One of the remaining (originally there were two) Mourning Doves that are (were) regulars at our feeders this winter. We think that one of the cats next door (of which there are 8) may have killed one of them since there has only been one at the feeders for a number of weeks now. We're rooting for this bird and hope not to do any mourning of our own.
Only the second time I have seen one, the Snowy Egret is one of the most graceful inhabitants of the La Jolla tide pools. It let use get fairly close to it without being bothered, which was pretty lucky.
My second viewing, a day later, of this most unassuming-looking predator. This is one of a group which are known popularly (in some parts of the world) as "butcher birds." That's because they are predators -- eating insects, small reptiles, and even other birds. Apparently that small hook on the bill can cause some damage.
When they have captured an insect or small lizard (and killed it), they often impale their prey on a thorn. In fact some observers have noticed that if there are no trees or bushes with thorns about -- you won't find shrikes, either.
