Lazuli Bunting – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

First Willow Of The Season

Not long into my walk after the rain there was the familiar “fitz-bew” I had not yet heard this year. After moving to the area of the call, scanning the bush and tree tops, I found the source of the call.

My first Willow Flycatcher of the season. A rather distant shot, so I decided to spend some time in the area. While waiting for the Willow Flycatcher to cooperate,

… this Common Yellowthroat was foraging for bugs in the bushes.

The Lazuli Buntings were still in the area,

… and would routinely stop by and sing.

Also paying a visit was this Bewick’s Wren. It seemed everything but the Willow was going to provide photo ops. Obviously it is going to take a return trip or two to try for some better shots now that they are back.

Waxwing, Owl & Bunting

Was not finding too much this afternoon. A glimpse of a Vireo of some sort, but could not relocate it. There were still lots of Waxwings moving about.

So I tried for a couple of shots.

Such a pretty bird, hard to resist not trying to get something.

Late in my walk the cak-cak-cak of a Cooper’s Hawk caught my ear. It was really kicking up a stink. Then another one started calling as well. I know the nest is close by, but this was coming from an adjacent stand of trees. While trying to locate the hawks, the Crows assembled and started chiming in as well.

Finally I located the reason for all the raucousness. This Great Horned Owl was getting dive bombed from every direction. Little wonder its eyes were as wide open as they are.

I was on my way back to the car when I noticed one of the Lazuli Buntings.

It was in one of the usual spots and actually allowed me to approach.

Better yet, it was not obstructed by branches while singing away in the late afternoon sun.

First Outing & Post For June

I started my walk this afternoon at Reifel. Western Tanager & Bullock’s Oriole had both been seen recently and were on the wish list. First pass along the east dyke trail did not turn up either of these birds.

While checking the outer ponds I did stumble upon this cooperative subject.

This Tree Swallow stretched it wings a couple of times,

… while busy preening.

Also in the outer ponds were at least a dozen Blue-winged Teal, a Cinnamon Teal and the usual Green-winged Teal.

Blue-winged, Green-winged and Cinnamon Teal

Something flushed them and I managed this distant shot with all three species.

The marsh adjacent to the south dyke is still a good place to spot a Muskrat.

Then it was back to the east dyke trail and a final check for the target birds.

Still no sign of them,

… but the Black-headed Grosbeaks are still around.

To finish the afternoon I headed out to Boundary Bay by the airport.

I managed to get the Western Wood-pewee with its catch.

Along with another static pose while it was obliging me.

The Lazuli Bunting continue in the area, but I am still working on getting a clean shot. None the less, it was a great afternoon to be out and good start for the month.