Another sunny February morning here in Seattle, and the last day of February at that. An appointment this morning meant I couldn’t go far, so off I went to Discovery Park, on the north end this time. I was almost immediately greeted by a number of dark-eyed juncos and American robins browsing nearby, and even several Bewick’s wrens singing.

Not far away, I saw the flash of orange wings indicative of Northern flickers. There were several, but they’re skittish, so I only was able to get a picture of this one:

Up the trail a bit further, a small mixed flock of black-capped chickadees, chestnut-backed chickadees, dark-eyed junco, and pine siskin browsed for food.

Heading out of the park, however, I got a real treat: a juvenile red-tailed hawk. I’m guessing female due to the large size, at first glance I thought I was seeing one of the resident great-horned owls. She knew I saw her but stuck around for a bunch of pictures, moving perches a few times.

 

Later in the day I stopped at the Ballard Locks to see if I could find the local belted kingfisher. I didn’t, but did find a squirrel with its head in a hole:

…and a very chill and cooperative great blue heron, sunning itself on a low-hanging branch: