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A Reifel Day

With the Easter long weekend, some decent weather forecast, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary can get pretty busy. Volunteers to help out on the trails were scheduled ahead of time and my turn was for this afternoon. Rather than risking getting tied up somewhere else in the morning, I went out to Reifel first thing. The plan being to try for some more shots of the Sandhill Crane nest with the morning light and before it got too busy.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

One adult was on the nest basking in the morning sun.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The second egg arrived on Monday the 18th.

Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane

The pair cooperated with a changing of the guard while I was there allowing for this shot of them together at the nesting site with the two eggs. Most of my day was spent here talking with visitors, answering questions and letting them get a closer look through the camera.

On a break from the Cranes I came across some nesting activity of a much smaller bird.

Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee

This Black-capped Chickadee,

Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee

… busy working on a nesting cavity. It was a great day to be out and enjoying spring.

Osprey

When I checked last week the old nest site was still dormant. This particular pair was not successful in raising any young last year, but have been in previous seasons. Today the Osprey were back and active around the nest.

Osprey
Osprey

After I arrived it was the female who showed up first.

Osprey
Osprey

Then the male flew in and there was some mating behaviour.

Osprey
Osprey

After which the pair posed nicely together with the female calling. Then it was back to work refurbishing the nest.

Osprey
Osprey

Unfortunately for the female,

Osprey
Osprey
Osprey
Osprey

… the male lands on her with a fairly large branch.

Osprey
Osprey

He did make amends several minutes later bringing her a fish.

No Bluebirds Today

Thought I would try to spend some time with the Mountain Bluebirds this afternoon. Although Boundary Bay Regional Park in Tsawwassen is always a popular spot, being a weekday it would be a little quieter.

As anticipated it was not too busy people wise, but no Bluebird activity either. Could not locate them anywhere. Hopefully they have not moved on already, but that is a possibility.

Prior to heading home for the Canucks game I made a quick side trip to Boundary Bay in Ladner. It was fairly quiet there as well.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Just saw this one Short-eared Owl cruising the marsh along with the usual Harriers.