Blog – Page 19 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

American Bittern

Another beautiful day, albeit on the cool side, and a large turnout at Reifel for the Family Day long weekend. When there is this may visitors it’s nice if there is an owl around I can set up on for them. Such was not the case this afternoon as I could not locate any. While I did get a few people asking, most were just out enjoying the day.

The highlight of the day was along the outside west dyke,

… where an American Bittern was active in a patch of flattened cattails. So I set up there for awhile to show people.

For some it was the first time they had seen one. Always a good day when one of these usually secretive birds provides such a good viewing opportunity.

Creeper + Bufflehead

While it was mostly sunny at Reifel this afternoon, that was not the case in other parts of the lower mainland according to some visitors. But seeing the clearing to the west, good numbers showed up at the sanctuary. I was not having much luck with anything on the photo front until checking out the inside grassy trail.

That is when this Brown Creeper showed up in front of me. Not having time to set up the tripod I had to shoot this hand held which can be challenging with the big lens.

From there I made my way to the inside ponds. There were several Bufflehead present and a few were being cooperative. These little diving ducks can be quite flighty at times, so it was a pleasant change having them stay put.

The light was cooperating as well, bringing out the iridescent colours in the head which at times just looks black.

Super Blue Blood Moon

A rare lunar event occurred a few hours before sunrise today. What is being called a ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’. It is a combination of three lunar events. Super moon for when the moon is closest to earth in its elliptical orbit. Blue moon for being the second full moon in a single month. Blood moon for the total lunar eclipse. This combination of events has not been seen in North America since 1866.

So of course I wanted to try a get a photo, but with the weather of late, was unsure if the skies would be clear enough.

Fortunately the clouds parted during most of the lunar eclipse allowing for this shot. They did start moving in after this impacting the clarity of any further shots.