CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography
Birding in British Columbia, Canada
It was back out to Brunswick Point in the sunshine this afternoon. The plan was to try for the American Tree Sparrows again, but all I kept finding were White-crowned. All was not lost though,
… as the Northern Shrike was more than cooperative today.
This afternoon I made my way out to Brunswick Point with the hope of getting the American Tree Sparrows that had been reported recently. While not seeing much in the first portion of the walk,
… there were a few Northern Flicker flying around the marsh. Then several sparrows started heading for cover in the trees trail side.
They were being chased by a very active Northern Shrike. While I did get a glimpse of some White-crowned Sparrows, no American Tree Sparrow (they were seen this afternoon). After watching the Shrike and sparrows a little longer I made my way further along the trail to an approaching group of birders and the surprise of the day. They had found a juvenile Gyrfalcon. It was sitting in some cottonwoods being harassed by Northern Harriers. It was too far away for a decent photo, but I set up to get a record shot anyways.
While doing so it took to the air briefly and I managed this flight shot. A healthy crop as it was still some distance away, but better than the ones of it roosting in the trees. The Gyrfalcon was definitely the highlight of today’s walk.
Still checking the sparrows on the way back I did get this of a White-crowned Sparrow.
There have been up to five Lapland Longspur being seen for several days along the Tsawwassen ferry causeway, so that was today’s destination.
After walking for a while along the north side,
… I located two Lapland Longspur.
They were busy feeding in the grass.
These two birds were more than cooperative.
So much so, I had to back up a few times. A birder and regular visitor from England arrived looking for the Lapland Longspur, spotted me and then the birds. This sighting was a life list addition for him. We had a nice chat while standing back watching them continue foraging and make their way around my camera and tripod.