Out of the Blue

Ah, camera trapping. Always full of surprises.

You just never know who might stop by, or drop in.

Such as this handsome couple at one of my study sites on the San Mateo Coast.



Based on the larger size and thickness of drumstick, I'd say the one on the left is likely a female, and the one on the right a male.

But also note the white on their tails, suggesting younger, 2nd or 3rd year birds.

Young romance, perchance?







But why in the world did they land right there??

Because it's a hilltop and a windy day?

To check out the badgery-looking burrows the cam trap is watching?

Or, did they see a tasty snack in the scurry zone of the ecotone?



Whatever the reason, they're always welcome.

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References:

• David Allen Sibley - The Sibley Guide to Birds
• Nature of a Man (this blog) - Crushing Birds with Camera Traps
• Nature of a Man (this blog) - Need More Thrasher
• Nature of a Man (this blog) - Birding in Absentia
• Nature of a Man (this blog) - An Owl That's No Pussycat

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