What was that Bird?

OK folks – here’s a little challenge for you on a gray west coast Sunday. It’s time to crack open those bird books and see if you can figure out what bird this is. Post a comment below with the field marks that you used to help you identify the bird. I’ll post a couple of better photos (which show the entire bird in 48 hours) and provide a species profile (including common field marks to look for).

Mystery Bird
Making the plunge – what was that bird?!?
Mystery Bird Feet
And down it goes!

The photographs were taken last week (February 8, 2011) at Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia and while the bird can be seen on both fresh and salt water this bird was photographed on salt water. Wish I had a prize to give away but with Canada Post rates being so high it would probably cost more to ship anything that the cost of the item itself. As a result, your reward is simply bragging rights!

If you’re interested in more bird related posts check out I and the Bird, edition #144 hosted by Greg Laden’s Blog on February 17th. FYI – Island Nature will be hosting I and the Bird on March 3, 2011! Send me an email with your birding post!

I and the Bird