Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

Appearance:
Medium-sized plover
Moderately long legs
Large head
Large, dark eyes
Golden and black speckled back
Breeding plumage:
    Black from face to belly, bordered with white
    Black speckling along the white border by the underparts and under tail
Non-breeding plumage:
    Buff wash with dark speckling on the breast
Juvenile:
    Light barring on chest and flanks
    Yellowish head and breast

Listen to its call. 

When I initially spotted this shorebird, I thought it was a Black-bellied Plover as they are fairly common around Victoria. It wasn't until I was reviewing my photos later that I realized my mistake. There are a number of differences between the two species, one of which I found a bit ironic. There is more black on the belly of the Pacific Golden-Plover then on the Black-bellied variety.  

Learn more about the Pacific Golden-Plover.

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Appearance:
Large falcon
Long, pointed wings
Long, narrow tail, rounded at the end
Black, hooked bill with yellow base
Yellow feet
Black claws  
Adult:
   Slate grey upperparts
   Barred underparts 
   Black crown and 'moustache' along cheeks
   White chin and throat
Juveniles: (photographed)
   Brown upperparts
   Heavily streaked underparts
   Brown crown and 'moustache' along cheeks

Listen to its call.  
 
I was photographing peeps on the beach last week when this bird suddenly swooped in looking for dinner, resulting in mass exodus. Fortunately, both for me and the tiny sandpipers, he went away hungry -- but not before I was able to get some nice photos.

 

Learn more about the Peregrine Falcon.