https://www.birdobserver.org/Issues/2024/June-2024https://www.birdobserver.org/Issues/2024/June-2024/at-a-glance-april-2024-revealedAt a GlanceSat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:04 GMT

<p class="caption"><img alt="JOHN KRICHER" src="/Portals/0/Assets/bo52-3/AAG_BLGU._diving_bird.jpg?ver=3kAl8tOZtgK08J8FU9m6pg%3d%3d" /><br /> JOHN KRICHER</p> <p>The seemingly contorted image of this issue’s mystery bird is clearly a waterbird. It appears to be primarily black and white, even when viewed on the Bird Observer website. Using the position of its wings for reference, we can tell the bird is diving from left to right. Unfortunately, its head is under water, so this feature is of little value as an identification aid. The only other obvious characteristic is that the bird looks to be countershaded, meaning that it is mostly black above and at least partially white below. This coloration pattern is typical of many waterbirds that surface dive for their food because it makes them less conspicuous to their underwater prey; their white underparts become less visible when seen against the brightness of the water’s surface or against a bright overhead sky.</p>

To view the rest of the article you'll need to subscribe. Bird Observer publishes original articles on birding locations, on avian populations and natural history, on regional rarities, field notes, field records, photographs, and art work. https://www.birdobserver.org/Issues/2024/June-2024/at-a-glance-june-2024At a GlanceSat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:02 GMT

<p class="caption"><img alt="At a Glance: June 2024" src="/Portals/0/Assets/bo52-3/Laughing_Gull.adult.jpg?ver=l-xx4I5at9TMTKjwaZ1JKg%3d%3d" /><br /> DAVID CLAPP</p> <p>Can you identify the bird in this photograph?</p>

To view the rest of the article you'll need to subscribe. Bird Observer publishes original articles on birding locations, on avian populations and natural history, on regional rarities, field notes, field records, photographs, and art work.