Bewicks’s & Great Horned

Well it has been about a week since my last post. Unusual for me, although I had managed one outing, no pictures or news to speak of. Plans changed a couple of times this morning, but once all was said and done, there was a chance for an afternoon stroll.

I headed out to Reifel as there were still a couple of birds around on my list to see and hopefully photograph. Along the east dyke trail there were some Yellow Warblers singing and moving between the trees. I spent some time listening, watching and waiting to see if they would move to an area where I could at least attempt some photos. While it was fun to see them again, they were not going to cooperate for any shots.

Then a noisy Bewick’s Wren caught my attention.

Bewick's Wren
Bewick's Wren

With a little coaxing,

Bewick's Wren
Bewick's Wren

… it did pop up a couple of times and provide some photo ops.

I continued checking the east dyke and inside trails, but to no avail for the other birds I was wanting to see. The stand-by to fall back on this afternoon was a Great Horned Owl. It was roosting in the trees at the junction of the east and north dyke trails. I had stopped by earlier but did not like the light at the time. Given where the bird was, it was still on the harsh side.

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl

After preening it took time to strech its wings.

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl

It kept them fanned out like this for a few minutes.

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl

It then took up a more familiar posture. The sanctuary was closing in a few minutes and I had to leave. Too bad, as the light would have been a lot better in an hour or so.

Pre Game Walk

Time permitted a Stanley Cup Final pre game walk this afternoon. Not wanting to stray too far from home, I headed out to Reifel.

Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk

Started off with this Cooper’s Hawk in the trees along the driveway.

Then some friends who were shooting this Grosbeak on the ground,

Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeak

… flushed it nicely into a tree for me to capture.

Still no shortage of new arrivals,

Wood Duck
Wood Duck

… with this Wood Duck family basking in the sun on this log.

Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewee

There has also been a Western Wood-pewee around my last few visits.

The treat of the afternoon though was a couple of other new arrivals.

Rufous Hummingbird Fledgling
Rufous Hummingbird Fledgling

These Rufous Hummingbird fledglings were in the bushes along one of the trails.

Rufous Hummingbird Fledgling
Rufous Hummingbird Fledgling

I was hoping to capture one of them getting fed by the adult female. She would come in close above them, but then back off. My proximity to the fledglings may have been spooking her. Sometimes they don’t mind when you are around, other times it may interfere with their behaviour. You have to watch for this. In situations like this, the well being of the birds comes before the picture. So it was time for me to move on.

On checking the watch, it was time to head home for the game. Go Canucks Go!

Waxwing, Owl & Bunting

Was not finding too much this afternoon. A glimpse of a Vireo of some sort, but could not relocate it. There were still lots of Waxwings moving about.

Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing

So I tried for a couple of shots.

Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing

Such a pretty bird, hard to resist not trying to get something.

Late in my walk the cak-cak-cak of a Cooper’s Hawk caught my ear. It was really kicking up a stink. Then another one started calling as well. I know the nest is close by, but this was coming from an adjacent stand of trees. While trying to locate the hawks, the Crows assembled and started chiming in as well.

Great Horned Owl
Great Horned Owl

Finally I located the reason for all the raucousness. This Great Horned Owl was getting dive bombed from every direction. Little wonder its eyes were as wide open as they are.

I was on my way back to the car when I noticed one of the Lazuli Buntings.

Lazuli Bunting
Lazuli Bunting

It was in one of the usual spots and actually allowed me to approach.

Lazuli Bunting
Lazuli Bunting

Better yet, it was not obstructed by branches while singing away in the late afternoon sun.