CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography
Birding in British Columbia, Canada
It was a beautiful fall afternoon to be out helping on the trails at Reifel. No owls to show the many visitors today,
… but there was one highlight several got to enjoy.
Two Wilson’s Snipe spent the day in the slough adjacent to the east dyke trail providing great views.
On arriving at Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails I learned one of the Great Horned Owls was present in the sanctuary again. Knowing this to be a favourite of visitors I headed in that general direction. There was just one short detour along the way to the Ewen Slough blind in the northeast corner.
A Spotted Sandpiper had been seen earlier and was still present. Here it is intently watching a fly buzzing around in front of it. After a few minutes enjoying the sandpiper I made my way to the north dyke trail and located the Great Horned Owl roosting in the deciduous trees between there and the inside grassy trail.
I set up the camera for the visitors allowing them a close up view. Needless to say it was quite the hit.
After a while I did take a break for a walk. The only things cooperating,
… were some Dowitchers by the tower. I eventually made my way back to the Great Horned Owl,
… finishing the afternoon there. Even had a little time for this video.
I ended up with a couple of free hours this afternoon and headed out to Reifel for a short walk. There had been recent sightings of White-throated Sparrow I thought I could try for. I had no luck locating one and the warblers were not cooperating either. On my way back through the centre display ponds,
… I located six Cackling Geese. It has been a few years since I last photographed a Cackling Goose, so the day was not a total loss picture wise.