North 40 – Page 7 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Chickadee Nest

Had a couple of other things to do earlier in the day, so did not get out for a walk until late afternoon. Headed back to the North 40 again as I wanted to see if I could relocate the Bullock’s Oriole. The closest I got was hearing it, but at least it’s still around. Also heard and got a brief glimpse of Yellow Warbler. Then spent a little time checking on some of the Tree Sparrow nests. The young have hatched based on the feeding activity, just no little faces sticking out yet. While watching them,

… I noticed a Black-capped Chickadee also making a food delivery.

They are nesting in one of the trees being used by the Swallows and also use cavities. With all that food going in, something has got to come out.

You will routinely see the Chickadees leaving with what needs to be removed to keep the nest clean. It was quite enjoyable watching them and the Swallows.

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.

Sparrow, Bunting & Swallow

While Reifel provided more opportunities for Grosbeaks the other day, the North 40 is probably the only spot in this area (Delta) you will find another bird I have been waiting for. When I arrived this afternoon and was getting my gear ready I finally heard a Lazuli Bunting singing. The only problem being I could not find it before it went quiet.

While looking for the bunting, a Savannah Sparrow started singing nicely atop a small tree.

It allowed me to get a couple of shots from different angles.

After photographing the sparrow I could hear the Lazuli Bunting singing again. After moving to that area of the park I was able to hear more than one singing and finally caught a glimpse of a male. They were moving around,

… but I finally got a couple photos of one of them, this being a male.

This is the same tree they have frequented in past years. I could not determine how many were around, or if there were any females amongst them.

One other interesting find from a previous visit that I followed up on today,

… was this Tree Swallow nest.

Looks like it is an active nest and worthy of another visit when there are some young mouths to be fed.