as they fly over Bosque del Apache NWR.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf.
Yellow morph of the California brown pelican in flight.  The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.  In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Yellow morph of the California brown pelican in flight. The wingspan of the brown pelican is over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. In winter months, breeding adults assume a dramatic plumage.
Nazca booby in flight, Sula granti, Wolf Island
Nazca booby in flight.
Snow geese at dawn.  Snow geese often "blast off" just before or after dawn, leaving the ponds where they rest for the night to forage elsewhere during the day, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese at dawn. Snow geese often "blast off" just before or after dawn, leaving the ponds where they rest for the night to forage elsewhere during the day.
Sandhilll cranes in golden sunset light, silhouette, standing in pond, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhilll cranes in golden sunset light, silhouette, standing in pond.
Mated pair of Brandt's Cormorants tend to the nest they have built on sea cliffs. Note the colors they assume during mating season: striking blue gular pouch (throat) along with faint blue-green iridescence in their plumage, Phalacrocorax penicillatus, La Jolla, California
Mated pair of Brandt's Cormorants tend to the nest they have built on sea cliffs. Note the colors they assume during mating season: striking blue gular pouch (throat) along with faint blue-green iridescence in their plumage.
Brandt's Cormorant flying with wings spread wide as it slows to land at its nest on ocean cliffs, Phalacrocorax penicillatus, La Jolla, California
Brandt's Cormorant flying with wings spread wide as it slows to land at its nest on ocean cliffs.
Whimbrel Foraging Amidst Spring Wildflowers on Coast Walk, La Jolla, Numenius phaeopus
Whimbrel Foraging Amidst Spring Wildflowers on Coast Walk, La Jolla.
Clark's Grebes Rushing on Lake Hodges, San Diego, Aechmophorus clarkii
Clark's Grebes Rushing on Lake Hodges, San Diego.
Double-crested cormorant nuptial crests, tufts of feathers on each side of the head, plumage associated with courtship and mating, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Double-crested cormorant nuptial crests, tufts of feathers on each side of the head, plumage associated with courtship and mating.
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second. Lake Hodges, San Diego, Aechmophorus occidentalis
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second. Lake Hodges, San Diego.
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second, Aechmophorus occidentalis, Lake Hodges, San Diego, California
Western Grebes rushing in a courtship display. Rushiing grebes run across the water 60 feet (20m) or further with their feet hitting the water as rapidly as 20 times per second.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Spectacular Brown Pelican Head Throw Display. This California brown pelican extends its head and bill up and back, stretching its neck and pouch in a behavior known as a head throw or bill throw. Adult winter breeding plumage.  Pelican yoga, High Mountain pose, Tadasan, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Spectacular Brown Pelican Head Throw Display. This California brown pelican extends its head and bill up and back, stretching its neck and pouch in a behavior known as a head throw or bill throw. Adult winter breeding plumage. Pelican yoga, High Mountain pose, Tadasan.
Sandhill Cranes Fly Over Bosque del Apache NWR, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill Cranes Fly Over Bosque del Apache NWR.
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration, Grus canadensis, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration.
Marichyasana, sage twist pose, pelican yoga. Brown pelican doing yoga, actually its preening, bending its neck back to spread preen oil on the back of the head and neck,  likely second winter coloration, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Marichyasana, sage twist pose, pelican yoga. Brown pelican doing yoga, actually its preening, bending its neck back to spread preen oil on the back of the head and neck, likely second winter coloration.
California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, wings outstretch, with a few other pelicans in the background, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, wings outstretch, with a few other pelicans in the background.
California Brown Pelican banking and turning as it flies over the ocean, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican banking and turning as it flies over the ocean.
Brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican in flight, spreading wings wide to slow in anticipation of landing on seacliffs.
A brown pelican preening, reaching with its beak to the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
A brown pelican preening, reaching with its beak to the uropygial gland (preen gland) near the base of its tail. Preen oil from the uropygial gland is spread by the pelican's beak and back of its head to all other feathers on the pelican, helping to keep them water resistant and dry.
Brandt's cormorant cormorant in flight, Phalacrocorax penicillatus, La Jolla, California
Brandt's cormorant cormorant in flight.
Royal tern in flight, winter adult phase, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus, La Jolla, California
Royal tern in flight, winter adult phase.
Willet, Catoptrophurus semipalmatus, La Jolla, California
Willet.
Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius, La Jolla, California
Spotted sandpiper.
