First Willow Of The Season

Not long into my walk after the rain there was the familiar “fitz-bew” I had not yet heard this year. After moving to the area of the call, scanning the bush and tree tops, I found the source of the call.

Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher

My first Willow Flycatcher of the season. A rather distant shot, so I decided to spend some time in the area. While waiting for the Willow Flycatcher to cooperate,

Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat

… this Common Yellowthroat was foraging for bugs in the bushes.

Lazuli Bunting
Lazuli Bunting

The Lazuli Buntings were still in the area,

Lazuli Bunting
Lazuli Bunting

… and would routinely stop by and sing.

Bewick's Wren
Bewick's Wren

Also paying a visit was this Bewick’s Wren. It seemed everything but the Willow was going to provide photo ops. Obviously it is going to take a return trip or two to try for some better shots now that they are back.

Yellowthroat & Wood-Pewee

This afternoons stroll was out in the Boundary Bay area. At first it was pretty quiet and I was beginning to wonder if there would be much of anything to watch let alone photograph. Then when checking a small path off the main trail there was a flycatcher hawking for insects off an old snag. It left before I could get any good looks or photos.

Back on one of the main trails I could hear a Common Yellowthroat close by. I set up and waited a few minutes.

Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat

It was not long before it eventually worked its way to the front of the tree.

Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat

After this cooperative little warbler, I decided the flycatcher would be worth another try. As they can be creatures of habit using the same perches, I returned to the snag, picked my spot and set up.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

This is where patience comes in to bird photography.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

It was almost an hour before the flycatcher, a Western Wood-pewee, returned.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

It was worth the wait, especially when the bird obliges you like this.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

Coming and going from the snag,

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

… for about 15 minutes in the wonderful late afternoon sun.