George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 54

Night-Heron & Saw-whet

Weather wise there was a bit of a break while volunteering at Reifel this afternoon. For those that did venture out there today, a couple of the regulars for this time of the year were cooperating for visitors. There were a few Black-crowned Night-Heron,

… one of which was in the open providing great viewing opportunities. The morning bird walk also counted five Northern Saw-whet Owls.

This one snoozing relatively unobstructed delighted many along the east dyke trail. So, it was a good day for viewing the Black-crowned Night-Heron and Northern Saw-whet Owl which are often tucked away and behind branches.

Song Birds & Mallard

Weather wise it was not a pleasant morning. After the rain let up it was still overcast and on the cool side when I headed out the door for a walk. Nothing out of the ordinary so that allowed for some time with the regulars.

Despite still being a little gloomy along the trails,

… I still managed a few shots.

This one spot was active with this Song Sparrow using the same perch as the Junco.

On the waterfowl front there never seems to be any shortage of these. This female Mallard is fanning her wings after finishing a preening session. This was also the finish of my walk as it was starting to rain again.

Great Blue Heron

While following a Mink around the trails at Reifel this afternoon I happened across a Great Blue Heron. It was standing still along the edge of the trail. I liked the tall green reeds in the background along with the fallen autumn leaves in the foreground so I stopped.

With the Great Blue Heron you have to keep in mind that standing motionless is how they hunt, always scanning their surroundings for prey.

It was not long before this one spotted something and slowly moved in for the strike.

On the menu today was a plump Vole. The Great Blue Heron will eat just about anything. After this it moved into the adjacent pond for a while.

When I happened by again half an hour later it was back on the trail. As for the Mink, never did manage a decent shot of it.