George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 6 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Dunlin + Harris’s Sparrow

With another Sharp-tailed Sandpiper being spotted at Reifel a couple of days ago, that was today’s destination. A break in the weather made for a nice afternoon walk. There was no sign of it on checking the southwest field where it had been sighted. From there I checked the west field, also with negative results.

The west field did, however, have lots of Dunlin and dowitchers.

I focussed in on this one Dunlin,

… while it rested and then preened itself.

While not what I was initially after, the Dunlin did provide some good photo opportunities.

A Northern Goshawk was apparently seen this morning, but I did not see it in my travels this afternoon.

The Harris’s Sparrow was still present today in the same area along the north dyke trial. A great afternoon to be out and about before the expected rain tomorrow.

Harris’s Sparrow

It was sort of a mixed bag weather wise this afternoon while helping out at Reifel. Overcast, some rain and the occasional bright spot. In spite of this there was still a half decent number of visitors. Target bird today was a Harris’s Sparrow that was observed yesterday.

I made my way out the east dyke trail to the northeast corner where it had been spotted. This actually allows a good view along both the east and north dyke trails. Spent a little time chatting with some other birders looking for the bird, but there was just the regulars at the corner. Not long after they left I noted lots of activity along the north dyke trail closer to the tower. As I got a little closer I spotted the Harris’s Sparrow on the ground. It, along with the other birds, got flushed back into the bushes when people passed by. I stopped and set up once I got to the general area. There was a lull in people along the trail,

… and the Harris’s Sparrow eventually made an appearance again. One just has to be patient and wait for those quiet moments along the trail,

… as the birds will reappear. The Harris’s Sparrow was very cooperative and provided good viewing and photo opportunities. Definitely the bright spot on a mostly dreary afternoon.

Belted Kingfisher

Just over a month ago on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Reifel I managed a photo of a Belted Kingfisher. For that I was along an inside trail shooting towards a perch they were frequenting adjacent the centre dyke trail.

Today on a sunny Sunday afternoon one was active in the same area again. This time while walking along the centre dyke trail I could hear it coming and then spotted it landing on a snag near the inside trail overlooking the pond. I moved slowly to an opening between the trees,

… and managed to get this photo of the Belted Kingfisher. A much better opportunity on a lovely day with softer colours in the background.