Juvenile bald eagle, second year coloration plumage, closeup of head and shoulders, looking directly at camera, snowflakes visible on feathers.    Immature coloration showing white speckling on feathers, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
Juvenile bald eagle, second year coloration plumage, closeup of head and shoulders, looking directly at camera, snowflakes visible on feathers. Immature coloration showing white speckling on feathers.
Pyrrhuloxia, male, Cardinalis sinuatus, Amado, Arizona
Pyrrhuloxia, male.
Bullock's oriole, first year male, Icterus bullockii, Amado, Arizona
Bullock's oriole, first year male.
Northern cardinal, female, Cardinalis cardinalis, Amado, Arizona
Northern cardinal, female.
Greater roadrunner, Geococcyx californianus, Amado, Arizona
Greater roadrunner.
Curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre, Amado, Arizona
Curve-billed thrasher.
Acorn woodpecker, female, Melanerpes formicivorus, Madera Canyon Recreation Area, Green Valley, Arizona
Acorn woodpecker, female.
Black-headed grosbeak, male, Pheucticus melanocephalus, Madera Canyon Recreation Area, Green Valley, Arizona
Black-headed grosbeak, male.
Brown-headed cowbird, male, Molothrus ater, Amado, Arizona
Brown-headed cowbird, male.
House finch, male, Carpodacus mexicanus, Amado, Arizona
House finch, male.
Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, Madera Canyon Recreation Area, Green Valley, Arizona
Wild turkey.
Bridled titmouse, Baeolophus wollweberi, Madera Canyon Recreation Area, Green Valley, Arizona
Bridled titmouse.
Canyon towhee, Pipilo fuscus, Amado, Arizona
Canyon towhee.
Hooded oriole, female, Icterus cucullatus, Amado, Arizona
Hooded oriole, female.
House sparrow, breeding male, Passer domesticus, Amado, Arizona
House sparrow, breeding male.
Cactus wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, Amado, Arizona
Cactus wren.
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagle.
Great egret (white egret), Ardea alba, Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, Newport Beach, California
Great egret (white egret).
Wood duck, male, Aix sponsa, Santee Lakes
Wood duck, male.
Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts.
California brown pelican spreads its wings wide as it slows before landing on seacliffs, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California brown pelican spreads its wings wide as it slows before landing on seacliffs.
Western gulls, courtship behaviour, Larus occidentalis, La Jolla, California
Western gulls, courtship behaviour.
California brown pelican in flight, soaring over the ocean with its huge wings outstretched.  The wingspan of the brown pelican can be over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status.  Adult winter non-breeding plumage showing white hindneck and red gular throat pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California brown pelican in flight, soaring over the ocean with its huge wings outstretched. The wingspan of the brown pelican can be over 7 feet wide. The California race of the brown pelican holds endangered species status. Adult winter non-breeding plumage showing white hindneck and red gular throat pouch.
Western gull, early morning pink sky, Larus occidentalis, La Jolla, California
Western gull, early morning pink sky.
Brown pelican portrait, displaying winter plumage with distinctive yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch. This adult is just transitioning to the brown hind neck characteristic of the brown pelican breeding plumage, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican portrait, displaying winter plumage with distinctive yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch. This adult is just transitioning to the brown hind neck characteristic of the brown pelican breeding plumage.
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave.
California Brown Pelican flying over a breaking wave, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican flying over a breaking wave.
California brown pelican preening, beak and feather detail, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California brown pelican preening, beak and feather detail.
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican flying over waves and the surf.
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave.
Brown pelican preening, cleaning its feathers after foraging on the ocean, with winter breeding plumage including distinctive dark brown nape, yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican preening, cleaning its feathers after foraging on the ocean, with winter breeding plumage including distinctive dark brown nape, yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch.
Brown pelican head throw.  During a bill throw, the pelican arches its neck back, lifting its large bill upward and stretching its throat pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican head throw. During a bill throw, the pelican arches its neck back, lifting its large bill upward and stretching its throat pouch.
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more.
Royal tern, winter adult phase, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus, La Jolla, California
Royal tern, winter adult phase.
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more.
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR.
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur.
Sandhill Cranes in Flight at Sunrise, Bosque del Apache NWR. At sunrise, sandhill cranes will fly out from the pool in which they spent the night to range over Bosque del Apache NWR in search of food, returning to the pool at sunset, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill Cranes in Flight at Sunrise, Bosque del Apache NWR. At sunrise, sandhill cranes will fly out from the pool in which they spent the night to range over Bosque del Apache NWR in search of food, returning to the pool at sunset.
