Black-capped Chickadee – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Chickadee Nest

Had a couple of other things to do earlier in the day, so did not get out for a walk until late afternoon. Headed back to the North 40 again as I wanted to see if I could relocate the Bullock’s Oriole. The closest I got was hearing it, but at least it’s still around. Also heard and got a brief glimpse of Yellow Warbler. Then spent a little time checking on some of the Tree Sparrow nests. The young have hatched based on the feeding activity, just no little faces sticking out yet. While watching them,

… I noticed a Black-capped Chickadee also making a food delivery.

They are nesting in one of the trees being used by the Swallows and also use cavities. With all that food going in, something has got to come out.

You will routinely see the Chickadees leaving with what needs to be removed to keep the nest clean. It was quite enjoyable watching them and the Swallows.

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.

A Reifel Day

With the Easter long weekend, some decent weather forecast, the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary can get pretty busy. Volunteers to help out on the trails were scheduled ahead of time and my turn was for this afternoon. Rather than risking getting tied up somewhere else in the morning, I went out to Reifel first thing. The plan being to try for some more shots of the Sandhill Crane nest with the morning light and before it got too busy.

One adult was on the nest basking in the morning sun.

The second egg arrived on Monday the 18th.

The pair cooperated with a changing of the guard while I was there allowing for this shot of them together at the nesting site with the two eggs. Most of my day was spent here talking with visitors, answering questions and letting them get a closer look through the camera.

On a break from the Cranes I came across some nesting activity of a much smaller bird.

This Black-capped Chickadee,

… busy working on a nesting cavity. It was a great day to be out and enjoying spring.