Peregrine + Downy

With the sun shining I headed out for a short walk this afternoon. I was checking the Reifel and Alaksen areas for the White-winged Crossbills that have been around. Not having much luck with that,

Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon

… this Peregrine Falcon provided a brief diversion.

Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon

It obligingly changed its roosting spot providing this photo facing the camera.

Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

Towards the end of my outing, this Downy Woodpecker cooperated for the last shot of the day.

More Redpolls

Originally it was supposed to be our first sunny day in a while. Instead we ended up with a fog alert. In spite of this, there was still a good crowd at Reifel when I arrived to help out this afternoon. I was anticipating the brighter day and better photo opportunities with the Common Redpoll. The weather did briefly get a little better,

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

… and the Common Redpoll flock was still around.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

At this point they were along the inside grassy trail.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

While not quite what I was hoping for, I did manage a few nice shots.

Reifel
Reifel

This photo from the base of the tower later in the afternoon is more indicative of what the weather was like most of the day.

Common Redpoll

There was only a handful of visitors when I arrived to help out at Reifel this afternoon. Not surprising given the rain and wind. Highlight from the morning walk were some Common Redpoll seen along the inside grassy trail. I started off down the east dyke where a Great Horned Owl was at the northeast corner in one of its usual roosts. Along the centre dyke trail,

Barred Owl
Barred Owl

… a Barred Owl was also in one of its regular spots in a birch tree. Then while  making my way back to the middle of the display ponds where all the trails converge (sometimes referred to as the triangle),

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

… I came across the large flock of Common Redpoll.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

They were busy feeding on the catkins.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

It has been a while since I have had a chance to photograph Common Redpoll. Despite the weather, it was the bright spot of my day.