Blog – Page 12 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

It was back out to Boundary Bay again this afternoon with the intent to look for the Little Stint and Snowy Plover again. I started off as I usually do heading west from 104 St. along the tidal flats. There were a few groups of Baird’s Sandpiper which I passed on this time. On approaching the pilings I noted a group of birders on the dyke watching something. Rather than flush anything, I made my way in to speak to them. I learned there was a Buff-breasted Sandpiper in close to the dyke and a Red-necked Grebe just out from the pilings. They also let me know the Little Stint had not been seen since this morning. Prior to moving into position for the Buff-breasted,

… I got a picture of the Red-necked Grebe. It is unusual to see one sitting on the mud flats like this. While it seemed alert, it was not moving at all and I could see no obvious signs of injury.

The Buff-breasted was in close to the dyke along with some Baird’s.

It was actively foraging for food along the high water line,

… and as I have found in the past, not adverse to you tagging along.

Providing the occasional distraction were some American Pipits.

After finishing with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper and meeting Dave, who photographed the Little Stint the other day, we headed out to check the plover and peep flocks that had now shown up. No where near the number of peeps as on previous days and unfortunately no Little Stint.

Of note, on my way back the Red-necked Grebe was gone. Hopefully it was alright and moved back out to open water where it belongs.

Green Heron

It was a pleasant afternoon and a larger crowd than expected when I arrived at Reifel to help out this afternoon. I started off checking the outer ponds for shorebirds, but found nothing out of the ordinary.

While checking the east dyke trail my attention was drawn to the slough on the Alaksen National Wildlife Area (north) side by a call. After watching the waters edge for a short while I finally got a brief glimpse of a Northern Waterthrush. There have been two recently in the sanctuary and several elsewhere in the lower mainland of late.

Later while back out at the southwest field discussing yellowlegs and dowitchers with one member of a group, another asked “What’s this?”

Much to my delight I responded “A Green Heron”.

For most in the group, and others that subsequently passed by, it was the first time they had seen a Green Heron.

This particular bird has been frequenting this area for a couple of days now. It made my afternoon as it has been a while since I have photographed one.

More Baird’s

On checking BC Rare Bird Alert today there were reported sightings of a Little Stint and a Snowy Plover at Boundary Bay. I headed out there and while both birds had been located and seen by multiple observers, unfortunately I was not one of them.

As a consolation of sorts,

… there were still several Baird’s Sandpiper present.

They were more than willing to cooperate.