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Butterflies

Pretty hard not to be out enjoying a day like today. While spring has sprung, it was still fairly quiet on the birding front. The Ruby-crowned Kinglets were not cooperating and neither was a great looking Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler. Fortunately there was some other colourful things flitting about.

Satyr Anglewing
Satyr Anglewing

A couple of different types of butterfly were active in the area.

Mourning Cloak
Mourning Cloak

Another sign spring is here and they provided a pleasant diversion for the afternoon.

 

Creeper & Saw-whet

Another Sunday afternoon volunteering at Reifel. The skies were a little overcast at first, but there were still a good number of visitors. While still on the cool side, there were definite signs of spring in the air with the Marsh & Bewicks Wrens singing, Swallows flying overhead and even a Bushtit nest under construction. The American Bittern was still showing along the outside dyke, although a little more hidden when I saw it. Back along the east dyke trail,

Brown Creeper
Brown Creeper

… I managed this shot of a Brown Creeper as it foraged along the tree line. But, once again, the highlight of the afternoon for most visitors was a Northern Saw-whet Owl. It was not too far off the trail in some overhanging branches and in plain sight. While it spent most of its time sleeping,

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

… there was a moment when something got its attention briefly.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl

Then it was back to sleep again. A winter visitor, The Northern Saw-whet Owls are usually gone from the sanctuary by the end of this month.