Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

A male Anna's Hummingbird is a striking sight, known for its vibrant gorget and forehead colors. This species can be found year-round in the Western United States. It is particularly famous for its impressive mating dives, which can exceed 100 feet (35 meters). Originally, Anna's Hummingbird occurred only in Northern Baja California, but it has since dramatically expanded its range. Today, it can be found along the West Coast up to Southern British Columbia and has also spread southeast into Arizona and, to a lesser extent, Texas. This significant range expansion over roughly a century is attributed to human population growth, which has brought cultivars and hummingbird feeders that support their existence. This species also has an ability to greatly slow its metabolism during cold periods to help it survive in the winter. Unlike other U.S. hummingbird species, Anna’s Hummingbird does not migrate latitudinally.

Avocet at Low tide

Avocet at Low Tide - 16” x 8” acrylic on wood panel

I feel a sense of wonder seeing an avocet in winter plumage striding across the mudflat at low tide in the Palo Alto Baylands, California

Black-crowned Night Herons

Night Herons and Moon 12” x 36” acrylic on canvas

Night Herons are common in the local Baylands. They make a fun subject to paint because they hang out in groups and they have a somewhat sinister look..

Military Macaws

Military Macaws 16” x 16” acrylic on wood panel

We saw six species of Macaws in Peru.  My favorites were the Military Macaws which we saw perched high above the canopy.  

Machu Picchu

Visiting Peru and not visting Machu Picchu would have been a tragedy. We did not see a lot of birds there, but who needs birds with scenery like this.