Red-winged Blackbird – Page 2 – CrazyM Bird & Nature Photography

Blackbird, Turnstone & Oystercatcher

It was still on the cool side this April Fool’s Day with their being a light dusting of snow in some parts of the greater Vancouver area. The skies were blue when I headed down to the Tsawwassen area and the southern portion of Boundary Bay Regional Park. As Mountain Bluebirds have been reported of late, this would be a good spot to check as they usually pass through here each year at this time. While I had no luck on the Bluebird front,

… there were some Red-winged Blackbirds willing to cooperate.

There were a few busy amongst the bullrush/cattail.

Already being in Tsawwassen, I headed to the ferry causeway after this. Unfortunately the sun disappeared behind some clouds when I arrived and the wind off the water was cold.

Too bad the conditions turned for the worse as there were a few groups of Black Turnstone foraging along the shoreline. One of which appeared to have a Surfbird mixed in with them. It has been a while since I have managed any Surfbird shots.

The usual Black Oystercatcher were about as well. It was just too grey and cold to spend much time with them on the beach.

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.