Another beautiful, but cold day. On arriving at Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon there was not too large a crowd. For those that did make it out today,
… there were a couple of Northern Saw-whet Owls along the east dyke trail. This one apparently had a mouse that it ate for those that managed to see it this morning. After spending some time here showing the Saw-whet Owl to visitors I made my way out towards the outer west dyke. My current nemesis bird, the Swamp Sparrow, was still around. At the beginning of the trail across from the tower,
… I happened across a Hairy Woodpecker. While not uncommon, they are just not seen as often as some of the other woodpeckers.
This Hairy Woodpecker was busy in the trees right beside the trail and seemed quite unconcerned with those of us that had stopped to watch. The nice light, cooperative bird, can’t ask for much more than that.
After this I did locate and get another brief look at the Swamp Sparrow, but still no photos. On my way back along the inside trails I observed a Varied Thrush which is also a good bird for this area. All in all, a good day.