December 2011 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Birding Highlights Of 2011

As the year comes to a close it is time to reflect on some of my birding highlights of 2011.

An elusive winter visitor that can be challenging to get photos of,

… this Long-eared Owl provided a few good opportunities.

After a few unsuccessful attempts for this rare visitor to British Columbia,

… I eventually did manage a few shots of this Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Another addition to my list this year was a Red Knot.

Hardly a great photo, but nice to finally get one and see this shore bird.

Having photos of a juvenile bird,

… I had a chance to get this adult Bar-tailed Godwit while roosting with some Plovers.

From a birding perspective,

… I believe this was the only Buff-breasted Sandpiper sighted in Boundary Bay this fall migration.

After a few years of waiting,

… I finally managed to get close to a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper down on the beach.

And to finish what has been another great year,

… the bird that got me started with birding and bird photography make a return in 2011.

Happy New Year!

Off to an early start this morning getting to Reifel as soon as they opened. Being the second one in it would be quiet people wise for a short while, which is good from a photography perspective. The weather was good and I was looking forward to a productive walk. Alas, in spite of the favourable conditions, it was fairly quiet on the birding front.

A couple of the regulars did pause and strike a pose for me.

After a couple of laps on the inner trails I was headed back along the east dyke when I came across several visitors stopped along the path.

The subjects of their attention were a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers.

They were busy drumming away at the trees next to the trail.

They did not seem concerned about the gathering people in the least,

… and put on a good show for everyone that took time to stop and admire them.

This duo was definitely the highlight of my day and likely that of a few others as well.

‘Twas The Afternoon Before Christmas

After raining most of the day, it eventually stopped and started to clear up. With a chance to get out and enjoy the last hour or so of light, I headed out to Boundary Bay. Not having actively tried for any Snowy Owls recently, I thought I would give them a go.