American Robin – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Out Again At Last

With the weather, work and other commitments it has been almost two weeks since I have had a chance to post. Finally this morning I had an opportunity to head out before the weather changes again. First stop of the day was Reifel. One of the Black-crowned Night-Herons was in the bramble a little closer to the trail,

… unfortunately it was still obstructed by a few branches.

Along the east dyke trail I spent a little time with some of the regulars.

Along the centre dyke trail the Pacific Crab Apple was popular this morning.

Attracting both American Robins,

… and Cedar Waxwings.

It has been several months since I last photographed any Waxwings.

So it was fun to spend a little time with them.

On my way out there was a fairly bedraggled looking immature Bald Eagle in the parking lot. It was soaking wet from what I suspect may have been a failed attempt at a duck.

It was now roosting in this snag, wings spread and trying to dry out.

Second stop of the day was Boundary Bay. I wanted to have another go for the American Tree Sparrows. After not locating them where they had been last time,

… I back tracked a little to where I had noticed some White-crowned Sparrows. On closer examination I found the American Tree Sparrows busy foraging in the grass. Now it was just a matter of waiting,

… for them make there way into the branches.

A little patience was in order,

… as they were not always in the open for their short stays in the trees.

But it was worth the wait as they were cooperating this afternoon.

I had been out for several hours now, was getting cold and it was time to head home.

However, I could not pass up this parting shot of a Snowy Owl roosting in the logs across from where the Tree Sparrows were. It was here on its own away from the others.

Robins & Shrike

I started off the morning at Reifel. While heading out along the east dyke trail I caught a glimpse of a Varied Thrush. It was with some Robins feeding on berries. Unfortunately it did not return, but I stayed with the Robins for a while.

They were frequenting a couple of trees to feast on the berries.

One just had to be patient,

… and wait for when they were unobstructed by branches.

Not having any luck with much else at the sanctuary, it was time for a change of venue. I headed out to Brunswick Point, located at the western end of River Rd. in Ladner. As it was still fairly windy, it was pretty quiet here birding wise as well. On the way back my luck changed. I noticed the distinct shape and colour of a regular winter visitor alight atop a small tree.

The Northern Shrike will normally scan for prey from a high perch like this. They are a predatory song bird that will eat insects, snakes, rodents and small birds. Sometimes referred to as the “Butcher Bird”, it will impale its prey on thorns or branches. This helps support the prey while it is eaten, a means to cache food for later and a way they mark their territory.

A Miss At Jericho

The last couple of days a Black Phoebe, a rare visitor in this area, and a Sora had been seen at Jericho Park in Vancouver. Unfortunately I was not able to get there until this morning. As is the case with a lot of migrants, they may not stay long. After a few hours of moving back and forth between the ponds where both birds had been seen, there was no sign of either of them.

While passing the time there were a few Northern Flickers foraging in the grass.

Along with some American Robins.

There are always gulls around here, but a little out of the ordinary was this California Gull.

It too was spending time in the grass, but I also managed these when it was in the pond.