George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 42

Saw-whet & Night-Heron

The day was better than I expected weather wise, but the breeze was cool. On arriving at Reifel I was a little surprised by the smaller crowd this afternoon. Some of the interesting birds that had been seen of late, Swamp and Tree Sparrow, had not been spotted today. But one sign that winter is coming,

… is the arrival of the tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl. They have been around for a couple of weeks now, but are starting to show up regularly along the public trails.

On my way back at the end of the day was another winter regular,

… the Black-crowned Night-Heron. This one was at the foot of the east dyke trail.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Another beautiful fall afternoon and another good Sunday crowd at Reifel. There were a few birds providing good viewing and getting the attention of visitors including both Great Horned and Barred Owls. Unfortunately they were not in great spots for clear photos. On the outside west dyke the Belted Kingfisher was still active and I saw my first Northern Shrike of the fall. The highlight for me though,

… were the Anna’s Hummingbird.

There were three buzzing around the entrance area and I finally managed a couple of decent shots. While checking the inner ponds,

… some Mallards caught my eye.

Never hurts to spend time with regulars and get both genders of the species.

American Bittern

Lots of people out and about on this lovely Sunday afternoon. It was the first time I have encountered a line up to get over the Westham Island bridge. Lots of families going to the farms for their Halloween pumpkins. Reifel was equally as busy when I arrived to help out on the trails. While it was fairly quiet on the birding front, there was one bird that provided a little excitement for birders.

This American Bittern was providing good views along the west dyke. Usually a fairly secretive bird, it is always fun when you have a chance to see a Bittern in the open.