Bird of the Day, theme 'Unusual Places'

natureAug 16, 20262038,050

Today's Bird of the Day theme is Unusual Places, a prompt to show birds where you would not normally expect them. The gallery mixes calm, serene shots with odd or humorous sightings, from shorebirds and waterfowl to unexpected urban and garden visitors. Standout examples include a Hoopoe photographed on Swansea seafront, a Canada Goose wandering the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, and a troupe of Australian pelicans commandeering a wooden fishing boat. Look for other whimsical entries such as a young Purple Gallinule in Southern California, a roadrunner perched on a patio chair, and a Rufous Hummingbird photographed in the snow under the same theme.

Alan H

@alan678.bsky.social

Good morning, Helen said the #BirdOfTheDay theme is: #UnusualPlaces any bird in a place where you wouldn't normally expect to see it! Alt: #SereneBirdScene bird images that have a peaceful and calm mood. Alt: A Contemplative Robin. #birds #Stunday #photography #ForJanet #ECK

A European Robin with a vivid orange-red breast and face stands alert on a moss-covered branch. Its soft brown-grey back, pale belly, slender legs and long tail are clearly visible, with one glossy dark eye catching the light. The background is softly blurred in shades of green and brown, creating a natural woodland setting and making the robin’s warm colouring stand out.

37545d ago

Marjo Slingerland-Boks2

Good morning Alan, that is a lovely and peaceful Robin 😍🤎

Rina2

Robins have definitely a peaceful mood. ☺️ Wonderful capture, Alan 👏👏🫶

Graham Jones1

Thank you marra. You always remember. ❤️

Helen Bennett 🌿1

A lovely serene capture Alan, so beautiful 👏🫶 Robins are endearing birds 🧡

alisonwillis1.bsky.social1

Beautiful capture. A splendid, serene scene

Just Grace1

Oh yes. You really captured the beauty of the European robin!

Fraggs Photography 📸🦊🦉🦋🦔 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@fraggenstein.bsky.social

Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is: #UnusualPlaces any bird that turns up in a place where you wouldn't normally expect to see it! - Hoopoe on Swansea Seafront - South Wales - a bird that sometimes overshoots land when migrating in Spring and ends up in the UK 😍🪶🦉 #birdingwales #ukbirding #ECK

37545d ago

Barrhead Birder8

This one made my year 2018 at Ardmillan South Ayrshire Scotland, very approachable which resulted in many images. #BirdOfTheDay #Birds #rarevisitors #ukwildlife

Mountain Birder2

Steve and myself saw that bird and what a confiding bird it was, feeding just feet away from all the birders and photographers unbelievable.

Leo Greene (if you're nice)2

I remember when this beauty visited. It clearly had no fear of people and seemed to be thriving pecking up insects on the foreshore. Stayed for about a week but vanished when a storm blew in. I hope it survived elsewhere. It was a real treat to see it

Emmanuel E.1

Oh wow, that crest is incredible! Such a lucky spot for Swansea, must have been amazing to see in person.

Rina

@rina2012.bsky.social

Wishing you a calm and peaceful Sunday 🫶 #BirdOfTheDay #UnusualPlaces Alt: #SereneBirdScene #birds #birding #BirdsSeenIn2026 #Germany #wildlife #photography #naturephotography #thelittlethings #ECK #Stunday #Swanday

A white mute swan, photographed from behind, is swimming on dark water. It has spread its wings wide upwards and outwards, so that the delicate texture of its white feathers glows against the light. The water is calm and reflects the swan’s silhouette.

27545d ago

Alan H2

Incredible shot Rina. The lighting is absolutely sublime. Pin sharp capture. 😍😍😘

Marjo Slingerland-Boks1

This is stunning dear Rina in this magical light and moment 🤍😍

Amalia D1

Thank you dear Rina, wish you a wonderful evening 🤍✨️ So beautiful pic 🤍

#WomensArt21

Stunning capture Rina! I love the light on the feathers !! -K

iolanthe

@iolantherosa.bsky.social

Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #UnusualPlaces, any bird that turns up in a place where you wouldn't normally expect to see it. Here's a Canada Goose at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in #Pasadena #California 🪶

A Canada Goose seated comfortably on the cornice of a Spanish-style tiled roof, under bright blue skies.

