CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography
Birding in British Columbia, Canada
It was a rather gloomy and damp day so I was not expecting much.
Much to my delight this American Bittern emerged from the reeds.
Better yet,
… it did not seem to mind my walking along side.
This Bittern definitely made my day allowing me to be this close with what is usually a fairly elusive bird.
With the cooler weather I spent a little time this afternoon watching and photographing some of the waterfowl on the frozen ponds. Not too many birds around on the ice, but a few opportunities did present themselves. I started off with some Mallards,
…followed by American Coot,
… and finishing off with a couple of Northern Pintails.
Common to the interior portions of British Columbia a regular winter visitor to the Reifel, Boundary Bay and Lower Mainland areas is the Long-eared Owl. While roosting during the day they can be hard to spot in dense trees or bramble. But, every once and a while, they will show up a little more out in the open.
Such was the case this Sunday at Reifel when this Long-eared Owl was located beside the centre dyke trail. While still somewhat obstructed by branches, it did provide good views and a photo opportunity.