December 2011 – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Mallard & Great Blue Heron

After some chores around home it did clear up this afternoon, so brief stroll around Reifel was in order. It was fairly quiet both people and birding wise. While watching waterfowl on some of the inner ponds,

… I managed to capture this Mallard taking off. Then along one of the inner trails,

… this Great Blue Heron was resting on the waters edge in some nice light. As both Mallards and Great Blue Herons are abundant in this area,

… it was not surprising that a few Mallards tried to sneak into the shot as well.

Short-eared Owl

The clouds parted a little later in the afternoon and made for a nice stroll at Brunswick Point. No Rough-legged Hawk or Great Horned Owl at the beginning of the trail like there was my last couple of visits. There were still several Snowy Owls roosting on the logs way out in the marsh, but I was not going to trudge out there. I made my way towards the latter part of the trail in the hope of finding and spending some time with the Northern Shrike. Alas, after waiting in one of its favourite haunts for awhile it was a no show. As I started to make my way back I noticed several Short-eared Owls had taken flight over the marsh.

This particular owl had cooperated for another photographer and once he left, gave me a chance as well while it rested briefly on this log.

I stayed in this spot as the owls were actively flying around me.

While the light was not always quite right,

… they were providing some nice opportunities for flight shots.

They must have all gotten hungry at the same time,

… which worked out well for me.

It would have been better to be a little further out in the marsh, but I cannot complain with the chances these Short-eared Owls gave me before the sun started to fade.

Swans, Sparrows & Woodpecker

It was still pretty gloomy when I headed out this afternoon after the showers stopped. One winter visitor I have managed a few passing flight shots of, but nothing close, are the Trumpeter Swans. We will see them every winter in this area when they migrate south from there nesting grounds in northern parts of the province, the territories and Alaska.

While there are numerous places to find them, one particular farm field on Westham Island has been a favourite for them lately and provides easy viewing. The problem the last while has been they were usually too far off for photos.

On checking today,

… they were in a little closer.

The Trumpeter Swan is North America’s largest waterfowl.

Juvenile birds are grey/brown in colour with lighter legs and bill.

The adults are all white with black legs and bill. Like the Snow Goose, the reddish colour on the head and neck is from minerals in the soil they forage in.

As I was already on Westham Island, I figured I might as well head to Reifel for a quick walk. Given the weather and it being a weekday, there were not many people there. Turned it was pretty quiet on the birding front as well.

Some of the regulars like the Dark-eyed Juncos,

… and Song Sparrows were willing to pose.

As was this Pileated Woodpecker. Unfortunately the only clear view was too close. Not often bird photographers complain about being too close.