Bewick’s Wren & Cooper’s Hawk

It was back out to the Boundary Bay area this last afternoon of the four day Easter long weekend. Not long into my walk there was one song that caught my attention.

Bewick's Wren
Bewick's Wren

It was that of a Bewick’s Wren.

Bewick's Wren
Bewick's Wren

Unfortunately, from a photography perspective, it stayed in amongst the bramble and dead fall. It would not perch any higher with a cleaner background, but this is how you would often see them.

The other highlight of the afternoon,

Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk

… was a pair of Cooper’s Hawks. This one being the female with unfinished prey.

Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk

The male was not far away being just a little further in to the stand of trees. You can also see some fresh blood on its breast feathers and a full crop. Both had just eaten and were content to roost in the trees not being concerned with me while I took my photos. This is likely the pair that has been nesting in this area the last few years.

It was also nice to finally see blossoms coming out on some of the trees. These actually tie in with the Cooper’s Hawk in that the tree with the pink blossoms is where they nested last year.

Heron, Woodpecker & Hornets

Managed a couple of walks today, but not much to show for it. This morning started off with a Great Blue Heron.

Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron

It was roosting in a conifer with its feathers all ruffled up.

Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

This juvenile Downy Woodpecker was the only other photo from the morning. On the shore bird front I did see some Western & Semipalmated Sandpipers, Dunlin, Killdeer, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs and Dowitchers. None, however, were in decent locations for pictures.

Being such a nice day, I headed out again for a short walk early this evening. Still looking for song birds with the late day sun, it was pretty quiet again with no takers wanting to pose for the camera.

White-faced Hornet Nest
White-faced Hornet Nest

This White-faced Hornet nest was the only photo from this evening.

Moss Always Grows On …?

Moss always grows on …

Mossy Teddy Bear
Mossy Teddy Bear

… the north side of the teddy bear of course. Obviously this little fellow has been in the nook of this tree for some time. Just one of those little oddities you can come across.

While there was not much on the bird front today,

Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk

… this Cooper’s Hawk did pause briefly for me on the under side of a large tree.