George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Page 67

Robins & Shrike

I started off the morning at Reifel. While heading out along the east dyke trail I caught a glimpse of a Varied Thrush. It was with some Robins feeding on berries. Unfortunately it did not return, but I stayed with the Robins for a while.

They were frequenting a couple of trees to feast on the berries.

One just had to be patient,

… and wait for when they were unobstructed by branches.

Not having any luck with much else at the sanctuary, it was time for a change of venue. I headed out to Brunswick Point, located at the western end of River Rd. in Ladner. As it was still fairly windy, it was pretty quiet here birding wise as well. On the way back my luck changed. I noticed the distinct shape and colour of a regular winter visitor alight atop a small tree.

The Northern Shrike will normally scan for prey from a high perch like this. They are a predatory song bird that will eat insects, snakes, rodents and small birds. Sometimes referred to as the “Butcher Bird”, it will impale its prey on thorns or branches. This helps support the prey while it is eaten, a means to cache food for later and a way they mark their territory.

Remembrance Day

This morning I headed over to Memorial Park where Remembrance Day ceremonies are held each year in our community. It is the site of Delta’s cenotaph with the names of those from the community lost in war. There was a good turn out in honour of all those who have fallen so we can enjoy the life we do today. The weather was cooperating and did not hinder the usual fly-by of vintage WWII aircraft from the Delta Heritage Air Park in Boundary Bay.

As the weather was not as bad as I was expecting, it was time for a walk after this. There were some actual blue patches and occasional sunshine when I arrived at Reifel. I started off my walk down the east dyke trail where I saw my first Northern Saw-whet Owl. Early November is when they usually start returning to this area and stay over the winter. No photos though, as this one was tucked away quite well which is usually the case.

The north dyke trail is still closed due to some repair work completed last month. So I made my way to the centre dyke via the inside trails, checking out the tower area on my way. While strolling along the centre dyke the wind all of a sudden started howling. It was blowing hard enough that branches were falling from the trees with one just missing me, but getting the tripod. It was like someone flipped a switch from calm to very strong gusts. The weather forecast was calling for it, I just expected it to build gradually.

While making my way back to the parking lot I noted lots of the waterfowl being blown around along with the leaves and everything else.

That provided my only photo of the day, this Mallard flying in to the wind.

Long-tailed & Kinglet

After getting the car serviced this morning, I headed out to Reifel this afternoon. Birds of note from speaking to fellow birders on my arrival were a Shrike, Redhead and Long-tailed Ducks. As the Shrike was in the outside marshes, I decided to try the ponds for the ducks.

I found the female Long-tailed Duck in one of the main inside ponds.

This diving duck is usually seen in the ocean,

… but will occasionally show up on the inside ponds at the sanctuary.

Not having any luck locating the Redhead, I shifted to the trails. Nothing out of the ordinary, but I did start following a group of Kinglets mixed in with some Chickadees. They were busy foraging for insects in the conifers. The challenge trying to photograph Kinglets is their tiny size and the fact they are constantly on the move amongst the branches. Every once in a while though,

… you luck out and get one that pauses ever so briefly out in the open.