Ruff

Made my first trip out to Boundary Bay in quite some time this afternoon. A few interesting birds have been spotted of late: Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, American Golden Plover, Red Knot and Red-necked Phalarope. While I did not see any of these recent highlights,

… I did see the Ruff as it flew in right beside me while walking along the beach. This particular bird has been in the area for about a month now.

While Ruff will show up in this area, this bird is an escapee from a study colony at Simon Fraser University. Apparently it is an in-between sized ‘faeder’ male – a female mimic. Still an interesting bird to see and photograph.

A couple of links to SFU:

Molecular Genetics Of Alternative Reproductive Morphs In Ruffs

Ruff courtship a matter of genes

Birding Highlights Of 2012

As another great year of birding and photography comes to a close, there were several highlights that come to mind for 2012.

One nemesis bird I had been trying to get better shots of,

… was the Common Redpoll.

A life list addition was the Red-necked Stint,

… which is a rare visitor and not photographed often around here.

A couple of shore birds I have not managed to photograph for a few years.

A Ruff (juvenile),

… the American Golden-Plover,

… and after several attempts,

… the White-throated Sparrow.

While not the best day for photos,

… the Cave Swallow was another life list addition.

The last life list addition of the year,

… was the Sage Thrasher this month.

Happy New Year!

Ruff

Having missed on a couple of good birds yesterday, I headed out to Boundary Bay this morning. I made my way straight out to the pilings from 104 St. On approaching I was encouraged to see a group of Yellowlegs foraging in the area. Now it was time for a closer look.

It was not too long before I spotted the Ruff on the west side of the pilings.

The Ruff is a fairly rare visitor to this area, it has been 4 1/2 years since I last saw and photographed one in the Boundary Bay area.

Based on the rather buffy appearance this bird is likely a juvenile. Then they all left after being spooked by something. I waited and eventually the Yellowlegs and a couple of Dowitchers returned, but no Ruff. I will give it another go this afternoon.