George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 40

Great Horned Owl

Another sunny, but cool day. On arriving to help out at Reifel the lot was full and it looked like the Sunday crowds were back to normal. While still fairly quiet on the birding front, there were a couple of attractions for the visitors this afternoon.

First up along the east dyke trail were the Great Horned Owls. The local pair were both roosting together in the same tree. Unfortunately there was no way to get them both in the shot. Further along was a Northern Saw-whet Owl. I did not take any photos as it was obstructed by branches, but everyone loves to see the owls and they were the highlight of the day.

Still on the cold side, the ponds still had some thin ice and were fairly empty except for the few thawed portions.

Hooded Merganser & Eagle

I was surprised by the number of visitors for a Friday when I arrived at Reifel, but it was a nice day. The breeze was on the cool side, but it was petering out. Unfortunately it was fairly quiet on the birding front.

I did find and spend some time with some Hooded Mergansers on one of the inner ponds in some nice light.

Managing to get both male and female,

… along with the male Hooded Merganser fanning its wings after preening. Towards the end of the day,

… this Bald Eagle spent some time in the trees across from the tower providing an opportunity for some photos. The nice thing when they perch here and you are shooting from the top of the tower is the better angle, almost eye level.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

It was overcast, but the rain held off for the most part this afternoon. It was a small crowd again this Sunday at Reifel. Not much happening on the birding front either.

Fortunately this Northern Saw-whet Owl was roosting in the open along the east dyke trail. They had been noticeably absent for just over a week, so it was good to see one again. It was the highlight for most of the visitors today while it snoozed the afternoon away.