Blog – Page 99 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Cave Swallow

A rare bird for this area was observed and reported at Iona Island a couple of days ago. Spotted flying with three Barn Swallows, was a Cave Swallow. It is late in the year to be seeing Barn Swallows, but a Cave Swallow is rare in deed with this being the first record for this species in British Columbia. Having been teased the other day about not having been out to see it yet, I made my way out there today. The only problem being it was a rather gloomy and overcast day. Not the best conditions to try a get a swallow in flight.

It was not long after arriving I spotted four swallows with one being the Cave Swallow. This birds normal summer range would be the Texas area, wintering further south. So being this far north at this time of year is quite out of the ordinary.

As you can see the conditions were less than ideal, but I did manage a few record shots. The Cave Swallow will differ from the similar Cliff Swallow having “pale throat and cheek contrasting with dark cap” (Sibley). The forehead and rump are also buffy in colour. I wish the conditions had been better, but it was still good being able to see and photograph this bird. The Cave Swallow is also a new addition to my life photo list.

Long-eared Owl

On my way home from a family get together there was a bright spot on the horizon over the bay area. With an hour or two of daylight left I made my way out to Boundary Bay to try for the Palm Warbler again. On arriving, however, the bright spot was in fact some distance off on the horizon and it was still fairly gloomy with a light drizzle. Not long into my walk a couple of fellow birders were kind enough to point one of the Long-eared Owls that have been present for several days now.

Long-eared Owls can tuck themselves away pretty good in the brambles at times to keep out of sight. This one was relatively out in the open with only a couple of branches in the way. Then another birder came along advising he had just seen not one, but three Palm Warblers by the pump house. He also mentioned not having spotted the American Tree Sparrows I found the other day. I made my way east along the dyke meeting up with still more birders, but no Palm Warblers. The other hot topic right now is the Cave Swallow at Iona. Hopefully I can get out there tomorrow to try for it.

American Tree Sparrow

The weather and a couple of other things that needed doing have resulted in my not being out in a while. A little frustrating now that there have been a couple of nice days. Then a friend phones and leaves a message that he saw a Long-eared Owl at Boundary Bay. As luck would have it I was working that day and was not back in time to get out for it either. Needless to say this afternoon was free and I headed out to Boundary Bay. I was quite surprised to several birders and photographers there when I arrived. On speaking to a few they indicated some Snowy Owls have showed up, a Palm Warbler was spotted yesterday and of course the Long-eared Owl from the other day. I decided to head east along the dyke where the warbler had been seen. I have not seen or photographed one before. Not having much luck with it I started watching several groups of Sparrows and Finches. Then one in particular caught my eye,

… an American Tree Sparrow. Watching and waiting for a while I observed there were two of them. Unfortunately they were not coming any closer for a chance of better shots. A nice find and consolation bird not having found the warbler.