George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 27

Red-necked Phalarope

Managed some time for a walk in the latter part of the afternoon and headed out to Reifel. A Red-necked Phalarope had been reported there the other day. After making my way out to the west field,

… it did not take too long before I located a Phalarope in with some Dowitchers.

This group of shorebirds was in fairly close to the dyke providing good viewing.

Then much to my delight a second one also appeared.

The Red-necked Phalarope are always a favourite of mine to see and photograph.

White-faced Ibis

Things were pretty quiet on the birding front at Reifel this afternoon. That is until later in the afternoon …

… when a White-faced Ibis flew into the southwest pond. A fairly rare bird for this area. It is the first one I have seen and photographed and a new addition to my life photo list.

It spent a fair amount of time with it’s head tucked in snoozing,

… but would occasionally get active doing some preening and stretching.

It even struck a few nice poses with it’s head up.

The White-faced Ibis was eventually joined by a couple of Yellowlegs and a Dowitcher.

Bonus bird at the end of the day on the way out was this Eastern Kingbird.

Barred Owl

While it was starting to let up a little when I left home, by the time I got to Reifel it was cool, windy and the rain had set in again. Not much in the way of visitors as result of today’s weather.

But for those that did venture out,

… a Barred Owl was roosting just off the centre dyke trail and provided good viewing and photo opportunities in spite of the weather.