Birding in British Columbia – Page 97 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

American Tree Sparrow

The weather and a couple of other things that needed doing have resulted in my not being out in a while. A little frustrating now that there have been a couple of nice days. Then a friend phones and leaves a message that he saw a Long-eared Owl at Boundary Bay. As luck would have it I was working that day and was not back in time to get out for it either. Needless to say this afternoon was free and I headed out to Boundary Bay. I was quite surprised to several birders and photographers there when I arrived. On speaking to a few they indicated some Snowy Owls have showed up, a Palm Warbler was spotted yesterday and of course the Long-eared Owl from the other day. I decided to head east along the dyke where the warbler had been seen. I have not seen or photographed one before. Not having much luck with it I started watching several groups of Sparrows and Finches. Then one in particular caught my eye,

… an American Tree Sparrow. Watching and waiting for a while I observed there were two of them. Unfortunately they were not coming any closer for a chance of better shots. A nice find and consolation bird not having found the warbler.

Horned Lark

While most of the shore bird action may be behind us, it is not over. There are still some interesting sightings occurring, one being a Rock Sandpiper along the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway. Not having seen or photographed one before I headed down there this afternoon in spite of the inclement weather. While walking and checking the shore line along the north side something caught my eye on the ground.

It was a Horned Lark busy foraging in the dirt and sparse grass.

Not having seen or photographed one in a while I stuck with it for a bit. It continued doing its thing while I kept checking for the Rock Sandpiper and Turnstones it had been seen with. Not having any luck locating them,

… the Horned Lark did provide on last nice pose while it was amongst the rocks.

Song Birds & Mallard

Weather wise it was not a pleasant morning. After the rain let up it was still overcast and on the cool side when I headed out the door for a walk. Nothing out of the ordinary so that allowed for some time with the regulars.

Despite still being a little gloomy along the trails,

… I still managed a few shots.

This one spot was active with this Song Sparrow using the same perch as the Junco.

On the waterfowl front there never seems to be any shortage of these. This female Mallard is fanning her wings after finishing a preening session. This was also the finish of my walk as it was starting to rain again.