Here's an immature Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) that I photographed in La Jolla this morning. Another photographer ID'ed it first and when I passed the knowledge on, one lady replied "Oh! That's a lifer for me!" — the Audubon Society's Bird Festival is in town! :D
This little cutie is a Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala). They have a VERY beautiful pattern on the upper side of their wings, which is only visible in flight. I lacked the motivation and dedication to try and photograph it, today. :P Maybe some other time...
This Spotted Sandpiper was fun to watch, as it did its bouncy "dance moves" and then got down really low, sneaking up on some tiny bug (he successfully caught it!). :)
For #WildlifeWednesday here's a Carpenter Bee digging in on some Golden Eardrops (Ehrendorferia chrysantha).
Golden Eardrops are so-called "fire followers." Their seeds lay dormant in the soil for many years until wildfire burns an area, after which they grow quickly (and tall), stabilizing the soil before slower growing shrubs take over again. Nature is cool.