Southern Crowned Pigeon (Goura scheepmakeri)

(51 views)
by Terry Costales

Wikipedia stated that "This species was first discovered new to science by Otto Finsch who found a live bird received from the dealer C. Scheepmaker in Amsterdam Zoo and named it after him." Yet, the article is for the Southern Crowned Pigeon. The L.A. Zoo sign called this bird Sheepmaker's Crowned Pigeon and it was softly glowing in the dappled sunlight of the aviary.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

(51 views)
by Terry Costales

A sleepy capybara dozed in the sun.

Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)

(51 views)
by Terry Costales

This large pigeon with the remarkable feathers comes from the Nicobar Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean.

Bukharan Markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri)

(51 views)
by Terry Costales

Markhors in general are endangered but the Bukharan or Tadjik Markhor from Afghanistan is critically endangered.

Unknown Bird

(50 views)
by Terry Costales

This was a very strikingly beautiful bird with its totally blue feathers, but I do not know its name.

African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix)

(50 views)
by Terry Costales

This handsome Olive Pigeon eyed the photographer suspiciously.

Unknown Bird

(50 views)
by Terry Costales

Another photo of yesterday's unidentified bird.

African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

This African Spoonbill has a crazed look in its eye, but I think that's just the camera angle.

Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

There is just something ugly-adorable about pigs.

Wading Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

I thought this small wading bird would be easy to identify, but alas, for me it was not.

Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

A shame that such a sturdy, handsome animal is also endangered.

Unknown Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

I believe this to be a flycatcher, but I couldn't positively identify it. Rudolf Saturday 8 March 2014 Looks like a juveniel : Rackuet-tailed Roller (Coracia spatulatus)

Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

This little fox from the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara does inspire the urge to cuddle it.

Unknown Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

I thought this was a bustard of some sort or perhaps a guan. However, I have not been able to identify it. If anyone can help please do, I'd appreciate it. Rudolf Saturday 8 March 2014 Chauna torquata - Southern Screamer

Unidentified Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

The little bird is asking "Who am I?" and I have no answer.

Unidentified Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

A lovely yellow bird high above my head remains anonymous.

Ibis?

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

This bird looks like an Ibis to me, but I can't identify it. Frustrating.

Unknown Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

A handsome, curious and unidentified bird from one of the San Diego Zoo aviaries.

Unknown Bird

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

Another view of the unidentified bird from yesterday's blog.

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

The African Fish Eagle is not a true fish eagle, rather it's actually a sea eagle. And yes, there are people for whom that fact matters.

Speke's Gazelle (Gazella spekei)

(49 views)
by Terry Costales

This gazelle is "pronking" (a combination of running, bouncing, and jumping).

Chacoan Peccary (Catagonus wagneri)

(48 views)
by Terry Costales

Sweet, sweet face.

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

(48 views)
by Terry Costales

An elephant gives the photographer the eye.

Red River Hog (Potamochoerus porcus)

(48 views)
by Terry Costales

Not much more than the snout could be seen of this unique Red River Hog. I'm not sure why but this is one of my favorite animals.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

(48 views)
by Terry Costales

This owl drew a large crowd of admirers when brought out and presented to the public.