Birding in British Columbia – Page 90 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Snowy & Rough-legged

Another great day and I managed to get to a couple of different spots. Not having much luck at the first, I ended the afternoon in Boundary Bay. Seeing the foot of 72 Street was quite busy, I made my way to 64 Street. From there I walked east along the dyke trail. It was looking pretty quiet here as well until I noticed a couple of family groups stopped and looking out into the marsh area. As I got closer I could see there were three Snowy Owls roosting out there.

One of the Snowy Owls was actually not too far off and provided a good photo op. Everyone was enjoying them from the dyke with nobody venturing out to get closer and disturbing them.

Another winter visitor that I have managed to see, but not photograph yet this year is the Rough-legged Hawk. Most of my sightings this winter have been from a distance and never really close enough for photos.

Late this afternoon that changed with this Rough-legged Hawk roosting atop a tree. A pleasant surprise to get this as I find they are usually quite skittish when people approach. A good end to the day’s outing.

Eagles, Goshawk & Peregrines

Too nice of a day not to get out for a walk. While I did manage a few other photos, the most cooperative subjects this afternoon happened to be birds of prey. Fist up,

… was this Bald Eagle pair enjoying the sunshine. Next was the Northern Goshawk. A few days ago I had it in a good spot, but with bright grey skies behind.

Today the conditions were better, unfortunately it was quite some distance away. Then at the end of day on my way back to the car,

… this Peregrine Falcon pair showed up briefly. Not the best of shots as the only angle on them was through some branches. Still fun to get as this was the first time I have seen a pair together.

Night-Heron & Eagle

It was not a bad day and I did manage a shorter walk later this afternoon. One pleasant surprise was one of the wintering Black-crowned Night-Heron at Reifel.

Usually tucked away in the trees and obscured by branches, this one was roosting relatively out in the open.

Then in the tree tops adjacent to the tower were a couple of Bald Eagles. It is great when they show up here because when shooting from the top of the tower you are at almost the same height as they are. I focused my attention on the mature bird.

For photos I will usually try to capture them when it appears they are looking at something behind me just over my shoulder. I find this a more natural look.

Having said that, it is still fun to get the odd shot when they are looking right at you.