Blog – Page 97 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Great Blue Heron & Barred Owl

Still on the cool side, it was not a bad day weather wise today. This afternoon’s walk was at Reifel which can be a little quieter on the people front during the week. So while the trails were relatively peaceful, I was not having much luck with subjects willing to pose for the camera. When all else fails,

… you can always fall back on one of the regulars. This Great Blue Heron was roosting on some dead fall along the inside of the centre dyke trail. Another regular I have not seen for sometime inside the sanctuary,

… is the Barred Owl. When I started my walk it was tucked away in the trees in the northeast corner. Great for viewing, but a lousy spot/lighting for photos. Towards the end of the day I made my way back by the same corner and found the Barred Owl had moved to this tree out in the open.

Certainly cannot complain about this opportunity. Once again the regulars show how they can come through in a pinch.

Sage Thrasher

At the end of the day while volunteering at Reifel on Sunday I was told about a Sage Thrasher having been sighted in Boundary Bay. As it is getting dark so early right now, there was no chance to go look for it then. I did give it a try yesterday without success, but no surprise as the weather was pretty lousy. This morning was still overcast and starting to clear up so I decided to give it another go before work. On arriving at the foot of 64 Street there were already several birders present. They said my timing was perfect as they had just located the bird. Initially it was out of sight, but soon reappeared foraging on the ground along the green house side of the dyke. A little far off, but I did manage a record shot.

The Sage Thrasher, an uncommon bird for this area, would normally be found in the interior portions of British Columbia. At this time of year though it should be in the southern United States and Mexico.

While most of the other observers had left, I stuck it out a little longer. This paid off when the Sage Thrasher moved to the edge of the dyke,

… and provided this opportunity for a closer shot. Worth the wait and another addition to my life photo list.

Short-eared Owl

After some errands I had time for a short walk before it got dark. With the wind from the other day having subsided, I headed out to Brunswick Point. There were at least six Snowy Owls some distance off in the marsh. There were several Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls cruising and hunting over the marsh. Unfortunately the overcast skies were not conducive to flight shots.

On the brighter side, the Short-eared Owls do take the odd time out.