After the rain this morning, it cleared up nicely for a late afternoon stroll at Boundary Bay. My main focus was the tidal pools between 96 St. and 104 St. Initially there were two of groups of Baird’s Sandpiper present.
Baird’s Sandpiper
While the larger first group was not going to let me get too close,
Baird’s Sandpiper
… the second smaller group was quite cooperative.
Baird’s Sandpiper
They spent a lot of time foraging in the seaweed along the high water mark,
Baird’s Sandpiper
… and did not seem to mind my tagging along.
Baird’s Sandpiper
They eventually meandered out into the tidal pools providing this final shot. Another enjoyable outing on the bay.
Just over a week ago I headed out to Reifel when a Northern Waterthrush was spotted along the east dyke trail. Unfortunately I, along with some other birders, were unable to relocate the bird. A couple of subsequent visits ended with the same result although others had seen one still around.
On arriving today to help out on the trails I was informed a Northern Waterthrush was in the Cherry tree next to the warming hut.
Northern Waterthrush
The bird was tucked away under the leaves and not really moving much at all initially. I was informed and later saw for myself that there was something wrong with its left eye.
Northern Waterthrush
The bird eventually did start moving among the branches,
Northern Waterthrush
… and once further up it flew off. From a photo that was posted on BC Bird Alert of the first Waterthrush spotted, this would appear to be a different bird. I saw it flying around the area of the warming hut a couple of times before continuing my walk.
The next highlight from this afternoon,
Wilson’s Phalarope
… were some Wilson’s Phalarope at the rear of the house pond (foot of south dyke trail).
Wilson’s Phalarope
There were three of them in the pond along with some Greater Yellowlegs.
Wilson’s Phalarope
This location provided for great viewing and photo opportunities.
The last highlight of the day was a Stilt Sandpiper. It was only visible from the tower looking west towards the outside trail below the bulrushes. Way to far off for photos, but good to see them starting to show up in the area.
I headed out to Boundary Bay this afternoon for the first time in a long time. My timing was wrong for tides as it was well out and high tide was several hours away. It was just a short walk between 104 St. and the pilings and I was not expecting to find much, but figured there may be a few shorebirds around the tidal pools. As it turned out,
Red-necked Phalarope
… there was only this lone Red-necked Phalarope.
Red-necked Phalarope
It was busy foraging for food in a shallow pool close to the dyke.
Red-necked Phalarope
The Red-necked Phalarope was more than cooperative allowing me to tag along quite close as it worked its way back and forth along the pool.
Red-necked Phalarope
It even took time out for rest a couple of times. It stayed there until it was flushed by a Northern Harrier flying over the dyke. Having some quality time with this beauty made the afternoon worth it, even if it was the only bird.
