George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 41

Sparrows

There was a light drizzle and it was starting to get foggy when heading out to volunteer at Reifel. On arriving the parking lot was fairly empty, but that is to be expected this close to Christmas. Some of the regular birders and volunteers were also helping out with the Ladner Christmas bird count today. While a little on the gloomy side, I still tried to get a few photos. While watching the sparrows for something out of the ordinary,

… I managed this Dark-eyed Junco,

… and a Fox Sparrow along the east dyke trail.

Then at the junction of the inner display ponds this Lincoln’s Sparrow. As none were seen when they did the count here earlier today, this one got added to the tally. I did get another glimpse of my current nemesis, the Swamp Sparrow, but still no photo.

Snow Day!

Well today was one of the rare occasions we actually got some snow down here at sea level. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity I headed out to Reifel this afternoon. When I arrived there was only one other family group out in the sanctuary. Not often you practically have the place to yourself.

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

A shot from the warming hut overlooking the gift shop ponds. On the opposite side at Fuller’s Slough,

… a Black-crowned Night-Heron was roosting nicely on snow covered branches. Then it was down the east dyke trail. It was not long before I could hear the drumming sound of woodpecker. As I slowly made my way to the other side of the tree,

… a Pileated Woodpecker was busy looking for food. While this is usually a good area for them, there were no owls along here today. Next up was the centre dyke trail,

… where I found this American Robin foraging for the few remaining berries. While approaching the main covered viewing platform,

… this Great Blue Heron was moving slowly on a snow covered log in the slough.

Then one last shot of one of the inner display ponds. All in all, a fun day in the snow.

Owl & Hairy Woodpecker

Another beautiful, but cold day. On arriving at Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon there was not too large a crowd. For those that did make it out today,

… there were a couple of Northern Saw-whet Owls along the east dyke trail. This one apparently had a mouse that it ate for those that managed to see it this morning. After spending some time here showing the Saw-whet Owl to visitors I made my way out towards the outer west dyke. My current nemesis bird, the Swamp Sparrow, was still around. At the beginning of the trail across from the tower,

… I happened across a Hairy Woodpecker. While not uncommon, they are just not seen as often as some of the other woodpeckers.

This Hairy Woodpecker was busy in the trees right beside the trail and seemed quite unconcerned with those of us that had stopped to watch. The nice light, cooperative bird, can’t ask for much more than that.

After this I did locate and get another brief look at the Swamp Sparrow, but still no photos. On my way back along the inside trails I observed a Varied Thrush which is also a good bird for this area. All in all, a good day.