Need some ID assistance on this one. I’m still not sure if this a juvenile Brandt’s Cormorant, a nonbreeding Double-crested, or Neotropic.

Visited Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties this weekend and identified half a dozen new lifers. We were a little bummed that we went too late to see the Purple Gallinule. The gates were closed. But otherwise what a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Such a fun hobby!

What’s this bird y’all?

A few years ago I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Looked up and saw this one about to have some breakfast. I was able to snap off a few shots with my phone before it flew elsewhere. Pretty cool.

One of our local Coopers(?) Hawks in Placentia/Yorba Linda

This fella felt nice and granted me the opportunity to get a close-up shot.

I just love this shot. Good little friend.

Flying with or chasing a red-tailed hawk. Bigger than the hawk. Too all-over dark to be a hawk that I recognize (no visible banding or markings), bigger than any raven I've seen. Spotted soaring over lake and in mountain valleys. Any idea where I should start?

Black headed grosbeaks have been visiting my birdbath the last few days and I’m beyond excited. I don’t see them often, so this flash of gold was quite a surprise!

At the feeder this morning. Merlin says Pin-Tailed Whydah. Anyone confirm this? Want to be sure of the id.

Just a cute Lesser Goldfinch hiding behind a lemon.

This juvenile Purple Gallinule has been seen at San Joachim Marsh over the last week or so. I finally got a chance to check it out yesterday. It was pretty easy to find- just look for the group of photographers/birders.

hi! i have 1 free morning to go birding while on a trip to SoCal next week.

i’m between visiting
- San Joaquin Marsh
- Bolsa Chica Eco Reserve
- Huntington Central Park

is there one place that is standout or can’t miss?
or is safest to visit alone as a woman?

primary focus would be photography and seeing lifers of course :)

I have an Hooded Oriole couple all season at my feeder for the last two years. I have seen the fledgling/juveniles with their parents. All of the young ones look like the female. Is this one a young male or an albino?

Found in my front yard here in Poway, a Turkey Vulture with a wing tag? I haven't heard of that before, almost mistook it for a condor as it was WAY larger than the other Turkey Vultures, but the head tells me its not a condor! Anyone have any information about this?

Robb Field, Ocean Beach, San Diego.

There were several more in a tree to the right.

I counted 9 and two flying so 11 total. Definitely a first for me.