Birding in British Columbia – Page 96 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Snowy Owl

Later in the afternoon there was a cessation in the rain and I was out the door. It was back to Boundary Bay for the Palm Warbler that is still alluding me after several attempts and some American Tree Sparrows I saw the other day. On arriving it was still overcast and fairly breezy. While I did see some sparrows and warblers, there was not much activity on the small bird front. There was one Northern Shrike moving between trees, several Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Rough-legged Hawks and Bald Eagles all active over the marsh. But the action that got my attention was that some of the Snowy Owls were mobile. While they were occasionally harassed by Harriers,

… they were also chasing and jousting with each other. They appeared to be duking out over roosting spots. One of the contested spots was a log fairly close to the dyke that I managed to set up on without having to venture out into the marsh.

This Snowy Owl is still vocalizing with another after returning to this spot.

After settling down it slowly made its way out to the end of the log.

Once there, and with the Snowy Owl comfortable with my being there, I was able to shift my position a little for this shot. Just when it thought it might have a peaceful roost for a while, a tractor/mower happened to come along the dyke flushing the owl back out into the marsh. Still, some unexpected and fun activity to watch and photograph.

Cave Swallow

A rare bird for this area was observed and reported at Iona Island a couple of days ago. Spotted flying with three Barn Swallows, was a Cave Swallow. It is late in the year to be seeing Barn Swallows, but a Cave Swallow is rare in deed with this being the first record for this species in British Columbia. Having been teased the other day about not having been out to see it yet, I made my way out there today. The only problem being it was a rather gloomy and overcast day. Not the best conditions to try a get a swallow in flight.

It was not long after arriving I spotted four swallows with one being the Cave Swallow. This birds normal summer range would be the Texas area, wintering further south. So being this far north at this time of year is quite out of the ordinary.

As you can see the conditions were less than ideal, but I did manage a few record shots. The Cave Swallow will differ from the similar Cliff Swallow having “pale throat and cheek contrasting with dark cap” (Sibley). The forehead and rump are also buffy in colour. I wish the conditions had been better, but it was still good being able to see and photograph this bird. The Cave Swallow is also a new addition to my life photo list.

Long-eared Owl

On my way home from a family get together there was a bright spot on the horizon over the bay area. With an hour or two of daylight left I made my way out to Boundary Bay to try for the Palm Warbler again. On arriving, however, the bright spot was in fact some distance off on the horizon and it was still fairly gloomy with a light drizzle. Not long into my walk a couple of fellow birders were kind enough to point one of the Long-eared Owls that have been present for several days now.

Long-eared Owls can tuck themselves away pretty good in the brambles at times to keep out of sight. This one was relatively out in the open with only a couple of branches in the way. Then another birder came along advising he had just seen not one, but three Palm Warblers by the pump house. He also mentioned not having spotted the American Tree Sparrows I found the other day. I made my way east along the dyke meeting up with still more birders, but no Palm Warblers. The other hot topic right now is the Cave Swallow at Iona. Hopefully I can get out there tomorrow to try for it.