Merganser, Cormorant, Owls, Harrier & Merlin

It has been about two weeks since I last posted anything from Brunswick Point and Canoe Pass. On that walk there were some interesting sea ducks around, just not great light. This afternoon in Canoe Pass the light was better,

Red-breasted Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser

… and a Red-breasted Merganser was still around. There were also some Loons and Grebes, but they were too far off for any pictures. To make up for that,

Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant

… one of the several Double-crested Cormorant was more than happy to oblige.

On my walk around Brunswick Point there were still at least half a dozen Snowy Owls present again. Unlike last time they were all further out in the marsh this afternoon. What was active and in a little closer today,

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

… were the Short-eared Owls. After getting this one taking a time out on the log,

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

… I spent a little time trying for some flight shots as a few were up and about.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

As owls hunt with their ears as well as their eyes,

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

… they will react to the sound of the shutter, so be ready for it.

Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier

Accompanying the owls over the marsh were the usual Northern Harriers.

As the sun was going down behind some fairly dark clouds I was making my way back to the car when I noticed some sparrows scattering into the brambles. Right behind them flying low to the ground and then up into a tree was my bonus bird of the day.

Merlin
Merlin

This Merlin was unsuccessful in catching anything and with the awful light I was not sure if I was going to get a usable shot. This one did take a little massaging in post processing, and was a nice finish to the afternoon.