George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 61

Ring-necked Duck & Sandhill Crane

Headed out to Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon. While still fairly quiet on the birding front,

… there were some interesting waterfowl around.

There were at least three pairs of Ring-necked Duck present. And the entertainment for the afternoon,

… was the resident pair of Sandhill Cranes bathing and preening.

Then strolling around fanning and drying their feathers.

Bittern, Night-Heron & Eagle

The Easter long weekend is always one of the busiest at Reifel. It was my turn to volunteer and help out on the trails today. With the good weather continuing there was no shortage in visitors to the sanctuary. While still fairly quiet on the birding front,

… an American bittern was present again in the northwest pond delighting those that had the chance to see it. It was coming and going to the same area all day.

Later in the afternoon two of the remaining Black-crowned Night-Heron started moving around. One was fishing in Fuller’s Slough, but unfortunately was hidden by trees. The other was flitting about the trees,

… and ended up in one across from the foot of the east dyke trail. Roosting in plain view and unobstructed by branches does not happen often here with these birds. Needless to say once the camera was set up on it, I had a steady stream of admirers stopping to take a look. So much so, I finished off my afternoon here.

And just for fun on the way home,

… this shot of a Bald Eagle taking off from a tree top.

American Bittern

Being such a beautiful day, I made sure to take time and get out to enjoy it. Today’s stroll was at Reifel which was fairly busy with it being spring break for the kids. There had been a report of a Green Heron in the southwest pond the other day, so I started my walk along the outside dyke trail. While there was no sign of it today,