Night-Heron & Saw-whet

Hmmm, that title sounds familiar. Probably because it is what I used two weeks ago also on a Sunday and volunteering at Reifel. While there was a few other things to see, it was the same two birds that provided the best photo opportunities.

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron

One of the six Black-crowned Night-Heron currently in the sanctuary was roosting on a fallen tree in Fuller’s Slough. As I mentioned in another recent post, always fun to get them in different spots.

While there was a high count of five Northern Saw-whet Owls not long ago, my last few visits I have only ever managed to see one. Such was the case again this afternoon.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

A lot of visitors were walking right by it as it was tucked away lower in the branches today. I took several groups back so they could get a look at it. To get this shot the tripod was collapsed all the way down looking up under the tree. I also used a cable release and the mirror up function as the shutter speed was quite low.

Great Blue Heron & Barred Owl

Still on the cool side, it was not a bad day weather wise today. This afternoon’s walk was at Reifel which can be a little quieter on the people front during the week. So while the trails were relatively peaceful, I was not having much luck with subjects willing to pose for the camera. When all else fails,

Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron

… you can always fall back on one of the regulars. This Great Blue Heron was roosting on some dead fall along the inside of the centre dyke trail. Another regular I have not seen for sometime inside the sanctuary,

Barred Owl
Barred Owl

… is the Barred Owl. When I started my walk it was tucked away in the trees in the northeast corner. Great for viewing, but a lousy spot/lighting for photos. Towards the end of the day I made my way back by the same corner and found the Barred Owl had moved to this tree out in the open.

Barred Owl
Barred Owl

Certainly cannot complain about this opportunity. Once again the regulars show how they can come through in a pinch.

Black-crowned Night-Heron

While there was a nice break from the rain today, the wind was making it quite cold. Not wanting to be out in the open, I headed to Reifel for my walk. This at least provides some shelter from the wind while walking the inside trails. It was pretty uneventful on the photo front, but one of the regulars did come through for me.

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron

One of the Black-crowned Night-Heron was perched on a log in the slough. Always nice to get them somewhere other than the usual trees.