Birding in British Columbia – Page 36 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Great Horned Owl

On arriving at Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails I learned one of the Great Horned Owls was present in the sanctuary again. Knowing this to be a favourite of visitors I headed in that general direction. There was just one short detour along the way to the Ewen Slough blind in the northeast corner.

A Spotted Sandpiper had been seen earlier and was still present. Here it is intently watching a fly buzzing around in front of it. After a few minutes enjoying the sandpiper I made my way to the north dyke trail and located the Great Horned Owl roosting in the deciduous trees between there and the inside grassy trail.

I set up the camera for the visitors allowing them a close up view. Needless to say it was quite the hit.

After a while I did take a break for a walk. The only things cooperating,

… were some Dowitchers by the tower. I eventually made my way back to the Great Horned Owl,

… finishing the afternoon there. Even had a little time for this video.

Cackling Goose

I ended up with a couple of free hours this afternoon and headed out to Reifel for a short walk. There had been recent sightings of White-throated Sparrow I thought I could try for. I had no luck locating one and the warblers were not cooperating either. On my way back through the centre display ponds,

… I located six Cackling Geese. It has been a few years since I last photographed a Cackling Goose, so the day was not a total loss picture wise.

American Golden-Plover

It was back out to Boundary Bay this afternoon, only this time I arrived a couple of hours before high tide. While the sun did peek through a few times, it was overcast for the most part. On heading west along the tidal flats from 104 St. things were pretty quiet. As I approached the pilings there were signs of activity. The Plover flock was spread out between there and 96 St.

In with the Plovers were some Dowitchers foraging in close to the dyke. For the most part the Plovers were pretty wary of me and kept there distance. Well not all of them as it turned out.

Much to my delight this American Golden-Plover was in amongst the others and was a little more cooperative.

While it did not let me get too close, I did manage a few shots. This was definitely a pleasant surprise for the afternoon.

After this I spotted a group of Pectoral Sandpipers further out on the tidal flats. I made my way out there, but there was no Sharp-tailed Sandpiper with them.

On my way back in with the tide,

… I spent some time trying to get shots of the many American Pipits that were busy along the shoreline.

A fun diversion prior to heading back up on to the dyke.