Brunswick Point – Page 5 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

American White Pelican

A couple of weeks ago a small group of 11 American White Pelicans showed up at Brunswick Point. While I did manage to see them, they were just too far off for photos. A couple of days ago a larger group of 44 birds arrived and I managed to get out there this afternoon. While still quite some distance away,

… they were close enough for some photos today.

The American White Pelican is a rare visitor for coastal BC, but will summer in the interior of the province. And what would a coastal BC photo be without a shot of BC Ferries in the background ;-)

So I was a little happier today getting some usable photos and adding another species to my life photo list.

Northern Shrike

One bird that I have not had much success with this winter is the Northern Shrike. They have been around in various spots and I have seen them, just no photos to speak of. Fortunately that would change this afternoon. I was out enjoying another beautiful afternoon walking around Brunswick Point. At the start of the trail there were some Common Goldeneye and Western Grebe in the river. Once out on the point both Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owls were active over the marsh. On getting closer to the far side a familiar streak of grey, black and white flew into a stand of trees just off the dyke. I made my way slowly along the trail that parallels the dyke.

It was not long before I came across the Northern Shrike perching atop a tree.

This has been a good spot for them in the past and this bird did not disappoint.

Even more delightful was the fact it was calling quite a bit while moving between the trees. Perhaps it could sense spring was in the air. It was good to finally get some shots before they move on. On my way back out a group of Red-breasted Mergansers had also arrived on the river.

Wilson’s Snipe

Today’s outing was to Brunswick Point where there were several people and other birders/photographers enjoying another beautiful, but cold afternoon. The usual Double-crested Cormorants were on the pilings and I could still hear Western Meadowlarks singing in the fields and marsh. The Northern Harriers were up, but no Short-eared Owls that I noticed. While watching the stand of trees the Prairie Falcon frequents I got called a little further to the east by another birder. The surprise of the afternoon,

… was a Wilson’s Snipe taking a siesta in the sun while the Robins wondered around it.

Eventually it did get up and start foraging in the farm yard. While I have seen and photographed Wilson’s Snipe before,

… this is the closest I have managed to be. The bird was quite cooperative as well, staying in the open the whole time I was there. Thanks for the heads up Doug. To top the day off, the Prairie Falcon did make an appearance in the trees on my way back.