Great Blue Heron

Phalarope & Owl

Another beautiful summer afternoon to be out volunteering a Reifel. It was a decent crowd for this time of year with a couple of pleasant surprises. First up in the outer ponds,

… were three Wilson’s Phalaropes. They appeared to be juvenile birds,

… and this would be on the early side to see them arriving. Of course some of the usual suspects were around.

Like this Great Blue Heron roosting in a conifer. The other surprise came at the end of the day.

A juvenile Great Horned Owl snoozing away the afternoon. This was one of two, likely from the local pair that nested in the Alaksen National Wildlife area.

Still on the cool side, it was not a bad day weather wise today. This afternoon’s walk was at Reifel which can be a little quieter on the people front during the week. So while the trails were relatively peaceful, I was not having much luck with subjects willing to pose for the camera. When all else fails,

… you can always fall back on one of the regulars. This Great Blue Heron was roosting on some dead fall along the inside of the centre dyke trail. Another regular I have not seen for sometime inside the sanctuary,

… is the Barred Owl. When I started my walk it was tucked away in the trees in the northeast corner. Great for viewing, but a lousy spot/lighting for photos. Towards the end of the day I made my way back by the same corner and found the Barred Owl had moved to this tree out in the open.

Certainly cannot complain about this opportunity. Once again the regulars show how they can come through in a pinch.

While following a Mink around the trails at Reifel this afternoon I happened across a Great Blue Heron. It was standing still along the edge of the trail. I liked the tall green reeds in the background along with the fallen autumn leaves in the foreground so I stopped.

With the Great Blue Heron you have to keep in mind that standing motionless is how they hunt, always scanning their surroundings for prey.

It was not long before this one spotted something and slowly moved in for the strike.

On the menu today was a plump Vole. The Great Blue Heron will eat just about anything. After this it moved into the adjacent pond for a while.

When I happened by again half an hour later it was back on the trail. As for the Mink, never did manage a decent shot of it.

Tag: Great Blue Heron

Phalarope & Owl

Great Blue Heron & Barred Owl

Great Blue Heron