Blog – Page 132 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

‘Twas The Afternoon Before Christmas

After raining most of the day, it eventually stopped and started to clear up. With a chance to get out and enjoy the last hour or so of light, I headed out to Boundary Bay. Not having actively tried for any Snowy Owls recently, I thought I would give them a go.

On arriving there were a couple of birds in fairly close to the dyke.

This particular bird was roosting nicely atop this old stump,

… but soon moved to back side bobbing its head looking at the passers by.

I moved down a little further to be able to see it on the back side.

It seemed quite relaxed yawning and preening,

… much to the delight of those out enjoying this Christmas Eve at Boundary Bay.

Mallard & Great Blue Heron

After some chores around home it did clear up this afternoon, so brief stroll around Reifel was in order. It was fairly quiet both people and birding wise. While watching waterfowl on some of the inner ponds,

… I managed to capture this Mallard taking off. Then along one of the inner trails,

… this Great Blue Heron was resting on the waters edge in some nice light. As both Mallards and Great Blue Herons are abundant in this area,

… it was not surprising that a few Mallards tried to sneak into the shot as well.

Short-eared Owl

The clouds parted a little later in the afternoon and made for a nice stroll at Brunswick Point. No Rough-legged Hawk or Great Horned Owl at the beginning of the trail like there was my last couple of visits. There were still several Snowy Owls roosting on the logs way out in the marsh, but I was not going to trudge out there. I made my way towards the latter part of the trail in the hope of finding and spending some time with the Northern Shrike. Alas, after waiting in one of its favourite haunts for awhile it was a no show. As I started to make my way back I noticed several Short-eared Owls had taken flight over the marsh.

This particular owl had cooperated for another photographer and once he left, gave me a chance as well while it rested briefly on this log.

I stayed in this spot as the owls were actively flying around me.

While the light was not always quite right,

… they were providing some nice opportunities for flight shots.

They must have all gotten hungry at the same time,

… which worked out well for me.

It would have been better to be a little further out in the marsh, but I cannot complain with the chances these Short-eared Owls gave me before the sun started to fade.