Friday the 13th

I started off this morning at Reifel. Right off the bat I came across this interesting mix of birds in the pond behind the gift shop.

Canada Goose, Mallard, Dowitchers
Canada Goose, Mallard, Dowitchers

A Canada Goose, Mallard and some Dowitchers.

Canada Goose
Canada Goose

New arrivals are popping up all over the place now.

Sandhill Crane Nest
Sandhill Crane Nest

And it will be about another week before we see any action around the Sandhill Crane nest.

While Wilson’s Warblers were few and far between on my last visit,

Wilson's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler

… they were all over the place today.

Wilson's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler

This female was staying put foraging in one area,

Wilson's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler

… providing a better opportunity for some closer shots.

Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler

Of course there are still plenty of Yellow-rumped Warblers around as well.

While not a great photo op,

Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeak

… I did see my first Black-headed Grosbeak of the year. So, not a bad morning at Reifel.

A Bar-tailed Godwit had been seen the last couple of days out in Boundary Bay. A fairly rare visitor for this area, particularly in the spring. Having to work I was unable to get out when it was first sighted and decided to give it a try this afternoon. However, there was no sign of it or any Plovers that it had been seen with.

With a title of “Friday the 13th” the day obviously did not bode well for someone.

Peregrine Falcon with Dowitcher
Peregrine Falcon with Dowitcher

This afternoon in the bay it was this Dowitcher falling prey to a Peregrine Falcon.

No Bluebirds Today

Thought I would try to spend some time with the Mountain Bluebirds this afternoon. Although Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen is always a popular spot, being a weekday it would be a little quieter.

As anticipated it was not too busy people wise, but no Bluebird activity either. Could not locate them anywhere. Hopefully they have not moved on already, but that is a possibility.

Prior to heading home for the Canucks game I made a quick side trip to Boundary Bay in Ladner. It was fairly quiet there as well.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Just saw this one Short-eared Owl cruising the marsh along with the usual Harriers.

A Blue Day

I started off this morning at Reifel. Lots of Barn, Tree and Violet-green Swallows hawking for insects. Heard my first Common Yellowthroat of the season for the sanctuary, but no photos. With nesting season well underway for some waterfowl, so are the turf wars.

Canada Goose
Canada Goose

I love the posturing of the Canada Goose when protecting its territory.

Canada Goose
Canada Goose

The geese have started nesting,

Canada Goose
Canada Goose

… with this Canada Goose tending to the eggs.

After Reifel I headed down to Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen to check for the Mountain Bluebird again. I got encouraging news while walking out along the dyke from another birder indicating six Bluebirds had been seen.

Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird

It took a few minutes, but I located them foraging along beach.

Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird

They would perch nicely at times on the tops of the thistles.

Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird

They moved about quite a bit and did spend time in the trees as well. I counted eight Mountain Bluebirds while I was there. Finally some blue in my day. Hopefully they stick around for a while so I can spend some more time with them. Then there was this,

Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier

… on my way out to finish my afternoon and a good day.