Brian Smith's Photos

Back to Las Gallinas for another round, a few weeks on from last time — and this visit turned up some mammal action to go with the birds.

A mute swan to start, then an otter working the water — always a treat when one of those turns up.

A white-crowned sparrow, then two green herons in quick succession — clearly a good patch for them that day.

And a northern harrier, twice over — quartering low across the marsh, which is the giveaway for these even before you get a good look.

A gap in the afternoon, then a snowy egret, and a black-tailed jackrabbit sitting still enough for a proper portrait — twice, in fact.

A third harrier sighting, a great egret, then a green-winged teal and one more general shot of the ponds themselves.

Wandered a bit further before heading home, picking up a Bewick’s wren over towards China Camp.

And then, around the harbour near home that evening, a couple more — a snowy egret and a black-crowned night heron, proof you don’t always need to go far for good sightings.