North 40 – Page 13 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Lazuli Bunting

When I was out in the Boundary Bay area a few days ago I lucked out with some nice shots of a Western Wood-pewee. I was also there that day, and couple of afternoons since, looking to see if something else was going to show up in the area again this year.

Yesterday my efforts payed off, the Lazuli Buntings were back. I only ever saw a single bird at any one time, but did hear at least two. Like last year, they were skittish and would fly off when approached. So I spent some time just watching and listening to where they going. To determine if there were certain spots they would return to or favoured.

On arriving this afternoon I noted one of the Lazuli Bunting in a tree I saw it go to a couple of times the day before. So when it was gone I moved in and set up. The plan being to let the bird come to me and not chase them from tree to tree.

Well the plan worked,

… the only problem being you have to take what you get.

I never quite got a clear shot. There were always some other branches in the way. Even more frustrating one time, it sat and sang out of sight on the other side of the tree for over ten minutes.

Other visitors to the tree in between Bunting visits were this American Goldfinch,

… and this Rufous Hummingbird.

At least the Lazuli Buntings are back and will be worth future visits.

Yellowthroat & Wood-Pewee

This afternoons stroll was out in the Boundary Bay area. At first it was pretty quiet and I was beginning to wonder if there would be much of anything to watch let alone photograph. Then when checking a small path off the main trail there was a flycatcher hawking for insects off an old snag. It left before I could get any good looks or photos.

Back on one of the main trails I could hear a Common Yellowthroat close by. I set up and waited a few minutes.

It was not long before it eventually worked its way to the front of the tree.

After this cooperative little warbler, I decided the flycatcher would be worth another try. As they can be creatures of habit using the same perches, I returned to the snag, picked my spot and set up.

This is where patience comes in to bird photography.

It was almost an hour before the flycatcher, a Western Wood-pewee, returned.

It was worth the wait, especially when the bird obliges you like this.

Coming and going from the snag,

… for about 15 minutes in the wonderful late afternoon sun.

Warblers

Headed out for a short walk today in Boundary Bay. To a wooded area adjacent to the airport with warblers in mind. Not having had much luck with Orange-crowned Warblers the last few days I was encouraged to hear some calling. Sure makes it easier to locate these tiny birds when they are vocalizing.

Finally managed to get one while it was foraging a little more out in the open.

It was not there long, but I did manage a couple of shots.

When returning to the same area a little later, I caught a glimpse of something brighter. It too was foraging amongst the branches, but I eventually got a good enough look to determine it was a Wilson’s Warbler. Another warbler I have had fleeting glimpses of the last few days, but no photos.

Waiting patiently, it too eventually made a brief appearance in the open.

After the previous photo misses, hopefully this is a sign of better things to come with these little guys.