Backyard Birdwatching: Petaluma Photos Of The Week

PETALUMA, CA — Patch reader Luz Estrada sent in these fun photos featuring mallards, geese and an egret. Luz took the pictures from the backyard of her home in Petaluma, she said in an email to Patch.

We decided to do a reverse Google search of the photos (because birdwatching!), and Google identified the birds in the pond as mallards, which are sometimes called "dabbling ducks." The tall, white bird was identified by Google as a cattle egret, while the birds with long necks were likely Canada geese known to migrate south in the winter to California and Mexico.

Thanks so much, Luz, for sharing your photos. Your backyard is a prime spot for birdwatching!

Speaking of birdwatching, what do you think, Patch readers? Did Google correctly identify these birds? Tell us in the comments below.

It's Your Shot: Pictures You Take and We Share

Have you got the next incredible photo? If you have an awesome photo of nature, breathtaking scenery, kids caught being kids, a pet doing something funny or something unusual you happen to catch, we'd love to feature it on Patch. We're looking for high-resolution images that reflect the beauty that is the North Bay, and that show off your unique talents.

So, bring 'em on. No selfies. Not here.

Send your photos to autumn.johnson@patch.com and we'll post the feature on an occasional basis. Or — post it to the Neighbor Posts section of your local Patch and we'll feature it up top. Be sure to also include when and where the shot was taken and any other details about what was going on.