Newly arrived goslings were keeping visitors at Reifel entertained this afternoon. At first there was not much of note and then along the north dyke I saw my first Purple Martin of the year at the sanctuary. In the west field there were also some Cinnamon Teal, but too far off for photos.
Greater White-fronted Goose
The highlight of day was a small flock of Greater White-fronted Geese.
Greater White-fronted Goose
They were in the centre display ponds and provided great viewing and photo opportunities.
Greater White-fronted Goose
Compared to most chances I have had, it was a pleasant change of pace being this close for Greater White-fronted Goose pictures.
A little breezy and overcast, but at least it was not raining. There was also a half decent crowd when I arrived at Reifel to help out this afternoon. There was not anything out of the ordinary reported from the morning,
Dark-eyed Junco
… and along the east dyke trail it was mostly regulars like this Dark-eyed Junco.
Gadwall
Hard to walk around Reifel without spending some time with the waterfowl. Today it was this Gadwall.
Black-capped Chickadee
Along the inside grassy trail I found a pair of Black-capped Chickadee busy excavating a nesting hole in an old Birch snag. While watching them a beautiful Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler was flitting about overhead, but would not come lower and cooperate for a photo.
Later in the afternoon along this same stretch I notice several Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the trees along the east dyke trail. Once I had made my way over there,
Hutton’s Vireo
… I was delighted that the first photos I took were of a Hutton’s Vireo.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Next up was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet I originally came over to get. Both these species are usually quite busy and can be challenging to get photos of. They are also quite similar in appearance and this was a good opportunity to see them together for comparison.
With the weather apparently about to take a turn for the worse, figured I better get out for a walk this afternoon. Today’s target bird, Hutton’s Vireo. While I have gotten glimpses recently, nothing on the photo front.
Hutton’s Vireo
This afternoon my luck changed.
Hutton’s Vireo
The bonus was that it was a pair of Hutton’s Vireo building a nest.
Hutton’s Vireo
They were busy bringing in feathers,
Hutton’s Vireo
… and moss for nesting material.
To finish things off I tried to get a little video. A very productive afternoon.
