Blog – Page 34 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Lapland Longspur

The sun was shining, but it was still chilly with a little snow left when I headed out to Brunswick point this afternoon. The plan was to look for the American Tree Sparrows again and maybe a chance to see the Gyrfalcon. On arriving and speaking with a couple of birders about to leave, they informed me of two Lapland Longspur that had been sighted in the farm field below the dyke. So the plan quickly changed. On my first pass along the area they had been seen I was only turning up Savannah Sparrows. Then while backtracking for a second pass,

… I spotted the two Lapland Longspur.

They were busy foraging for food in the frozen farm field.

Other birders passing by were also delighted to see these two. A pleasant surprise on a beautiful day.

Bonus shot of the day was this Rough-legged Hawk that was busy over the marsh and occasionally roosting in the trees beside the trail.

The sun setting at Brunswick Point as I was making my way back.

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Given the weather of late there were not a lot of people at Reifel this afternoon when I showed up to help out on the trails. For those that were, there was a little break in the skies and some sunshine. The morning walk had seen the Red-breasted Sapsuckers, but not the Bohemian Waxwings. So I started off down the east dyke trail to try for the Sapsuckers again.

Still no luck, but one of numerous Golden-crowned Sparrow did strike a pose for me. I then headed off to the centre dyke trail in search of the Waxwings to no avail. Then back to the east dyke where I struck out again for the Sapsuckers.

As a consolation I did get this young Raccoon which trotted across the trail. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the inner trails still looking for the Waxwings or anything else interesting that might turn up. The clouds had now rolled in and it was around 4 pm and getting dark. I was making my way back along the east dyke trail when something got my attention.

Finally one of the Red-breasted Sapsucker. Only problem was having to shoot at ISO 6400 and f2.8 at a 60th of a second. Fortunately this shot turned out not too bad. It usually takes a cold snap like we are seeing right now to push these woodpeckers down to this area. As the cold is expected to continue, hopefully they stick around and provide a chance for a better photo opportunity.

Bohemian Waxwing

Got a chance for a brief walk on this cold, but sunny afternoon. Headed out to Reifel and was surprised at being the only visitor there when I pulled into the parking lot. Three Red-breasted Sapsuckers had been seen earlier in the day so I started off down the east dyke trail in search of them. Unfortunately there was no sign of Sapsuckers,

… but there was one Northern Saw-whet Owl sleeping away the day.

Other visitors did eventually show up and one couple I met up with along the centre dyke trail had spotted a group of Bohemian Waxwing.

They had counted eight birds busy feeding on the crab apple.

They were some distance away, but I was not going to complain as it has been awhile since I have seen/photographed Bohemian Waxwing here.