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A lone Oystercatcher hangs out with the gulls. In the summer large flocks of American Black Oystercatchers boisterously entertain us us with their constant chatter.  This time of year we only see a few and they tend to be solitary or in pairs.  The common bird now are the gulls that are overwintering. 

This picture gives one a birds eye view of what it is like to be a Towhee. They spend most of their time shuffling around on the forest floor for bugs and seeds.  This time of year (early spring) they pop up onto a rock or branch where we have a moment to capture a picture.  Later in the spring as nesting urges take over they become much bolder and easier to see.

It's getting closer to spring and this female Common Merganser is starting to check out potential nesting sites.

Providing a rich tapestry of color the Harlequin Duck is a common visitor to the West Coast in winter.  Even though they are brightly colored they can be shy making them difficult to spot.

Slipping out of the water to peer over the edge of the dock this River Otter's curiosity gets the better of him.  I am sitting quietly on the other side of the dock while he fishes and eats under the dock.  Eventually my presence became too interesting and he had to come up to see what I was up to.  After checking me out he slipped into the water with his buddies and swam off.