Birding in British Columbia – Page 105 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Sora

After not being able to do it last weekend, I made my way out to volunteer on the trails at Reifel this afternoon. There were a few more people than in recent weeks and some interesting birds to boot. Just inside the entrance a Sora had been showing well around the warming hut area. As luck would have it, it was not present when I went to check.

The Barn Swallow nest on the side of the warming hut was entertaining several folks.

These chicks will not be in the nest much longer. From here I carried on to the outer ponds. Some of the usual shore birds present were Yellowlegs, Dowitchers, Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper. Highlights were,

… a couple of Red-necked Phalarope,

… around fifteen Stilt Sandpipers,

… and about a half dozen Wilson’s Phalarope. An honourable mention goes to the Virginia Rail that made a quick flight from one patch of bullrush to another between the shore birds. Not wanting to give up on the Sora, I made my way back to the warming hut area. Some birds splashing away taking a bath caught my attention and on closer examination the Sora was one of them.

It then made its way back and forth along the waters edge.

Or should I say muddy edge. Not the best back drop for photos, but fun to see and spend some time with this infrequent visitor to the sanctuary.

Least Sandpiper & Merlin

It was back out to Boundary Bay for the rising tide late this afternoon. There was not much around as I made my way along the beach and I was beginning to wonder if I would find anything. As I approached the pilings near 96 St. a handful of birds flew in.

Some Least Sandpipers had settled in,

… and were foraging for food in the shallow tidal pools.

Having taken the time to let them settle,

… and approaching slowly down low they let me get quite close.

The other thing to keep in mind, single shots and let them get accustomed to the sound of the shutter. You don’t want to be trigger happy and have them scatter.

After some quality time with this small group I did check out the Black-bellied Plovers and Western Sandpipers closer to 104 St. They were just to wary to let me get close. There was, however, some entertainment on the way back.

After alighting atop a tree a Merlin was soon mobbed by crows. It quickly turned the tables and started chasing them around.

After its success, it took a brief rest before moving on. Unfortunately I was just too far away to do this action justice, but fun to watch none the less.

Shore Birds & Water Birds

On seeing reports of Turnstones and Surfbirds at the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway I decided to head down there this afternoon for the rising tide. While making my way out to the tip of the causeway some movement caught my eye.

A Whimbrel was wondering amongst the rocks close to the shoreline.

It was wary of my presence and not going to let me get close. While watching the Whimbrel I stumbled across a Black Oystercatcher family.

Black Ostercatcher nest in this area,

… and these are the two juveniles in this family group. I had noticed some Comorants earlier while making my way along the beach.

Remembering to check over my shoulder every once in a while I managed to get this flight shot of a Pelagic Comorant as it approached from behind me.

And then this distant photo of one with its catch.

Then one started hanging around a little closer in to shore.

At one point it got startled by something and scampered off across the water,

… landing a short distance away. Then while I was still sitting on the same rock,

… a Common Loon leisurely made its way toward,

… and then by me. Still not having moved,

… a Harbour Seal came by from the other direction. Turned out to be a good spot to stop and watch after not locating the Turnstones or Surfbirds. Carrying on my way back,