George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 63

Out Again At Last

With the weather, work and other commitments it has been almost two weeks since I have had a chance to post. Finally this morning I had an opportunity to head out before the weather changes again. First stop of the day was Reifel. One of the Black-crowned Night-Herons was in the bramble a little closer to the trail,

… unfortunately it was still obstructed by a few branches.

Along the east dyke trail I spent a little time with some of the regulars.

Along the centre dyke trail the Pacific Crab Apple was popular this morning.

Attracting both American Robins,

… and Cedar Waxwings.

It has been several months since I last photographed any Waxwings.

So it was fun to spend a little time with them.

On my way out there was a fairly bedraggled looking immature Bald Eagle in the parking lot. It was soaking wet from what I suspect may have been a failed attempt at a duck.

It was now roosting in this snag, wings spread and trying to dry out.

Second stop of the day was Boundary Bay. I wanted to have another go for the American Tree Sparrows. After not locating them where they had been last time,

… I back tracked a little to where I had noticed some White-crowned Sparrows. On closer examination I found the American Tree Sparrows busy foraging in the grass. Now it was just a matter of waiting,

… for them make there way into the branches.

A little patience was in order,

… as they were not always in the open for their short stays in the trees.

But it was worth the wait as they were cooperating this afternoon.

I had been out for several hours now, was getting cold and it was time to head home.

However, I could not pass up this parting shot of a Snowy Owl roosting in the logs across from where the Tree Sparrows were. It was here on its own away from the others.

Merganser, Eagle, Owl & Heron

Another winter migrant that has been spotted recently is the Common Redpoll. Good numbers were seen the other day at Reifel, so that is where I headed this afternoon. I started off down the east dyke trail, but no sign of them along there. On a diversion to the blind overlooking Ewan Slough and the Alaksen National Wildlife area,

… this Hooded Merganser was busy trying to position its catch to swallow it. On the far side of the slough,

… this Bald Eagle was basking in the sun on a log in the water. There were also four Pied-billed Grebe around as well, just not close enough for decent photos.

While continuing my search for the Redpoll along the centre dyke trail,

… I came across this Barred Owl roosting in a Birch tree. A favourite spot for it of late, just the first time I have managed to see and photograph it here. I ended up spending a fair bit of time here with my camera set up and showing the owl to other visitors.

It was getting late now and I resigned myself to the fact the Redpoll would have to wait for another day. As a consolation though,

… one of the Black-crowned Night-Heron was roosting in the open with the last of the light on my way back to the parking lot.

Night-Heron & Hairy Woodpecker

It was still a fairly grey day when I headed out to Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon. The number of visitors was subdued as well. On starting off I came across one regular winter visitor that was awake and somewhat in the open.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron is a favourite of many visitors this time of the year.

A highlight of the morning walk was a pair of Canvasback on the inner display ponds. Unfortunately they were too far off for any decent pictures. Making up for that, however,

… was this female Hairy Woodpecker along the centre dyke trail. Initially it was higher up in the trees,

… but with a little patience it came to this old snag lower down. This can help with backgrounds when shooting on a grey day like today.

The Hairy Woodpecker is not seen as often as some of the other woodpeckers in the sanctuary.

So it was nice to spend a little time with this cooperative bird and pointing it out to visitors.