This afternoons walk for song birds was not turning up much. It gave me time to think and I remembered last year around this time there was a similar set of circumstances. What caught my attention then while passing the time was a particular egg shaped plant with lavender flowers. So I figured why not pay the Fuller’s Teasel a visit again.
Fuller's Teasel
Last year it was a butterfly on the Teasel, this year it is a bee. While the birds may not have been cooperating, Mother Nature has lots to offer, enjoy and photograph.
The afternoon started with some volunteer work at Reifel. A small group helping out to get the newsletter, Marshnotes, ready for mailing. Once this was done, it was time for a walk. While heading out the east dyke trail some movement along the edge of the path caught my eye.
Shrew
There was a group of shrews busy foraging in the grass.
Shrew
Some appeared to be juveniles and were fairly small.
Shrew
To give you an idea how tiny they are, that dark blob in the upper left corner is a fly.
Great Blue Heron
In the north marsh this Heron was taking time to preen and look after that itchy spot.
Great Blue Heron
This particular post seems to be a regular roost for the Herons.
The outer ponds had some of the expected shore birds. Least, Semipalmated & Western Sandpipers along with the Dowitchers, Yellowlegs and Killdeer.
Red-necked Phalarope
A pleasant surprise were these three Red-necked Phalaropes. Too far off for a decent picture, but nice to see. That makes both Wilson’s & Red-necked Phalaropes seen here in the last couple of weeks.
Another sign fall is coming, I am starting to see more Hooded Mergansers arriving.
Hooded Merganser
This one with a small fish in there with the weeds.
Hooded Merganser
There was about half a dozen this afternoon in the outer ponds. So that covers the mammals and birds.
Red-eared Slider Turtle
The reptile for the afternoon was this Red-eared Slider Turtle. While seen regularly around here, they are not native to British Columbia. The population resulting from pets being tuned loose in the wild.
Managed to get to Reifel first thing this morning. Being there before the crowds has its rewards as I was greeted by this at the foot of the east dyke trail.
Great Horned Owl Juvenile
A Great Horned Owl juvenile.
Great Horned Owl Juvenile
While still not as clean a shot as I would like,
Great Horned Owl Juvenile
… it was not as obstructed as the last one I saw and photographed.
Coyote
A little further along on the Alaksen National Wildlife Area side of the trail,
Coyote Juveniles
… was a Coyote family.
Coyote Juveniles
Staying under the trees mostly while they played,
Coyote Juvenile
… they would make the odd dash out into the open. It was fun being able to watch this family group interact before they eventually moved on.