California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, early morning light just after sunrise, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, early morning light just after sunrise.
Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla.
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave, La Jolla coastline in the distant background, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave, La Jolla coastline in the distant background.
California Brown Pelican flying over a breaking wave, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican flying over a breaking wave.
Bald eagle in flight, sidelit, cloudy sky and Kenai Mountains in the background, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
Bald eagle in flight, sidelit, cloudy sky and Kenai Mountains in the background.
Snow geese in flight, Chen caerulescens, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese in flight.
Sandhill crane in flight, wings extended, Grus canadensis, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane in flight, wings extended.
Snow geese in flight, wings are blurred in long time exposure as they are flying, Chen caerulescens, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese in flight, wings are blurred in long time exposure as they are flying.
Snow geese at dawn.  Snow geese often "blast off" just before or after dawn, leaving the ponds where they rest for the night to forage elsewhere during the day, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese at dawn. Snow geese often "blast off" just before or after dawn, leaving the ponds where they rest for the night to forage elsewhere during the day.
California brown pelican preening, the tip of the bill seen spreading preen oil on feathers, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California brown pelican preening, the tip of the bill seen spreading preen oil on feathers.
Juvenile California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, early morning light just after sunrise, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Juvenile California Brown Pelican Flying over the Ocean, early morning light just after sunrise.
Royal Tern in flight, breaking waves and surf in the background, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, breaking waves and surf in the background, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy.
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Pelican flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave.
Cormorants rest on sandstone seacliffs above the ocean.  Likely Brandts and double-crested cormorants, Phalacrocorax, La Jolla, California
Cormorants rest on sandstone seacliffs above the ocean. Likely Brandts and double-crested cormorants.
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more.
Male Brandt's Cormorant Skypointing, Courtship Display, Breeding Plumage with blue throat and a few white pin-feathers, La Jolla. Skypointing is an interesting courtship behavior that many birds practice. Among Brandt's Cormorants the male performs this, likely as a way of attracting a mate to the nest he has built by showing off his striking blue throat. He tips his head backward showing off his striking blue throat, and partially raises his wings. Seen here on seacliffs above the ocean, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Male Brandt's Cormorant Skypointing, Courtship Display, Breeding Plumage with blue throat and a few white pin-feathers, La Jolla. Skypointing is an interesting courtship behavior that many birds practice. Among Brandt's Cormorants the male performs this, likely as a way of attracting a mate to the nest he has built by showing off his striking blue throat. He tips his head backward showing off his striking blue throat, and partially raises his wings. Seen here on seacliffs above the ocean.
Ring-Billed Gull in Flight, top view, Larus delawarensis, La Jolla, California
Ring-Billed Gull in Flight, top view.
Heermann's Gulls in Flight with Ocean Background, Larus heermanni, La Jolla, California
Heermann's Gulls in Flight with Ocean Background.
Orange-Crowned Warbler Amid Spring Flowers, Coast Trail, La Jolla, Leiothlypis celata
Orange-Crowned Warbler Amid Spring Flowers, Coast Trail, La Jolla.
Heermanns gull portrait with open beak, La Jolla, California, Larus heermanni
Heermanns gull portrait with open beak, La Jolla, California.
Clark's grebe, Aechmophorus clarkii, Lake Hodges, San Diego, Aechmophorus clarkii
Clark's grebe, Aechmophorus clarkii, Lake Hodges, San Diego.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult non-breeding plumage, La Jolla.
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR.
Sandhill cranes in synchronous flight side by side, matching their wingbeats perfect as they fly over Bosque del Apache NWR, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes in synchronous flight side by side, matching their wingbeats perfect as they fly over Bosque del Apache NWR.
Northern Shoveler in flight, Bosque del Apache, Anas clypeata, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Northern Shoveler in flight, Bosque del Apache.
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow Geese in Flight, Bosque del Apache NWR.
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes landing in water ponds at dusk, spending the night standing in water as a protection against coyotes and other predators. Motion blur.
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration, Grus canadensis, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration.
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration, Grus canadensis, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane spreads its broad wings as it takes flight in early morning light. This sandhill crane is among thousands present in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, stopping here during its winter migration.
