Canoe Pass – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Double-crested Cormorant

Still on the cool side, but the sun was shining.

This Double-crested Cormorant was bagging a few rays along with everyone and everything else out enjoying the day.

Ducks, Swan, Eagles & Songbirds

Figured I would start the afternoon off with a follow-up for the flycatchers I had seen at Reifel the other day. While I was having no luck with that,

… I did manage a photo of the first Wood Duck brood to hatch at the sanctuary. En route to my next destination, and in keeping with the nesting theme,

… it appears the Mute Swan are nesting in Canoe Pass. And the last nest for the day,

… one of the Bald Eagle nests with young in the North 40 which was my next stop. Having missed the flycatchers at Reifel, the North 40 is also a good spot for them. I just have not seen any arrive here yet. While checking the trails,

… one of the many Common Yellowthroat posed briefly on a branch for me. Then while checking on the Tree Swallow nest what should alight on an old snag?

A first of year Western Wood-Pewee for the North 40.

Of course I could not leave without trying for at least one shot of the Lazuli Bunting.

Merganser, Cormorant, Owls, Harrier & Merlin

It has been about two weeks since I last posted anything from Brunswick Point and Canoe Pass. On that walk there were some interesting sea ducks around, just not great light. This afternoon in Canoe Pass the light was better,

… and a Red-breasted Merganser was still around. There were also some Loons and Grebes, but they were too far off for any pictures. To make up for that,

… one of the several Double-crested Cormorant was more than happy to oblige.

On my walk around Brunswick Point there were still at least half a dozen Snowy Owls present again. Unlike last time they were all further out in the marsh this afternoon. What was active and in a little closer today,

… were the Short-eared Owls. After getting this one taking a time out on the log,

… I spent a little time trying for some flight shots as a few were up and about.

As owls hunt with their ears as well as their eyes,

… they will react to the sound of the shutter, so be ready for it.

Accompanying the owls over the marsh were the usual Northern Harriers.

As the sun was going down behind some fairly dark clouds I was making my way back to the car when I noticed some sparrows scattering into the brambles. Right behind them flying low to the ground and then up into a tree was my bonus bird of the day.

This Merlin was unsuccessful in catching anything and with the awful light I was not sure if I was going to get a usable shot. This one did take a little massaging in post processing, and was a nice finish to the afternoon.