Red-napped Sapsucker-Wed.Wings

This photo was taken in the early sunlight (Prescott Nat'l Forest) so pardon the light/dark exposure.  The Red-napped Sapsucker is a wintering bird for our area and I wanted to photo him before he leaves. His belly matches the wood of the trees for great camouflage and is sometimes hard to see except for the beautiful deep red markings on top of head and neck.

'The Kiss' - Tundra Swan - Wed. Wings

Tender moments - Juvenile Tundra Swans frolicking at Watson Lake - Prescott, Az.

Adult Tundra Swan - Watson Lake - Prescott, Az.

Although our weather has been very mild this winter, it has given me many opportunities to view wintering birds at our local lakes with great accessibility. These Tundra Swans were having fun AND I have added another 'lifer' to my list :)

Juvenile Bald Eagle - Wed Wings

Finally! So fortunate to photo a 'teenager' Bald Eagle in our area of Prescott, Az. The Bald Eagles are very protected here (especially during nesting)  and make their habitats at nearby lakes and rocky slopes. It has been difficult to be in that 'right time- right place' space of maybe 5 min. before they fly off out of range.  I'm hoping Mom or Dad will be around to photo next time I visit Watson Lake!

Gambol's Quail - Wed. Wings

                                                            Gambol's Quail (m)  -  Prescott, Az.

Flowering Basil

  So surprised to see this tiny little flower on my basil plant today and had to share :)

Great Horned Owl - Wings On Wed.

                   Great Horned Owl -  Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum - Tucson, Arizona
                                                            Raptor Fly-In Exhibit

                    (my wish is one day to photo one in the wild - but until then......:)

A Rare Winter Visitor - Wings On Wed.

                             

White-winged Scoter - Willow Lake - Prescott, Az.

White wing bar visible in this image  

White-winged Scoter in flight - Willow Lake - Prescott, Az.

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Every Thursday I always look forward to read birder Eric Moore's (also owner of Jays's Bird Barn here in Prescott) articles in the Daily Courier.Eric's last post indicted there have been sightings of a White-winged Scoter hanging out at Willow Lake, which equates to 'extremely rare' in these parts.So I headed out to Willow Lake with low hopes of actually spotting this bird.I went to the location of the sightings and sure enough,there he was! The range map suggests this Scoter is a bit off course and is wintering in Prescott, Az. instead of California or Mexico.So very happy and lucky to get these photos and of course Eric's valuable information :)