Boundary Bay – Page 22 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Phalarope & Pectoral

It was back to Boundary Bay this afternoon to continue trying for some of the rarities that have been seen of late. The tide was way out as I started west from 104 St. and not a single shore bird in close by the time I reached the pilings. Usually there is something lurking in there at this time of year. As I continued west there was lone shore bird moving about in a shallow tidal pool.

All on its own was this Red-necked Phalarope.

The Red-necked Phalarope seemed quite content scurrying around foraging for food. On reaching the area in front of the mansion the Ruff was present with the Yellowlegs, so there was hope for a better shot of it. At least until a Peregrine Falcon came in scattering everything. When the Yellowlegs returned the Ruff was no longer amongst them.

There were more Pectoral Sandpiper here today.

More often than not, they are quite willing to cooperate,

… and are not adverse to striking nice poses for you.

This one provided the action shot catching quite a large worm. Of course while watching the Pectoral Sandpiper I was hoping the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper seen the other day might make an appearance. No such luck, but there is always next time.

Ruff

Having missed on a couple of good birds yesterday, I headed out to Boundary Bay this morning. I made my way straight out to the pilings from 104 St. On approaching I was encouraged to see a group of Yellowlegs foraging in the area. Now it was time for a closer look.

It was not too long before I spotted the Ruff on the west side of the pilings.

The Ruff is a fairly rare visitor to this area, it has been 4 1/2 years since I last saw and photographed one in the Boundary Bay area.

Based on the rather buffy appearance this bird is likely a juvenile. Then they all left after being spooked by something. I waited and eventually the Yellowlegs and a couple of Dowitchers returned, but no Ruff. I will give it another go this afternoon.

Baird’s, Western & Pectoral

A Buff-breasted Sandpiper had been reported in a field along 72 St. A turf farm frequented by shore birds, but not a great spot to try and get photos. So on Tuesday I headed out to Boundary Bay in the hopes it would make an appearance there. I walked from 104 St. to the mansion with no sighting of the Buff-breasted.

There were some Baird’s Sandpiper resting along the beach.

And as the tide came in,

… the Western Sandpiper were looking to roost on anything that would keep them above the rising water. For these photos I am out in the water shooting back into towards shore.

In addition to the Buff-breated Sandpiper continuing in the same location, a Ruff had also been observed yesterday in Boundary Bay. I made my way out there again this afternoon. Scouring the beach all the way to the mansion I was not coming up with anything out of the ordinary. I had ignored some birders signalling me from the dyke to check this area out.

Pectoral Sandpiper with Western Sandpiper

I did turn up some Pectoral Sandpipers,

… sharing a clump of eelgrass with some Western Sandpipers. But, I should have paid attention to my friend Tak who was waiving to me. Turns out they were in contact with some other birders who had the Ruff back at the pilings. By the time I got back there and talked to them it had gone. On top of that I learned a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper had also been sighted in the area today. Guess where I will be tomorrow?!