CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography
Birding in British Columbia, Canada
The hope for today was to relocate a couple of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper that had been spotted yesterday in the house pond at Reifel. Despite lots of walking and checking of likely spots they could be multiple times, I could not find them.
The afternoon was not a total loss, however,
as this Great Horned Owl provided a great photo op and viewing.
The good news on arriving to help out on the trails today at Reifel was that the Black-necked Stilt was still around and at the rear of the house pond. Needless to say that was my first stop.
Apparently the Stilt had been following some Northern Shovelers in the pond earlier in the day, perhaps checking out what they were stirring up.
While the ducks were still around, while I was watching it hung around with the Greater Yellowlegs or would wander off on its own.
While preening off and on, the bird also provided a couple of chances to get shots like this.
The nice thing about this location in the sanctuary is that you are at the same level as the bird for a more natural perspective. The lighting and reflected colors on this particular pond can also enhance your photo opportunities. Being a little closer to your subject doesn’t hurt either.
While not having much luck with birds this particular day,
these two young squirrels were just too cute to pass up.