Happy April, friends! This month your calendar pinup is the gorgeous Pacific Baza (Aviceda subcristata). They are fascinating birds who blend so well in the forest, and have such majestic, intense, staring yellow eyes, and a crest that is reminiscent of the head of a griffin in mythology. I’ve read that the Pacific Baza has been rumoured (unconfirmed) to make calls that sound like a frog so they can locate their frog prey.
I was so excited to get this photo of a Pacific Baza at Kobble Creek about this time last year. I had only ever spied one before in dense undergrowth, but this one sat on a branch out in the open and posed and stretched. I took the photo from the deck of a cabin, quite a distance away so I was very happy it was in focus!
And then a second Pacific Baza arrived! Sadly, the second one didn’t stick around and spelled the end of the posing and stretching of the first Pacific Baza. They are just beautiful, regal looking birds. I hope you see one in your travels!
Have a great April.
P. S. I’m opening more spaces soon for commissions of hand-drawn pet/favourite animal portraits, so let me know if you’re interested and I can give you a quote. They make great, one-of-a-kind gifts!