Brunswick Point – Page 3 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Gyrfalcon

This afternoon I made my way out to Brunswick Point with the hope of getting the American Tree Sparrows that had been reported recently. While not seeing much in the first portion of the walk,

… there were a few Northern Flicker flying around the marsh. Then several sparrows started heading for cover in the trees trail side.

They were being chased by a very active Northern Shrike. While I did get a glimpse of some White-crowned Sparrows, no American Tree Sparrow (they were seen this afternoon). After watching the Shrike and sparrows a little longer I made my way further along the trail to an approaching group of birders and the surprise of the day. They had found a juvenile Gyrfalcon. It was sitting in some cottonwoods being harassed by Northern Harriers. It was too far away for a decent photo, but I set up to get a record shot anyways.

While doing so it took to the air briefly and I managed this flight shot. A healthy crop as it was still some distance away, but better than the ones of it roosting in the trees. The Gyrfalcon was definitely the highlight of today’s walk.

Still checking the sparrows on the way back I did get this of a White-crowned Sparrow.

Northern Shrike

As Northern Shrike have started showing up I headed out to Brunswick Point this afternoon. This has always been a fairly reliable spot for me to get photos of them. I was not finding much at first when something different caught my eye.

It was a Band-tailed Pigeon. Something I have not seen or photographed around here in a while. Then while watching a group of mixed sparrows,

… this Bewick’s Wren popped up briefly. Then something flying by got my attention.

Sure enough it was a juvenile Northern Shrike.

Grebe & Merganser

I headed out to Brunswick Point in the sunshine this afternoon. The goal today was Northern Shrike. It did not take too long before finding one hunting the marsh from the tree tops adjacent to the dyke. Unfortunately it was not in a good spot for photos. I made my way a little further along to a better location for photos and one they tend to frequent. While waiting,

… the Short-eared Owl and Northern Harrier were active and harassing each as they often do. The Northern Shrike, alas, did not show up.

Prior to starting my walk along the dyke I noticed the usual cormorants along with Horned Grebe, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser in the river. With the sun starting to go down and the water calm I made my way back.

One of the Horned Grebe was fishing in fairly close to the river bank.

The Red-breasted Merganser were a little further out but I did manage a shot. The Common Goldeneye had moved off to far. The mouth of the river at Canoe Pass can be a good spot to see some these sea ducks.