Category: Canoe Pass

Rough-legged Hawk

This afternoon’s walk was in the sunshine, but the breeze did keep it on the cool side. The destination was Brunswick Point, but before heading out there my attention was drawn to the river.

Red-breasted Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser

There were some Red-breasted Merganser,

Common Goldeneye
Common Goldeneye

… and Common Goldeneye in Canoe Pass. Unfortunately they kept their distance.

Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant

At the pilings the Double-crested Cormorant showed up to sun themselves.

The walk around the point itself did not turn up much until I started making my way back. A Rough-legged Hawk was moving back and forth between some trees trailside.

Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

While they can be wary of people at times,

Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

… this Rough-legged Hawk provided a good opportunity for some flight shots before moving off over the marsh. A good end to the days walk.

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,

Short-eared Owl & Northern Harrier
Short-eared Owl & Northern Harrier

… 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.

Horned Grebe
Horned Grebe

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

Red-breasted Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser

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.