Blog – Page 74 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Long-eared Owl

Late this afternoon It was overcast with mixed snow/rain falling, but I still wanted to get out and check for one of our winter visitors that had been spotted in the Boundary Bay area. Not long after arriving,

… I was delighted to find this Long-eared Owl roosting in the open. More often than not, they will be tucked away a little more than this. While this one continued to snooze, I carried on checking the trail as more than one had initially been reported. Not finding any others,

… I returned to the Long-eared Owl before it got too dark.

Luck was on my side when I did so as something got its attention behind me over the marsh and I managed a couple of shots with its eyes open.

Owl & Hairy Woodpecker

Another beautiful, but cold day. On arriving at Reifel to help out on the trails this afternoon there was not too large a crowd. For those that did make it out today,

… there were a couple of Northern Saw-whet Owls along the east dyke trail. This one apparently had a mouse that it ate for those that managed to see it this morning. After spending some time here showing the Saw-whet Owl to visitors I made my way out towards the outer west dyke. My current nemesis bird, the Swamp Sparrow, was still around. At the beginning of the trail across from the tower,

… I happened across a Hairy Woodpecker. While not uncommon, they are just not seen as often as some of the other woodpeckers.

This Hairy Woodpecker was busy in the trees right beside the trail and seemed quite unconcerned with those of us that had stopped to watch. The nice light, cooperative bird, can’t ask for much more than that.

After this I did locate and get another brief look at the Swamp Sparrow, but still no photos. On my way back along the inside trails I observed a Varied Thrush which is also a good bird for this area. All in all, a good day.

Short-eared Owl

I initially took a quick swing by the ferry causeway again, this time for the Horned Larks. On speaking to some fellow birders, apparently they had not been seen today. Not having been there in a while, I then headed out to Brunswick Point to see what might be around.

Having discussed if there were any Short-eared Owl around this location with the birders at the causeway, it was good to four active above the marsh.

No real opportunity for closer shots today, but the Short-eared Owl will likely provide more chances throughout the winter.