Snow geese resting, on a still pond in early morning light, in groups of several thousands, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese resting, on a still pond in early morning light, in groups of several thousands.
Sandhill Cranes Fly Over Bosque del Apache NWR, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill Cranes Fly Over Bosque del Apache NWR.
Sandhill crane and corn fields, Bosque del Apache, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill crane and corn fields, Bosque del Apache.
Many California Brown Pelicans Flying over the Ocean in a large gathering, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
Many California Brown Pelicans Flying over the Ocean in a large gathering.
Brown pelican, entangled in monofilament fishing line, showing winter mating plumage colors, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican, entangled in monofilament fishing line, showing winter mating plumage colors.
Cormorants in flight, wings blurred by time exposure, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Cormorants in flight, wings blurred by time exposure.
California Brown Pelicans flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave. Encinitas and Carlsbad coastline in the background, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Brown Pelicans flying on a wave, riding the updraft from the wave. Encinitas and Carlsbad coastline in the background.
Brown pelican preening, cleaning its feathers after foraging on the ocean, with distinctive winter breeding plumage with distinctive dark brown nape, yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla, California
Brown pelican preening, cleaning its feathers after foraging on the ocean, with distinctive winter breeding plumage with distinctive dark brown nape, yellow head feathers and red gular throat pouch.
Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Double-crested cormorant, breeding plumage showing tufts.
Western gull, flying, Larus occidentalis, La Jolla, California
Western gull, flying.
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy. Note the winter mating plumage, olive and red throat, yellow head, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican head throw, stretching its throat to keep it flexible and healthy. Note the winter mating plumage, olive and red throat, yellow head.
Snow goose in flight, Chen caerulescens, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow goose in flight.
Flock of red-winged blackbirds, in flight, blurred in time exposure, Agelaius phoeniceus, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Flock of red-winged blackbirds, in flight, blurred in time exposure.
Brown pelicans feeding en masse on clouds of krill, Coronado Islands, Mexico, Pelecanus occidentalis, Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado)
Brown pelicans feeding en masse on clouds of krill, Coronado Islands, Mexico.
Bald eagle in flight, banking over beach with Kachemak Bay in background, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Homer, Alaska
Bald eagle in flight, banking over beach with Kachemak Bay in background.
Sandhill cranes flying, wings blurred from long time exposure, Grus canadensis, Bosque Del Apache, Socorro, New Mexico
Sandhill cranes flying, wings blurred from long time exposure.
Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla. California sea lion in the background, Sterna maxima, Thalasseus maximus
Royal Tern in flight, adult breeding plumage with black head cap, La Jolla. California sea lion in the background.
California Brown Pelican flying over sea foam and waves, Pelecanus occidentalis, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus, La Jolla
California Brown Pelican flying over sea foam and waves.
Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion, Phalacrocorax auritus, La Jolla, California
Double-crested cormorants in flight at sunrise, long exposure produces a blurred motion.
Heermanns gull, moon setting, sunrise, Larus heermanni, La Jolla, California
Heermanns gull, moon setting, sunrise.
Bald eagle vocalizing, calling, with open beak while on wooden perch, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus washingtoniensis, Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska
Bald eagle vocalizing, calling, with open beak while on wooden perch.
Snow geese at sunrise.  Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off".  The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more.  Long time exposure creates blurring among the geese, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more. Long time exposure creates blurring among the geese.
Atlantic puffin, mating coloration, Fratercula arctica, Machias Seal Island
Atlantic puffin, mating coloration.
Snow goose in flight, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow goose in flight.
Snow geese rest on a still pond in rich orange and yellow sunrise light.  These geese have spent their night's rest on the main empoundment and will leave around sunrise to feed in nearby corn fields, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese rest on a still pond in rich orange and yellow sunrise light. These geese have spent their night's rest on the main empoundment and will leave around sunrise to feed in nearby corn fields.
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more, Chen caerulescens, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico
Snow geese fly in huge numbers at sunrise. Thousands of wintering snow geese take to the sky in predawn light in Bosque del Apache's famous "blast off". The flock can be as large as 20,000 geese or more.
Cormorants rest at night above the La Jolla Caves. La Jolla Sea Caves, the famous La Jolla sea caves lie below tall cliffs at Goldfish Point
Cormorants rest at night above the La Jolla Caves. La Jolla Sea Caves, the famous La Jolla sea caves lie below tall cliffs at Goldfish Point.