Black-bellied Plover – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Whimbrel & Black-bellied Plover

While I knew some work was being done along the Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway it was fairly quiet on my last visit. Today, on the other hand, it was well underway with trucks and excavators in a few spots on both sides of the causeway. It put a bit of a damper on my walk but,

… there were still three Whimbrel present on the south side.

Still reluctant to let me get too close,

… they did let me tag along for a little while.

Odd man out along the causeway this afternoon,

… was this lone Black-bellied Plover.

Perhaps being on its own was why it was cooperative and allowing to walk along with it. Given the work going on, I did not try getting to the end to check for Turnstones.

Dunlin & Plovers

For Steve:

My brother-in-law spent the last two and a half months with my wife & I while fighting cancer. His last wish was to spend what time he had left with family and friends. He passed away peacefully with us at his side last Saturday afternoon.

On my first walk since his passing, I headed out to Boundary Bay.

There were lots of Dunlin around this afternoon.

They were spread out along the beach as far as I could see.

While some groups were skittish,

… these birds were a little more at ease allowing me to get fairly close.

Mixed in with the Dunlin were numerous Black-bellied Plovers.

Some cooperative shore birds and a much needed relaxing walk along the beach.

Plovers & Pecs

Boundary Bay was the destination this afternoon. A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, one of the less common migrants at this time of year, had been sighted earlier this week. On my way to the area it was sighted, I came across a small group of plovers in close to the dyke. I continued past them, made my way down to the beach and then approached slowly.

I fared better today than on previous occasions.

This particular group seemed quite settled,

… and allowed me to get quite close.

A couple of the plovers were not too sure about me,

… and would move around a little.

This one decided to wander off and started foraging for food.

While others continued to rest. Finally some quality time with the plovers. The tide had now come in and I decided to head further west to see what else might be around.

I spotted only one small group of Pectoral Sandpipers.

As is usually the case, they were more than happy to oblige me.

I was surprised there were not more around and no Sharp-tailed. Unfortunately I could not stick around for the falling tide to see what might show up.