Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin, female, in flight

Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin, female, in flight.  Another shot of the female Allen's Hummingbird, this one taken in flight.

Allen's Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin (female)

Allen's Hummingbird (female), Selasphorus sasin.  These breed throughout coastal California in a general scrub habitat and Winter in Western Mexico.  They are small but energetic, feisty hummingbirds.  The female lacks the bright scarlet gorget, has a white-spotted chin and chest with a bright red spot in the center of the chin.  There are a lot of hummingbirds at the feeder this year, often six or more sitting at the feeder at any given time.  It could be due to the severe drought and the lack of wildflowers in the coastal scrub habitat.  While I feel bad for the little guys, I certainly enjoy their company.  Perhaps we'll go out to the nursery and buy some hummingbird-friendly, flowering shrubs.

Spotted Boxfish tete a tete

Spotted Boxfish, Ostracion melealgris, female. The water was a little murky due to the wave action (imagine being swept back and forth while you try to shoot pictures); however, this little fish came right up to say hello.