matt goff

I am an aspiring naturalist who seeks to learn all that I can about the more-than-human aspects of this place that is my home.

Scaup Identification Question

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One last bird question for tonight. When I first saw this scaup, I thought the shape of the head looked like a Greater Scaup (much more broadly rounded than I associate with Lesser Scaups). However, when it flapped its wings, I saw the white did not extend out on to its primaries. In this case, … Read more

Redpoll Identification

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While going through photos from last November, I took a closer look at some of the first pictures I took of redpolls. I noticed that there was at least one bird that seemed quite a bit paler than the other birds I saw at the time (and also the ones I have seen since). I … Read more

Crossbilled Pacific Loon

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Notice the different looking beaks. A close up of the bird on the left is shown below. While editing photos today, I noticed that one of the loons I had taken pictures of earlier this year appears to have a crossed bill. I have no idea how common this occurence might be. I also am … Read more

Daily Observations

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On yesterday’s birding class walk, we went to Swan Lake, then down to ANB Harbor. Today I spent most of the day inside working on culling photos from the past month or two (both to free up harddrive space and to get closer to get them processed). Weather: Friday was overcast and a little chilly, … Read more