Before the birding news, it should be noted that today marks the first ‘National Day for Truth and Reconciliation’.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.”
Orange Shirt Day and Orange Shirt Society.
After not being able to locate the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper a few days ago, I was pleasantly surprised to get a message today that one was present at the rear of the house pond at Reifel. So I packed up my gear and headed straight out there.
On arriving at the rear of the house pond there was more good news, a Hudsonian Godwit was also here.
The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was busy foraging on the far side of the pond and was keeping close to the edge.
It finally came a little more out in to the open for bath time.
Then lifted off back to the far side of the pond again. It eventually left the pond and was seen flying west toward the outer ponds or foreshore area.
While Sharp-tailed Sandpiper are usually seen every year in the sanctuary (and Lower Mainland area), the Hudsonian Godwit is a less frequent visitor.
My last photos of a Hudsonian Godwit in the sanctuary are from the spring of 2018.
So having this bird here today as well was definitely a nice bonus.
While initially busy and moving around, the Hudsonian Godwit took some time out to preen and then it was nap time. The timing was good as we could hear some thunder in the distance and the rain was about to start again.