A visitor that has been at Reifel for a little while now,
… and one I have not photographed in a few years is this female Redhead.
Redhead
Blog
Sora & Rail
A breezy, but pleasant afternoon at Reifel today. A recent highlight was a White-faced Ibis seen on Friday. It was not reported until Saturday and has not been seen since. The Great Egret continues to visit the sanctuary, just not when I am there with my camera. It was fairly quiet on the birding front with the days entertainment happening around the tower.
A couple of Sora were showing well again today.
First up was this adult bird.
Not wanting to be outdone,
… this Virginia Rail also started foraging in view along the edge of the reeds.
This juvenile Sora was also active in the area with the three occasionally chasing each around. The Sora and Rail were also interacting with the Red-winged Blackbirds,
… which were also busy in the reeds and water. Fun times at the tower today.
Semipalmated Plover
Headed out to Boundary Bay for the rising tide on what was a beautiful afternoon. While walking west along the beach there was no action close to the dyke in the tidal pools. Once near the pylons I could see some movement further out on the sand. On getting a little closer it turned out to be a small group of Semipalmated Plovers. They were a little wary of me at first,
… but with a little patience they relaxed and moved towards me.
Closer is always better with these tiny plovers.
There were also a couple of Western and Least Sandpipers mixed in with them.
Several of the Semipalmated Plovers were more than cooperative and provided good photo opportunities. While walking back towards the dyke with a couple of other birders,
… a small group of Baird’s Sandpiper flew in and amongst them was a Semiplamated Sandpiper. The other birders had been watching the Black-bellied Plover flock and sighted Red Knot, Hudsonian Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit. A good variety of birds on the bay today.