Reflections of the Natural World

Travel with me as I explore the wild things and wild places of our planet. – Jim Gain

  • Elegant Trogon

    Elegant Trogon

    SE Arizona – Wings over Sky Islands Blog Post #1 With perhaps the greatest biological diversity in the entire US, many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be the top birding destination. Habitats range from the Desert Scrub at lower elevations to Riparian Oases and pine forests of the dramatic “sky islands.” The intent of Read more

  • Laughing Falcon

    Laughing Falcon

    The Laughing Falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey that is easily recognized by its distinctive call, which sounds like a raucous laugh. The Laughing Falcon is primarily brown in color, with a pale throat and chest and dark wings and feeds mainly on snakes, which it hunts both on the ground and in trees. Read more

  • Killdeer (SIERRA)

    Killdeer (SIERRA)

    SIERRA NEVADA BIRDS – Post #4 The Killdeer is an uncommon year-round resident of the Sierra Nevada that is more frequently found in Lower and Upper Montane biotic zones usually not far from water Read more

  • Common Tody-Flycatcher

    Common Tody-Flycatcher

    Male Common Tody-Flycatchers have glossy black foreheads, slate gray hindcrowns, olive upperparts, black wings and bright yellow underparts. They snatch flying bugs in short quick forays, always catching prey with an audible snap. Read more

  • Common Valley Phalaropes

    Common Valley Phalaropes

    By Jim Gain Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a photo blog series highlighting the 100 most common Valley bird species. Post #26 in the Learn 100 Common Valley Birds series. (Species 42, & 43/100) Red-necked Phalarope #42 The Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is a small migratory bird that can be observed in the Central Read more

  • Yucatan Woodpecker

    Yucatan Woodpecker

    The Yucatan Woodpecker is a small woodpecker species that is found primarily in the Yucatan Peninsula area of Mexico and Belize. They have distinctive black and white plumage, with a red crown and nape and are most commonly found in areas with tall trees, where they can forage for insects and nest in tree cavities. Read more