25645d ago

dmglampers.bsky.social3

Canada geese are nosy nebbbies. Two of them used to sit on edge of the overhang of a Marriott Hotel next to our office building and take a long gander of everyone coming and going.

phyllishistorian.bsky.social2

Someone needs to inform this bird that geese ( of which she is one) do not generally nest in trees or on top of buildings. Would a mirror help? I know we should all be free to be the selves we want to be, but sometimes the rules are helpful.😂

Snake Man Mark2

Crested pigeon who got into my lounge

Timatwurk2

Turkeys on the dirty car

Nancy L2

Black vultures roosting on the roof of a house.

Dagnabitalltoheck (she/her)1

In the spring. Chicago. Another one was around the corner looking for his buddy.

Aj d'Wit (Audrey)

@audjde.bsky.social

I've posted a photo of this lot of #AustralianPelican pirates before (different one). They commandeered a wooden fishing boat & had no regrets about it. Not only did I find it unusual, also hilarious. Seems as if they were preening for something. #BirdOfTheDay #UnusualPlaces #ECK #Australiana

A group of Australian Pelicans preening themselves as they sit on a green wooden fishing boat. The Pelicans are black and white, with large, long pink beaks. They are reflected in the water in front of the boat. In the background is a line of mangroves, some hills behind them and a washed out grey/blueish sky.

21645d ago

Graham Jones3

Perfectly fits the theme Audrey. They look as if they are off on a day trip but forgot to bring the chap who knows how to operate the outboard motor. 😂

Alan H3

Jack Pelican? 😁 Excellent shot and theme perfect Audrey.

TARA SMITHSON -Wildlife & Nature Photographer 📸2

Looks like they're discussing who is going to fire up the engine.

Helen Bennett 🌿1

Fantastic photo for the theme, Audrey! 👏😄

Sharon1

This is a great photograph Audrey 😄🤍

Marjo Slingerland-Boks1

That is a wonderful and beautiful photo Audrey 🌼✨️🤍

Nicole Adams SideEye-Photography

@blathin384.bsky.social

Good Morning ☀️ Per Helen the Alt theme for today's #BirdOfTheDay is: #SereneBirdScene bird images that have a peaceful and calm mood. Another one from my #Reflection morning on 7 August 2026. The Snowy Egret is a master at being soo still... not one ripple! #ECK #photography #birds

Photo of a Snowy Egret standing perfectly still in shallow water. The surface is mirror like smooth and the bird is casting a perfect reflection of itself onto it

21345d ago

Helen Bennett 🌿1

Stunning serene photo Nicole... the reflection is perfect 👏🫶🕊️

joanie2fox.bsky.social1

Posing for the picture isn’t he ? Come on.

Just Todd1

My, this is so good !

Rhonda Howard

@1184outdoors.bsky.social

Young Purple Gallinule having a little snack. Seen in Southern California for #UnusualPlaces theme. This bird should be in Florida, or somewhere between Mexico & South America. #BirdOfTheDay 🪶 #ECK

Swamp hen type bird, with tan to bronze color overall. Its shoulder and wings have green to teal blue iridescent color, its legs and foot long toes are yellow. Its forehead is a silvery blue, its bill is orange fading to yellow at the tip. Once it reaches adult age, its feathers will be a deep blueish purple with more vibrant iridescent color on the wings. The feet will still be enormous in proportion to the size of the bird.

20344d ago

libkarin.bsky.social1

You can tell they're young because they have short little tails!🙂

Lynzie Flynn1

Nice shot. It stayed on the vegetation when I was there this morning.

Patrick

@watchinthesky.bsky.social

I heard today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is: #UnusualPlaces, any bird that turns up in a place where you wouldn't normally expect to see it A roadrunner up on the back of a patio chair across the table from me. #SideEye #birds

A close look at a roadrunner perched on the metal back of a patio chair just across the table from me. The bird’s crest feathers are raised high and it is gibbing side-eye.

