Blog – Page 100 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

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.

Great Blue Heron

While following a Mink around the trails at Reifel this afternoon I happened across a Great Blue Heron. It was standing still along the edge of the trail. I liked the tall green reeds in the background along with the fallen autumn leaves in the foreground so I stopped.

With the Great Blue Heron you have to keep in mind that standing motionless is how they hunt, always scanning their surroundings for prey.

It was not long before this one spotted something and slowly moved in for the strike.

On the menu today was a plump Vole. The Great Blue Heron will eat just about anything. After this it moved into the adjacent pond for a while.

When I happened by again half an hour later it was back on the trail. As for the Mink, never did manage a decent shot of it.