Blue-headed Sunbird

Hardly bigger than a sparrow, this odd little ground bird has a disproportionately loud song. The booming hoots the female gives during the breeding season are often the easiest way to find this species in the open grassy habitats it occupies. Females are more vividly colored than males, with a bright orange breast and nape, yellow belly, white throat, and speckled gray upperparts. Males have a faded version of the same general color scheme, but have less spotting on the breast and a tan throat.

Distinctive tan bird with a thin curved bill. Forages on the ground in rocky high-elevation grasslands and pastures, especially near water and in damp areas. Usually keeps an upright posture and looks heavy-chested with a short tail. The males sing in flight displays, giving a song that is a long series of “pip” notes. Its call is a nasal laughing “heew,” recalling a flycatcher or even a small gull.

Large scoter, with distinctive white patch on wing. Dark chocolate-brown overall; males are darker than females and have small white mark under eye, dark knob on the bill, and pink bill tip. Females have two rounded white patches on face. At a distance, separated from Surf Scoter by more sloping head shape and white in the wing. Winters on coastal waters and large freshwater lakes. Occasionally found on large inland lakes during migration. Dives frequently, feeding on mollusks and crustaceans.