Cedar Waxwing – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Shorebirds, Crane & Waxwing

After some morning errands I headed out to Reifel for a short walk this afternoon. One bird of note that had been spotted recently was a Swainson’s Thrush. With this in mind I started off along the east dyke trail. On speaking to a couple of other visitors one had apparently been heard by the northeast corner. Having no luck there I made my way to the outer ponds and dyke to see what might be around.

There were lots of Western Sandpipers moving around the northwest pond.

Some taking a time out from foraging for food to take a bath.

Several Greater Yellowlegs were present as well,

… and more spread out amongst the outer ponds.

There were also a few Lesser Yellowlegs mixed in with the Greater.

A couple of groups of Long-billed Dowitcher,

… and small numbers of Semipalmated Sandpipers rounded out the shorebirds. With more starting to show up now it is probably time to dig out the rubber boots in preparation for trips out to the Boundary Bay area.

The resident Sandhill Cranes were also in the outer ponds. It is unfortunate that this years colt did not survive more than a couple of weeks.

A nice surprise this afternoon was this brief glimpse of a Cedar Waxwing nest.

On my way back I stopped again at the northeast corner. This time I could hear a Swainson’s Thrush and then saw it moving between the trees. Unfortunately for me it stayed tucked away amongst the branches and I could not get a photo before I ran out of time. While watching this one, I could also hear another one singing not far off. Too bad as I have yet to get a picture of this species for my list, but there is always next time.

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.

Kingbirds, Cooper’s & Willow

This afternoon I headed out to the Boundary Bay area to try for some better shots of the Willow Flycatcher. I had no sooner started on my walk when I noticed a large flycatcher in a tree at the beginning of the trail.

On getting a closer look it was a Western Kingbird.

What a great way to start this outing,

… these are my first shots of a Western Kingbird and a new addition to my photo list.

When checking one of the spots for the Willow Flycatcher,

This Cedar Waxwing showed up for a brief visit on some dead fall.

Then I noticed one of the nesting Cooper’s Hawk in a Willow Tree.

It was preening and stretching while roosting in the tree.

Then a familiar call took me back to where I had seen the Waxwing.

The Willow Flycatcher was located down low in the bramble and allowed me to get fairly close. A little better than the distant shot of the other day.

So far, so good. I headed back to where I had seen the Western Kingbird. On approaching I saw something fly from the same tree into an adjacent field.

Perched on a small tree I found not the Western Kingbird, but an Eastern Kingbird.

It was flycatching from this low perch and I managed a shot of it with its catch. Two different Kingbirds in one day, cannot ask for much more than that.

Prior to leaving a couple of Savannah Sparrows caught my eye.

Unsure if they had a nest with young nearby, but they were busy gathering grubs and frequenting the tree from the first shot.

It was a lovely afternoon for the first day of summer. A productive one as well on the birding and photography front.