George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 23

Bohemian Waxwing

Got a chance for a brief walk on this cold, but sunny afternoon. Headed out to Reifel and was surprised at being the only visitor there when I pulled into the parking lot. Three Red-breasted Sapsuckers had been seen earlier in the day so I started off down the east dyke trail in search of them. Unfortunately there was no sign of Sapsuckers,

… but there was one Northern Saw-whet Owl sleeping away the day.

Other visitors did eventually show up and one couple I met up with along the centre dyke trail had spotted a group of Bohemian Waxwing.

They had counted eight birds busy feeding on the crab apple.

They were some distance away, but I was not going to complain as it has been awhile since I have seen/photographed Bohemian Waxwing here.

Greater White-fronted Goose

It was back out to Reifel with today’s high tide to see if I could get some better photos of the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Unfortunately it was a no show,

… but not all was lost.

There were two Greater White-fronted Geese in the southwest field for a change of pace.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

While I have seen and photographed Sharp-tailed Sandpiper this fall in Boundary Bay, they have still been waiting for their first sighting at Reifel this year. That changed yesterday when one showed up in the southwest field, but I was unable to go out there. I got another heads up this morning,

… and this time I was able to make some time.

The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was in the southwest field again and close enough to provide great viewing and photo opportunities. My timing was good as it was not long after these shots everything got flushed by a raptor and the Sharp-tailed did not return.