Boundary Bay – Page 18 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Long-eared Owl

On my way home from a family get together there was a bright spot on the horizon over the bay area. With an hour or two of daylight left I made my way out to Boundary Bay to try for the Palm Warbler again. On arriving, however, the bright spot was in fact some distance off on the horizon and it was still fairly gloomy with a light drizzle. Not long into my walk a couple of fellow birders were kind enough to point one of the Long-eared Owls that have been present for several days now.

Long-eared Owls can tuck themselves away pretty good in the brambles at times to keep out of sight. This one was relatively out in the open with only a couple of branches in the way. Then another birder came along advising he had just seen not one, but three Palm Warblers by the pump house. He also mentioned not having spotted the American Tree Sparrows I found the other day. I made my way east along the dyke meeting up with still more birders, but no Palm Warblers. The other hot topic right now is the Cave Swallow at Iona. Hopefully I can get out there tomorrow to try for it.

American Tree Sparrow

The weather and a couple of other things that needed doing have resulted in my not being out in a while. A little frustrating now that there have been a couple of nice days. Then a friend phones and leaves a message that he saw a Long-eared Owl at Boundary Bay. As luck would have it I was working that day and was not back in time to get out for it either. Needless to say this afternoon was free and I headed out to Boundary Bay. I was quite surprised to several birders and photographers there when I arrived. On speaking to a few they indicated some Snowy Owls have showed up, a Palm Warbler was spotted yesterday and of course the Long-eared Owl from the other day. I decided to head east along the dyke where the warbler had been seen. I have not seen or photographed one before. Not having much luck with it I started watching several groups of Sparrows and Finches. Then one in particular caught my eye,

… an American Tree Sparrow. Watching and waiting for a while I observed there were two of them. Unfortunately they were not coming any closer for a chance of better shots. A nice find and consolation bird not having found the warbler.

Pecs, Least & Pipits

It was still fairly windy when I left home for my walk this afternoon, but no where near like the gusts we were getting last night and this morning. On arriving at Boundary Bay the breeze had pretty much subsided and it was quite pleasant. So while the conditions were great, once again it was fairly uneventful on the birding front.