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American Bittern & Short-eared Owl

Getting photos of the Bittern at Reifel fishing has not been an issue. The bird has certainly cooperated.

American Bittern
American Bittern

The problem is the size of the fish being caught.

American Bittern
American Bittern

They are small and not always that obvious in the photo.

I then headed out to Boundary Bay for the late afternoon/early evening hours. There were a few Short-eared Owls active.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Not long after this photo the owl caught a vole and started eating it down in the grass.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Prior to finishing, the owl moved to another area keeping its prize tucked away underneath. Then it was nap time as the sun started to go down.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Ever vigilant and not wanting to lose its dinner, the owl started vocalizing (a hissing like sound) on the approach of another Short-eared Owl flying overhead.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

It did this a few times as other birds approached.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

It remained in the grass when I left …

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

… still being watchful of the other owls and Northern Harriers.

Full Moon at Lunar Perigee

This evening presented a non birding photo opportunity, the lunar perigee. The point the Moon is closest to the Earth in its elliptical orbit.

Full Moon at Lunar Perigee
Full Moon at Lunar Perigee

What made it of particular interest is that it coincided with the full moon (about 12% larger and brighter than the average full moon).