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.

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.

American Tree Sparrow & Lincoln’s Sparrow

Not having had any luck the other day photographing the American Tree Sparrow, I made my way back out to Boundary Bay when I had the chance later this afternoon. Nesting in the northern parts of the country, the American Tree Sparrow is a regular winter migrant seen in this area.

While the opportunities were not much better today,

… this particular bird did provide a chance for a couple of distant shots. I had initially thought the only other birds the American Tree Sparrows were hanging around with were some White-crowned & Song Sparrows. But something else caught my eye,

… this Lincoln’s Sparrow was also mixed in with the group.

Of course being in this part of Boundary Bay it would have been hard not to leave without at least a couple more shots of the Snowy Owls.

Once again there were good numbers of the owls in close to the dyke,

… more than willing to pose for all the onlookers.