The first bird that I observed and photographed on Friday, January 2, 2026 was a Snow Goose in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens), known for its white plumage and black wing tips, is indicative of the changing seasons. They fly south for the winter in huge, noisy flocks that may appear as a "V" formation or as a large mass of white. They spend time along the way resting and feeding in the agricultural areas of Southern British Columbia and the Skagit Valley of Washington State. Snow geese spend the winter months in southern coastal marshes, bays, wet grasslands of California, Texas and Mexico. Their diet is entirely vegetarian, consisting of grasses and leftover grains. At winter's end, snow geese fly north to their breeding grounds on the Arctic tundra. ThIs snow goose was grazing by Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
The Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens), known for its white plumage and black wing tips, is indicative of the changing seasons. They fly south for the winter in huge, noisy flocks that may appear as a "V" formation or as a large mass of white. They spend time along the way resting and feeding in the agricultural areas of Southern British Columbia and the Skagit Valley of Washington State. Snow geese spend the winter months in southern coastal marshes, bays, wet grasslands of California, Texas and Mexico. Their diet is entirely vegetarian, consisting of grasses and leftover grains. At winter's end, snow geese fly north to their breeding grounds on the Arctic tundra. ThIs snow goose was grazing by Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
Birds fill our lives with joy and wonder. Constantly entertained by their melodic song, we enjoy observing their vibrant colors, watching their antics and photographing their unique expressions.
Each New Year I like to take note of the first bird I see or photograph. This becomes my First Bird of the Year to be included in my gallery of first birds. This gallery contains some of my First Bird of the Year images from past years that are available as downloads and fine art prints. To view the gallery, click here or on the photo collage below. When you are in the gallery, click on a thumbnail to enlarge an image. To navigate the images, click on the arrows. To see the captions, click on the (i) symbol.
Each New Year I like to take note of the first bird I see or photograph. This becomes my First Bird of the Year to be included in my gallery of first birds. This gallery contains some of my First Bird of the Year images from past years that are available as downloads and fine art prints. To view the gallery, click here or on the photo collage below. When you are in the gallery, click on a thumbnail to enlarge an image. To navigate the images, click on the arrows. To see the captions, click on the (i) symbol.
