Blog – Page 112 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Willow Flycatcher

Having a couple of other things on the go I had not planned on heading out today. But when the weather cleared later in the afternoon I could not help myself. Arriving at the North 40 I could hear one of the Lazuli Bunting singing near the entrance again. Unfortunately it is usually roosting in an area that is not easily accessible without flushing the bird. But for anyone wanting to see one, they are still around. One bird that was accessible,

… was this Willow Flycatcher.

It was more than willing to cooperate,

… and strike the odd pose as it moved between the tree and bush tops. There is usually two in this particular area, perhaps a nesting pair.

American Goldfinch

While it has only been a few days, sometimes that is all it takes. On checking the Tree Swallow nests today there was no activity. Hopefully all the young have fledged successfully, but the window of opportunity for photographing food deliveries is gone. Conditions were not ideal this afternoon, but one of the Willow Flycatchers was active and I caught a glimpse of a Grosbeak. The only bird that took time out to pose for me,

… was one of two American Goldfinch that were busy chasing each other around.

That was OK because it has probably been a year since I tried getting any photos of one.

Raccoon & Tree Swallows

Not having been out there in a couple of weeks I made my way to Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails. It was not overly busy people wise and things were fairly quiet on the birding front. The sanctuary has a number of nest boxes for birds like Swallows, Wood Ducks and one larger one intended for Barn Owls.

However, the only thing I have seen in the owl box in recent years is Raccoons. Later in the afternoon the Swallows were particularly busy in the west marsh area.

There were some recently fledged Tree Swallows roosting in a tree,

… and actively being fed by adult birds. Too bad they were so far away. Then just as I was about to leave, something odd caught my attention. A male Brown-headed Cowbird alighted on the same branch as the fledgling Tree Swallow.

It then slowly made its way closer until it was right beside it. The whole time it had its head down in what appeared to be a submissive posture. The swallow eventually moved to another branch and the Cowbird at no time was aggressive toward the fledgling. Not too sure what to make of this behaviour. If you have any ideas let me know.