Author: Jim Gain
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European Green Woodpecker
The European green woodpecker (Picus viridis) is a striking bird found across much of Europe and the western Palearctic. READ MORE
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Common Buzzard
The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium to large-sized raptor with broad wings, a short neck and tail, and… READ MORE
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Western Marsh Harrier
The Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is an elegant raptor that graces wetlands with its presence, preying on small creatures… READ MORE
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Gray Heron
The Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a magnificent, long-legged wading bird native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. READ MORE
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Little Egret
The Little Egret is a small snow-white heron with slender dark bill, blackish legs, and yellowish feet (“golden slippers”). READ MORE
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European Shag
The European Shag is an impressive seabird with a penchant for diving, a striking appearance, and a widespread distribution along… READ MORE
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Great Cormorant
The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a large, heavy seabird with a long neck and tail, short legs, and broad… READ MORE
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Northern Gannet
The Northern Gannet’s elegance, fishing prowess, widespread distribution, and favorable conservation status make it a remarkable avian species of the… READ MORE
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Lesser Black-backed Gull
The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull that breeds along the Atlantic coasts of Europe. READ MORE
ABOUT THE SITE
With a primary focus on birds, each blog series has it’s own unique look at the wildlife and wild places encountered at different locations that I have visited around the world.
ABOUT ME
I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 40 years, I taught and led in public education, helping students discover the wonder woven into every corner of the natural world. That same drive has carried me through decades of citizen science and conservation work. As an active member of the Modesto Camera Club, I’ve developed a photographic practice that blends natural history with visual artistry, and my award‑winning images have been featured across the Internet on dozens of sites and field‑oriented platforms. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.
~ Jim Gain
Reflections of the Natural World 