George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 12

Northern Saw-whet Owl

When I headed out to Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon it was sunny and there was a good crowd. While not finding much in the first instance,

… I spent time with some Northern Shovelers. Later in the day it started to cloud over with the occasional light shower. To brighten things up a visitor I had spoken to earlier flagged me down and informed he had found a Northern Saw-whet Owl. The owl was tucked away pretty good with lots of branches between it and the camera.

I had to set the camera up low and look up into the overhanging branch. You can see the Northern Saw-whet Owl has a vole in its feet. I spent the next couple of hours set up here showing visitors. As luck would have it and closing time neared, the Saw-whet decided it was time to eat.

I managed to get some video before having to make a dash for the parking lot and five o’clock arrived.

Anna’s Hummingbird

After being down and out for awhile with a bad cold, it was good to finally get out on what was a decent afternoon at Reifel. While still not quite with it and not having much luck on the photo front,

… this Anna’s Hummingbird did provide a bright spot at the end of my walk.

American Bittern

Another beautiful day, albeit on the cool side, and a large turnout at Reifel for the Family Day long weekend. When there is this may visitors it’s nice if there is an owl around I can set up on for them. Such was not the case this afternoon as I could not locate any. While I did get a few people asking, most were just out enjoying the day.

The highlight of the day was along the outside west dyke,

… where an American Bittern was active in a patch of flattened cattails. So I set up there for awhile to show people.

For some it was the first time they had seen one. Always a good day when one of these usually secretive birds provides such a good viewing opportunity.