Welcome back. To me I mean. :)
I do apologize if anyone actually missed Bird-call during my absence. Slings and arrows.
I was inspired, however, by this bird which I found in front of my lens yesterday at San Elijo Lagoon near San Diego.
Distinguishing Marks: large bird, with dark brown wings (on top), white below. Dark line through eye.
Click on photos to enlarge
Boring fact: These amazing birds, once in decline, are now common...but still amazing: They catch fish by plunging head and feet first into the water. Not being able to swim or even float, they have to get airbourne quickly and fly energetically to carry the added weight of the water in their feathers. Then as they fly, they turn their prey head first making it more aerodynamic.
