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Pigeon Guillemot
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Cepphus columba
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These wonderful alcids emerge from their burrows on the cliff, squeal with these little high-pitched calls that I've never heard from an alcid, and then fly out to sea to feed.
Alcid's/Auks are the northern hemisphere version of penguins - only unlike penguins, alcids can fly! They are great examples of convergent evolution. Though genetically unrelated, they occupy similar ecological niches, and have evolved similar shapes/sizes/colors/behaviors. Aint' science great?! :-)
I love how their little black toenails contrast with their bright orange feet. They're especially evident because guillemots perch on their heels, just like us, instead of on their toes, like most birds.
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Focal length: 500 mm
fStop: 5.6
ISO: 640
Shutter Speed: 1/250
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Pescadero, CA - Pigeon Point Lighthouse
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Jul 26, 2007
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Larger View
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