I was out taking sunrise photos this morning. On the way home I noticed the swans were a up early rooting around in the marsh. As I got out to practice my bird photography they suddenly stopped dipping they're heads below the water and started honking away. I knew from the previous experience that usually means they are getting ready to take off! So I excitedly got into position. A few minutes later they had positioned themselves at the edge of the water and started their not so graceful take off. Now I can check this off my photographers bucket list
Corvus corax (Common Alaskan Raven)
The trickster finally gave in and gave me one shot facing me. Then he flew away.
Alaskan black billed magpie (Pica hudsonia)
This guy was in my backyard this afternoon pecking at one of the dog rawhides that was left out in the yard.