15845d ago

Library Lagomorph1

Never not terrifying after T. Kingfisher's Snake-Eater.

stephon in nm here1

I love these tiny dinosaurs. So inquisitive.

anne.bsky.social1

i love this photo of young BT, he trust you 🤍

Atlantic Birding

@atlanticbirding.bsky.social

🪶 Helen has chosen #UnusualPlaces for today’s #BirdOfTheDay I’ll go with the alternative of #SereneBirdScane A Coot swimming across a lake backlit by the setting winter sun. #birdphotography #ECK #birds #photography #birdsofbluesky #nature #wildlife #Stunday #silhouette #OrangeSun #ColorADay

16045d ago

Alan H1

Ah gorgeous silhouette capture AB. Love this.

Helen Bennett 🌿1

A beautiful image AB... wonderful golden light 👏✨️

Marjo Slingerland-Boks1

What beautiful in this light AB✨️💛

Emmanuel E.1

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 on the water is fantastic. 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 silhouette shot! 🌅

Aj d'Wit (Audrey)1

I really nice photo, which conveys a sense of serenity. 👌🏼🕊️

Marjo Slingerland-Boks

@marjosl.eurosky.social

Good morning all, the tine i take this photo i was already soaked from the rainshowers😂 bit the rain was welcome after months 😊 #Stunday #Landscape #mobilephonephotography #ECK

A rainday by the canal, give the trees a boost after 4 months without rain.

12545d ago

Alan H2

My goodness. Your beautiful land needed this rain so much Mar. What a stunning place and capture. 😍😘

Laurette1

Please send some rain over to southern England Marjo.💦 Lovely photo!💚

AnnaLois1

That's a welcome sight Marjo! The rain hitting the water makes it look a little like glitter 🤩

Rina1

Good morning dear Mar 🤗 Happy Sunday to you 🫶 We are still waiting for the rain.

BelleAB1

Beautiful, Mar! Happy for the rain, but sorry you got soaked! 🌧️🤷‍♀️💙

fozziefotos.eurosky.social1

Fantastic. I can't wait for the rain. Very jealous

Kevin Wertman

@kevin.wertman.org

A #SereneBirdScene for today's #BirdOfTheDay by Helen Bennett 🦉💤 #Photography #Birds #Owls #Stunday

A single barred owl sleeps while perched on a tree branch under a canopy of green with bits of sunlight breaking through here and there. Spanish moss hangs all around. Two talons can be seen arching just over the branch.

12245d ago

Dave Meredith

@davemeredith.bsky.social

Today's alternative #BirdOfTheDay theme is #SereneBirdScene. A Ring-billed Gull watching the sunrise over Colpoy's Bay, Ontario. #BrucePeninsula #BruceCounty #ECK #photography #birds #nature #wildlife #TenMinutesFromHome

Anyone claiming this is AI will receive a sarcastic response before being blocked.

11245d ago

Barrie Cull1

I love those colours Dave 🙂

Pirritin

@pirritin.bsky.social

#BirdOfTheDay alt theme is #SereneBirdScene bird images that have a peaceful and calm mood. Swan family on a peaceful evening swim on a misty pond. The Mist (2007) #WeekFforFilms #AlphabetChallenge #Stunday #SwanDay #Swans #Birds #Nature #joutsen #ECK

11545d ago

Helen Bennett 🌿1

It's definitely a calm and peaceful scene🤍🕊 Lovely photo, Pirritin 👏

SeaLevelOslo1

Swans, mist, calm water 🎯 Great shot 😁

Amy Gann

@amygann.bsky.social

A gathering of cranes on a sunny winter morning. For the #birdoftheday theme of #serenebirdscene #birds #crane #sandhillcrane #protectnature #EastCoastKin

Sandhill crane gather in the water. The sun is bright which provides a lot of contrast and highlights the birds

12045d ago

Jamie Scott 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@jcsctoan.bsky.social

I've gone for the Alt #BirdofTheDay theme today #SereneBirdScene, bird images that have a peaceful calm mood. I think this image portrays a sense of calm. Have a good day folks #rspb.scotland.bsky.social #NaturePhotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #birds #birdphotography #birdwatching #ECK

10545d ago

Helen Bennett 🌿1

Beautiful capture Jamie, I love the beautiful orange golden light👍😊✨🕊️

LaffingKat1

Beautiful shot, and so serene!

Bird of the Day, theme 'Unusual Places'nature

Bird of the Day, theme 'Unusual Places'

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