Birding in British Columbia – Page 143 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Mammals, Birds & Reptiles

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.

There was a group of shrews busy foraging in the grass.

Some appeared to be juveniles and were fairly small.

To give you an idea how tiny they are, that dark blob in the upper left corner is a fly.

In the north marsh this Heron was taking time to preen and look after that itchy spot.

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.

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.

This one with a small fish in there with the weeds.

There was about half a dozen this afternoon in the outer ponds. So that covers the mammals and birds.

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.

Sandpipers & Plovers

While not in full swing yet, the shore bird migration has started. Today I waited until late afternoon, early evening to head out to Boundary Bay. The tied was out, but you can usually find something out in the sand or around the small tidal pools. It was looking pretty quiet at first, but then some movement caught my attention. It was a small group of Semipalmated Sandpipers. I continued past them on the dyke before making my way down to the beach and back tracking.

Least Sandpiper & Semipalmated Sandpiper

On approaching I noticed another bird in with the Semipalmated Sandpipers.

It was a Least Sandpiper taking a bath along with one of the Semipalmated. I made my way slowly to the edge of the tidal pool, set up and waited. Rather than chase them, I prefer to wait and let the birds come to me.

It was the Semipalmated Sandpipers that made their way towards me first.

I was set up as I would normally be for shooting shore birds.

Tripod collapsed low and down on my knees.

Being down at their level gives you a natural perspective and pleasing photo.

Finally the lone Least Sandpiper came my way.

I was beginning to wonder if it ever would.

I will usually try to get them foraging,

… along with the more classic portrait.

While photographing the sandpipers something else caught my eye.

Some Semipalmated Plovers had shown up and were scurrying around the beach.

This is the smallest Plover we would normally see around here.

This one has pulled some tasty little morsel out of the sand. It was a good afternoon and chance to practice technique before things really pick up around the bay area.

Juveniles Of A Different Sort

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.