Fox Sparrow – 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.

Northern Saw-whet Owl & Others

This afternoon’s stroll was at the Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. While I have been seeing Saw-whet Owls the last couple of weeks, none have been in spots suitable for photographing. While today was not much different,

… this Northern Saw-whet Owl was a little less hidden than usual. When the Chickadees came around the tree alerting to the owl’s presence,

… its only reaction was to yawn and then continue napping.

I then spent some time at the northeast corner of the east dyke trail. An Evening Grosbeak had been sighted there yesterday. While waiting to see if it would make an appearance,

… I took the opportunity to photograph some of the others stopping by.

As luck would have it, no sign of the Evening Grosbeak.

Last stop of the afternoon was in the area of the tower to look for a Virginia Rail. While I did hear it, and then spot in amongst the reeds, it did not come out into the open.