Blog – Page 37 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

American + Pacific Golden-Plover

I arrived at Boundary Bay a couple of hours before the high tide. On heading west from 104 St., things were pretty quiet.

There was one group of about two dozen Pectoral Sandpipers,

… that were busy foraging for food that I spent some time with.

As I have usually found,

… the Pectoral Sandpipers were pretty cooperative.

As the tide started coming in I made my way back towards 104 St. as that was where the Plover flock was. There have been several American and Pacific Golden-Plover seen in recent days. While I pretty much had the tidal flats to myself earlier, there were other people out now watching the plovers as well. This would make it challenging as more often than not, the Black-bellied Plovers are wary of people approaching. I made my way toward one smaller group closer in,

… and found an American Golden-Plover tucked in with the Black-bellied.

It did not take long before they started to move,

… but when it stopped there was another American Golden-Plover to the right of it. Then closer to 104 St. something else caught my attention,

… a Pacific Golden-Plover. While I could not get as close as I would have liked, it was great to see both these Golden-Plover species today.

Great Horned Owl

On arriving at Reifel this afternoon to help out on the trails I learned one of the Great Horned Owls was present in the sanctuary again. Knowing this to be a favourite of visitors I headed in that general direction. There was just one short detour along the way to the Ewen Slough blind in the northeast corner.

A Spotted Sandpiper had been seen earlier and was still present. Here it is intently watching a fly buzzing around in front of it. After a few minutes enjoying the sandpiper I made my way to the north dyke trail and located the Great Horned Owl roosting in the deciduous trees between there and the inside grassy trail.

I set up the camera for the visitors allowing them a close up view. Needless to say it was quite the hit.

After a while I did take a break for a walk. The only things cooperating,

… were some Dowitchers by the tower. I eventually made my way back to the Great Horned Owl,

… finishing the afternoon there. Even had a little time for this video.

Cackling Goose

I ended up with a couple of free hours this afternoon and headed out to Reifel for a short walk. There had been recent sightings of White-throated Sparrow I thought I could try for. I had no luck locating one and the warblers were not cooperating either. On my way back through the centre display ponds,

… I located six Cackling Geese. It has been a few years since I last photographed a Cackling Goose, so the day was not a total loss picture wise.