Birding in British Columbia – Page 82 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Lazuli Bunting

It seemed to take forever strolling around the North 40 looking for the Lazuli Bunting before getting an indication they were around. After walking both inner and outer trails I finally heard the song I was waiting for. I managed to locate one male in the centre area, but it was sticking to the tree tops and behind branches. Then in an area frequented by them in previous years a different male Lazuli Bunting came in to the top of some bushes.

Unfortunately for me the sun was behind the bird and the lighting was not ideal. It did not stay long before it was off to another tree, then they went quiet and I was unable to locate them again. Three males were reported the other day and I saw two different ones this afternoon.

While trying to relocate the Buntings I did stumble across a small group of Western Tanager. Unable to get any photos, I will just have to hope they stick around for another chance.

Great Horned Owl

The wind and showers did let up a little at the end of the day allowing for a short walk. I headed out to the North 40 as I had seen a report of some Lazuli Bunting being sighted there along with some Western Tanager. The Buntings have been fairly consistent in this area the last few years. A quick check of the usual spots was not turning up anything. While checking some of the tree lines I got side tracked by another recent regular.

This Great Horned Owl was roosting in a stand of old Oak trees. This was the first time I had seen it out in the open. Usually it has been tucked away high up and behind branches. Now I will just have to keep checking for the Buntings over the long weekend.

Sandhill Crane Chick

I received a heads up a couple of days ago about the first hole appearing in the egg on the Sandhill Crane nest. Unfortunately I was not able to head out to Reifel until this morning to help out with the newsletter. As luck would have it the chick had hatched just prior to my arrival. Needless to say when the Marshnotes stuff was done I made my way to the nesting site.

It was not long before the female Sandhill Crane got up and provided us with a look at the new arrival. As the chick will become mobile within a day or two, it won’t be long before the adults accompany it as it swims to shore so they can start feeding it. A temporary trail closure is already in place in anticipation of this to minimize disturbance by visitors.

Bonus shots of the day,

… the Cinnamon Teal were still around the inner ponds.