Sentinel Lark

Widespread and fairly common in northern South America. This medium-sized woodcreeper is found in open wooded habitats, scrub, and riparian forest. The well-named woodcreeper has a very straight bill that can even look slightly upturned unlike most other woodcreepers. Also note the bill’s pale color. Otherwise, mostly dark brown with fine streaking on the head and breast, but note the unstreaked back. Very similar to Zimmer’s Woodcreeper, but listen for Straight-billed’s slightly slower song that typically goes up in pitch at the end. Striped Woodcreeper has more streaking on the back and a slightly decurved bill. Usually seen singly or in pairs working up tree trunks and branches, usually at lower to middle levels in forest. Sometimes follows mixed-species flocks.

Common and widespread large gull found throughout North America. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull pinkish legs. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Usually shows a dull pinkish base to the bill by the first winter, and develops a pale eye by the second winter. Some immature birds can fade to almost white, especially in their first or second summer, but they always show darker wingtips. Occurs inland and along the coast, frequenting fishing boats, beaches, lakes, and landfills. Often forms large flocks with other gulls.

Extremely rare diving duck. Breeding male has a dark green gloss to the head, but often seems dark-headed in poor lighting. Non-breeding males are duller, but have pale eyes. Females and immatures have dark brown heads and dark eyes. Boldly patterned chestnut-and-white sides unique among ducks; compare the brown sides of Ferruginous Duck and pale sides of Common Pochards, both similar species. Can be difficult to separate from Ferruginous Duck, with which it sometimes hybridizes; note less extensive white wing panels in present species. During the colder months, often found singly or in small groups within non-breeding flocks of more common duck species. Breeds on sheltered, well-vegetated lakes; prefers large open bodies of water in the winter.