For parts of several winters I had the perfect job for a nature enthusiast. A cruise ship naturalist in the Antarctic region. As such, I stood near bird and seal colonies for hours answering questions from tourists.
Elephant Seal colonies:
Shag (Cormorant) colonies:
Gentoo Penguin colonies:
Chinstrap Penguin colonies:
Adelie Penguin colonies:
King Penguin colonies:
Skua colonies:
and Giant Petrel colonies:
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.
I headed out early this morning to have a look at a Bank Swallow colony dug into the Scarborough Bluffs:
Up until today, here was my best Bank Swallow photo:
I had better luck today!
MYSTERY BIRD
The dull yellow-olive and conspicuous wing bars make this a female American Goldfinch.
NATURE POETRY
Upon the Swallow by John Bunyan
This pretty bird, O! how she flies and sings,
But could she do so if she had not wings?
Her wings bespeak my faith, her songs my peace;
When I believe and sing my doubtings cease.Miles Hearn