Species Spotlight

The common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a medium-sized diving duck belonging to the Anatidae family. The species is named for its golden-yellow or sometimes amber eye, which is particularly striking against the dark head of the male.

Written by Peter Pearsall/Photo by Peter Pearsall The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a stunning and vibrant thrush of mountain meadows, grasslands, and sagebrush plains across the western half of

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are perhaps the single most recognizable bird in North America. You don’t have to be even a novice birder to be familiar with this national symbol with its iconic white head, large razor-like bill, and powerful yellow talons.

Marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa) is a large and unique shorebird, with their long, two-toned bill which is lightly upturned.

Named after the Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, adult birds display a distinctive plumage featuring a black hood, dark gray back, and white underparts. They have a red bill, bright red legs, and a white eye ring. Outside the breeding season, their hood fades, revealing a white head with a dark smudge behind the eye. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but with mottled brown plumage and a dark bill.