Blog – Page 110 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Osprey Nest Update

It was back to the Osprey nest this morning to see how things are progressing.

All three chicks appear to be growing and doing well.

Once the sun made an appearance, the chicks would rest in the shade of mom while awaiting the next food delivery.

This was the second food delivery of the morning since I arrived. While I took photos earlier, conditions were a little better now.

As is usually the case, the female will take the fish from the male,

… and then he will depart. A little crowded with them all in the nest at the same time.

Then she will start feeding the chicks. In this case, the smallest one.

Once it had its fill,

… she offered the others some who ate more than the little one at the earlier feeding.

Then it was time to digest and and enjoy the morning. I continued to watch a little longer and there was another food delivery as I was packing up the gear in preparation to leave. Three hungry mouths will keep the adults busy.

Swainson’s Thrush

My last post ended, “but there is always next time”. Well today was the next time and I was back at Reifel to try for the Swainson’s Thrush again. I was heading down the east dyke trail and got side tracked listening to and trying to locate a warbler. Then lower down in an adjacent tree some movement caught my attention.

There tucked away in the branches was the bird I had come for, a Swainson’s Thrush. A little too far off for a decent photo, but I did manage a record shot before it flew off. I carried on from there to the northeast corner where they had been the other day. I could hear one calling, but it was in area that is inaccessible. I left for a short while to check the outer ponds and returned to the same corner on my way back. Once again I could hear two birds singing in the area. For the most part they continued to remain out of sight.

Then just before it was time to leave, one made a brief appearance. As before they were remaining in amongst the branches and not providing any good chances for photos. So, given “next time” was Friday the 13th, it turned out not too bad being able to add Swainson’s Thrush to my life photo list.

Shorebirds, Crane & Waxwing

After some morning errands I headed out to Reifel for a short walk this afternoon. One bird of note that had been spotted recently was a Swainson’s Thrush. With this in mind I started off along the east dyke trail. On speaking to a couple of other visitors one had apparently been heard by the northeast corner. Having no luck there I made my way to the outer ponds and dyke to see what might be around.

There were lots of Western Sandpipers moving around the northwest pond.

Some taking a time out from foraging for food to take a bath.

Several Greater Yellowlegs were present as well,

… and more spread out amongst the outer ponds.

There were also a few Lesser Yellowlegs mixed in with the Greater.

A couple of groups of Long-billed Dowitcher,

… and small numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers rounded out the shorebirds. With more starting to show up now it is probably time to dig out the rubber boots in preparation for trips out to the Boundary Bay area.

The resident Sandhill Cranes were also in the outer ponds. It is unfortunate that this years colt did not survive more than a couple of weeks.

A nice surprise this afternoon was this brief glimpse of a Cedar Waxwing nest.

On my way back I stopped again at the northeast corner. This time I could hear a Swainson’s Thrush and then saw it moving between the trees. Unfortunately for me it stayed tucked away amongst the branches and I could not get a photo before I ran out of time. While watching this one, I could also hear another one singing not far off. Too bad as I have yet to get a picture of this species for my list, but there is always next time.