Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Ruddy Turnstone

This afternoon it was back to the Tsawwassen Ferry causeway for the Grey-crowned Rosy-finch that had eluded me on previous attempts and a Ruddy Turnstone. On arriving and speaking to some birders already there, the finch had not been seen.

The Ruddy Turnstone on the other hand,

was busy foraging for food amongst the seaweed,

… and did not seem concerned with the birders and photographers at all.

At one point it went through the motions as if it was going to cough something up.

The Ruddy Turnstone eventually made its way down to the water.

… where it was bath time.

Not often you find yourself having to back up while photographing shore birds. This particular bird was more than cooperative and made for a great afternoon.

Whimbrel & Snow Buntings

Today’s destination was the Tsawwassen Ferry causeway for Snow Buntings. I believe the first sightings this fall/winter were at Iona, but they have returned again to the causeway. While the skies were sunny, it was on the cool with the breeze. Arriving on the south side I was distracted right away,

… by a Whimbrel.

It was busy foraging for food along the shoreline with the regular Black Oystercatchers.

While the bird seemed fairly cooperative, it kept getting flushed by a kite surfer when he would go zipping by. Fortunately I still managed a few decent shots before moving on.

About half way down the causeway I located the Snow Buntings feeding on the ground.

They seemed a little skittish, so I stayed put in one area they seemed to favour.

Here they would perch on the driftwood when moving between the beach and road. It has been over a year since I have photographed either Whimbrel or Snow Bunting at this location, so I would count today’s outing as a success.

Snow Bunting

Another beautiful day, but still on the cool side. This afternoon’s walk was to the Tsawwassen ferry causeway. One winter migrant from the high arctic that can usually be seen here each year,