Blog – Page 108 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Least Sandpiper & Merlin

It was back out to Boundary Bay for the rising tide late this afternoon. There was not much around as I made my way along the beach and I was beginning to wonder if I would find anything. As I approached the pilings near 96 St. a handful of birds flew in.

Some Least Sandpipers had settled in,

… and were foraging for food in the shallow tidal pools.

Having taken the time to let them settle,

… and approaching slowly down low they let me get quite close.

The other thing to keep in mind, single shots and let them get accustomed to the sound of the shutter. You don’t want to be trigger happy and have them scatter.

After some quality time with this small group I did check out the Black-bellied Plovers and Western Sandpipers closer to 104 St. They were just to wary to let me get close. There was, however, some entertainment on the way back.

After alighting atop a tree a Merlin was soon mobbed by crows. It quickly turned the tables and started chasing them around.

After its success, it took a brief rest before moving on. Unfortunately I was just too far away to do this action justice, but fun to watch none the less.

Shore Birds & Water Birds

On seeing reports of Turnstones and Surfbirds at the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway I decided to head down there this afternoon for the rising tide. While making my way out to the tip of the causeway some movement caught my eye.

A Whimbrel was wondering amongst the rocks close to the shoreline.

It was wary of my presence and not going to let me get close. While watching the Whimbrel I stumbled across a Black Oystercatcher family.

Black Ostercatcher nest in this area,

… and these are the two juveniles in this family group. I had noticed some Comorants earlier while making my way along the beach.

Remembering to check over my shoulder every once in a while I managed to get this flight shot of a Pelagic Comorant as it approached from behind me.

And then this distant photo of one with its catch.

Then one started hanging around a little closer in to shore.

At one point it got startled by something and scampered off across the water,

… landing a short distance away. Then while I was still sitting on the same rock,

… a Common Loon leisurely made its way toward,

… and then by me. Still not having moved,

… a Harbour Seal came by from the other direction. Turned out to be a good spot to stop and watch after not locating the Turnstones or Surfbirds. Carrying on my way back,

… I came across the Whibrel again. While tagging along with it,

… I came upon a small flock of Western Sandpipers resting,

… and moving along the shoreline.

They were not as shy as the Whimbrel,

… allowing me to get quite close.

This is a good thing given they are quite small.

It was a nice photo session with these peeps to finish the afternoon off.

Osprey Nest Update

It has been three weeks since I was last at the Osprey nest. A lot can happen in 21 days, so it was time for another visit this morning.

Have they ever grown! This is one of the chicks exercising its wings.

The other good news as you can see is all three chicks are healthy and still with us.

They would take turns flapping their wings,

… with this one hovering above the adult female. The adult male had delivered a fish that was on the smallish side,

… and devoured quickly. Afterwards the chicks and adult female put up quite a stink. Perhaps they were complaining, but it did provide this nice group shot. It will not be long now before the chicks fledge and leave the nest.