More Redpolls

Originally it was supposed to be our first sunny day in a while. Instead we ended up with a fog alert. In spite of this, there was still a good crowd at Reifel when I arrived to help out this afternoon. I was anticipating the brighter day and better photo opportunities with the Common Redpoll. The weather did briefly get a little better,

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

… and the Common Redpoll flock was still around.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

At this point they were along the inside grassy trail.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

While not quite what I was hoping for, I did manage a few nice shots.

Reifel
Reifel

This photo from the base of the tower later in the afternoon is more indicative of what the weather was like most of the day.

Common Redpoll

There was only a handful of visitors when I arrived to help out at Reifel this afternoon. Not surprising given the rain and wind. Highlight from the morning walk were some Common Redpoll seen along the inside grassy trail. I started off down the east dyke where a Great Horned Owl was at the northeast corner in one of its usual roosts. Along the centre dyke trail,

Barred Owl
Barred Owl

… a Barred Owl was also in one of its regular spots in a birch tree. Then while  making my way back to the middle of the display ponds where all the trails converge (sometimes referred to as the triangle),

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

… I came across the large flock of Common Redpoll.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

They were busy feeding on the catkins.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

It has been a while since I have had a chance to photograph Common Redpoll. Despite the weather, it was the bright spot of my day.

Siskin, Grosbeak & Redpoll

On the cool side, but a great afternoon for a walk. On arriving at Reifel I heard there were some Evening Grosbeak and Common Redpoll seen earlier in the day. On heading out the east dyke trail where they had been seen, it was not long before I located the Grosbeak. They were not in a great spot for photos, but while watching them I noticed another flock of birds active on the lower inside trail.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

It was a good sized group of Pine Siskin. While higher up initially,

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

… they did make there way down to some lower branches.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

It has been a few years since I have managed any shots of the Pine Siskin.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

So I quite enjoyed this moment with them cooperating while feeding on the catkins.

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

Then the Evening Grosbeak made their way to a slightly better location,

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

… and provided a chance for some photos.

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

The Evening Grosbeak were busy feeding on some of the remaining Pacific crab apple. After they moved on it was time to find the Siskin again. If the Common Redpoll were around, chances are they would be mixed in with them.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

There were a few Common Redpoll mixed in with the Siskin when I relocated the flock. Unfortunately they were not quite as cooperative and this is the only decent shot I managed. Nonetheless, a great afternoon to be out and about enjoying it all.