George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 60

Mother’s Day Hummingbird

To all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

As this is one of their busier days of the year, I headed to Reifel and helped out on the trails this afternoon. With the wonderful weather there was no shortage of visitors. New arrivals since my last visit were some Black-headed Grosbeak along the east dyke trail and three Wilson’s Phalarope amongst the Dowitchers in the outer ponds. Lots of ducklings and goslings showing up now as well.

One of the biggest attractions today were the Hummingbird feeders. All were being visited frequently including one located in a tree at the picnic area.

The nice thing about this one if you were patient,

… is that you could get them when they alighted briefly on the branches.

I managed a couple of shots while taking a break from the trails and enjoyed them along with everyone else.

Swallow, Blackbird, Grosbeak & Eagle

First stop this afternoon was at Reifel. While there were some Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal around, neither were in decent spots for photos when I saw them. While watching the swallows at the northwest corner I noticed a lone Cliff Swallow, but it was too far off for a photo. They are not one of the regulars here,

… unlike the Tree Swallows which are everywhere. Also present in the outer ponds today were over 100 Dowitchers.

With the longer days now it was too early to head home after leaving Reifel, so I decided to check the North 40 again. While driving along Westham Island Road I noticed a blackbird I had not photographed in some time.

The Brewer’s Blackbird is regularly seen around the farm fields in this area.

It was quieter on the warbler front than on my past visits at the North 40 today. While scanning the trees a flash of colour did get my attention,

… a Black-headed Grosbeak. The first I have seen this year, unfortunately it was not going to cooperate by coming down lower or any closer.

And because they are usually around and will sit nice for you once in a while.

Nests Of A Different Sort

Headed out to Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails. It was not overly busy for a relatively nice Sunday. The big news since my last visit,

… the Sandhill Cranes are on the nest and incubating eggs.

The first egg was laid on Friday, the second showed up today. Now the countdown begins and should be around 30 days before it’s time to start watching for chicks.

While at Reifel I got a nice tip from a fellow volunteer in regards to a nest of a different sort. A hummingbird nest in the South Arm Marshes. As it was still fairly quiet, I left a little early to check it out on my way home.

It did not take me long to find it and determine it was a Rufous Hummingbird nest.

Bonus of the day was that the young have hatched and I managed to get her feeding them.