A Reifel Day

With the Easter long weekend, some decent weather forecast, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary can get pretty busy. Volunteers to help out on the trails were scheduled ahead of time and my turn was for this afternoon. Rather than risking getting tied up somewhere else in the morning, I went out to Reifel first thing. The plan being to try for some more shots of the Sandhill Crane nest with the morning light and before it got too busy.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

One adult was on the nest basking in the morning sun.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The second egg arrived on Monday the 18th.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The pair cooperated with a changing of the guard while I was there allowing for this shot of them together at the nesting site with the two eggs. Most of my day was spent here talking with visitors, answering questions and letting them get a closer look through the camera.

On a break from the Cranes I came across some nesting activity of a much smaller bird.

Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee

This Black-capped Chickadee,

Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee

… busy working on a nesting cavity. It was a great day to be out and enjoying spring.