Blog – Page 63 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Kingbirds, Phalaropes & Owl

Definitely a hot one today and not many people at Reifel when I showed up to help out on the trails this afternoon. While still fairly quiet on the birding front, there were a couple of interesting sightings.

The highlight of the day was an update on the Eastern Kingbird pair that have been at the sanctuary for some time now. The question in everyone’s mind has been could they be nesting here. That got answered this morning with the nest being located in a tree at the edge of one of the little islands heading out towards the west field. The best angle is probably from the beginning of the south dyke trail looking west using a scope for viewing. While I could make it out with my camera,

… it is too far off for pictures. I did manage to observe them trading places on the nest while watching it for awhile this afternoon. I believe the last record of Kingbirds nesting at the sanctuary was about 15 years ago.

Last week in the outer ponds there was one Wilson’s Phalarope.

This afternoon there were three in with the Dowitchers out beyond the tower.

While there were no reports of owls from the morning walk,

… I did find one of the adult Great Horned Owls this afternoon off the east dyke trail. At the time of this photo it was watching something intently in the field below. Shortly after this shot it swooped down out of sight after what ever it was.

Kingbird & Shorebirds

While the afternoon at Reifel started off overcast with the odd light shower, the weather did improve slightly. While fairly quiet on the visitor front, there were a couple of interesting birds around. There is still a pair of Eastern Kingbird frequenting the trees along the island as you head out towards the west dyke.

No confirmation if they are actually nesting in the area yet though.

Meanwhile in the outside ponds on the high tide were some Dowitchers, Yellowlegs …

… and mixed in with them was this female Wilson’s Phalarope.

I managed to get it with both a Dowitcher and Greater Yellowlegs for comparison.

Then this solo shot to finish my time with it.

On my way back and while watching the Kingbirds for a little longer,

… this Dragonfly alighted on the tall grass and posed nicely for me.

To finish the day off,

… was this Spotted Sandpiper in the slough adjacent to the parking lot.

Hawks, Woodpecker & Robin

The weather was borderline when I headed out this afternoon, still overcast with the occasional shower. Not bad enough to keep me indoors though and I made my way to the North 40 to check on a couple of things. I had only just started my walk,

… when this adult male Northern Harrier made an appearance hunting over the fields.

One of things I wanted to check on was a pair of Cooper’s Hawks I have been following here for years. They nest in this area each year, but wherever the nest is, it has always been tucked away well inside the tree. On checking this years nest,

… I was happy to see three fairly large juveniles inside. Once again there was no way to get a clear shot, but still fun to observe. Probably will not be long before they fledge.

Next while watching some sparrows,

… this Downy Woodpecker showed up briefly on the bramble looking for bugs.

The other thing I was wanting to check for was the Lazuli Bunting. They have showed up here in previous years, but I have yet to see one or hear any reports of them this year.

On my way back to the car,

… this juvenile American Robin stopped and posed briefly providing a nice end to the walk.